Drive vs Fly (with 2yr old) + other questions

[JJsmama]

We have 2 boys, 3 and 5. I truly find it easier to drive with them. Especially now with all the travel delays, etc, sometimes driving is much less of a hassle. After the last time I got put on a plane and then SAT on the runway for HOURS, I said, I'm driving unless I must fly. You can stop when you want, eat when you want, take as much junk in the car as you want. You also have more control over your arrival time than dealing with airlines.


Now, if you got lucky and were on a non-stop-no-connections flight that actually took off and landed on time, flying would be good. Then you'd still have to gather everything at the airport and get into another vehicle to the port.

 

[gottaluvdis]

Originally posted by rjcisme
We decided to fly and go down the night before. Probaly rent a car one way.
Thanks for all the advice/responses.

Good choice! Your flight won't be very long from Atlanta to Florida (maybe 1 hr?), and you'll be glad you flew in the night before, and even happier that you won't have to drive 8 or 10 hours home after getting off the ship! Did you end up having to buy a ticket for your 2 year old? I too was under the assumption that airlines required 2 year olds have their own ticket/seat. Safer for everyone involved. The only other advice - talk with your pediatrician about giving your child a dose of Benadryl right before boarding to avoid potential ear problems. My daugher is 7 and has been flying since she was 13 mos, and this always worked for her as an infant/toddler.

 

[rjcisme]

Actually going to be 2 at end of month so no need to buy ticket.
Does anyone know if Delta offers discounts for children?

 

[gottaluvdis]

I would definitely buy him his own seat even if it's not required. He should be buckled in - there could be turbulance. Like someone else said, it's like having him ride on someone's lap in a car.

Not sure about Delta, but most airlines offer child discounts only if you're buying a full-fare ticket. If you buy the non-refundable, (i.e., lowest cost) ticket, you usually don't get a discount because you're already buying the lowest rate available. I'd check with Delta just to be sure - usually the lowest cost fare will be cheaper than the full fare with the child discount. I hope this helps! Happy travels.