Flying to Disney, 1st flight in 11 years

[WDWAurora]

We are considering a summer trip to WDW with our 1yo. Having a 2 hr flight is sounding awfully appealing compared to having a 10+ hr drive! That being said, DH and I are not fans of flying. I'm not sure when he last flew, but I was not even 18 the last time I flew, and have never flown without a parent of my own. So...can anybody walk me through this? What do we do with the baby's stroller? Does gate checking mean it goes under the plane, or is it in with us somewhere? Any tips for this? DS will be a lap baby if we do this, which may be 2 hrs of torture for us. That said, SO much easier than that long drive! I'm very anxious about this idea, if you can't tell!!

 

[maryj11]

Oh dont worry it is way better then the long drive! Our flight to MCO is 2 hours also. After flying down, I will never drive again lol. Im not sure about the stroller. We have taken carry on bags the past 2 times we went.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

The baby's stroller goes through the airport with you. You will need to fold it to send it through the security x-ray scanner if at all possible (otherwise, it will need to be hand-inspected). When you get to your gate, ask the agent for a gate check tag for the stroller (put the tag on the stroller). When you go to board the plane, you will fold and leave your stroller just outside the door of the plane (after you walk down the big ramp headed for the plane). The crew will put the stroller underneath the plane. When you arrive at your destination, you will find your stroller waiting for you just outside the door of the airplane again. Some people choose to have a bag to put the stroller in because it can get dirty underneath the plane. I'd rather have a greasy/stained $14 bag than a greasy/stained stroller. The stroller will not count towards your luggage allotment. A car seat can also be checked or gate checked.

Here are some tips for traveling with a baby:
- Remove all loose/removable parts from the stroller before checking it to make sure they don't get lost.
- Bring chewy snacks and a drink for take off and landing to try to help reduce the pressure in the baby's ears
- Leave early so you have lots of time to get through security
- Bring twice as much baby stuff (diapers, formula, etc) as you think you will need with you in your carry on luggage. If you are delayed once your luggage is checked, you won't be able to get to anything in your checked bags.
- Consider buying a seat for your infant. Then they can be in their familiar car seat (as long as it is FAA approved, which most are). It is safer for them.
- Check the TSA website for guidelines about what can, and can't, be brought through security.

Good luck!

 

[Texasmomof3]

We fly with our 3 kids all the time -we probably average at least one flight a month. Please be aware of one thing regarding strollers. Many airlines are beginning to make you check any large strollers at the ticket counter and pick up at baggage claim. This is due to agent injuries carrying bulky heavy strollers up and down stairs We travel with a combi savvy z travel stroller that is allowed to be checked at the gate it's light weight like an umbrella stroller but better quality. (reclining seat, swivel wheels and basket)