Flying with kids - wait to board until the last minute?

[olive]

We are flying on JetBlue to Orlando. We have whatever category of tickets lets you bring a carry on and a personal item each (I think that is Blue?). We have two very, very, very energetic kids. Of course we will pack things to keep them entertained. Usually we use snacks as part of that bag of tricks, but not sure we will be doing that with covid. I was thinking it might start things off on a better note if we try to board late. I don't mean getting to the airport late or anything like that, but just waiting in the airport gate area until we are some of the last people to actually get on the plane so they aren't stuck in their seats for the extra time it takes to get the whole plane boarded and everyone's luggage stowed. At least then they can be walking around and not stuck in place.

Have others done this approach? How did it work out? I know that we run the risk of there not being room for our carryons, but I think then the bags would just end up getting checked planeside, is that correct? We will have our "personal items" (backpacks) that can go under the seats in front of us, and purposely booked seats that have that space, so that would allow us to have access to anything we might need during the flight. Any downsides I may not be thinking of? Thanks!! Just hoping for a very smooth travel day.

 

[nolatravelgirl]

If you have two adults, I would maybe have one board and stow any large carryon items and have them wipe down your seats and if you have kids in car seats can get those in place. Your boarding group could be one of the later ones so it may not really matter all that much.

 

[seashoreCM]

"One parent may not board both carryons while the other waits until the last minute to board the kids."
(A fee might be indisputably charged for the second.)

 

[Best Aunt]

It seems like airlines have added more and more groups to the early boarding. So even if you qualify as "customers traveling with small children," there will be other groups boarding before you. You didn't mention the ages of your kids, and I don't know what the age cutoff is supposed to be for the definition of "small children." Also, flights to Orlando might have more kids on them than flights to other destinations.

Boarding order

1. Pre-Boarding for customers with disabilities
2. Mosaic and Mint® customers
3. Even More® Space customers (Group A)
4. Courtesy Boarding for active military personnel and customers traveling with small children
5. Group B
6. Group C
7. Group D
8. Group E (N/A for E-190 aircraft)
9. All remaining customers

Note: Unaccompanied minors will be escorted to the aircraft at the beginning of boarding or at the end, depending on when they arrive to the gate.

From https://www.jetblue.com/help/boarding-procedures

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We are flying on JetBlue to Orlando. We have whatever category of tickets lets you bring a carry on and a personal item each (I think that is Blue?). We have two very, very, very energetic kids. Of course we will pack things to keep them entertained. Usually we use snacks as part of that bag of tricks, but not sure we will be doing that with covid. I was thinking it might start things off on a better note if we try to board late. I don't mean getting to the airport late or anything like that, but just waiting in the airport gate area until we are some of the last people to actually get on the plane so they aren't stuck in their seats for the extra time it takes to get the whole plane boarded and everyone's luggage stowed. At least then they can be walking around and not stuck in place.

Have others done this approach? How did it work out? I know that we run the risk of there not being room for our carryons, but I think then the bags would just end up getting checked planeside, is that correct? We will have our "personal items" (backpacks) that can go under the seats in front of us, and purposely booked seats that have that space, so that would allow us to have access to anything we might need during the flight. Any downsides I may not be thinking of? Thanks!! Just hoping for a very smooth travel day.

I would rather board at normal time instead of being rushed to get them settled. if you cut it too close will have to get seated and prepare for take off not enough time to get kids what they want or need. you will not have access to under seat items during take off and some times heading to take off. if you plan to wait I would not have any carryons but your under seat ones. you get your carryon to your seat no room so it has to be taken bake to ramp check in. not going to know most likely if there is room for it until you get to your seats

 

[olive]

Our kids are well out of carseats - I don't miss that! - at ages 8 and 13. But they have special needs and it would be easier I think for them to not be seated and belted in before they need to be, if that makes sense. Once or twice we were allowed to pre board under a disability category, but that was when we still had carseats to deal with. I don't think it is necessary now. (I guess we'll find out.) It is true that there are a ton of boarding categories now. I was just thinking we might wait until the later groups regardless of which group we are in to cut down on waiting in seats time. I do like the idea of a parent going ahead to wipe things down, but it is so weird that that person wouldn't be allowed to at least take one extra of the carry ons. Sigh. Someone is always last on the plane, so I think the flight attendants know if they are out of space in the overhead bins roughly as you board. JetBlue now "guarantees" you your overhead space, but who knows if it works out in practice. I was just thinking if the only downside is losing our overhead space, that wouldn't be terrible.

 

[Cheburashka]

We are flying on JetBlue to Orlando. We have whatever category of tickets lets you bring a carry on and a personal item each (I think that is Blue?). We have two very, very, very energetic kids. Of course we will pack things to keep them entertained. Usually we use snacks as part of that bag of tricks, but not sure we will be doing that with covid. I was thinking it might start things off on a better note if we try to board late. I don't mean getting to the airport late or anything like that, but just waiting in the airport gate area until we are some of the last people to actually get on the plane so they aren't stuck in their seats for the extra time it takes to get the whole plane boarded and everyone's luggage stowed. At least then they can be walking around and not stuck in place.

Have others done this approach? How did it work out? I know that we run the risk of there not being room for our carryons, but I think then the bags would just end up getting checked planeside, is that correct? We will have our "personal items" (backpacks) that can go under the seats in front of us, and purposely booked seats that have that space, so that would allow us to have access to anything we might need during the flight. Any downsides I may not be thinking of? Thanks!! Just hoping for a very smooth travel day.

I like the idea. The only downside is possibly not having overhead bin space for your luggage once you board (that's why everyone tries to board asap). If you can live with possibly having to gate check your larger carry-on bags (which is no big deal unless you're in a hurry upon arrival), then it's a good idea. Boarding is a tiresome thing to sit through, and if your kids are antsy, it won't hurt to skip most of it.

 

[olive]

I like the idea. The only downside is possibly not having overhead bin space for your luggage once you board (that's why everyone tries to board asap). If you can live with possibly having to gate check your larger carry-on bags (which is no big deal unless you're in a hurry upon arrival), then it's a good idea. Boarding is a tiresome thing to sit through, and if your kids are antsy, it won't hurt to skip most of it.

This is pretty much what I was thinking. We won't be in a hurry on arrival either - we are taking the first flight out and are spending the first few days at an offsite hotel, mostly planning to just hang out at the pool and relax. And we will be checking luggage anyway, so we will be waiting for bags either way, so there is no rush once we land.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Heather07438]

On out trip down Jan ‘21 on JetBlue EWR-MCO, we were toward the end of the boarding line. The airline asked if anyone wouldn’t mind checking their carryon (bins were running out of room) and they’d get it back first thing after landing. DH volunteered. They quickly put a tag on it and gave him a claim ticket. The bag was waiting right outside the plane door as we got out.

 

[Makmak]

I agree with Betty R that I’d rather not be rushed, we like to get in our seats, get our stuff out, plug in the headphones, etc. I’m not sure how long your flight is or if they tolerate headphones but noise cancelling headphones and favorite preloaded games/movies on tablets are my go-to for traveling with energetic kids. As others have mentioned you’re not allowed/supposed to be rummaging in bags at takeoff. You would not have to seatbelt immediately either, just when it’s time for actual takeoff. Does JetBlue have wifi? If they do there’s fun flight trackers and apps that tell you about what you are flying over. I’m not one to use a digital babysitter but as you said snacks are not an option as in normal times so I’ve gotten really into digital distractions on flights for kids and have had good luck so far.
Edited bc autocorrect is awful

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Our kids are well out of carseats - I don't miss that! - at ages 8 and 13. But they have special needs and it would be easier I think for them to not be seated and belted in before they need to be, if that makes sense. Once or twice we were allowed to pre board under a disability category, but that was when we still had carseats to deal with. I don't think it is necessary now. (I guess we'll find out.) It is true that there are a ton of boarding categories now. I was just thinking we might wait until the later groups regardless of which group we are in to cut down on waiting in seats time. I do like the idea of a parent going ahead to wipe things down, but it is so weird that that person wouldn't be allowed to at least take one extra of the carry ons. Sigh. Someone is always last on the plane, so I think the flight attendants know if they are out of space in the overhead bins roughly as you board. JetBlue now "guarantees" you your overhead space, but who knows if it works out in practice. I was just thinking if the only downside is losing our overhead space, that wouldn't be terrible.

if you have to check a carryon make sure it will be returned you at ramp or with other checked bags if you have to wait at ramp you could be waiting awhile with your kids. and if yours are anything like my grandkids this would be even rougher than waiting for take off. do not ask why I say this

 

[Betty Rohrer]

This is pretty much what I was thinking. We won't be in a hurry on arrival either - we are taking the first flight out and are spending the first few days at an offsite hotel, mostly planning to just hang out at the pool and relax. And we will be checking luggage anyway, so we will be waiting for bags either way, so there is no rush once we land.

Thanks for your feedback!

as I said earlier you could have bags to get at 2 different places

 

[PinkPixel]

My daughter has food allergies and we always tried to board as close to first as possible , pre covid, so I could wipe down the seats and tray tables of any potential peanut or milk traces. She always just watched everyone board after us and was excited to be going to Disney. I do have a similar concern with how to approach boarding with two under 5 kids in June. I want them to be mellow and doing well with their masks for gate boarding and then for take off.

 

[olive]

as I said earlier you could have bags to get at 2 different places

Oh, I know it is different places. I just mean we aren't in a rush. Waiting for carryons checked planeside won't hold up anything since we are going to be waiting for baggage claim anyway. Often people want to do carryons only to avoid the baggage claim wait, but that isn't us this trip.

 

[olive]

I agree with Betty R that I’d rather not be rushed, we like to get in our seats, get our stuff out, plug in the headphones, etc. I’m not sure how long your flight is or if they tolerate headphones but noise cancelling headphones and favorite preloaded games/movies on tablets are my go-to for traveling with energetic kids. As others have mentioned you’re not allowed/supposed to be rummaging in bags at takeoff. You would not have to seatbelt immediately either, just when it’s time for actual takeoff. Does JetBlue have wifi? If they do there’s fun flight trackers and apps that tell you about what you are flying over. I’m not one to use a digital babysitter but as you said snacks are not an option as in normal times so I’ve gotten really into digital distractions on flights for kids and have had good luck so far.
Edited bc autocorrect is awful

Yes, same. I think we will be going with the digital babysitter and some small games like cards. I was planning to hold onto the tablets with earbuds wrapped around as we walked on the plane, or have the kids hold their tablets. And we always bring headphones for sound buffering only (not to listen to music/like for hearing protection). Those are key.

 

[martikus]

My son is always worried the plane is going to leave without us so we board when our group is called. He’s happy to sit watching his tablet until take off.

 

[olive]

My son is always worried the plane is going to leave without us so we board when our group is called. He’s happy to sit watching his tablet until take off.

Hmm. The tablet factor is a strong one! They have very limited screen time normally and we are going to add new apps. I will certainly continue to overthink this.

 

[Dis703]

My daughter has food allergies and we always tried to board as close to first as possible , pre covid, so I could wipe down the seats and tray tables of any potential peanut or milk traces. She always just watched everyone board after us and was excited to be going to Disney. I do have a similar concern with how to approach boarding with two under 5 kids in June. I want them to be mellow and doing well with their masks for gate boarding and then for take off.

We do this as well since our kids have food allergies. I like to be able to take the time and wipe down the seats, trays, pretty much all surfaces around them that they touch so it's helpful to board early. And the random time or two we've had people in our seat or no luggage space left above us makes me hesitant to want to board later.

 

[Disneymomma18]

As long as we have assigned seats we like to board last. My kids are great travelers as long as the plane, car, train, or roller coaster is moving The less time we’re sitting still the better for us. We’re flying southwest for the first time in a couple of weeks and we’re taking advantage of the early family boarding only to make sure we have seats together.

 

[olive]

As long as we have assigned seats we like to board last. My kids are great travelers as long as the plane, car, train, or roller coaster is moving The less time we’re sitting still the better for us. We’re flying southwest for the first time in a couple of weeks and we’re taking advantage of the early family boarding only to make sure we have seats together.

Being able to choose seats in advance was the primary motivator for choosing the class of tickets we did. We didn't want to risk not being all seated together! I agree with the generally fine as long as it is moving assessment. I think that kind of works for our kids, too.