Flying with little ones

[BankerMom]

Our trip to DW is scheduled for October 2006 and this will be the first time my DS (5) and DD (3) will be flying. Does anyone know if I have to present any form of identification for them? In addition does anyone know if they need car seats for the plane?

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

It really does depend on the airline we flew American Airlines to Key West from Boston with a 4 month old NO Birth Certificate no nothing necessary they just list that the baby is on the flight. Then we are flying to Orlando Southwest in September and I need a birth certificate. My recommendation is DEF. call the airline directly. CALL TWICE ACTUALLY. be clear so it doesnt mess up your plans.

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

OH and as for the car seats your kids will not fly for free so the car seat is completely up to you. If your going to have a car you'll need it so take it if not I say just strap them in. BUT what do I REALLY KNOW. Good luck!

 

[BankerMom]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have so many things running through my mind about the whole trip that as it pops into my head I jot it down or come directly to this site.

We are renting a car but I was hoping the rental had seats. I guess I should get into gear.

 

[FourBoysMom]

I fly often with my children and without DH. He drives the car down. As far as car seats, they are not required for children over 1, but ARE required for children under 1 who have a purchased seat. I have never needed a birth certificate, but I carry them anyway. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Also, most airlines allow you to preboard if you have children under 4 in your party. Be sure to check that out, i prefer to be on the plane with them contained waiting, than in line in the terminal! Best wishes!

 

[FourBoysMom]

Also!! I forgot to mention that i have been burned twice with rental agencies NOT having car seats available (both times in FL). We had to go buy them.

 

[BankerMom]

Thanks for the information. My DS will be 6 when we go and is over 40lbs but my DD is petite I think I will bring her seat. I don't want to have to purchase one.

This will be our first time to DW so I want to control the things, like this, that I can to make it easier for all.

 

[keishashadow]

sort of OT but, the Earplanes are truly remarkable for avoiding any discomfort in kids & adults! enjoy your trip.

 

[BankerMom]

Thanks for the kind words. My DS (5) does not know about the trip yet but when we mentioned someday we will ride on a plane to go on vacation he was not too thrilled. He actually suggested going on vacations to places where we could drive. I then mentioned that someday if he wanted to go to DW we would have to fly. He still was not willing to fly. Hoping for the best.

 

[FourBoysMom]

I just noticed that this is your first trip! Congratulations! One piece of advice I have is....RENT the DOUBLE stroller! Some people bring their own (done that, other than MGM, disney's strollers are so much better) Less room for storage, but so easy to push. During our 2004 trip, our older boys (9 and 7 at the time) would take turns sitting in with the little one. Even if you think your older child would balk at sitting in the stroller, you'd be surprised when they get tired they don't seem to care.

Also, asking him to hop in when the crowd flow is bad helps keeping track of everyone so much easier.

We visit WDW every even year....this is the first time with our 4th child. Also bringing my little sis (15) and my niece (16) to "help" we'll see how that goes!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me, I've made a million mistakes...and i'm happy to prevent anyone else from making them.

Tracey

 

[BankerMom]

Thank you so much I truly appreciate this. My husband needed some convincing but is excited now about it. I just want this to be fun and enjoyable for all. I am hoping it is not too overwhelming for the kids. I am sooo excited There is just too much to do to prepare. I think giving birth was less complicated.

 

[TruBlu]

Thanks for the kind words. My DS (5) does not know about the trip yet but when we mentioned someday we will ride on a plane to go on vacation he was not too thrilled. He actually suggested going on vacations to places where we could drive. I then mentioned that someday if he wanted to go to DW we would have to fly. He still was not willing to fly. Hoping for the best.

Our DS4 was freaked out about flying at first too. So I let him choose which we would do.... Fly to Disney in a plane for 2 short hoursthen go ride rides OR get up really early, get in the car, and drive until dark - all day long, then go to bed (I made it sound as bad as possible). He started jumping up and down saying "Yeah, we are flying!"

 

[TruBlu]

Another thing that worked for us...
I packed a carry-on for each DS. I included a juice box (so they wouldn't spill the drink the airline gives you), several packs of gummies (to help with popping ears), a marker and maze book, a "school" workbook, and their L-Max Leapster and/or Gameboy (we let them each pick a new game that they were not allowed to open until we got to the airport.), a snack, and some earplanes. I gave them a half does of Benadryl each (for motion sickness), and we didn't have any problems at all.

Good Luck!

Have a GREAT TRIP!!!

 

[maddhatir]

Hi!

I am not a parent so i cannot really give you GREAT advice- but me and DH took our 4yr old niece to disney in dec (just us! ) she brought along her portable DVD player for the plane.

someone mentioned to me when we got off the plane that they had no idea a child was with us! she was an angel (well- except for some of the meltdowns later on in disney-- but we wont go there!

and DH and i were a bit worried b/c the airline didnt want a birth certificate-- all we were thinking was- what if she did have a tantrum and started yelling she wanted her mommy and daddy- and telling people we are NOT her mom and DAD! eeeek! but all worked out fine- my SIL wrote a note for us in case she needed medical attn etc- so at lease we did have that- not that that is solid evidence- but it made us feel a bit better.

so what am trying to say is-- the DVD player was a good thing.....

 

[ItGirl753]

Yes, I travel with a DVD player for my boyfriend to keep him quiet too! He just loves those Disney movies! Kids usually end up looking over our shoulders.

What are "earplanes?" Thanks.

 

[sticker231]

We fly Jetblue, so everyone has their own tv with headset. We also bring down the video players for the room. On our last trip we brought the car seats as checked luggage, three car seats through the rental agency was like $9 a day per car seat, we have three kids(5/4/3) paying for the car seats for a week forget it. It was the seat they were used to and we saved some cash in the process. You usually get two checked pieces per person, bring your own seats. Put them in a garbage bag and check them at the airport, you don't need them on the plane.

We have passports for the kids, so we always bring them just in case.

 

[FlyingBelle]

Earplanes are the best invention EVER for flying! They are little blue earplugs with a valve inside them to help with the pressure. The box says they are safe for kids.

I put them in right before the plane takes off and take 'em out when the seatbelt signs goes off - then put them back in when the seatbelt sign goes on for landing.

I get horrible pains in my ears on some flights - like someone putting pins in my ears. The Earplanes help tremendously.

You can get them at Osco, Walgreen's, CVS, etc for about $4 or $5 a pair, or at the airport sundries shop for about $10 a pair.

Also - when flying with someone else's child - always a good idea to bring a signed letter from the parents stating you have their permission to take them out of state, and have the right to OK medical treatment in an emergency.