I'm Getting Nervous!! Please Calm Me Down! (LONGish)

[kristenrice]

I cannot believe our trip is less than 30 days away! I have been planning and saving for this vacation since I was pregnant with our oldest DD who is now 4 1/2!

Now, I am starting to get nervous and a lot of little questions are coming up and I am starting to feel completely clueless. Neither me nor DH have flown since 2002 (and only once prior to that!) so we need some help with our airplane plans. We are myself, DH, DD4, and DD2.

Our flight is non-stop out of Grand Rapids on NWA at 2:29pm and arrives at 5:05pm. Here are some of my ideas and I would like to know if I am on the right track:

1) The girls each received a beautiful pink 3 piece luggage set for Christmas consisting of a backpack, small duffel and a rolling suitcase (small). Since we are doing a split stay (2 nights at Pop followed by 5 at OKW), I would like to pack their first 2 days of clothing in their carryons and the rest in their checked luggage. That way, I don't need to unpack and repack to move. I would like to use their duffels as their carryons and their backpacks as their "additional personal item". They are both child-sized so if an adult is allowed a carry-on and a backpack, I don't see why a child can't bring them too. I want to pack their remaining belongings in their rolling suitcases and then place them in the boxes they were shipped in to keep them from getting dirty in the belly of the plane. I know that kind of negates the rolling convenience, but they are really light pink and I don't want any black streaks on them!

2) We have 2 Mac strollers we will be bringing. One is a Triumph which will be sealed in a box and checked. The other is a Volo and I am a little unsure what to do with it. I was initially planning on gate checking it based on advise from those here on the Dis. However, I read the NWA website regarding carryon luggage and it says that a single, fully collapsible umbrella stroller may be brought aboard the plane and does NOT count towards your carry-on allowance. I'm now wondering if I should just bring it on board with me?

3) I am renting a car at MCO while DH takes the girls on DME (and DME gets all the luggage ) so we'll need car seats. DD2 will be strapped into hers on the plane but I am trying to figure out the best way to accomodate DD4. She uses one of those HUGE convertible boosters at home, but the thought of lugging 2 full-size car seats by myself through the airport is not appealing. Even if I check DD4's seat in its box, we'd still have to deal with that enormous box for the entire trip. I know my mother has one of those booster seats without a back. If we can find a box to fit it in, I am thinking maybe checking that will be the best way to go.

4) Any tips for what to expect from security? My kids have never seen a walk-through metal detector before and I am afraid of a major meltdown at the security checkpoints. I was thinking of taking the girls to the airport to do a "dry run", so to speak. They've never even been in the airport and I think it would be great if I could take them inside and show them around to give them an idea of what to expect. I know that we couldn't go to the gates, but is this something I should consider trying? The Grand Rapids airport isn't huge at all. I just don't want to be looked at like I am crazier than I already am!

Any thoughts , insight or words of encouragement are always welcome! I want this trip to go smoothly because I want my DH to love Disney as much as I do. Then maybe I'll finally get that DVC membership I've been asking (begging) for!

 

[bavaria]

Go to tsa.gov and watch the security videos and read about travelling with children.

The outer areas of GRR which are open to non-travellers really won't give you much of a sense of passing through security. It's such a small airport and there isn't that much to see or navigate.

You are better off reading up on the rules and fully understanding the 3-1-1 regulations in advance. If it makes you feel more comfortable to go to the airport, that's fine, but there really isn't that much there to see. (If you were flying out of ORD or IAD for instance, it would help to at least look at a terminal map - GRR not so much)

 

[dudspizza]

Go to tsa.gov and watch the security videos and read about travelling with children.

The outer areas of GRR which are open to non-travellers really won't give you much of a sense of passing through security. It's such a small airport and there isn't that much to see or navigate.

You are better off reading up on the rules and fully understanding the 3-1-1 regulations in advance. If it makes you feel more comfortable to go to the airport, that's fine, but there really isn't that much there to see. (If you were flying out of ORD or IAD for instance, it would help to at least look at a terminal map - GRR not so much)

I agree. Hey, weren't you in Grand Rapids a few months back??

OP, best thing to do is let your kids know that the airport is part of the adventure. Prepare them to walk through the security on their own. They will have to put all items including stuffed animals on the conveyor belt to get for a ride. Best is to have you or DH go through security first, then the kids in the middle followed by the other adult. It will be fine!

I love airports and have trained my kids to love it just as much as me. Now, if I were in a zillion airports like Bavaria, I might now love them as much!

Have a great trip!

Duds

 

[safetymom]

If you want to box up your luggage you will have to wait until it is inspected. Then you might be allowed to box it up.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would not box the luggage. I would go buy some Scotchgard (I'm pretty sure it's being manufactured again) and follow the instructions to protect the exteriors.

 

[PatsGirl]

Relax... I've travelled with my children since they were babies as the only adult and never had a problem yet. The airport can be very exciting (or daunting) for small children. If you stay calm, they will also, but if you appear nervous and agitated I'm afraid they'll catch on and also become nervous.

That being said, I would want the kids to have only one carry-on. Maybe their backpacks will fit in their duffles? It's just alot to keep track of in my opinion. There's a lot of shuffling around, between the airport, boarding the plane and getting seated, getting onto ME, and into the hotel room and it might be alot to keep track of two small children with their four bags.

If your youngest will need a stroller in the airport and going to/from ME and the hotel room, or even if this is the best way to keep an eye on him/her, I'd definately carry on the umbrella stroller. It's also a place to hang their duffles if you need to.

As for as booster seats, you can most probably get one with your rental car for a small additional fee. If not, there are baby rental places all over Orlando and they will have one for cheap money. I would not bother with bringing one.

Pretty pink suitcases? Mom, what were you thinking Boxing these up will be a major hassle. Just suck it up, scotchguard them, and go! Suitcases were not meant to be pretty, lol, just functional. I've never travelled with light colored suitcases nor have I really seen any (that I've paid attention to anyways) but I travel quite a bit and my suitcases always make it through without scuffing or black marks that I notice.

Have a great trip and remember, Relax! It's gonna be all right

 

[goofy4tink]

It can be nerve-wracking traveling with kids...especially if no one is used to flying. I can well understand your stress. So....let's see. Light pink luggage? Fine. But, as someone else has already said, it is going to get dirty. It's luggage, it won't stay clean. Scotchguard it and forget about it. The girls each bringing a duffle and a backpack? Here's my thought..my dd, now 14, has been flying since she was 3ish. She had to take responsibility for her own carryon. She started with a backpack, then moved up to a duffle type bag. At some point, she may have been capable of handling a backpack and a duffle, but that wouldn't have been until a few years ago. If each girl has the two pieces of carryon, who it going to be responsible for lugging it around?
I would pack the regular suitcase with any clothes you will need for those first few days. But, rather than unpacking the suitcases, just put those few outfits in a plastic baggie and pop them out when you get to POP. Same thing with any toiletries you may need. Pack them all on the top of the checked baggage, then no need to unpack.

It would most likely be a good idea if each girl had just the one piece of carryon. It will be chaotic for them at security. Just imagine the scenario...taking off the shoes, getting coats off, putting all those bags on the belt, walking through the personal detector (a first for both girls and it can be daunting for younger kids..having to go through without a parent), then grabbing all those bags off the belt, putting shoes back on, getting coats off...etc. It will be a zoo for you. Simplify, simplify. Try practicing it at home. Have the girls pretend they are at the airport...have them put their things on the 'belt', then walk through a doorway, without mom, just like at the airport. Then, get those belongings off the 'belt' aka kitchen table.

Good luck...it's really very simple nowadays. But, it does take a bit of getting used to. You, and your girls, will be fine.

 

[bavaria]

I agree. Hey, weren't you in Grand Rapids a few months back??

Wow, good memory! Yes, I drove to Grand Haven to meet up with a poster from this site and her husband, and had a wonderful time (beautiful part of the country and they are very sweet people!)

That reminds me of a few more things about GRR, which is one of the pleasant small airports I have flown in/out of in the US over the past few years. There were a lot of German business people (I have no idea WHY - I know why I was there, but don't know why everyone else was there!) Also, the TSA was weirdly friendly - while I was waiting for the German man in front of me to remove his items onto the belt, the TSA agent chattered away with me as if he was really bored and needed a new friend

 

[kidzant]

Have a blast the journey is just as much fun as the destination.
The pink suitcases need to earn there stripes, the black streaks are disney streaks and well earned. Suitcases are made to get dirty.

The less you have to carry the better.

Remember that if you are picking up the rental car it is your name that will be the primary driver. I made the mistake of running ahead to pick up the car and my husband stayed to get the luggage a 1/2 later he came downstairs and saw me standing out of line waiting for him, they would not let me do the paper work because they needed to see his licence. Yikes. Won't do that again.

Have a wonderful trip. Relax. And remember in all airports it is "hurry up and wait".

If you are coool your kids will follow suit.

 

[kristenrice]

That reminds me of a few more things about GRR, which is one of the pleasant small airports I have flown in/out of in the US over the past few years. There were a lot of German business people (I have no idea WHY - I know why I was there, but don't know why everyone else was there!) Also, the TSA was weirdly friendly - while I was waiting for the German man in front of me to remove his items onto the belt, the TSA agent chattered away with me as if he was really bored and needed a new friend

It's good to know that we have nice and friendly TSA agents here!We had a small snafu on our honeymoon in Sept 2002...DH tried (repeatedly) to go through the metal detector and kept setting if off. They wanded him and found that the offending metal object was coming from his shoe. He emptied his shoes, took the liners out and they wanded them again....still setting off alarms! They were brand new shoes (he didn't believe in a break-in period...he does now ) and we found out that it was the little "Made In xxx" sticker on the sole of the shoe that was setting off the alarm! There were only a few people going through the security check at that time of the morning and everyone was laughing about it. Nobody realized how sensitive those metal detectors are! I'm hoping to get him into Crocs for this trip, even though you have to take you shoes off now.

Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement! Regarding the pink luggage...It was a gift from grandma and grandpa for our very infrequent overnight trips to Traverse City. It wasn't purchased with the intent of airline travel but that's what it's going to be used for. I'm not as worried about the dirt as I am about it getting punctured. Is this a realistic fear or am I being overly paranoid? Ours is made of that heavy ballistic fabric. Theirs feels like the canvas from our pop-up camper. (I don't know fabric so I don't know how else to describe it) I just don't want to ruin it on its maiden voyage.

 

[brianm27]

Don't worry - it will be an adventure!

My advice is - since you are checking at least one item then check as much as you can! If the girls don't have their heart set on their own suitcase, I would combine into a few larger suitcases.

We travel with one child who is now 5 and has made this trip 10 times. We carry on 1 computer backpack, 1 tote, 1 Wal-Mart $16 booster seat, DD's toy bag, and gate check a stroller. The "old days" also included a diaper bag. Up until this last trip at age 5, there was no sense of responsibilty on the part of DD for the toy bag so it was up to us to keep that in tow as well.

When we get out of our seats on the airplane or in the airport we count the number of items we are carrying. That has been a great way for us not to miss anything.

As far as the security check, children are sponges and love to act out what they see. They will watch what is going on in screening and probably have a better idea of what to do than most adults in line. My daughter gets her own bin, puts her own backpack on the belt, takes off her shoes, and stands at the archway just like she sees everyone else do. It is actually quite funny.

I would also buy an inexpensive booster for the trip. Most rental companies charge $10 a day for something that you can get at Wal-Mart or Target for under $20.

 

[lizziepooh]

I think you will be trying to keep track of too many pieces of luggage, since you really can't count on a 2 and 4 year old to handle 2 carryons each. The pink luggage will get dirty even with scotchguard. How about combining the girls clothes into one larger suitcase and keep the pink suitcases for car trips or overnight trips with friends.

This is my experience. We fly NWA from Traverse City and they have really been rough on our luggage. I have had 2 zipper pulls torn completely off and had to buy a new suitcase as there was nothing left to attach a new pull to. The next suitcase I bought was much more expensive and had heavier duty zipper pulls. The color was deep royal blue. The first trip left a large black streak that I could not get out. On the next trip, a flat tag that shows the brand name which is attached with flat metal grommets was partially ripped out and there appears no way to reattach it. I also think the metal cages that Magic Express uses, can be rough on luggage.

The floor is pretty dirty, so i would place backpacks overhead during take off and landing.

 

[snowbunny]

If you stay calm, they will also, but if you appear nervous and agitated I'm afraid they'll catch on and also become nervous.

Precisely...the metal detector is not a scary machine, it is only a little arch to walk through. You sound like you have everything very well planned, so relax in order that your children and DH will relax too! Nothing will ruin a trip as quickly as free-floating anxiety

I agree with the previous poster about the pink luggage however...it will get marked up in baggage handling, I would leave everything but the backpacks home.

 

[bavaria]

I agree with the previous poster about the pink luggage however...it will get marked up in baggage handling, I would leave everything but the backpacks home.

I had darkish steel blue luggage which lasted one trip before being marked up. Now I have dark red luggage and again it is very marked up. These are higher end pieces (I buy very good quality luggage since I travel so much)

The child's luggage that I see in stores in not durable, and I suspect that the colour will be marked as well as the fabric may be damaged. Generally, this type of luggage is intended for car trips, or to be used as carry on only.

But I agree that expecting small children to take two pieces of carry on luggage is only going to make the travel more challenging.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm not as worried about the dirt as I am about it getting punctured. Is this a realistic fear or am I being overly paranoid?

Politely - yes, I feel you're being a bit unrealistic. My $18 Macy's suitcase has flown over a dozen trips (including its most recent adventure, from Boston to New York to Long Beach to Las Vegas) and is just now starting to weaken at the corners.
Also, despite what Northwest's website says regarding strollers, you should expect to have to gate-check it instead of bringing it on board the plane. There is actually not that much storage space - usually one closet, which would first be used by First/Business Class passengers, and the overhead compartments generally fill with luggage.

I also think the metal cages that Magic Express uses, can be rough on luggage.

I have to disagree with this. In my experience and from what I've observed, the Magical Express cages are loaded very carefully, to accommodate as much luggage per cage as possible, but neatly, i.e. it's arranged by hand to fit everything as squarely as possible. On the other hand, I've seen luggage going in and out of various planes' cargo holds. That's some ROUGH handling.

 

[WillCAD]

I'm not an expert, but I have a few observations and hints that might help you.

1) Your kids are too young to keep track ot two non-wheeled bags; ditch the duffels and just let them take their backpacks as carry-ons

2) Luggage will get dirty at some point, whether in the hold of the plane or when one of the kids spills juice on it in your hotel room or when you drop it on the way to the airport or something.

Trying to keep it pristine is a fools errand that till cause you more trouble than it's worth, especially with your boxing plan - TSA can and does open ANY checked item for inspection, and if they choose to open your kids luggage, the boxes will be cut open and probably not re-sealed.

The boxes themselves will also be crushed and scuffed when they go into the hold, so the luggage inside might be scuffed, too. If you really want to keep that luggage clean and pretty, leave it home and pack your kids stuff in another bag.

Also keep in mind that heavy stuff will probably be stacked on top of your kids bags. Try this: pack the bags, put them on a hard floor, then have DH sit on them. If they are strong enough to handle that, they can handle the plane. If they are too fragile for a grown man to sit on them, they will not survive the trip.

3) Since you are renting a car, pack the first two days clothes for everybody in one large bag and leave the DME tag off of it, then claim it normally when you land and carry it to the resort in your rental car.

4) Bring the umbrella stroller with you to the gate. If the overheads are full, the gate agent will gate-check it for you; if not, then you can put it in the overhead. But your DH might need it for the young-un' when he goes to DME and checks in at the resort, so it's better to have it than not.

5) I have no experience with car seats on planes, so I can't help you there. Sorry. The best I can say is that car seats ARE available for rent from all of the major rental car agencies; they add to the cost, but it might be worth it to simply rent two seats for the kids along with the car instead of lugging them from home.

6) Preparation is your best friend at airport security, and not just to keep the kids from melting down! When you prepare to go to the airport, make sure that the kids, you, and DH are all ready to go through the metal detectors

* Plan travel time so that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Don't dawdle - as soon as you arrive, drop off the checked bags and head right for the security checkpoint; once you're through and into the gate area, relax, break out the books and MP3 players, and pick up a snack and some drinks. Remember - you won't be allowed to take drinks through security, you will have to buy them at the shops on the other side, but you can pack empty sippy cups in your kids backpacks.

* Once through security, take a bathroom break just before your flight begins toi board, so the kids can at least get trhrough boarding and take-off. Remember, you will be strapped into your seats during take-off and can't get to the bathroom on the plane.

* Empty your pockets into one of your carry-ons so that you won't have to deal with lots of little items at the checkpoint.

* Be prepared to removes shoes, jackets, and belts and put them in the plastic bins before going through the metal detectors.

*Be prepared to fold your stroller to put it through the x-ray machine.

* If you have a laptop or camcorder in your carry-ons, you MUST remove it from the bag and put it through the x-ray machine IN ITS OWN PLASTIC BIN, without any other objects.

* You and DH will need to show ID and boarding passes at the checkpoint, so keep them in your pocket, not your carry-on.

* Remember to pack all of your liquids and gels in a clear ziploc bag for ease of inspection (see the TSA web site for details and quantity limits).

* Go over all of your carry-ons when you pack them, every pocket, pouch, and compartment, to be sure you don't have any sharps or prohibited items.

Do this preparation before you even leave home, and it will streamline the process considerably and make it painless to get through security.

7) Take things in stride. Don't let hiccups in your plans get you frazzled - that's the quickest way to get your kids frazzled, then everybody has a bad time. Relax, take your time, and enjoy the experience.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with other posters. I think your 2 daughters are too young to handle 2 pieces of carry-ons. I think you are creating a nightmare for yourself with that plan. I also think that worrying about keeping their special new luggage pristine is adding needless worry to your trip. As others have said, I would pack their things in another bag and leave the new luggage for trips to Grandma's. It will get dirty and possibly torn in transit.
A great trick I have read here on the DIS is to pack each days outfit in a Zip Lock bag. This would include jersey, shorts or pants, underware, socks, hair thingies etc. Then pack 2 Ziplocks right on top of your big suitcase. All you would have to do would be take out 4 Ziplocks and leave the rest of the suitcase packed. Pack one with PJ's and one with needed toiletries.
WillCad had great advice for you about security. Follow his suggestions and you will be fine. Especially leave yourself plenty of time at the airport!
Have fun and have a great trip.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I would also suggest bringing a bungie cord to attach the car sat to the back of the stroller or to a piece of rolling luggage when moving thru the airport. It is cumbersome, but less so than having to carry it. Another option is to purchase a backpack to get the car seat thru the airport. In a pinch, you can also use the stroller to cart the car seat, but usually this will mean the child will have to walk. Practice the best way to carry the car seat BEFORE you get to the airport.

It is alway a good idea to count your hands when determining the peices of luggage to carry. You should assume that one adult's hand will be needed for each child, either to hold the child's hand or to push the stroller. So you really will only have two hands left. Backpacks and waist packs are great for getting thru the airport because they can be carried hands-free.

Unless you children regularly are responsible for their own back-packs, I would not assume that you won't have to carry them as well from time to time. Think about packing so that the kids' packs can be placed inside other bags (or strapped to the back of a rolling bag or carried on your back) and then pulled out when you get on the plane.

You may want to think about bringing BOTH strollers and gate-checking them. Unless you pack very lightly, which is almost impossible with kids, carrying a child thru the airport is very difficult. Even if the walk is not long at your local airport, the airport in Orlando is big and you may be glad of the extra set of wheels if you need to sprint to your plane.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[jackdis]

Have a great trip! I agree with the others about not having your kids have so many bags. My DDs, now 9 and 2, have travelled a lot with us. Each time, I've packed less and less for carryons. I really try to follow the "less is more" rule with carryon items! This last trip, my only carryon was the diaper bag, which contained a few snacks/acitivities for the girls. It was a bigger one than I use day to day, but it still wasn't huge. (I even threw in a magazine for myself, which I got to read!!!) It was one of the greatest airport journeys.....we weren't loaded down with all our carryons. My husband also had a backpack and we did have one carseat and a stroller. BUt not having all those carryons was a pleasure!!

 

[Pembo]

I'd leave the kids little suitcases at home. My kids all have those but when we travel longer distances than to Grandma's, we put their stuff in our bigger suitcases. Just pack by outfits in ziploc bags. I always seem to use a lot of ziplocs for packing......