Tips needed: Getting through the airport with kids and all the stuff???

[luvmy3jewels]

We have three kids and usually end up bringing grandma along so we aren't outnumbered. We basically buddy up, so that each adult has one kid to take through security, ticket checks, getting on/off the plane, etc. Also, my kids love having the responsibilty of pulling a carry on bag through the airport. So usually each child gets their own bag that they are responsible for.

Make sure you bring lots of activities/games/coloring books, etc. to entertain the kids while you wait for the flight. I also try to make sure that I have at least one change of clothes per child with our carry on in case someone spills something or gets sick.

I definitely agree with the PP about easy on/off shoes for everyone in the family. And skycaps are wonderful for curbside check-in of the big bags. I usually tip $2-3 per bag.

BTW...on our last trip (coming back from Disney) dh packed a plastic toy sword we had bought at one of the parks in my carry on bag....security really gave me a hard time about it and I was pretty much humiliated in front of my kids and everyone around. I would recommend packing any toy "weapons" in your check-in bags.

 

[brie182]

I know others have said it but shoes that slip off are wonderful. Crocs are fun cause you can buy ones with Mickey heads

 

[richmond282]

We were able to check our backless booster seat w/ our baggage for free, so we didn't have to carry it through security or anything. You might want to check into that. We also hung our some of our carry-on baggage on the handle of the stroller.

 

[mom2princessj]

Thanks for all the tips. This is the first time we will fly with our two as well

Will I need any type of identification for the kids (3, 5)? I called southwest and the agent told me maybe I'd want to have it just in case (no definite answer) however from what I read minors don't need birth certs or ids??? I just want to make sure if I need the birth certs I get them from the safe box before we leave so I don't get there and can't fly...oh dh would LOVE that

 

[Mkrop]

Thanks for all the tips. This is the first time we will fly with our two as well

Will I need any type of identification for the kids (3, 5)? I called southwest and the agent told me maybe I'd want to have it just in case (no definite answer) however from what I read minors don't need birth certs or ids??? I just want to make sure if I need the birth certs I get them from the safe box before we leave so I don't get there and can't fly...oh dh would LOVE that

We flew SW many times and were never asked for a birth certificate. I had copies just in case but I did not bring originals.

 

[Minniemouse07]

We flew w/ dd five times before she was 3.5yo and then flew again when ds was 2yo and dd 6.5yo.

Each child gets their own backpack stuffed JUST w/ toys/distractions. Backpacks are packed by me the night before and are not allowed to be opened by kids until we are AT the gate! Dd carried her own backpack, ds' went under the stroller (to be removed at security and then again before boarding the plane).

Dh and I each had our own carry on (baggalini for me, backpack for dh) and I pulled a rolling carry on as well w/ change of clothes, bathing suits, etc.

We used a Samsonite Micromover collapsible luggage cart to roll ds' car seat through the airport. We used this w/ dd's car seats when she was younger as well but if we had to buy something to day for the car seat I would get a Traveling Toddler. It is cheap and from all reports.. works great!.

We generally check two large suitcases at curbside check in. We also park off site and travel to the airport in a shuttle.. less hassle. Bulky jackets are left at home, sweatshirts or pullovers are in rolling carry on.

Ds goes in the stroller (Peg Aria), dd walks (and likes to pull the rolling carry on most times) and dh pulls the car seat.

Kids have velcro sneakers on ...easy to get back on after security. Pockets are emptied before we even leave for the airport. Travel documents and ID are placed within easy reach in my bag at that time as well.

I go through security first. All shoes come off, bags and shoes placed on belt along w/ meds and liquids pulled out of bags. Stroller goes next. Then dh loads up his bag/shoes. We reverse the process on the other side.

Dd did NOT like going through the metal detector when younger. I would suggest practicing at home if your kids aren't used to the process! Ds...could care less!

Once we arrive at the gate, first priority is to get a gate check tag for the stroller.

Ds is encouraged to run around the gate area as much as possible!

We all make a potty break and I try to change ds' diaper as close to boarding time as possible.

I also purchase something for all of us to eat/drink during the flight before boarding/after security.

Dh goes on the plane first w/ the car seat and installs it. I follow with the kids 5-10min later, giving ds time to burn off more steam.

I leave the stroller COLLAPSED at the end of the jetway (don't leave it for the airline to collapse...they may not do it right and break the stroller!) and board the plane w/ both kids in front of me. Dh is waiting to help seat the kids and stow the carry ons.

Each child's backpack goes under the seat in front of them (we don't sit in bulkheads...having access to amusements is more important than leg room) and the rolling carry on goes in an overhead bin.

We seat ourselves w/ dh and dd in one row (dd in the window seat) and ds and myself behind them (with ds in the window seat). This allowed us to rear face ds' car seat w/o someone griping about not being able to recline their seat.

We didn't bring dd's booster seat w/ us for use in Florida as we used DME and Disney transportation while there BUT... if we did need it, I would bring a low back booster seat on the plane w/ us as another carry on. I would NEVER check a car seat. I can do without my stroller if it gets lost or damaged but not the car seat!

Hope that helps!

 

[BarbWB]

Oh, one more tip if you are flying on Southwest.
Set an alarm for EXACTLY 24 hrs before your flight and check-in online right then. The best boarding passes go FAST. For our flight after Christmas, I was online trying to check in right at 24hrs. At first, I was a few seconds early. When I refreshed the checkin link, I still ended up with an A28 boarding pass. That was fine to get seats together, but DO NOT wait to check in later. Family boarding (with kids 4 and under) is now between the A group and the B group. But, if your flight is coming from another stop and there are lots of through passengers, getting seats together for the whole family may not be possible.

Also, for seating arrangements, we sit in 2 rows behind one another. We put my DS 5 in the second row, so if he kicks the seat in front, he is only bothering me or someone else in the family, not a stranger.

 

[daisy1234]

Thanks sooo mmuch everyone!! These tips are great!

 

[all4fun]

Ditto everything Christine/Minniemouse07 posted. That is pretty much exactly how we did it.

To the pp who asked if your 9mos and 2yr old need car seats? No, not required, however is strongly recommended by the FAA. Those lap belts on airplanes will really not secure a small child well at all, plus the belt buckles are super easy to undo. Having the car seat on board the plane was a big life saver for us because it kept ds where he needed to be and we didn't have to keep him from unbuckling himself for 6hrs. lol

Also, OP, you can baggage check the booster seat, however I wouldn't especially if you'll need it from Orlando airport to the hotel. If you gate check it, or take it as a carry-on if you can, it is much less likely to get lost or misrouted, which would be a big a headache to deal with. I've had luggage "lost" (misrouted) by the airlines too many times to risk checking a car seat. jmo

 

[mom2princessj]

Thanks Barb I was planning to have us sit side by side however I think depending on what numbers we are in A we'll sit in back of one another. That way if my son kicks the seat it'll just be my dd's seat.

The fact that SW did away with preboarding SUCKS! I'll be on tomorrow exactly 10:05 but like you said we'll be hard pressed to get a good spot in line. I wanted to sit as close to the front as possible...we'll see how that works out.

Thanks again!

 

[sparkyboy]

Thanks for all the tips. This is the first time we will fly with our two as well

Will I need any type of identification for the kids (3, 5)? I called southwest and the agent told me maybe I'd want to have it just in case (no definite answer) however from what I read minors don't need birth certs or ids??? I just want to make sure if I need the birth certs I get them from the safe box before we leave so I don't get there and can't fly...oh dh would LOVE that

Its TSA who may require the birth certs not the airline carrier. I would take them with you as can depend upon security level the day of as well as airport.

 

[PoohHappens]

We take a copy of the bithcertificate with us. I had to do it with one toddler on my own. I had several plane changes too. Child went his Britax car seat buckled in, the seat went on the stroller facing forward. I then bungy corded the seat to the stroller through the seatbelt routing. Back pack/diaper bag on my back, pushing the stroller. At the gate I undid the carseat and gate checked the stroller. Picked up the car seat with its back against my body and my hands on either side, again child facing forward. I then carried him and the seat that way down the isle and set it in our seat. Buckled it in. I was in the back of the plane too. My kid never minded sitting in his car seat and it was great not taking him in or out. In between the flights it was easy in the bathroom too, on the stroller his seat was so high I just unbuckled him, took him out, changed him and put him back in and off to the next flight. It did take me a couple minutes at security, but really with the bag on my back leaving my hands free it was not that difficult. Enjoy your trip.

 

[jodifla]

I have a copy of my child's BC with me in my wallet at all times. But I've NEVER been asked to show it other than when DS was under 2, and we weren't buying him a seat.

TSA rules are actually that kids under 18 don't need ID.

 

[risingsunmom]

I don't know if your a John and Kate Plus 8 fan or not.... They have 2 episodes where they all go thru the airport. The most recent was just about a month ago where they fly to San Diego and then on to Hawaii. They have been repeating this episode on TLC alot. I watched it with my kids (who have never flown) and explained to them what happens when you check in etc. It's good because it shows the little ones taking off their shoes and the inside of the plane.

 

[all4fun]

I don't know if your a John and Kate Plus 8 fan or not.... They have 2 episodes where they all go thru the airport. The most recent was just about a month ago where they fly to San Diego and then on to Hawaii. They have been repeating this episode on TLC alot. I watched it with my kids (who have never flown) and explained to them what happens when you check in etc. It's good because it shows the little ones taking off their shoes and the inside of the plane.

good point. the TSA site here also has some online videos you can watch with your kids that shows how the process works. hth!

 

[nikkers]

In addition to the juggling act of getting through security, I wanted to offer my family's (almost) fool proof plan for getting everything to the check-in desk.

Let me preface this by saying my DH despises paying skycap.

When arriving at the aiport, we do not pull up to the "drop off" zone - we pull up to the "pick up" zone, or baggage claim. Usually we can find a discarded luggage cart. We load up the cart as much as possible with our gear. I take the cart and one child into the airport and start making our way to our airline's check-in area. Meanwhile, DH takes the remaining child to park the car. He brings any remaining luggage with them and meets us at check in. (This, of course, doesn't help your security line issue, but it has worked great for us and thought it might be helpful.)

Good luck!

If we have a lot of items, we also do the same thing. We will go to baggage claim, one person will run in and get a cart. Unload everything onto the cart. After unloading, one goes with cart. Other parks car, and everyone meets at ticket counter to check in.

 

[cheerful chickadee]

I have what might be a few stupid questions....

What exactly is curb side check-in? We've never used it before but this time will have 3 big suitcases, a stroller and a car seat among other carry-ons, I'm willing to try anything that will minimize the struggle. Do they take your bags to your airline counter for you and then you meet them there? What is the standard tip per bag?

Will our stroller have to go up on the belt for the xray machine? Although I hope to buy a smaller stroller before our trip our current stroller is a full size and I'm not sure it would even fit up on the belt. I've seen some people report they were able to roll it through the same scanners that people walk through.

TIA!!

 

[kimmylaj]

my next trip my kids will be 6 and 3 so we will be stroller and carseat free. woohoo, but having been there done that, my best hint is to pull the carseat straps all the way out from the front (as if your child is huge) and wear it as a backpack, works great. also if you are old enough to ride in a backless booster you are old enough to carry it ( or so i told my 4 year old) hey your going to disney kid you gotta help mommy out.

 

[mandynee22]

We flew to Dis last yr. It was myself, my then 8 yr old and my then 18 month old. We had one huge suitcase, one smaller suitcase (DD's), a stroller, a carseat (for the plane), a carry on or two and I *think* another bag to be checked.
I park in an independant lot and take the shuttle they provide to my airline. I checked the stroller and suitcases right there (what I wonderful service that is). The shuttle driver helped me get the stuff off the shuttle since DS was sleeping and still in his carseat, so I was limited in what I could physically carry.
After DS woke up, I clipped the rear tether on his seat to another part of the seat- it makes for a very convenient carrying handle when you do that. Then I slung it over my shoulder for a rather bulky backpack. This way I was able to carry the carseat and him during the too-busy-to-let-him-roam-free-times and I could even carry the carryon too and DD is old enough to stay somewhat with us.
The big thing is the shoes. Wear slip on sandles or thongs (as in the shoes LOL). Even if it's cold then wear them with socks and look dorky for a while. They're faster.
GL!
Re: Birth Certs- I always bring them too, JIC. I have never been asked by anyone to see them, though

 

[all4fun]

We have flown many, many times with ds, and have taken older nieces and nephews to wdw (5 in all, 4 different trips) and have never been asked for ID for any of them. Kinda scary, huh? I guess they don't really care unless you're traveling internationally.