Travel TIPS/ HELP/ SUGGESTIONS NEEDED for Family with infant!!!

[bujuni]

We are family of four : DS 9 mos and 4 y.o. We are flying to MCO on AirTran. I figured that I will check-in 24 hours prior to our flight to get our seat assignments. We have to park at a satellite parking and take the shuttle to the airport. We will then do curbside check-in.

Once we get to MCO, I will get one of those carts to wheel our baggages: 2 large bags, 2 carry-ons, 2 car seats and a stroller. We are renting a minivan from Dollar. Should I take the 2 car seats and install them then pick up the rest of the family and baggages or should we all just go together and pick-up the van and load everyone then?

On the return trip, should I drop them off at curbside and return the van or should I return the van and we can try to carry our baggages to the terminal? Are there carts at or near the car rental return area?

Any help/ tips/suggestions would greatly be appreciated. This is the first time we are travelling/ flying with the baby. It was difficult enough last year with the 3 y.o (at that time).

Thank you
Ron

 

[cepmom]

Last time we flew into MCO, we had 3 kids with us (13, 5 and 2). My DH went to get the rental while I stayed with the kids and retrieved the luggage. By the time he got back with the car, I had all of the luggage and all we had to do was put in the car seats and the luggage and take off. It was so much better than waiting for the luggage, then all going to the rental agency together. It might be better if you take the car seats (if they were carried on the plane, not checked) with you to get the car, install them then go back to get your family. Less things for your DW to keep track of when she is trying to get luggage and keep her eye on the kids. Also, if you gate check the stroller, you will have it at the gate and be able to use it to get to the baggage claim area instead of carrying your little ones.

On our return flight, we returned the car first then had to lug all of our stuff to the check in area. It was kind of a pain. There are carts available to use at the rental car return area, but I think it would be easier to drop your family and all the stuff off at the curbside, return the car and then catch up with them. I wish we had done it that way. HTH!