Flying with little ones

TAKING YOUR FIRST TRIP WITH CHILDREN CAN BE DAUNTING; DEPENDING UPON HOW YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP, IT CAN BE A FUN FAMILY ADVENTURE OR A TOTAL NIGHTMARE. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE:

Security Rules

Airlines are required to collect official full name, date of birth and sex of each passenger. TSA rules still prohibit taking liquids over 3.4 oz. onboard aircraft; however you can bring filled bottles or sippy cups for children, just show them to the security screeners and know that they may be tested. Passengers of all ages flying anywhere outside of the U.S. are required to have a valid passport (passport books, not cards). Children under the age of 18 who are not traveling with both parents may need a notarized letter of permission for international travel. Some countries require that you apply for permission and pay a fee to enter their country—this is documented with a stamp in your passport called a visa. A travel agent can assist with all of these details.

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Plan ahead so you can reach your destination with the fewest flights possible—every time you change planes and, especially when you change airlines, you increase your chances of delays, lost luggage and more hassles. This is not the time to buy discount tickets with multiple connections.

Baggage & seats

All airlines, except Southwest Airlines, charge $20-$50 per checked-in bag each direction with a maximum weight of 40 to 50 lbs per bag. Many airlines now charge for carry-on bags that won’t fit under a seat. These charges can add-up quickly for a family. There may be a discount if you prepay your baggage fees. A recent development is airlines charging for pre-assigned seats. It is important to check airline websites for the latest rules, plan ahead and pack carefully to minimize these costs. Usually you can take a stroller and/or car seat to the plane and gate-check for free. Bring a plastic bag with an address label to put your items in to keep them from getting dirty.

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Before you go, talk with your children about what to expect, how they need to behave and safety rules like not running off, and staying seated during the flight. Remind them not to kick the seat in front of them.

Food & beverage

The days of free meals & snacks onboard domestic flights are over. Every mom knows that hungry kids are a recipe for disaster. I never get on a plane without a carry-on bag full of snacks. Purchase bottled water, or bring an empty water bottle to fill after clearing security so you always have it available.

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Check ahead of time to see if the airports you are visiting have “play areas.” Treat the flights as an exciting adventure and your kids will look forward to flying.

Flying with infants

On domestic flights, most airlines allow an infant, prior to their 2nd birthday, to sit on the lap of an adult for no charge. This must be noted on the reservation as a “lap child” and you may be required to show a birth certificate or passport to prove their age. For international travel there is usually a highly- discounted rate for infant tickets. A zipper bag with a couple of diapers and a small pack of baby wipes is much easier to take into a tiny airplane bathroom than a huge diaper bag. Pack at least one complete change of clothes for baby in another zipper bag. If you have to change the baby’s clothes, the wet, dirty outfit can go in the bag. If your baby needs a pacifier, take several. Disposable bibs are also helpful on a flight. Don’t forget to pack a good attitude, “Look kids, an escalator!” Kids will sense if you are agitated, so try to make the best of any situation. If you make it fun, you will have great little travelers ready to see the world! Vacation MOM is brought you in partnership with Eugene Airport. See ad on page 31.

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Fly from Eugene Airport where parking, check-in and security clearance are much easier than flying from larger airports. Eugene Airport offers non-stop flights to Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mesa, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.

MEET VACATION MOM

Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC is owner of VIP Vacations, Inc. She has been a travel agent for three decades and a “Vacation MOM” for 18 years. She has taken her three children on numerous vacations. Some favorites include Hawaii, San Diego, cruises and all-inclusive Resorts. For more information visit her on Facebook @VacationMOMpage.