Flying with Four Children

I had no idea you could rent car seats? Where do you do this? What other baby gear can you rent? We are traveling for the first time in a few weeks with our 5 month old to my husband’s family reunion- 2 flights, a car ride AND a ferry ride. (They live in the middle of no where in upstate NY) I am really nervous about the whole thing esp since I am still breastfeeding. I have no idea how this will go. And now I am worried about gate checking the stroller. I will be able to gate check the stroller/ car seat combo, right? We did not buy her a seat, but now I am wondering if we should have! The plane tickets were just so expensive… We are planning to ship the Pack N Play and maybe some other things because the second plane is usually a tiny puddle jumper and our luggage rarely makes the plane. I found a smaller one called Graco Travel Lite, the regular sized one is just too big! This should be an experience!

When we flew last week, I did not inquire about the new fees for baggage hoping that we’d slip by! So I called USAir today and remember, I do not work for USAir. I just spoke with a customer service person. Here is the lowdown on the newest rules that would apply to us mommies:-For each ticket holder, the first checked bag is $15 each way. 2nd checked bag is $25 each way. So pack light!-Supposedly, this rule applies to all tickets purchased after July 9th and I can vouch for that since we did not get charged last weekend.-Carseats do not count as a bag as long as you are carrying an infant.-Strollers do not count as a bag as long as they are collapsible (is there such thing as a stroller that doesn’t collapse?!)-Carseats need to be in the window seat. They forgot to tell us that rule – look at our photo above!-You can have 4 oz of liquid in sippies/bottles when you go through security. As for baby equipment rentals, Ashley blogged about this a while back. The link is too long to include in the comments section. Go to the CSP home page, type in “Baby’s Away” in the Google search. It will take you to the page that this post is on. You’ll have to scroll down. The title is “Baby/Child Equipment Rentals Just in Time for Vacation.”Ashley used Baby’s Away and said the quality of the equipment was impressive, unlike what you would get through a car rental. So you may want to contact them. But if you only have one child, you’re fine bringing your own stuff. As for airlines ruining your stroller at gate check, this is the second time this has happened to us. We just had too many kids packed up in the car this time to go back and file a claim. The airlines should reimburse you for anything that’s damaged. But if you watch the baggage handlers as they are closing everything up, you won’t be surprised if something is damaged! I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Personally, I think the Peg Perego is cheaply made. Too much plastic! So I blame them more than the airlines.Good luck! You’ll do great:-)

I have done a lot of flying with my 16-month-old and just wanted to share my experience as it pertains to a few of the questions listed. I was told by a US AIR agent that a car seat DOES count as luggage if it is a checked bag…the only way around the fee is to gate check the car seat. However, I was also told that it is up to the discretion of the agent checking you in as some feel that a car seat, like a wheel chair, should be exempt. Just be prepared to pay! I also bought a car seat cover bag by Graco at Babies R US and a really cheap ($12) umbrella stroller to use for flying. The cover has kept the car seat clean and in tact and I have no concerns if my stroller does get damaged.

A tip about feeding your child during air travel: Our daughter's 1st flight was at 16 mos. & it involved a layover – full day of travel. We landed at our destination & celebrated b/c she had held up pretty well, but then…she vomited all over me, the airplane seat & floor. The smell was horrendous but thank goodness for the other passengers, the flight was over. On the way home, we gave her less milk & more water, Saltines & no fruit. No problems that leg.

I did this with my oldest – who was not always very good on airplanes. I failed to test it first and I learned the hard way that Benedryl makes her hyper. This happens to some kids – it gives them the reverse affect! I never used that tactic again. But I have heard that it works for many!

I am a single parent (and I mean without any help, ever) and fly with my son (now 3) every 8 – 10 weeks since he was born. At first it was very difficult but slowly we’ve worked out a routine … and boy does it help now that he’s walking himself through security! One huge process improvement I’ve made is the addition of the GoGoKidz Travelmate – http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html – As soon as I’ve removed the Britax Marathon from the SUV, I attach this simple device. This automatically turns my beloved carseat into a stroller. One caution – do not wait to put the wheels together at the airport like I did. The company might not remember to include the screws! Luckily there were REALLY nice and resourceful security agents at the Greensboro Airport who searched the airport for screws which fit! The $90 is well worth the price and no more stroller through the airport! One last detail, I do not remove the “wheels” when I install the carseat on the plane! A huge thanks to SJ for the recommendation and letting me borrow her “wheels” over the last year!!