Boarding your baby traveler
Most airlines and flight attendants give special allowances to parents flying with babies. However, as a parent with a young baby, I suggest that you do not count on this to make your life at the airports easier. Given the emergence of budget airlines and how all the airlines are all cutting back their service level, parents traveling with babies need to prepare for all scenarios. In fact, regardless of what the airlines may or may not provide, you should think about the following areas when flying with your baby.
Seat reservation
Even if you complete your ticket booking online, be sure to call in and explain you are traveling with a baby. Ask for the “bulkhead” seats to give you more leg room and the possibility of sky cribs.
If you don’t have reserved seats, make sure you are at the airport to check in as early as possible. Again, tell them you are traveling with a baby and see what they can do for you.
Going through Security
These days everyone is under tight scrutiny at the airports; babies are no exception. See what the official word from TSA is on this topic.
Boarding
Most times parents traveling with babies will be given priority boarding. The question is whether you want to take advantage of this. Remember boarding early also means you are stuck in those tight seats for longer. It’s your choice whether you want to keep your baby traveler longer on or off the plane. The time from first boarding to take-off could be 30 minutes long for a large plane.
Of course, one of the benefits to board earlier is you can get yourself and your baby traveler settled in earlier. Even after you are seated, keep an eye out for possible empty seats to switch. By asking fellow travelers or the attendants nicely, you may be able to get your baby a seat even if you have not paid for one.
Stroller
Even though you can’t take your stroller on board, you can use it until you are at the boarding gate. Do not check it in with the luggage, because you don’t want to carry your baby and your large carry on around the airports. And yes, your carry on will be large because of the many things you have to bring with you. See this must have checklist for what you must bring on board.
You should check that you will get your stroller back at the gate when you get off the plane. There’s the odd times this may not happen and you will have to retrieve the stroller at the luggage carousel. So you must be prepared to have to make it to the carousel without the help of a stroller. If you don’t think you can manage this, ask for help.
Supplies
Even with the cutbacks and all, it still doesn’t hurt to ask for blankets and extra pillows right after you board. These will come in handy especially if you are breastfeeding. Take out what you are likely going to need from your carry on before you stow it away.
Lastly
Many travelers are willing to help, especially when they see you traveling with a baby. Do not stress out if your baby starts to cry during the flight. Keep a positive attitude and have an enjoyable trip with your baby traveler.
