Hi there! I've been missing home, so after getting the go-ahead from my parents, I booked round-trip, non-stop flights from Jacksonville to Chicago (where my parents will pick us up) for me and Annaliese. Here's where I need help...
... I have never flown! Can you believe it??
So what do I need to know, especially since I'll be going with a three-year-old?? Any tips?
I'm not too worried about entertaining her, we won't have a layover, and she'll be good coloring and reading books for 2 hours. The flights are in the morning, so I'll pack snacks (I assume I can??), but won't have to worry about meals on board.
I'm going to leave my car in the airport lot (cost winds up being about the same as gas money to and from the airport for Carlin to drop us off, not to mention his time!). My family has arranged for a car seat to be waiting for us there. Do I need to have a child restraint on the plane, or does she sit like a big girl?
Ok, I guess those are my major, immediate concerns.
Thanks in advance!!
~Janay~
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6 comments:
Janay,
Snacks are fine but do place the liquids in a clear container inside a ziplock bag for going through security, or just wait and buy some water or juice after security. You'll be okay to bring it on the plane.
Since you have a small child, you will be given priority boarding. You can't bring any kind of booster seat on-board, but the flight attendants will help you out with getting Annaliese strapped in when you get on-board. If you have a choice, I'd recommend sitting as close to the front as possible for a quicker exit when you land.
Also, weigh your options: the window seat is super cool -- especially if you've never flown before. However, if you or A. have to use the bathroom fairly often, the aisle seat might be a bit easier. If your plane is arranged so that you have a row of just two seats on one side, that will give you the best of both worlds.
The only thing I'd suggest you bring in terms of medicine is some Benadryl or Dramamine if A. has a tendency for motion sickness. That will either ease the discomfort or just knock her out if she starts getting nervous. I'm not advocating drugging your child, of course, but just thinking about things that might make her a little more comfortable. Chewing gum for ear-popping is definitely helpful, too.
You will both be allowed one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or backpack. I would recommend that you put her snacks and books in her bag. She'll feel like big girl carrying it, and you can fill your backpack with a small pillow and blanket for her, a few napkins in case she spills, and maybe a pair of socks, too, in case the flight gets cold. (Sometimes they are a little stuffy and sometimes they are a little cool. Make sure she dresses in layers.)
Also, since all shoes have to come of while going through the security line, make sure that you both wear shoes that slip easily on and off. And also avoid wearing a belt -- the less metal, they quicker you'll pass through security.
The only other advice I think I'd have is that her toys and books are quiet ones. If it's an early morning flight, you're likley to have a lot of business travelers, who tend to be a little less kid-friendly when they have work to do. From what I've seen in Sunday SChool, though, A. is so well-behaved, that I seriously doubt that this would be a problem.
If you want to give me a call to talk about anything more, please feel free to do so. I know I've never flown with a little one, but I fly all the time, and I always pick the brains of the moms and kiddos I sit near in order to be prepared for my own future experiences.
Finally, just have fun! It can be a really neat experience and the airline really does want everything to go as amoothly as possible for you so don't stress about it and don't be nervous. They'll walk you through whatever you need when you arrive. And even if it's not a perfect trip, just remember that you've got Grandma and Grandpa waiting at the other end. :)
Wow...Tiffany remind me to take you along when we fly with Chase. Spot on!! And the gum is a definite for the kids....something that's fun that will help with the pressure in the ears. If you are taking your car seat for Annaliese, you can have it checked in and they travel fairly well with your luggage, it's just trying to haul it around the airport unless you have a pull cart is kind of hard by yourself. You'll have quite a great adventure
Thanks so much for your responses!! I appreciate all of your advice. I was planning on us both wearing tennis shoes simply for support while walking around the airport. Whew! That would have been a hassle.
We haven't packed, but don't you think Annaliese looks ready to go?
http://janaysquilts.blogspot.com/2007/07/ready-to-go.html
If you're flying SouthWest, take one of the front two rows. That way Annaliese can get down and move around when the seatbelt sign is off. It's a life-saver with Joie. :)
As far as car seats, they recommend them for little ones (Joie was 18 mos old when we flew). I'm not sure about Annaliese now -- it's probably your call.
I'd think about getting her some things that are just for the plane ride (coloring books, quiet toys, etc). If she hasn't seen/played with them before, they may keep her attention longer. And there's always movies on your portable DVD (using earphones of course).
As Tiffany said, HAVE FUN! You can always hand her over to the grandparents when you arrive so you can get a breather! :)
WE MADE IT!!
Thanks to all the advice we received and all your prayers, Annaliese and I made it through the flight like pros! Hopefully the return flight will go just as smoothly.
Have a great weekend -- see you Wednesday!
~Janay~
Congratulations! I'm glad it went so well. Have a great visit.
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