Independent Escapes

The Winter Holidays are almost upon us and that means travelers are flying the skies and returning home or going on a much needed vacation. This week we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and suggestions to make the flight process a little less painful.

For those traveling with children, here are a some things to think about preparing before take-off:

1. Make sure to allow yourself a little more time to reach the airport and get through the check-in process. Children can forget things at the last minute , have to stop for bathroom breaks, or simply walk slower in a rush, so make sure you have plenty of time to catch your flight.

2. Think about your trip from start to finish when packing for your little ones. For babies, carrying breast milk, formula, and juice is now permitted in quantities greater than three ounces if it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Make sure to check in with your specific airline about their food accommodations for children as some do not provide baby food or special children’s meals, so pack food accordingly.

(For the slightly older children, most airlines have coloring books, movies, and other entertainment available, though remember to bring something to keep the children occupied in the Waiting Area at the airport so they don’t resort to fighting with their siblings and making a scene, or worse, venturing off.)

3. Bring the appropriate documents for your children. Though typically, minors under 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel, each airline determines their own identification requirements for check-in, so ask your airline before packing. For international flights, the Federal Aviation Administration states that all travelers must have passports, including young children. Plan early because receiving a passport generally takes approximately three weeks from the time of application, but depending on the season can take longer.

4. Do not assume that your infant or young child does not need a ticket or rides for free. Each airline follows their own policy in regards to child passengers, though most do offer discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years old.

Also, Child Restraint Systems are normally required for children under 40 pounds and not always provided by the airlines. If you are required to bring your own Child Restraint System, look for one that has a sticker which states: “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approval for Aircraft Use Only.”

Though airport accommodations won’t determine your trip, there are a few particular cities whose airports make flying with children easier. The Boston Logan International airport has a “Kidport” which includes a baggage claim slide, infant and toddler area, and other activities. Dallas/Fort Worth International has built children’s play areas in three of the airport terminals. Other child-friendly airports include Las Vegas McCarran airport and Chicago O’Hare International.

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