Flying with a Two Year Old
Luke and I have plans to fly to Oklahoma at the end of this month. We’re going to visit my mom and I can’t wait! One thing I’m a little nervous about though is flying with a 2 year old. Flying period, actually. The last time I flew it was pre-9/11 and they didn’t have all the security restrictions they do now. So I need to do some research so I can be sure I’m prepared, especially since I’ll have Luke with me. I have questions, like if I need ID for Luke, if I can bring sippy cups and snacks, etc. Do any of you that have flown with young children recently have any advice you can offer me? What kind of things do I need to know?
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May 4th, 2009 at 5:24 am
You flew to Denver since 9/11.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t remember that until after I posted.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:22 am
No full sippy cups are allowed through security. Bottles, yes; cups, no. Snacks should be all right. Most times I’ve flown with my boys, the security agents have let things like applesauce (single serve 4 oz(!)) containers & soynut butter sandwiches through. But, if you don’t want to count on something they might force you to pitch, take pretzels, goldfish, apple slices. Anything not liquid. And you can buy just about anything you want on the other side, so don’t stress about that.
What I have found most challenging is getting my shoes on/off without letting my son run off. But, despite horror stories you hear, most people will help you. Some airports even have lines dedicated to families. could be good–lots of people in your situation, or bad–line moves a bit slowly.
Here is my suggestion: BARE MINIMUM on the airplane. No carseat, no carryon suitcase, a very very small stroller (to gate check), and a reasonable sized diaper bag. Let your mom provide a car seat at the other end. The less you have to carry on the plane, the easier it will be to get on and off. CARES makes a neat restraint if you want to use one, but I personally find carseats more trouble than they’re worth on a plane.
Good luck, and have fun!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Yeah, you came to see me!! Which I definitely appreciated it.
Agree with Clare on everything…esp no liquids! Not that I have a child, but I travel often & observe people in security. An umbrella stroller that folds up is best…Kylie used that when she came to Denver, was great. Does he have his own seat on the plane? I think 2 and older they have to right? Roxanne says to bring a new toy, something they’ve never seen before that will keep their interest. She would know, flying with 4 kids!
If you were going to travel more often, I’d say purchase one of those carseat/stroller combos, I see alot of frequent parent-flyers use those & they are pretty darn cool. Snacks are great, so is Benadryl if you want him to sleep. LOL…I know it sounds bad, but it helped Jack with his allergies & he slept most of the flight!
Also…please ask Luke NOT to kick the chair in front of him or pull on the tray…thanks
May 4th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I would call the airline you’re going with or get on their website…I’m not sure what age makes a difference. With Asher (and all ‘babies’) you can bring water and food for them. I’m pretty sure that you can bring snacks…and if you have too, you can always bring his sippy and fill it with water after you get through security. But, I’d call the airline to make sure. If you have someone to ‘toy swap’ with, new toys may be a added touch for Luke. Or buy him a few new fun toys. Have a blast!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
It really isn’t too bad. I traveled with Jack and Nolan last summer. 4 year old and 8 month old. With Nolan I just had his bottle, but bought water after the security check point. Everyone has already pointed that out above about liquids. I brought Nolan’s carseat, but had it checked with my luggage. They sell carseat bags so you could buy one of those…I think it was like $20. Otherwise it is definitely easier if your mom just had a carseat because you have to pay for each piece of luggage now. You definitely might want to give him a decongestant, it will help with the ear pressure, but make sure the bottle isn’t more than 4 oz. Have fun!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Oh and you don’t need ID for Luke.
May 5th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Let me know if I need to get a car seat or not. Also, we need to talk about a bed for Luke if it is needed.
August 30th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
How did it cost to start up this blog…I want to start my own.