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Trouble-free Airplane Trips with Toddlers
Flying the Kid-friendly Skies
By Jill Eggleton Brett
Being in a small, enclosed space with a hundred or so people usually isn't anyone's idea of fun. Parents then figure in a screaming toddler and the whole scene becomes torture. It's time to put the fear of flying with a toddler to rest and become armed with important information that will make air travel trouble-free.
Most airlines offer discounted rates for children 2 years old and younger. Typically, the discount is half the fare of the adult they are traveling with. Airlines will even issue a frequent flyer card to toddlers! Just ask the agent when booking tickets. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highly recommends the use of car seats in an aircraft, it is not yet a law. The FAA suggests that infants weighing less than 20 pounds be placed in a rear-facing car seat, infants and toddlers 20 to 40 pounds be placed in a forward-facing car seat and toddlers and children 40 pounds and heavier may use the safety belt provided in the aircraft. The FAA also recommends that parents only use car seats that are FAA approved. Check for a sticker on the car seat that says the seat has been certified by the FAA for use in cars and airplanes.
When booking a flight, take into consideration your child's eating and sleeping schedule. It's a good idea to keep their schedule as normal as possible when flying, even with a time zone change. The booking agent is usually knowledgeable about less crowded flights and less busy flying times as well. Jackie Nicholson, mother of twin toddlers, suggests, "I've found that it's easier to travel during their nap times or even overnight on a 'red-eye' flight. At least with the 'red-eye' I knew they would eventually fall asleep and make it a more peaceful and smooth flight for everyone." It's also a big help to book a non-stop flight for the trip if it's available. Changing planes brings disruption, but sometimes it's unavoidable due to routing or cost. Check with the booking agent to see if bulkhead seating is available for you. Bulkhead seats offer more room for passengers because these seats are located at the divide of first class and coach and between coach seating and the galley. Flight attendant Nannette Gonzales, mother of a toddler, explains, "If the flight serves a meal en route, most airlines offer special children's meals for their young travelers. However, a request must be made with the agent while booking the flight to order a children's meal. The airline will not have one on board for your child unless you request it ahead of time."
