Travelin’ with Kids

Many, many years ago we flew with 6 of our kids, they were all UNDER 8! We only had 6 kids at the time. We were flying to Ft. Myers, Florida for a visit with my father in law then heading to Disney. I will have several travel posts and suggestions based off this trip!

My first suggestion is, if you are booking flights with YOUR children then you need to be courteous and not cheap! Planning ahead is extremely important and that includes paying to reserve seats AHEAD OF TIME!!!! We always booked in advance and ensured that my husband and I sat in and around our children!

Next….if your child sits in a car seat in the car, bring their car seat on the plane! Make sure it’s FAA approved. Most children know the expectations of sitting in a car seat and that it’s necessary to be safe in the car, we had the same expectations on the plane. No, car seats aren’t required on a plane BUT they will keep your child in their seat, restrained and will make them easier to manage. We would bring a large stroller and stack the car seats on the stroller to push through the airport. You can push the stroller right up to the plane doors, you leave the stroller there and carry the car seats into the plane. YES, it’s ALOT of work and feels like chaos for a short time but it works! Be sure to check-in early and you get to load onto the plane first! Get the car seats onto the child’s assigned seat, buckle it in, buckle in the child and repeat lol 😂 DO NOT WORRY about being rushed by others! It’s hard because people can be impatient but understand that these small things will not only make your flight easier but also for other passengers! When you land, STAY seated! Do not rush to deplane. Wait for everyone else then unbuckle, remove car seats and unload. Your stroller should be right at the exit of the plane. Restack the car seats and you’re good to go. AND now when you get your rental car, you have your child’s car seat and don’t have to pay to rent them!

Lastly, SNACKS!!!!! You are ALLOWED to bring snacks! Bring lots of them! Bring empty sippy cups, buy water after you go through security and bring juice packets. Fill the sippy cups while waiting to board! I always bought the kids their own little backpacks with their favorite snacks, toys, coloring books, iPads, etc!

Be prepared, plan ahead and be patient!