NEW YORK, Oct.11, 2008
Lower Stress Of Holiday Flying With Kids
Travel + Leisure Magazine's Laura Begley Tells How
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(CBS/iStockphoto)
Family travel doesn't have to be a nightmare and, on The Saturday Early Show, Laura Begley, deputy editor of Travel + Leisure magazine, shared some ideas for lightening the stress load when flying with the kids ar holiday time.
Begley says it's not too late to get a good deal on holiday flights. Bookings have been down due to the poor economy, so there are more open seats available then usual. To find a good deal, try SmarterTravel.com. It has lots of good prices and great package deals.
Six Commandments for Flying with Kids:
Travel + Leisure Show-and-Tell Items for Family Air Travel
Book early morning flights: Basically, early morning flights are the least likely to be delayed. And when you're traveling with kids, you don't want them to be tired or cranky. Because cranky kids = stressed-out moms and dads.
Travel on Saturdays: According to our research, Saturday is a much quieter day at the airport. Most people leave for weekend trips on Friday, and there are no business travelers on a Saturday, so the airport is relatively empty and easy to navigate.
Fly non-stop: For families, the most stressful time is getting on and off the plane. If you fly non-stop, you have fewer headaches to deal with. You also have to deal with all the stuff, bags, carriages, toys, kids going to the bathroom, etc - it's just easier to do it once. I think it's worth the extra money. First, you'll get there faster, have less hassle and, most importantly, the possibility of delays is lessened. And long delays and kids are a terrible mix. Also, a lot of airlines are eliminating (United, for instance) pre-boarding for families - so boarding with the kids will be that much harder.
Check airline baggage policy: You really want to do this. A lot of people don't realize that many carriers don't count the stroller as a checked item, so you won't be charged if you bring it along. But you must check with the airlines. Also, it's good to note - if you have a kid with a ticket, your child can bring one carry-on item, a personal item, and have a checked bag. So, even your one month-old can actually carry-on an adult-sized suitcase!
And speaking of carry-on bags, we like to recommend the SkipHop Duo Diaper Bag - it's a great big diaper/overnight bag that's stylish, light, and very functional. It retails for $54. Makes a great gift for Mom.
Keep the kids entertained : This is probably the most important commandment. Once kids get bored, they get cranky, start crying, and even try to run around the cabin. I recommend several products to help them pass the time:
a) Good old fashioned coloring books, drawing paper, crayons, etc.
b) A portable DVD player (Toshiba $130) - fits right on the tray table and can play all your child's favorite movies and TV shows.
c) A children's camera (Fisher Price $50) - enables your kids to document the trip. It will keep them busy and be a lot of fun at the same time.
d) Also that old standby - let them set in the window seat!
Hang onto your stroller: This just makes it easier for you to get around the airport. A stroller makes more sense than carrying or dragging around your young child, especially when you're also carrying your own luggage. So, you want to hang onto that stroller to make your life easier. Gate-check the stroller when you're about to board the plane, and they'll have it for you just as you depart the aircraft. It's the only way to travel.
We also have a great stroller that should help make your trip easier: Maclaren's Easy Traveler (rightstart.com; $75). It's a stroller and a car seat all in one. It's perfect for when you arrive at your destination and need a baby seat for your rental car.
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Add a Comment
- Posted by mswolfestock at 10:12 PM : Oct 11, 2008
"Bratty" kids are nothing more than a product of inept parents who haven''t a clue as to who''s running the family.
Unfortunately, we all have to suffer for their ineptness. - Reply to this comment
- Unless the airlines get a real clue and start booking family-oriented flights, all the rest of the passengers and the flight crew are at the mercy of the bratty kids.
Airline travel became an ordeal when people quit leaving their kids at home. Hey parents - if grandma wants to see the kids, why don''t you pay to have grandma fly to see you instead of the other way around?
I wish I had a nickel for every time that I had the misfortune to spend an entire flight with some brat kicking the back of my airline seat. And the parents and flight crew don''t give a hoot.
The worst thing RE: this article is it doesn''t even mention the idea that some kids are not well-behaved enough to make airline flight feasible. Inotherwords, people, if your kid is a brat, drive or stay home. I don''t need you and your bratty kid ruining my trip. - Reply to this comment
