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Where Business Travelers Fear to Tread

Q: I'm a pro when it comes to business travel, but I'm a little fearful about our first family trip this summer. Any tips for traveling with children.
— Jim B.

A. Jim, I am a bit out of my element on this one. It's kind of like asking Paul Prudhomme about low-fat cooking or Dolly Parton for make-up tips. Truth be told, there was a time when I would arch an eyebrow in silent judgment, praying that the boarding troupe of diapered ones would bypass me, my row, my section, and my plane. Now that family and friends have (and travel) with kids, I'm a changed man (peer pressure notwithstanding). Uncle Tom has a new perspective. Traveling parents need all the support they can get. So what if you've climbed Mount Kilimanjaro barefoot with a Steinway strapped to your back. Have you ever flown across the Atlantic with a toddler? I have, and I think a hike up Africa's tallest peak may be the less challenging option.

With help from my extended family of travelers, here are some tips for traveling with wee ones.

  • Book nonstop flights where available
  • Select seats together or the best seating configuration: For a family of four, holding seats 1+3 or 2+2 is better than not holding any seats. Once at the airport, check with the gate agent for better seating.
  • Check your airline's Web site for the traveling with children section (Examples: British Airways, Continental, United Airlines
  • Consider kid-friendly arrival and departure times
  • Ask your children what they'd like to do for fun (advanced parenting skills required).
  • Pack luggage the day or night ahead.
  • Utilize a travel checklist. (Example 1. Example 2.)
  • Double check your departure time
  • Check in online and print boarding passes prior to leaving for the airport (usually up to 24-hours ahead of flight time).
  • Pre-board the flight if applicable
  • Pack carry-ons with snacks and games to entertain and preoccupy
  • Brief your children about your family's travel plans
  • Have a meal before traveling. (Flights 3 hours or less usually don't have meals.)
  • Remove all old destination tags from luggage.
  • Add ID tags to luggage (inside and out).
  • Know TSA and airline carry-on luggage policy.
  • Email your itinerary to appropriate parties

    This is just the tip of the sippy cup; consider some of the following sites dedicated to various aspects of traveling with kids.

  • Travel With Your Kids (one of my favorites)
  • TSA: Baby Formula, Breast Milk, and Other Liquids
  • TSA: Permitted and Prohibited Items
  • FAA: Flying With Children
  • Flying with Kids.Com
  • Passport Requirements for Children
  • CDC Travelers' Health: International Travel with Infants and Young Children
  • Hotel & Motel Crib Safety
  • Light Reading: Business Trip? Tell the Kids to Pack
  • Light Reading: Packing Pampers and Powerpoints

    • Jim, hopefully there's enough info here to get you and your kids from point A to Point B, from diapers to dorm rooms and in between. Safe and happy travels to you and yours.

    Oh one other thing and this is directly from the TSA Website and posted twice.

    "NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine."

    Have a question or comment for Tom?
    Tom Conway, who thinks there may be a business opportunity in travel nanny rentals, looks forward to hearing from you.

     

    Posted by Tom on April 12, 2007 9:10 AM |

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    Comments

    I have been traveling with my kids since they were born and now they are pros. The main key is the discipline you instill in them at home so that they know how to act in public. My children NEVER ran up and down the aisles screaming and being annoying mostly because they new there would be consequences once we landed, but I also made sure to pack sufficient books, toys, videos, snacks, and such to keep them entertained and fed while we were in flight. Be encouraged, kids are very adaptable and will get with the program if you are prepared.

    Posted by: Cynthia Jones | April 12, 2007 12:50 PM

    I have to disagree with you on preboarding with children. I am a mother of a 2 year old who has been to Mexico with me and my husband on 4 different occasions. We preboarded on our first flight with him thinking it would be better to get situated. Wrong!!! When you board before everyone else you are on the plane much longer than you need to be. We actually wait until the last few rows are boarding that way our child is in his seat a little less and he is not as hesitant to sit down and get strapped in. I also recommend taking a flight during nap time and that way the child is more likely to sleep on the plane. I love traveling with my son and he loves airplanes and I think it is a wonderful experience for them and I would recommend it to anyone.

    Posted by: Kelly | April 12, 2007 1:34 PM

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