Flying w/ a baby

[5ft Diva]

I'm flying to California in a couple of weeks and I'll be taking my baby. It will only be the two of us. I haven't flown since before 9/11 so a I'm sure a everything has changed. I am wondering if any of you could give me a few pointers on how to make this a more enjoyable trip particularly the part where I have the layover and have to carry her and my carry on bags to the next plane.

[Big_Sissy]

This might help.

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I'm looking into buying a child seat on the plane.

[5ft Diva]

Thanks for the info. I'll look it up.

[natickgirl]

This is probably a no-brainer, but be prepared to carry your baby through security...the carseat & stroller will have to go through empty. Wear slip ons to make taking shoes on/off easier. I would suggest you use a stroller to transport baby throughout the airport & they'll stow it for you on the plane (not in baggage) during the flight. That way you can wheel her onto the plane & have it ready when the plane lands.

Check your luggage (the maximum amount you can for free--1 suitcase, I think) so you have less to haul around the airport. We've learned that it is better to take one BIG suitcase that you can check rather than more smaller bags to carry on. It's a pain to worry about stowing your carry-on luggage & worry about it during layovers when you are also dealing with children, especially if your arms are full of baby. Just take the necessities with you on the plane (fully stocked diaper bag, extra outfit for baby, etc.).

Also, be aware that all liquids of any kind (lotions, sanitizer, full bottles, baby food, etc.) must fit--all together--into a quart size ziploc bag. The Salt Lake airport has been really strict on that. They might make exceptions for extra baby food, as long as the container is less than 3 oz. They wouldn't even let me take a 4 oz. container of pudding or applesauce on! Take an empty water bottle with you to fill up at the airport drinking fountains, or be prepared to pay an arm & a leg for bottled water there, because you can't take water through security.

Good luck!

[5ft Diva]

Really good information! Thanks.

[Big_Sissy]

Just FYI, southwest (which is who you will fly through) allows 2 checked bags for free.

[natickgirl]

Dang, I wish Southwest had a bigger presence here. Delta only allows 1 checked bag. (But, then, it's Southwest Airlines...and I live in the northeast, so it makes sense that they don't fly here much, if at all., doesn't it.)

[Big_Sissy]

They actually aren't just "south west"

I flew on Southwest to Mariland, my sister who lives in MA flies on them all the time.

They just don't fly into every airport, so yo have to see which ones and use them. The cost is a lot better too. The non-assigned seating is NOT a big deal to me, I actually like it better.

[natickgirl]

Yeah, I remember that Southwest flies to Providence, RI and Manchester, NH (both are about an hour away from me). However, they don't offer non-stop flights from MA, and their flights aren't any cheaper than Delta, who flies out of Boston & is much more convenient for us. US Airways is the next best option for us. I like Southwest as a company better than Delta or US Airways, though, and will use them if/when it becomes cheaper & more convenient for us--when we move back to UT, for example. I'm OK with non-assigned seats, too. In some ways it's easier for a family, because we can make sure our seats are all together.

[Erudite]

The last time we flew with baby was also before 9/11, but I do remember having to have their birth certificates. The Southwest info probably goes into that though.

Are you buying her a seat too? We didn't back then, but since then I've seen a documentary on how unsafe it is to have the child in your lap. My thought is...if she is still small enough...is to have her in a chest pack. That way you have your arms free and don't have to buy the seat for her (I think...maybe they've changed that too) and she's still strapped in. Just a thought.

I'd have to agree with NG...I'd check everything you don't need with you on the plane so that you don't have to carry it around, especially with a layover.

Good luck!