"section" on the plane. What a piece of lunacy that was. Like a tube of aluminum hurtling through the air could keep 2nd hand smoke in a compartment. but I digress.
In this time I have picked up a trick or two for traveling on planes in a post 9/11 world. With and with out kids. I thought since I was sitting in an airport at 4:00 am I would share some of them with you. Nice of me right?
1. The TSA is FOREVER- Be clear that you will take off your shoes, show your ID and sign away
the life of your first born child. It is a fact. But there are
ways of getting through easier.
A. Get a Lanyard for your ID- Put your ID in the clear pouch at the end of the lanyard and keep it there. It saves time when going through if you do not have to dig through your purse or wallet for your ID. Kids will love the lanyard, Take their picture and put their name your cell phone and the flight they are on. This way if you get separated someone can locate you. And they dig looking like the adults.
B. Bring a Water Bottle- Make sure it is empty or they will make you throw it away. I like us each to have an empty one but two for a family of four will do. YOu can have the resturant or bar fill it once you have
C. Wear slip on shoes.- I prefer Crocs when I travel. It works for everyone, they go on and off easy they are light weight and water doesn't hurt them if you find inclement weather at your destination. But anything that you can easily slip on and off no laces, buckles or snaps. Especially with kids. there is no where but the yucky floor to sit and put your shoes and theirs back on.
2. Do not check luggage- When ever possible, and with little kids this NEVER works, go with only a carry on. They cannot lose what you do not give them. This means you cannot take the 64 oz bottle of shampoo and conditioner on the plane with you but really you will thank me when youa re not waiting for luggage that never shows up.
Tips for packing small-
A.Never pack more than 2 pairs of pants or shorts. If you have an accident you can wear one pair while you put the other in the laundry. Most hotels have a laundry room, if not ask concierge for the closet laundry mat. Again this does not work with small children,
B. Stick with one color. If you stick with one color or color palette, everything will mix and match thus allowing for multiple outfits with minimal, numbers of clothing.
C.Pack a silky scarf. A scarf can dress up even a t shirt. I like big scarves because I can wear them as a shirt a belt or a scarf, thus adding to the wardrobe consideravlu for very small mount of space.
D. Leave the Hair dryer and shampoo at home. Most hotels have hairdryers, shampoo, conditioner and soap in the room now so it is extra space you can save. If you are stying with relatives use theirs. It will help you get rid of build up from using your favorite shampoo and you might try something you like,
3. Traveling with Kids-A. Pack an empty sippy cup in each of their carry on baggage. You canget water juice etc from the resturants and bars one through TSA. Drinking from a sippy cup can help with their ears popping.
B. Plan plane changes and lay overs around nap time. then wyou can put a blanket on the carpet ina less busy corner and get them to at least settle a little. I love tablets for putting on their favorite movie or TV show. A little bet of normal goes a long way when traveling.
C. Bring the tablet- iPad, Android, I don't care what you call it. It can be a life saver when trying to entertain a kid on a long flight or when the lay over is more than a few minutes. Be sure to download to the tablet the shows they love the most BEFORE you leave. If wifi is spotty or costly you do not want your plan to fail because you didn't down load the night before.
D. Travel at night- Long flights are best slept though. I personally still try to travel at night when ever possible.
4. Have fun. Get to the airport early, plan to spend 2 hours watching a movie or catching up on email. Really rushing because you you didn't want to wait too long at the airport always results in stress that can be avoided. Look at flight cancellations and delays as an opportunity for adventure. If your attitude is good your kids will pick up on it and if it is bad...well you know the rest.
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