Traveling with children is a completely different experience from your footloose days of hopping on a flight without kids. It can be a fun family adventure, or a total nightmare, depending upon how you plan your trip.
Before you fly, talk to your children about what to expect and how to behave: no running off, staying seated during the flight, no kicking the seats in front of them, etc. Check the website for each airport ahead of time to see if they have play areas you can visit. This can turn waiting at an airport into a fun adventure.
Flying from the Eugene Airport is a great choice when travelling with kids. Parking, check-in and getting through security is easier and faster versus flying from a big city airport. Plus, there are now more non-stop flights to different destinations than ever before with great fares to Anaheim, Burbank, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mesa, Oakland, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. Any of these destinations can make for a great family vacation. And remember: a family trip is not the time to buy the cheapest tickets with multiple connections.
Security rules
Airlines are required to collect official full names, date of birth and sex of each passenger. TSA rules prohibit taking liquids over 3.4 oz. onboard aircraft; however, you can bring filled bottles or sippy cups for young children. Just show them to the security screeners and know that they may open and test them.
All liquids need to be in a quart-size resealable bag. Passengers of all ages flying anywhere outside of the U.S. are required to have a valid passport (passport books, not cards). Children under the age of 18 who are not traveling with both parents may need a notarized letter of permission for international travel. Some countries require that you apply for permission and pay a fee to enter their country — this is documented with a stamp in your passport called a Visa. A travel agent can assist with all of these details.
Baggage & seats
All airlines (except Southwest) charge $20 to $50 per checked-in bag each direction with a maximum weight of 40 to 50 pounds per bag. Many airlines now charge for carry-on bags that won’t fit under a seat, and these charges can add-up quickly for a family. There may be a discount if you prepay your baggage fees.
Most airlines are now charging for some or all pre-assigned seats. It’s important to check airline websites for the latest rules, plan ahead and pack carefully to minimize these costs. The Department of Transportation is proposing rules to require airlines to seat children aged 13 and under next to at least one accompanying adult at no additional cost. Check online to see the latest rules.
Usually, you can take a stroller and/or car seat to the plane and gate check them for free. Bring a big plastic bag with an address label to put your items in to keep them from getting dirty if you gate check them. If you are paying for a seat for your child, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat onboard the aircraft.
Food & beverage
The days of free meals and snacks onboard domestic (within the U.S.) flights are over. Every mom knows that hungry kids are a recipe for disaster. Bring snacks like packaged meat and cheese trays found in the lunchmeat section of the grocery store. All food needs to be in a resealable bag and taken out when going through security. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after clearing security so you always have it available.
Flying with infants
On domestic flights, airlines allow an infant, prior to their second birthday, to sit on the lap of an adult for no charge. This must be noted on the reservation as a lap child and you may be required to show a birth certificate or passport to prove their age. For international travel there is usually a highly discounted rate for infant tickets.
A small bag with a couple of diapers and a pack of baby wipes is much easier to take into a tiny airplane bathroom than a huge diaper bag. Pack at least one complete change of clothes for your baby in another zipper bag. If you have to change the baby’s clothes, the wet, dirty outfit can go in the bag. If your baby needs a pacifier, take several. Disposable bibs are helpful on a flight. Note that Eugene Airport has two lactation suites available for nursing families.
Don’t forget to pack a good attitude.
Kids will sense if you are agitated so try and make the best of any situation. If you make it fun, you will have great little travelers ready to see the world.
Meet Vacation MOM
Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport
Donnita is the owner of VIP Vacations, has been a travel agent for over three decades and a family travel expert for over 20 years. She has taken her three children on numerous vacations. Her favorite family destinations include Hawaii, San Diego, cruises and all-inclusive resorts.
Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on facebook @VacationMOM
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