Just a reminder to never use car seats provided by a car rental company. I had a bad experience once and unfortunately, this is not rare. The car seats provided by rental companies are at best dirty, worn and incorrectly washed (i.e. soaked straps). At worst, they could be expired, missing parts and could have been involved in a recall. Your children's safety is too important to take the risk of using one of these. Always bring your own or make other arrangements at your destination.
Sometimes when checked car seats don't arrive, the parents are conveniently offered whatever car seat is in their lost baggage section. Nice of them but car seat technicians warn against using any car seat that you don't know its "history". How old is it? Was it in an accident previously? Was is part of a recall? Has it been handled and taken care of properly?
http://www.thecarseatlady.com/choosing_a_car_seat/choosing_a_car_seat_2.html
Another advantage to bringing one on board was that I could get up and attend to my own needs if my child fell asleep in their car seat. I didn't take any more time that necessary but it was assurance that my child was safe while I took much appreciated trip to the restroom or got a drink. I almost always fly alone, and this was especially useful. I knew that turbulence could start and my child was safe. I usually tried to tell a neighbor or Flight Attendant where I was going or at least in which direction I was headed (so that they could find me if the baby woke).
If I haven't made a strong enough argument for bringing car seats by this time, I'll describe what happens in an emergency.
Please stop reading if this will upset you, but in a "prepared emergency landing", we were instructed to have the parent wrap the baby in a blanket and place the little ones on the floor. I'm so glad I never was put in a position to have to give these instructions, but the parents were to hold the child to the ground during the emergency landing. This has worked and has saved lives...but not always. Again, it wasn't as safe as having the child in a car seat.
Usually, car seats do not count against your baggage allowance but always ask, especially if flying a very small aircraft and/or a low-cost company.
Car seats pose a few practical challenges. I go into more details on this subject under "Car Seat Policies" below.
Some companies outside of North America still use "belly belts" or "supplemental loops". These are separate contraptions, made of the same material as a seat belt, that attach to the parents' belts. (Skip to next paragraph if squeamish) These offer no protection to the child, but their use is justified by other air authorities, citing that they keep the child from flying through the cabin on impact. Children are safer loose in the adults' lap. In forward thrust, parents have come down on their own child, crushing them. This is called the "human air bag" theory. For this reason, the air authorities in Canada, the U.S., Germany and elsewhere ban these devices.
"Travel" car seats are not allowed to be used on board. The car seat has to have a hard back or shell. As an extra tip, I recommend that you research these products carefully before buying. Many are not recommended by car seat technicians, even when allowed by law. They're simply not safe but by contrast, the "Rider Safe" vest does get good reviews... for cars. While they are a viable alternative to a typical car seat in the car, these vests need a shoulder belt or a LATCH hook, neither of which are available on aircraft. Although it's a good, safe product, unfortunately, it wont offer any protection on an airplane.
Booster seats (including car seats that convert to boosters that are no longer used with the integrated harness) are never FAA approved. They basically only position the shoulder strap, which airplane seats lack. Also, airplane seats collapse forward for use in an evacuation. For these reasons, only seats with hard backs and internal harnesses are approved. If you have a seat which converts to a booster, check your manual carefully. With the internal harness, it may be FAA approved but used as a booster with the adult seat belt, it wont.
Presently, there is only one item that can replace a car seat, the CARES harness.
It is not as safe as a car seat because it has no side protection nor crotch strap. The child can easily unattach the seatbelt and even if he or she meets the minimum weight, children have been known to slide down in it. I can't confirm whether that was just because the straps weren't tightened enough.
There are non-safety related complaints that they can't bend their legs and either have to point them straight out or sit cross-legged while flying. Some parents complain that their children don't sleep well in it. Some children slide down in them.
Your child has to have a separate seat to use this product. You can try to ask for an empty seat if s/he is under 2 and you didn't purchase a seat, just as you would if you were bringing a car seat, but having this item does not give you any priority or right to an extra seat.
This is a very useful item in certain cases, such as if you don't need or have a car seat waiting at your destination, but for approximately $75, it is expensive for something that can only be used in an airplane. Obviously, it is much easier to transport than even the lightest car seat.
What you do not want to do is to use a CARES harness on board while checking the car seat as baggage, which risks the car seat getting lost and/or damaged. If you only have one child and/or are more than one adult flying, transporting a car seat is actually not that big a deal as their website suggests. See the "Getting Car Seats Through Airports" section.
Some enterprising Ebay and Craigslist participants are actually renting these items. I also imagine that they have good resale value, once the youngest child in the family outgrows it.
A big plus with this item is that it is approved by quite a few air authorities. So far, it is allowed in North America, the U.K., Australia, Singapore and New Zealand, but European Union approval is still pending. This item could avoid the dilemma discussed earlier in the "Car Seat Policies" section of "will they let me use my seat?".
Be aware that that it is only a small age group that can use it. Your child has to be at least a year old and weigh between 22 and 44lbs. compared to a higher-harnessed seat which could go from birth to age 6 and can still be used in a car. I understand that a higher weight version is currently being tested, but it is not yet available. I have not been able to get information to confirm this.
If you have car seats organized where you are headed, such as if you are visiting relatives who have reliable car seats your children will fit, a CARES harness is a good idea. Be careful of renting and/or borrowing car seats. Most expire after 6 years so when borrowing or using other peoples' seats, you may want to ask. It's best to know the seat's history and never use one that has been in an accident.
If you are headed to a large city where you will be exclusively using public transport, a CARES harness would make sense in this case too. It's also a good alternative if you have several children close in age and physically can't take all the seats you need, especially if only one parent is with them. You will probably still have to find a way to organize seats at your destination, avoiding using rental seats and/or checking your seat. In certain cases, it may be a situation of choosing the least of the evils.
No other similar item is approved for flying. Be careful of mismarketing with other products. One item is a vest the child weares that is then attached to the adult's seatbelt similar to the "belly belts" described earlier. It actually advertises that it "meets and exceeds FAA standards" when in truth, there are no FAA standards for these products. It says in its small print that the item is only meant to hold a child during the flight itself, not on take-off and landing. Turns out they used FAA facilities to test but this doesn't translates to actual approval. One airline actually bans this product.
Before deciding whether you want to spend the money on the seat for your child, find out what your airline's policies are, which can vary widely. Some of the same airlines which brag that they are "child-friendly" because of amenities actually fall short on actually allowing you to keep your child safe. They may hand out a lot of toys but when it comes to securing your child, they just don't come up to the bar. When booking, this could also be a deciding factor in which airline to choose. It is for me...
If you are flying a U.S. registered company and your child has his or her own seat and you brought their FAA certified car seat, it is your right to use it on board which is protected by law. The FAA recently clarified its position and now any child up to age 18 can sit in an approved car seat. This is welcome news, especially for the parents of children with special needs, who may need the restraint while flying.
Do not be intimidated by stories of Flight Attendants not allowing car seats on board in the U.S. Know that the rules are in your favor and stand your ground...politely. Print up some of the links in this article and bring your owners' manual. Ask nicely to speak to the purser before things get heated and you can also ask they they show you in writing where your seat is not allowed. Every Flight Attendant with any U.S. company has to have their manual on every flight. They do not have to memorize all the information contained in the manual but they are required to be able to use it and know where to find certain information at will.
If you are not flying a U.S. or Canadian company, your rights are not guaranteed, and the requirements can be very inconsistent. Check directly with the airline, not necessarily that country's air authority. Individual airlines in the U.S. are not allowed to override FAA regulations (although they can add to them) but elsewhere, an airline can simply decide to change the rules set by its national air authorities. For example, in some places car seats are allowed, and regulations set accordingly, specific airlines have decided to ban car seats entirely and none are allowed in the cabin. Be especially careful of "low-cost" companies outside of N. America. They justify this safety compromise by citing that it saves time during boarding.
Some airlines, by contrast, are actually very flexible and allow car seats with approval from multiple nationalities. For example, if you FAA approved seat, you can still use it on some non-U.S. airlines, especially in the Far and Middle East. Lufthansa German Airline allows FAA approved car seats (welcome news since many military families fly domestically in Germany). This fact is usually stated on their website.
A common rule found many places the world, but specifically in the U.K., is that the car seat is required to face forward, even for a baby under a year old. This rule has no safety logic and means that most infant seats, which are designed only to face backwards, cannot be used at all.
Be aware that infant seats must have a "lap belt installation" option. This means that they can be secured with just a two point lap belt. Many infant bucket seats sold in Europe need the shoulder belt to install, which is why they are not approved for air travel.
In addition, some airlines do not allow car seat use on take-off and landing for babies under six months old. Some even then require the use of the dangerous "belly belts" which put them at risk if there is great forward impact. This goes against all my Flight Attendant training, and I have no idea as to why a smaller baby does not have the right to be kept secure in his or her own seat and face the correct direction according to the manufacter's instructions.
Also, there can be age limits. Children are often prevented from using a car seat on his or her third birthday on some foreign companies, regardless of weight. If you have an approved car seat and plan to take it on board to use at your destination, too bad. You have to risk damage and/or loss by checking it. If your child is of small stature, that's also your problem. This could affect children with certain disabilities so check if there are local laws which override this nonsensical rule.
By the way, I have to say that these rules will continue if parents do not speak up. If you think that changes need to be made by your local air authority, please let them know. Why should children in the U.S. be allowed to fly more safely than elsewhere?
I have used the "wrong" nationality car seat for my child on many occasions. I simply board, install the seat and see if anyone notices. This has worked more times than it hasn't. The seats were approved for airline use but not by the "right" countries, but when they were removed, I simply handed it over and they stowed it on board somewhere. There was no penalty or punishment. I did have the purser brought over once and discussed it. He actually admitted that he was, indeed, forcing my child to travel less safely but his hands were tied by the rules. Another time, on another airline and nationality, they took it, told me they'd give it back to us and then simply didn't.
Some airlines are not inspected as often as others. I used to not check seats for the FAA sticker on purpose. I felt strongly that if the parents were conscientious enough to cart the seat on board and use it, I was not going to split hairs and give them any problems. Once I actually told a FAA inspector my sentiments. This same inspector was on several of my flights and contributed a lot of the information included in this article.
For the record, foreign car seats approved for airline use are allowed on U.S. companies. Check link in next section.
Remember that no matter how illogical and nonsensical a rule may be, worldwide, cooperating with the crew is required. Crew members cannot change rules set by their airline and/or national air authority. Overall, commercial air travel is very safe, and statistically, your child is still safer on board the aircraft, no matter how he or she is carried or held, than they were in the car on the way to the airport. The bottom line is that you purchased the ticket, it's up to you to do the homework if this issue is important to you.
If things are not resolved to your satisfaction, you must follow their instructions, no matter how counter-logical, do what they say and register a complaint directly with the airline later. Tips on this are in the last section, "When things didn't go as well as they should have..."
Car Seat Placement in the Cabin
Having a car seat rarely limits where you can sit in the cabin. Contrary to popular belief, car seats are not required to be at the windows. It does, only if the aircraft has only one aisle. It simply can't block another passengers' exit to the aisle. If you are on a larger aircraft with two aisles, you can place the car seat(s) in the center section, including center bulkhead seats. Normally, you can't place them in the aisle seats.
I was contacted by someone claiming to work for a company who said certain car seats, were allowed on their airline, forward facing, in aisle seats. They had decided that some seats had a less obstructive design and therefore, it was allowed. I couldn't confirm this and I would suggest talking to the crew if you are interested in doing this.
If you have more than one car seat, you cannot have a person in between them. The two car seats have to be installed next to each other. Perhaps there can be an empty seat between them but another passenger can't sit between them, not even the parent.
There are a few restrictions to placement. Of course they can't go in an emergency exit because anyone under age 15 is not allowed to sit there at all (car seat or not). On smaller aircraft, car seats and children in CARES harnesses are not allowed to sit behind (sometimes also in front) of an emergency window exit. The reason is that in an emergency, the door is completely removed and thrown aside, perhaps in that row, so the airline prefer that all adults sit there. Please note that FAA regulated airlines are allowed to set their own rules on this matter, depending on their emergency procedures. They have a right to add to the existing rules (but not the opposite) so even if you were allowed to sit somewhere on one airline, you wouldn't automatically be able to, on another.
The CARES harnesses have fewer placement restrictions than car seats. They can go in aisles and placed in the middle seat at window rows. You can have a CARES harness between another passenger and the aisle.
If you are flying a U.S. company, there is a FAA document to back up this information. It may be a good idea to look it up, print it and even bring it along. This is "FAA Advisory Circular 120-87B" which some parents print up and take along. Look specifically at page 11 (at the bottom).
Please note that if a car seat is FAA approved, it does not automatically mean that the seat will fit on all aircraft seats. If you are worried that it will or won't fit, measure the bottom, or at the widest point, and call the airline. Have your exact flight number and they can look up the width of the airplane seat. A few airlines have this information on their websites. I can't recommend some of the general aviation web information sites since they aren't always accurate and recommend checking directly with the company.
Most of the time, if the car seat "spills" into your space, it isn't a big deal and you can usually adjust your armrests to get it into position. Your car seat's widest spot may not be at its base. Just don't panic if the measurements are just a little too large. It will probably still fit...
I really advise against using any upgrades if you have a baby or toddler. It sounds nice, a little more room to move, a better meal, etc. The truth is that the passengers in the front get really annoyed with young children very quickly. Some of them will have to disembark straight into meetings and presentations on arrival and need to sleep or work the maximum possible. Many of these passengers have justified paying the extra money specifically to avoid the noise in economy, including sitting near children and babies.
If you have frequent flyer points and a child under two years of age, your points are better spent getting an extra seat for an under-two baby in economy. If you have a bad back or other physical problem, having two seats in economy is still usually better for you than sitting in the bigger business seat, because you still having to constantly lift your child up every time you get out. You can still get "pinned" under a sleeping child in any class of service!
The atmosphere is definitely more welcoming for little ones in the back. There's a bit more noise, children are less noticeable and moving around is more acceptable. I had several small members of a royal family in First once and the other passengers weren't thrilled. For the record, both companies I worked for didn't allow their employees to fly with their own children in business class until they were at least 8 or 10 years old so they're concerned with small children in the front of the plane too.
But if you want to sit up in the front with your child and you have the money and/or points to do so, this is your right. Some parents are very confident of their child's behavior, or if their child cries, too bad for the rest of the cabin. If you have a "thick skin" and are determined, by all means go for it, especially if the child has a seat. On a really empty flight, it might even be a good idea. As a generalization, you may find your child is more welcome up front on a flight headed to a vacation, not business, destination.
Also, if you're not familiar with the business or first class seats of the airline you're flying, find out about them. Some have screens or other features that might may interacting with your child difficult, even seated next to you. Most seats can accomodate a car seat but not fully reclined. At least one airline has a cone over the top of the seat for privacy, which could get in the way with installing a CARES harness.
If your family is split and one parent is in business, make it clear to your children that they are not to go up to that class to visit the other parent. Many airlines have rules preventing passengers from walking into a higher class of service, even if related to someone seated in that section. You may not be allowed to swap either, so don't plan on doing this if you book the separate seat in business or first. Avoid having children sit by themselves in another section without at least one parent with them.
Some airlines actually allow this and if informed, can make boarding the children in a separate class easier. Check with the airline's website for more information.
I really advise against families splitting up in general. I've seen it go wrong on too many flights and I recommend for many reasons, sitting together in whichever cabin you choose.
Consider ordering special meals. Don't assume your child will like and eat the standard fare. To respond to complaints about bland airline food, some companies have gone exotic. Unless your child is used to sushi, pâté and quinoa, order some sort of special meal when you book. If you reserve on line, call the airline afterwards to let them know. Tell the reservation agent the age of the children if you choose children's meals, but sometimes it works better if the whole family is eating the same food. Some parents complain that the children's meals are too "greasy," and some airlines have cut them out due to budgetary constraints.
If your child has any food allergies, you may have meal options to accomodate your little one. Nut allergies are especially common and very serious if they occur inflight. Let the airline know and they should be able to inform you of their policy, whether it be with a special meal or if the airline has eliminated nuts from their menu (or even for that flight, if your child is especially sensitive). Ask your doctor what precautions and/or supplies you should take for your child when flying.
We usually order Kosher, which is usually pretty tame and almost always available when ordered ahead of time. It has the added advantage of coming in handy individually wrapped containers of which various units can be saved for eating later on. Since we're not religious, I ask them to remove the bulky outer wrapping ahead of time. You don't have to be Jewish to order it and for Moslem families, be aware that they could contain wine sauces (Kosher and Halal have similar principals but Jewish dietary rules don't excude alcohol). Kosher meals often arrive from the kitchen frozen so ask the Flight Attendants to check that it's completely thawed before serving.
Be aware that once you order a special meal, you usually can't change your mind and have a standard meal. If the flight isn't full and/or they are over-catered, maybe they can accomodate this request but don't expect or demand it.
Airline policies can vary but it's usually best to order these meals at least a few days ahead of time. Don't wait till check-in.
Food/Snacks/Drinks
Take snacks and again, don't worry about security. I've had no problems myself and no reports. The FAA requires that the food be in a ready-to-eat state. For example, you can have jam on a sandwich but you can't bring on board a jar of jam. The snack should be in whatever state that it needs to be to be simply taken out and eaten.
Liquidy foods might be subject to more screening. This would probably be the explosive test strip, which is quick and doesn't come into contact with the food itself. But I don't recommend soups in principal, just because of the messiness and awkwardness of feeding them to a child on a bumpy flight.
I get mixed reports about jellos and puddings from home. Now, many are conveniently packaged in squeezable pouches, which not only eliminate the security issue but avoid the need for a spoon.
Remember that in the worst-case scenario, security will simply remove the offending item without much comment except for explaining why. You won't hold up the line and you won't be subjected to any fines or lectures.
You might want to avoid bringing snacks with peanuts in them even if your child is not allergic to them. Many airlines have elimiated them and people with peanut allergies can be so sensitive that even having nuts around them can set off a reaction. This could be a scary thing for a child to witness, not to meantion the guilt you would feel. Yes, this is highly unlikely (and those with this allergy usually bring supplies for their condition) but why take that risk? Some children love peanut butter and it's convenient. The problem seems to be more peanut products that release dust into the air so maybe use this as a guide. You can simply just ask those in your area if it's alright, if you're comfortable doing that. Do what works for you. Also, peanuts in nut form are toddler choking hazards. All the Flight Attendants know the Heimlich maneuvre but none of them need to practice on your child. Grapes are another choking hazard you'll find on flights. If you bring them from home, halve them (even for older toddlers) and look out for them with your meals.
You are allowed to bring liquids meant for the baby in "reasonable" quantities. The problem hasn't been the quantity but the age of the child. There isn't a stated age but be aware that once your child is walking, that apple juice allowed in just a few months ago, might be taken away this time.
I really, really do not recommend taking anything onboard except things you'll need for the flight. Garment bags and children are an especially bad mix. If I have to bring evening dresses, they are now laid out carefully on the bottom of my suitcase, only slightly wrinkled but definitely worth not carting them along with my kids. If possible, do not pack delicate clothes with any liquid bottles in the same suitcase. My "best-woman" and my daughters' flower girl dresses were even transported transatlantically to my sister's wedding this way and arrived in excellent shape. Be sure to remove them and hang them up as soon after arrival as possible.
You and your little ones have to pass security points and may have to walk a long way. Even something small can easily be lost when you're flying with children and you may quickly regret dragging even a bottle of duty free liquor with the diapers.
Some airlines are charging for bags, but it's still worth paying the fee and carting less things to the gate. You run the risk that the staff will see your extra bags and you'll end up having to check them anyway. They are on the lookout for this! It's just not worth the headache. Just pay for the bags and don't waste energy and time dragging unnecessary bags on board and then trying to find room to stow it all!
If you are flying with more than one adult and more than one child, you may want to separate supplies for each child in case you end up sitting apart. If you have two diapered children, this is especially important. You may not need two separate diaper bags, although you could, but pack your carry-ons accordingly. This is a classic "twins" tip but applicable to anyone family with more than one diapered child.
I wont discuss the contents of checked in luggage since that's not that relevant to the topic. The one tip I do want to share is if you have any battery operated toys. Either turn them off and tape the switch in place, or better yet, remove the batteries altogether. It could be a security problem if the mechanical monster turns on while the bags are being loaded on to the aircraft. Also, any toy with a remote control is not allowed to be used onboard. You can bring the toy but put the remote control in the checked lugguage.
The only other tip about checked luggage I want to add is to pack equally sized bags which weigh more or less the same. Pick them up and make sure they are all about the same weight if you do not have the time or opportunity to actually weigh them. This is a general tip but with kids, chances are you will have more gear than expected and wont want to waste time during check-in paying for oversized bags.
I love my hand luggage scale and recommend getting one. I can't say which brand is best. Try it out at home to double check that it's correct. Have an adult stand with the bag on your bathroom scale, subtract the person's weight and check that against what the hand scale says. Then pack it along with an extra battery (mine decided to conk out on the day of a transatlantic so don't make my mistake!)
Try not to "all go in one bag" because these are the people airlines make a tidy profit from. Also, considering ordering toiletries on line and having them sent to the hotel or whomever you're visiting. Be sure to clear this with the hotel or your hosts first. Toiletries really drag down the weight and you're guaranteed to have the correct diaper size than if your mom tries to figure it out at CVS...
With carry-on items, when my children were still in diapers, I took a backpack, a sling and a diaper bag. I talk about slings and other baby carriers in a separate section. I do not take a purse but do use a small bag with the valuables around my neck. This means I don't have to dig or pull my backpack off when I have to show tickets and passports. Everything else goes in the backpack, more valuable items stuffed at the very bottom.
The backpack I use is bigger than a the standard sized ones but small enough to still go under the seat. These backpacks come up to my knee when placed on the floor. I like ones with a top handle and lots of side pockets. With more than one child in diapers, I also had the diaper bag, which had everything I needed up to the first part of the flight including the food and first aid items. I use the backpack for the extra diapers, the never-seen-before toys, the changes of clothes and my items.
Yes, I bring a complete change for all of us. Not enough room? At least bring a pair of shorts and T-shirt for each of you, just in case. I put everything in plastic and tie them up with lots of rubber bands to squeeze them down to take up less space. Like I mentioned before, I split the diapers into two packets and put one in each the diaper bag and the backpack.
Now that our baby bottle and diaper days are over, the diaper bag is ditched. Taking just the backpack might also work if it's a short flight and you only have one child in diapers.
Depending on the length of the trip, and your airlines carry-on allowance, you might want to bring an extra bag with extra supplies. The backpack could go at your feet during the flight and you could pop in the overhead a duffle with the extra diapers, changes of clothes, extra formula, etc. Basically, what you're not likely to need during the flight unless there's a problem (delay, spill, etc.) This is especially good if more than one adult is traveling. Lap babies often allowed an extra bag.
For myself, I bring one small makeup kit with my toothbrush, floss, paste, face cleanser, hand lotion, lip balm and lipstick (for right before landing). Even with new travel restrictions, I manage to get all that through but I am prepared to throw any of it away. My hands and lips get really dry on the plane so I was happy to keep those items. I try to remember anti-bacterial wipes, which are good to wipe down the traytables, the taps in the lavs as well as for your and your children's hands. I found that moistened flushable toilet paper is now available in little individual packs, good news for recently-trained children. If you can't find them, you can put a few in a zip-lock.
Some people like to spray water on their babies to refresh them. If you want to do this, please use plain water (either in a commercial bottle or bring your own). You may want to go through security with the bottle empty. Please don't use saline water and this could dry out your baby's skin.
Each child also carries his or her own with toys they've chosen. I still take the food and the extra clothes myself. They generally started doing this once they could walk. My youngest at age two, didn't do too well with her bag so decide if your child can manage and wont lose or forget it.
I also suggest doing some editing of what goes in these backpacks. Avoid anything security won't like and anything noisy. Make sure nothing is so valuable it can't be lost or replaced. I keep new, never-seen toys and books with me until the "unveiling" onboard, and then they carry it, giving me more space in my backpack. Security doesn't like wrapped presents but put it in a colorful bag if you want the same effect. Some parents also leave one end open without tape for security.
I take my camera in my backpack. Another good tip I received is to take recent pictures in case the child gets lost. This is especially easy with a digital camera. You can simply snap as you leave for the airport, in the same clothes, if you have time. If these photos not worth keeping, they can simply be erased later on. If the your child gets lost, you have photos of exactly what they look like and exactly what they're wearing to show the airport personel.
Before leaving home, empty your bags, especially your diaper bag and to search for any forgotten gels or liquids now banned per the new security restrictions. There is no great risk or fear here. Security will simply confiscate anything they don't want you to take on board. It's annoying and time-consuming to have them remove items so do a ruthless clean-out just for the sake of getting through security with a minimum of hassle.
All liquids have to be under 3 oz. but there are exceptions for baby formula, milk and other liquids if you are flying with a child. They say you can bring a "reasonable quantity". So far, I have not heard any parents challenged on this.
Read up on it yourself before leaving if you are flying a U.S. company. Other air authorities have similar rules.
Here is an actual grid saying what's allowed and what isn't;
I couldn't confirm is whether the liquids have to be in the original containers. I suggest using travel packs of your favorite items, the type they sell in the bins at drug stores, including toothpaste. Bring new, unopened items, rather than for example, diaper cream you've been using, just to be on the safe side. The TSA, for example, doesn't allow half tubes of toothpaste.
I was always a big zip-lock fan, even before the TSA required them, and this is a classic travel tip, now required. Recommended quart-sized bags now even have a little airplane printed on them. Put all liquids together in them (called "medium" in metric-system countries). Whatever medicine, with the appropriate spoon can go together in one ziplock. All the bandaids in another. Even the wipes merit their own. Open my bag and it looks like an advertisement for ziplock. Not only is it easier to find stuff this way, it's cleaner (in case anything spills outside or inside. It's great if security has to go through your stuff. They wont actually have to touch anything directly and they can see what it is. It's also easier to put it all back together after they're done going through your things.
Rolled up in my back pack, I always have a cloth bag, the kind they sell in grocery stores as an alternative to plastic and paper. I also have plastic bags for anything nasty, but for this purpose, I go for cloth. It fits in my backpack, wont rip and doesn't make noise. Once onboard, I remove what I need for the next few hours such as wipes, a couple of diapers, perhaps my own toiletries, etc. and put them in this cloth bag, then get the rest of my things out of the way. Before, I used to drag the whole diaper bag into the lavs, but that didn't work too well and I looked like I was moving in. Now, I simply throw in what I need for that specific lav excursion (there will be lots of lavatory talk throughout, this features prominately when flying with children).
I was happily informed of a product specifically for carrying diaper supplies into restrooms. It was basically just a bag with a handle. I think a normal cloth shopping bag is just as good, although the rather expensive product was cuter. I'd throw in the wipes, the diaper and a change of clothes (depending if it was a kid who tended to go overboard) and just take that for my diapering excursion.
I make sure everything, including the children, can be carried in more than one way. My backpack has a handle or can fit in the stroller, the diaper bag can go over my shoulder or, also, on the stroller and the stroller can fit all three children-obviously not at once! Again, the sling could fit both my younger two children for ages so I had a variety of ways to get through an airport. I see to many parents with sleeping children draped over their shoulders. Not a fun way to get where you need to go. More about baby carriers in a separate section.
Put luggage tags with your name and addresss on all your bags if possible while still at home. Those small ones the airlines give out are easily ripped off. You also want to write the address on a piece of paper and put that inside the bag.
Another "helpful hint" I read about had to do with bringing large safety pins and making a tent to give the child more "privacy." I have issues with this idea for a number of reasons. First, getting the pins past security. Second, bothering the people around you. What happens if those in front of you want to recline or raise their seat? If the seatbelt sign comes on inflight, the flight attendants have to check to make sure everyone is strapped in. This would be difficult with your child under that thing. The F/A's would probably wake them. Oh, and what about the wonderful inflight air, even staler under the blanket? Also, I don't really see the whole point. My advice, leave the pins at home!
I don't recommend sandals for anyone, big or little no matter how hot it is or will be at your destination. I wore them on a short flight, on a hot day, only to have the a/c system not work on our short one hour flight, which got delayed... My sad tale was that basically my feet froze for four hours so yet another of my mistakes, you don't need to make! Plus, as a Flight Attendant, getting out of an aircraft in an emergency is better in decent footwear...
If connecting, you might want to avoid high-top laced shoes since you might have to remove them a couple of times in security, although I don't think it necessary to pick your footwear specifically for this purpose as the TSA recommends. I wear what is the most comfortable, even if I need an extra second to lace them up after security.
I bring socks to wear onboard and remove all of our shoes as soon as we're airborne (not before take-off in case of an emergency evecuation). You can also bring slippers. Those baby shoes made completely out of leather work great. If not in a bulkhead, shoeless feet will have less potiential to kick the seats in front of you.
Children, at least in the U.S., don't have to remove footwear anymore. The age limit is 12 but my very tall 12 year old took hers' off anyway, to avoid being challenged.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children
I prefer to dress my toddler girls in leggings, even in summer. I put my boy in light, loose pants. Avoid white and go for patterns. Often it's advised to dress children in bright colors, to be detected better in a crowd. Don't feel the need to dress for the weather either for your departure or detination. The airports and aircrafts are climate-controlled. Put the appropriate gear at the top of your checked luggage and throw it on, if necessary, before you leave the airport.
If your baby doesn't crawl yet, consider putting him or her in a full sleepsuit, preferably with feet out of a light material. Lots of babies travel that way and no one will think "Why is that kid still in pajamas?" If it bothers you that your child is garbed in sleepware for travel, or if the trip to or from the airport is too hot, change them once airborne. I used to pick out a specifically cute one for travel and for my ego, something clearly decorated for a boy or girl.
Bring a bonnet, even in summer, especially if your baby is bald. It can get a little chilly onboard. A warm cabin makes people dehydrated, sick and affects air quality so it's kept a little cool onboard on purpose. If it feels outright cold, tell a flight attendant. On some airplanes, it's still possible to adjust the air but this is less likely on the newer planes. Dress the whole family in layers so that you're comfortable at all points in the journey.
One recent suggestion was to bring a "travel organizer" to put on the back of the seat in front of you.
Obviously, this wont work well if you're in a bulkhead seat, but then again, it would be less needed. She said it kept her from having to dig in her diaper bag.
I always bring small bottles of water or a sippy cups for my children. Bring empty cups or be prepared to dump the contents in security. The water bottles also can be taken so we drink them before. I don't depend on getting enough bottled water onboard and I'm usually dying of thirst during the wait at the gate. There is usually NOT an unlimited supply of bottled water onboard. When I worked, we used to run out at the end of the first service. Don't depend entirely on getting bottled water the whole flight for your children. With the new travel restrictions, water too might be confiscated in security but it can be purchased now once past the checkpoint.
Unfortunately, I'm getting mixed reports from parents on this subject. If you're flying with a baby and "normal" baby bottles, there doesn't seem to be a problem with formula and water. Security is fine with letting that pass. Older kids' various drinking needs (i.e. boxes, sports bottles, etc.) cause more dilemmas. Sometimes cartons and boxes of milk and juice are allowed, other times not. One time they simply declared that my children were too old to get the water bottle exemption. I didn't argue but now they're ready to either drink up or give up before hitting the X-ray machine.
What was allowed out, may not be allowed back, especially when flying internationally. Try to get the skinny on the airport where you will be flying from and be aware that international and domestic sections might operate differently.
I still recommend bringing sippy cups for practical purposes to avoid spilling onboard and to transport whatever liquid you can. When the drink cart rolls around, I ask the F/A's to fill those up, instead of giving them open cups. Keep using them for as long as the child is willing to drink from them! Also, those disposable kind work well too as do sport-style bottle with spouts that can be pulled up. I also keep those plastic bottles with lids and straws for this purpose. These might be more acceptable options for older children who refuse sippy cups.
Once a child is aware of the experience, around ages two or three, it's best to discuss it ahead of time but in a very non-challant manner. Actually, children usually love to fly, and it's rare that they're scared. It's usually an adventure for them.
There are some good children's books on this subject. I actually recommend getting them from the library, unless you're sure you'll use them again.
What can be scary for children is going through security. Even my veteran flyers don't like this part. Here is a good page to read on the subject from the TSA website. Look at it even if you'are not flying a U.S. company;
Discuss the fact that they will have to put all their belonging on the X-ray machine belt, have to walk through an arch and perhaps take off their shoes, too. Make it clear that they will not have to separate from you but will have to go through the metal dectector by themselves. I walk through first and then coax my little one to follow. Tell them that you will be doing the same.
A good tip for parents of older children, please note that some of our offspring like to make running commentaries on what they're seeing, other people, etc. This can be amusing in the car, or at home, but in the airport and airplane, there will be plenty of people within earshot. This is especially important for bilingual families, whose offspring are used to no one else understanding one of their languages. The whole plane might be listening in when your offspring express their opinions on their fellow travellers and worse, might understand them. In any language, if you know your child has a habit of "calling it like they see it", perhaps have a talk beforehand.
Some flying tips say to go through the whole process step-by-step. This might be "over-kill," especially if your child has flown before. It also may only work with children with unusually long attention spans (I know I'd have trouble sitting through it all myself!) Usually, you have a few weeks, if not months, before leaving. Point out airplanes in the sky, airports, when you pass them and any airplane images you see on T.V.
Avoid any movies with scary airplane scenes. Most of these are so full of inaccuricies that we airline personel even find them amusing. Clueless Flight Attendants, terrorists able to bring an entire army's arsenal of weapons abord and other completely absurd scenes. Even if you point out such stupidities, you child will not necessary take that information on board and focus solely on the scary scenes.
Organizing Leaving and Arriving
These are somewhat general tips but when you fly with children, you have to be extra-organized with all aspects of flying. A slight oversight could cause a lot of avoidable inconveniences which are annoying when you're alone, but unbearable with your offspring.
A very unhelpful flying tip I've read is to not let a child sleep on the way to the airport. We live two hours from the closest major airport so trying to manage that with my own kids would be impossible. Having a cranky toddler during check-in, getting through security and boarding sounds like a nightmare, not to mention if there's a delay. I honestly can't see the harm in a quick nap in the car. I let mine sleep and I have never had a problem getting them to snooze in the air. Children can get over-stimulated and then not sleep because of all the excitement so this tip can backfire.
If someone is dropping you off at the airport, if at all possible, have them park and come inside with you. They can help watch your children during check-in and if they can still until the flight actually leaves, this is a good idea in case of a cancellation. Have everyone bring cell phones, fully charged before leaving for the airport, and make sure you have each others' numbers.
Before you leave, if you are being met at the airport at your destination, give the person meeting you your entire itinerary, not just the last flight they'll be meeting. Instruct them to check either the Internet or call the airline's reservation number before leaving for the airport to make sure that all flights were on time.
If you are flying standby, give them the information about the flight that you'll be trying for first. The code I used to use was that if I didn't call, that meant that I did make the flight, not the opposite. No news is good news. Many times, standby passengers are handed boarding passes and shoved on board last minute, without time even to call or SMS from their cell phone. By contrast, if you weren't successful the first time, you probably will have time to call and give the details of the next flight you'll be trying to get on.
If calling poses a problem because of time differences, organize this ahead of time. There are a number of solutions including having them turn their ringer or cell phone completely off when they go to bed. You leave a message in the middle of the night and they check their messages as soon as they're up. You could even call a "third party" who stay up later/get up earlier than the picker-upper, who would then pass on the message at a more appropriate time. Usually, if there is a that much of a time difference, the flight will be long enough to sort something out. If there is any change of plans, especially when flying standby, remember that airlines wont say what flight you're on for security reasons.
I've seen a lot of upset passengers on board after delays and problems with their journeys. These kinds of problems are inconvenient anyway but that much worse if you're stuck at the airport with cranky, hungry, tired children (when you're also cranky, tired and hungry) while waiting because someone didn't get the information they should have about their flight.
If you are planning to rent a car at your destination, you may want to consider renting the next day instead of right on arrival. Either have a car/limo arranged to meet you or grab a taxi instead, especially after a long flight. Getting to the car rental place, which might involve a long walk and/or shuttle bus, dealing with the paperwork, etc. with kids might not be too pleasant. It might save you a days' rental on the car anyway and a taxi ride could be less than the extra day of rental.
If there are two adults, one can go get the rental car the next day while the other stays at the hotel with the children. They may even be able to deliver the car to the hotel. Consider how much driving will you really be doing the first day after your trip. The only sight that you and your children will initially want to see, may be your beds.
Strollers/Pushchairs/Buggies
People ask me which stroller I recommend for flying. I always say to bring the stroller you need for the entire trip, not specifically for the flight. Most airlines accept any stroller than folds and I've seen too many tiny babies slumped in tiny rickety umbrella strollers in airports. There is no logic to compromising your baby's comfort, or killing your back bending over, if you're tall.
Double strollers are usually allowed. Check your stroller's dimentions and look on your airlines' website to be sure. Parents report that they are able to fly with strollers that perhaps were just a tad over the allowed dimentions cited on the airlines' website. If your stroller folds well, but is perhaps a tiny bit long, it will probably be accepted. Again, don't ask, don't tell!
For flying, I usually found it easier with three children close in age to use a single stroller and a baby carrier (more about those below). I could alternate between the ones who could walk, be carried and sit in the stroller but do what works for your family. For travel, if there are at least two adults, you may find two single strollers easier both for flying and also at your destination (i.e. tiny European sidewalks or anywhere with big crowds). It also means that dad can take one to get something to drink while mom stays behind with the other child or dad can wander with the older child while leaving mom stays with the baby sleeping in the other stroller, etc.
Never buy a stroller with the idea of bringing it on board the aircraft as a carry-on item. The only exception would be a completely folding stroller that fits in a diaper bag. I only know of one brand. I'm having trouble finding it on the net so anyone with a link please send it in! If you use this completely folding stroller, keep it open through security. The concern is if a security person decides that it fits the category of "could be used as a weapon". No reports but just be sure they can clearly see this is a piece of baby equipment and not a weapon! Fold it up and put it away as you enter the aircraft. You may want to do this out of view of airline staff, who need to impose a no-strollers-in-cabin rule.
Unless you are flying charter, low-cost or a very small regional carrier, the stroller you have will probably be accepted. There are a few foreign airlines that allow bringing strollers on board but I still don't recommend doing it. More later on why.
American Airlines has imposed a strict 20lbs limit on gate-checked strollers. Heavier ones are to be checked at the counter. This has been upsetting for parents of multiples and closely spaced siblings as there is no exception. If there are two adults flying, having each push a single stroller under this limit may be one solution. Yes, there are parents who are choosing other airlines because of this restriction.
Normally, the stroller does not count against your baggage allowance but again, ask to be sure. Check your airline's website first. If you have these sorts of specific questions, it's better to email the company than call. If someone says over the phone that your stroller is allowed, you wont have the handy printout of an email to show anyone at the airport who tells you differently.
Before leaving, remove all "extras" on your stroller like cup holders, toys and even the sunshade, depending on the model. This is especially a good idea if your stroller is large. You can either put these items in your checked bags or leave them behind. Not only can they impede your passage through security but can get lost in transit. Since you'll only use it in the airport, you wont need the attached gizmos.
If your stroller has foam handle covers, you may want to either remove them, if possible, or cover them up. These often do get ripped so if they don't come off, wrap them in bubble wrap (or just plastic if that's what you have) and secure with duck tape. You can just push it this way through the airport (not pretty but who cares?)
Usually, strollers are "gate checked" which means that you will given a tag on check-in but you can keep the stroller with you until you get to the door of the aircraft. Sometimes they give the passenger the tag to put on themselves. Some are a little complicated (the tags that are like stickers) so don't hesitate to ask them to do it instead, but show them where is a good place. Make sure it goes somewhere it wont be squished or hidden when the stroller is folded.
If you have a "travel system" (the stroller with infant bucket-style car seat inserted inside), the stroller and car seat portions will each need a separate gate tag, if you wont be using it on board. If you have a seat for your baby and you know that the car seat can be used on the flight, you will not need to tag the car seat. Do put the tag on it if you are hoping to get an empty seat and are not sure you will be able to use it. This will save time at the gate.
You will leave your stroller either at the door of the aircraft or at the bottom of the stairs if you do not have a jetway and are boarding outdoors from the tarmac. Never try to bring a stroller on board an aircraft unless instructed to do so by a crew member. Yes, I have occasionally stuffed a very small umbrella stroller into a First or Business Class closet but in economy, when the flight was half empty but this is the exception, not the rule. If this does happen, don't expect it on every flight.
Metal luggage carts and strollers are not allowed in overhead bins for safety reasons. Even if the crew doesn't notice, or shockingly with some airlines, it's allowed. Please don't even try this. First of all, this will not make you popular with your fellow passengers. Stowage space is often at a premium and taking up so much space with an item that you do not need for the flight, will not go over well with your neighbors. More importantly, metal objects have come crashing down on passengers' heads, especially during disembarkment. You will be careful because you know it's there but someone two rows back will be in a hurry, grab their bag, which will hook on your stroller and next thing you know, it's come down on some little old lady's head. Let's just keep that from happening!
When you leave the stroller, attach the straps and fold it yourself. Some passengers have amusingly left their open strollers for us to fold up for them. Some Flight Attendants will not be so entertained and you probably don't want someone fiddling with your stroller anyway who doesn't know what they're doing. So that your stroller is not mishandled or left behind, please make sure it's all packed up.
An excellent tip given to me was to bring a bungee cord and double secure it before leaving it at the door. This can be the same bungee cord you used to secure your car seat to the stroller. Most strollers are only held closed with a small latch, often one that is easy to flip open. Your stroller is more likely to be damaged by popping open en route than how it is treated. You don't want some time-pressed baggage handler trying to pack it back up.
I was alerted that a couple of airlines are banning these bungee cords. This is difficult to confirm but a bag would avoid this situation, or wrapping the bungee in tape or even a piece of material. You may also bind the stroller with another item that is easy to close, like some sort of belt. It's the hooks on bungee cords, apparently that are the problem. Some bungee cords have flat fasteners, which have been recommended to me.
The strollers are usually kept in the hold along with wheelchairs so it's supposed to be gentler to gate-checking them. It also, in theory, should be cleaner.
If you want to put your stroller in a bag at the gate, by all means you can. Make sure you have a gate tag on the bag or on a part of the stroller that sticks out. Some strollers actually have specific bags made for their models you can buy. I personally use a camping duffel bag, which works just as well and is sturdier than most the stroller companies sell. An excellent tip I was given was to use an old laundry bag. Slip it over the top with the dirty wheels sticking out and secure with the bungee cord. Not only is this cheaper than buying a specific bag but you wont care if it gets dirty or ripped. It also would be easier to put on and take-off than anything that zips.
You may be concerned with a very expensive stroller. It would be easy for me to say to simply not bring it but many parents want their child to be comfortable in the familiar stroller at their destination. You might want to research what would happen if it were damaged. Would your home owner's insurance cover it? Is there a bag that the manufacturers recommend? Something specific to your model? Is it still under warranty? Do your homework before deciding.
Another tip I was given was to be sure to put a tag with your name and address, perhaps flight number, airline and destination, in case the gate-check tag falls off.
On larger aircraft, passengers disembark from more than one door but usually, strollers and wheelchairs will be placed at only one door. Either listen to the welcome announcement when the plane arrives at the gate or tell a crew member that you have a stroller and ask where to disembark to collect it. If you exit the wrong door, you may have to walk all the way around to find it. Finding out where to go may save you time at arrival.
If you are connecting, usually the stroller is returned between flights. Ask about this during initial check-in to be sure. Once, when flying alone with a newborn and two toddlers, one airline informed me that they wouldn't return the stroller at a major airport, forcing me to connect without one. I did ask that a supervisor be called and after a bit of negotiation, they only excepted my stroller because of its small size. I also pointed out that stowage wouldn't be a problem since it was a combination car seat which I used on board. For future flights, I avoided booking with this airline and haven't flown them internationally since.
Some airlines in Europe and the Middle East often let you bring the stroller to the gate of the plane but you do have to collect it at baggage claim. Again, ask and be sure to have another way of getting your child to baggage claim, specifically a baby carrier, especially if your child doesn't walk far yet. This can be a long slog after a long flight and even a walking child may not cooperate or be asleep when you land. If you fly these routes a lot with your children, you may want to look into the completely folding stroller.
Getting Car Seats Through Airports
If you have an infant bucket-style seat, it may fit in the travel system you already have. You can take the whole contraption to the door of the plane and gate-check the stroller, while bringing the car seat on board.
If yours' is not part of a travel system, you can use a stroller frame. Something like this (please note that I am not promoting any of the sites in this section. They are all simply examples to show you);
http://www.amazon.com/Graco-SnugRider-Infant-Stroller-Frame/dp/B0007KMUH4
This can be gate-checked just like a stroller.
Most infant car seats do not need the base for installation on an aircraft but check your owner's manual to be sure. You can either carefully pack it in your checked bags or a better option might be to leave it at home. If you'll only be gone a short time and/or you wont be in the car much, the inconvenience of hauling the base around might override the extra gesture of installing the seat in the car each time with the belt.
Be sure you are comfortable with the seat belt-only installation before leaving, either way. Take the seat out to your car and try it in your car first. Don't try to figure it out with passengers pushing by you and your crying baby during boarding.
Another option, expensive but convenient, if you fly a lot, is the combined car seat/stroller. I received this as a second baby gift;
I actually loved it but you have to really use it to justify the price tag. It was great for other kinds of travel. When we drove on vacation, we didn't have to pack a stroller. I used it a lot in cabs. I was also able to convince some foreign airlines to let me bring it on board since it collapses down small (not a problem on U.S. companies since it's FAA approved).
I could also use the tether when installing it rearfacing in the car.
There are some drawbacks;
-The price. At $200, it is definitely a luxury baby travel product.
-The top shoulder slots are very low, as is the back of the seat. Even though officially, it goes to 40lbs/18 kilos, your child will probably outgrow it a lot sooner.
-Some parents don't like the fact it rides so low to the ground in stroller-mode.
-Some car seat technicians are not happy with the install.
-The basket is very small and you can't hang things off the handles very well.
-The back is not adjustable.
To sum it up, this should not be purchased in lieu of either a good stroller or car seat. Consider this if you either will really use it and travel a lot or simply, have money to burn!
For "convertible" seats, or those seats that go to 40lbs/18kilos or beyond, transporting might be a bit more complicated. You are not going to be able to take one of those large luggage carts, the kind you usually rent (i.e. "Smartcart") through security, even pleading that you have a car seat to take. Have a way to transport your car seat from the security point forward (where most airports make you leave the large metal rented cart behind). You can take the airport cart up to the security line but I find it much easier to organize this while I'm checking in. There can be a lot of people outside security, saying good bye, etc. and I don't want to pfaff with my things at that point. Once my luggage is gone after check-in, I find these carts too big anyway and get rid of them there. I then roll the car seat to security, through the line and up to the X-ray machine.
A market for car seat-toting products has cropped up. This is not an exhaustive list!
These products attach the car seat to a suitcase with handle and wheels.
I have a few concerns (which some parents have informed me were not issues);
-The handle was probably not designed to hold the significant weight of a child and a car seat. If it breaks the handle in the middle of the airport, you will have the triple problem of how to transport your suitcase, car seat and child through the airport.
-I can't recommend bringing a rolly bag for a carry-on when flying with children. I prefer a backpack with or without a diaper bag. These types of suitcases are convenient for business people but not parents who need something they can put at their feet and get to what they need in a hurry. They usually have to go in the overhead and you might need to stow it quite a distance from your seat.
This is an often-cited solution;
The biggest drawback is the price. I've also heard complaints about the screws that attach the car seat, getting them in and out. Apparently the newer model doesn't have this problem. It also does not fit all models of car seats. I have seen this "in action" and it did roll very nicely, although I think it's overpriced for what it is. You can get an excellent luggage cart for much less and I'm leary of the plastic bottom. I'm also getting reports of it breaking at the wrong time.
There are also car seat bags with wheels which can be rolled through airports. The top can be unzipped and carry-on items inserted.
The obvious drawback is that is doesn't have the child-ride option. This might be a good product to use if you will probably have to gate-check the seat.
There are several versions of products that make the car seat into a backpack. Some also work as bags. I can no longer find the strap that would allow the parent to wear the backpack on their back alone. The product above might do this. This is good if your child will sit in the stroller for most of the time. If he or she walks, you can transfer the car seat into the stroller and give your back a break.
Some parents manage to attach the car seat to the stroller with bungee cords. Depending on the model of car seat and stroller, other alternatives include fitting the car seat into the seat of the stroller or even putting a folded car seat in the basket (especially with a double side-by-side stroller).
The only foldable FAA approved car seat that I know of is the Radian 65 and 80. I have the 65 and I simply attach mine to a small, all metal, foldable luggage cart. There are lots of different designs. Mine is a relic from the first airline I worked for. I recommend the kind that are all metal and have a telescopic handle. The handle is less important but avoid ones with plastic bases. They break too easily (experience speaking). This is the idea;
http://www.amazon.com/Remin-Kart-A-Bag-Flite-Lite-Luggage-Cart/dp/B00063ADYO
This is mine and it's lasted over 20 years of heavy use. Other parents have success with cheaper metal carts sold at major retail stores for much less (as little as $15).
I use an extra bungee cord but other parents get creative with the LATCH straps. My toddler can even ride in it. I will admit this is a better alternative for a child who will mostly be walking. If we have a stroller, I fold it up and check it or usually arrange to borrow one at our destination.
Basically, any convertible car seat can be strapped on to a small luggage cart. The first time I saw this on the net, I thought it wouldn't be secure and safe. You want to try anything out at home first. Make sure it works and wont come loose. The fact is that with children, you are usually walking at a pretty slow pace indoors, often on carpets. The risks are minimal.
A note about bungee cords; they come in different sizes and some are easier than others to use than others. Some are hard to pull and others too stretchy for this project. Don't use a brand new cords the day of your flight. It's also a good idea to slip an extra one in your carry-on bag, just in case one breaks or gets lost during your adventure.
A parent recommended "flat" bungee cords, which she said were easier to minipulate. Again, I'm just plucking this off the web because of the photo;
http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-06119-Adjustable-Flat-Bungee/dp/B0044FPNIG
Whatever mode of transport you use to get your car seat through the airport, try it at home first. I walked circles in our garage, pulling my Radian. I found the easiest way to strap it on with the bungee cord. Go out on the sidewalk, weather permitting. Make sure it works and you're comfortable assembling and disassembling it. It wont take long to get the hang of it and you'll be glad when you face the airport and crowds the day you leave.
Probably the best-kept secret to making flying, traveling and quite frankly, parenting easier is to have a good baby carrier. The selection today is huge and asking someone what their favorite carrier is, is like asking them their favorite toothbrush or perfume. A good carrier by definition should go to age 2 or 3. It's highly personal but there are some features that make flying specifically much easier with some models.
When I worked, I saw too many babies draped over parents' shoulders as they exited the plane. Also, never leave a baby (not matter how well he or she sits up) alone sitting on a luggage cart while you get your bags off the belt. It's virtually impossible to push a stroller and a luggage cart at the same time through customs, although one mom described pushing one, then the other... Sometimes babies cry in the air and they just need to be walked around the cabin a little bit...without straining your arms and back. A good baby carrier is the answer to all of the above.
The whole subject of carriers is well covered on the Internet. This is a good site which has comparison charts and products from a variety of companies.
http://www.metrominisnyc.com/
http://peppermint.com
Other "real life" resources include local La Leche groups or other breastfeeding support organizations. I found some once at a women's health clinic. There are also "baby wearing" organizations offering support and information on this subject. It's a nice luxury to touch and try on the products. There are many work-at-home parents producing them at reasonable prices if you are looking for something unique and want to support a good cause.
Note to those of you who already use these products; if you have more than one, think carefully which one will meet your needs best when you fly. It may not necessarily be the one that you use daily. Same goes for your prettiest and/or most comfortable. I found that one that slips on and off was useful. The best carrier for travel might not be the best for your lifestyle in general.
Please note that the following reviews of carriers are specifically geared towards the parentflying with a baby, not the overall merits of these carriers in daily life.
Here is an overview of your options;
Ring Slings-I think they're ideal for flying and what I used. A good sling can also serve as a baby changer, sun shade, a breastfeeding cover-up and a blanket. They're easy to take off and on. Some have padding along the sides which makes them easier on bigger babies and toddlers (doesn't cut into their legs) but makes the sling more bulky. Unpadded slings fit well into backpacks but some padded slings can still be pretty compact. Some parents don't like the one-shoulder carry but it's possible to shift to the other shoulder. There is also a definite learning curve so you need to be comfortable with its use before traveling. I could slide a sleeping child easily between a car seat, stroller and bassinet, leaving it behind as a blanket.
Examples (just for the photos, there are many other brands!)
http://www.metrominisnyc.com/collections/ring-sling
Please note that there was recent controvery surrounding the use of "bag" slings. Mine was made of one piece of material, which I was able to pull and better position my babies. The slings involved with the warning were of a very different design with just a strap over the shoulder and the baby is held in a sort of bag. Not only is this type of sling uncomfortable for the parent but potientially dangerous for the baby. Avoid buying this type of sling;
Pouches-Similar to slings but instead of rings, they are basically just tubes. Similar advantages to a ring sling and they are also one-shouldered. The fit is very important. Some are adjustable and others sized to order. The "look" appeals to some more than a sling and some parents feel that they are slightly easier to "master".
Wraps-I loved my wrap and found it more comfortable to wear than the ring sling but I didn't use mine for flying. It was more complicated to remove and put on. Wraps are simple, just a long piece of material but there's definitely a learning curve so it's not the product to buy two days before you fly. If this is what you are used to using and you want to take it on a flight, by all means do so, but be really comfortable with it before approaching any aircraft.
http://www.metrominisnyc.com/collections/wraps
Front packs (like a Bjorn or "Snugli")-These are dire and I see far too many parents wearing their children this way. They tend to be expensive and heavily marketed. The problem is that the child is held in one rigid position (facing forward or backwards), basically hanging by its crotch. The weight pulls on the parents' shoulders making these carriers very uncomfortable quickly. They often have many fiddly straps, snaps and buttons, making transferring the child into a car seat, stroller or bassinet very difficult. Breastfeeding is virtually impossible in this and when it can be managed, isn't very discreet. I had one of these with my first child and it was in the closet by the time my son was six months old. I wish I had been warned what a poor value they were!
Some of the newer, more expensive, Bjorn designs mimick those of the products described below and therefore are more comfortable.
Mei Tai's, Ergo, Becco and other carriers with straps- These are much more logical options to front packs. They look similar but the way they hold the child is entirely different and much more comfortable. Most last until at least age two and can carry a baby on the parents' back (who can hold up his or her head). Babies can sleep in them and they can be used for breastfeeding. I have no direct experience but I get plenty of recommendations and positive reports from other parents who have used them for flying.
