Traveling on a plane with kids can be a royal hassle. Add to that a stroller AND a car seat, and you likely have more baggage than you can carry.
Kids and planes can mix if you have the right ingredients. First and foremost, plan ahead. Carrying snacks, games and an extra change of clothes can be the difference between a good experience and a terrible flight. From diapers to trail mix, bring backup portions of everything you might need and can’t access 30000 feet in the air.
Planning ahead also involves thinking about whether or not you will bring a stroller and/or a car seat. For safety and convenience, you might not want to leave your gear at home. These can be great once you get to your destination, but the thought of traveling with them can be a headache.
Surprisingly, strollers exist that pack into an overhead bin on the plane. If yours is on the bigger side, it will probably have to be checked in with the rest of your luggage. You can typically gate check strollers if you want to use it at the airport. If gate checked, just be aware the airline is not liable for any damage.
Car seats might be a comforting way for babies to travel if they have gotten used to the seat. They can also come in handy if you plan to drive at your destination. Worried about the fit? Airlines in the US are obliged to let you install your car seat on the plane. If it doesn’t fit, they have to find a way.
For more tips on traveling with your kid’s bulky add-ons, FullTimeBaby put together this handy infographic.
Source: Fulltimebaby
Li Tian is a Midwestern mom turned expat digital nomad. Despite trekking through 57 countries, being a full time and working mom is the most exhausting. When not working on Fulltimebaby.com, she enjoys kickboxing and eating meals bigger than she is. You can follow her on Pinterest, Twitter, or Facebook.
