Corey Knows Best: Cleared For Takeoff

I blogged. Then I disappeared. Left you wanting more, I know.

I got lost somewhere between gorgeous Florida fall weather, Halloween parties (is Halloween over yet?!?!), and a first birthday celebration at my house.

Never fear. I am back.  With advice on flying with kids.  Holidays are coming.  Chances are if you don't have a houseful here, you're headed somewhere to celebrate.

I really hate road trips.  No. I take that back. I would drive across the country with my husband.  And back. I really hate road trips with kids.  Don't get me wrong.  They are the smartest, most perfect, most amazing, most wonderful people I ever created.  But.  More than three hours in the car with them is not something I am interested in attending.

And since we live in Florida now.  We fly.  To visit family.  Friends.  You name it.  While we were in the process of moving this summer I flew with both of my kids (both under 3 years old at the time) by myself.  Maybe half a dozen times this year.  Round trip.  That's 12 take offs, 12 landings, 12 stroller gate side checks, 12 times nursing a very active baby with little to no elbow room, and 12 dozen in flight cookies.

You know the look.

The "ohmygodsheisflyngwithtwochildrenunder3allbyherselfbetterherthanmepleasedontletthemsitnexttoacrossfromorwithinfiveaislesofme" look. 

I get the look.  All the time.  What they don't know is I have this down to a science. 

So here's the skinny.

Speaking of skinny, ditch the 'good' food.  Pack the stuff they like.  Gold fish. Fruit snacks. Juice. Rice krispie treats, ice cream.  Whatever floats the kids boat, not yours.  Because with my kid (the one who has teeth), chances are good that given a choice between fruit snacks and whining, he chooses fruit snacks.  Carrots and cucumbers will not keep an antsy toddler quiet for a three hour plane ride unless you let them launch them in all directions.

Entertainment.  Cars.  Those are the favorite toys at our house.  So we pack the favorites. If it's Barbies or books or trains.  Pack it.  Get it out on the plane and get the kid excited about their toys going on a trip too!  Make the tray table a race track or a Barbie apartment or a library.  Use the barf bag as a space shuttle or a cave or a barf bag (if you have to I guess).  Who cares if it's a little bumpy for the person in front of you, just tell them they could have cucumbers in their hair.

Have an iPad?  Laptop?  Use it.  Books.  Games. Coloring.  Last trip we rented a movie on the iPad and the toddler sat in his seat the whole time, watched Curious George with headphones on and only spoke to ask for a cookie.  Totally worth $2.99.

Also. The cockpit is open when you get on the plane.  Show the kids.  And the flight attendants may not have sandwiches anymore but they still have those cute little 'wing' pins.  Ask for some for your crew.  And. If you have to pee. Or someone has to pee.  Or a diaper has to be changed.  That's what flight attendants are the for.  To help. Ask for it.

They won't tell you this but you can check a bazillion 'baby items' for free.  Car seats. Strollers. Pack and plays. Anything.  You can check it as long as it's for the kid and not pay $25,000.  I fly with my double jogger too.  Sure.  It's huge and won't fit through the scanner thingy but they just use the magic wand, search it and we're on our way.  Gliding through the airport with something that holds the kids and everything else.  I check it gate side.  Have someone hold the baby while I fold it up and you're good to go. 

And worry about the trip a little bit ahead of time.  Because with me and my kids, it's always the things I worry about the most that go over seamlessly.

Happy travels!