Tips for Making Air Travel Easier This Summer

We've all been there. Just a few days away from vacation and you are super excited about what lays ahead. The only thing between you and the perfect getaway is often the most dreaded thing of all-- taking your crazy family on the airplane! Inevitably the kids will get impatient, an adult in your group who may travel often for work will get annoyed with the inefficiency of family travel, and very quickly the powder keg explodes!

Well have no fear, here are a few tips to help make the flying process as smooth as possible.

---

Before the Flight

Before you even leave the house its best to start planning to make the experience as easy as possible!

Make sure you have selected your seats ahead of time if you can-- I usually suggest sitting further in the back of the plane. This gives you easier access to the bathroom and minimizes the amount of time the Flight Attendants and their cart will be between you and the place your kids seem to need to visit constantly.

Get those electronic devices fully prepped. Make sure everything is charged up and ready to go. Also see if your airline offers any type of in-flight entertainment that requires an App download. For instance, United has a great app that gives access to movies and TV shows on your smart devices, but you need to download the App BEFORE you get on the plane. Also gather up kid friendly headphones.

Weigh your checked luggage. Remember that whether your paying for the first bag or getting it checked for free, if its over the airlines weight limit you will be charged an extra fee! Check out the limit ahead of time and weigh your bag at home. I usually suggest leaving about 10 pounds of space for any souvenirs or gifts you may bring home.

Check in for your flight from home. Even when checking bags at the airport I still suggest checking in at home. This will let you double check and change seating assignments. You can also often sign up for alerts for any delays or cancelations. If you're not checking any bags this also allows you to skip the airline counter and head right to security.

Put something on your luggage to make identifying it easier. Let's be honest, probably thousands of people have the EXACT same luggage as you. Its easy to mix stuff up on the baggage carousel. So tie a colorful ribbon or some other unique and easily identifiable item to your bag. This will make finding it easier and lower the chance of a baggage mix up!

Pack snacks your kids will like. Snacks at the airport are very expensive and its even worse once you're on the plane! So pack a few snacks for your kids in your carry-on luggage. Just make sure they are not liquid (apple sauce, yogurt, etc).

Checking In and Security

Arrive at least an hour and a half before your domestic flight, two hours before international. This isn't that great of a tip-- the airlines will say the same thing. But listen to the advice, especially during holiday seasons. Add at least 30 minutes if you have to drop off a rental car.

Have bags totally ready before you reach the counter. Make sure each bag is tagged with your name and contact information. Also pull off any old airline tags from previous trips. Make sure that no banned items are in your bag.

Make sure everyone has their ID's accessible. If you have a state issued ID you need to have it on you for checking-in. If you're traveling internationally you will need your Passport out and ready. Do not pack these items and have them where they can easily be found the entire time you're in the airport.

Look for the family line when going through security. Many airports have special lines for families that may need a little more time when going through security. Ask the TSA agent if one is available. This often makes the process must less stressful, especially when dealing with things like strollers, formula, and medicine.

Listen to the TSA (or other country's security) agents!!!! Do everyone a favor and put up your smartphone, minimize chatting, and listen to the TSA agents. They are clearly telling you what needs to be done to get through security. Believe it or not there are minor differences at every airport based on the country you're visiting or the type of line you're in. If by chance you get pushed into the TSA pre-check line in the US you don't need to pull anything out of your bag or take anything off-- doing so just slows down the process. 

At the Gate and On the Plane

Locate your gate first, then hit the shops or dining. There is nothing worse than running through the airport to catch a flight because you lost track of time eating or shopping. Find your gate first, then hit the shops close by. This will help eliminate stress.

If you have little ones take to a gate agent. This is a great time to get any gate check tags you need for a stroller and to find out if they allow early boarding with little ones.

Pack your patience on the plane. Look your kids are going to be confined in a small space for several hours. Chances are they get antsy-- they're kids this is what they're supposed to do! Don't get to frustrated and try to play games, color, or watch a show with them. Traveling with little ones is not the time to plan to catch up on some personal reading or watch a movie you've been dying to see, and that is OK!

Bonus tip for Americans flying international

You're leaving the US. This means the rules may be different as you travel. Some countries may require multiple screenings, you may get asked really odd questions going through customs and immigration, and how their airports run may be different. That is OK! Just be aware of the potential differences and be respectful. The quickest way to turn a fun trip overseas into a major hassle at the airport is to utter the words "That's now how we do it in America!", especially to security personnel!

---

Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at Jenn@whitneyworldtravel.com