My career in producing corporate events was paused by the pandemic, but I recently rejoined the traveling world. I flew to Des Moines, Milwaukee, Charlotte, New York City, and Washington, DC, in November, alone. It has reminded me, however, that flying means people, and people can be unpredictable, unaware, or just downright unkind. As we return to traveling, especially with our families, I thought I would share five observations from a business traveler that might make your family’s flights a little easier and a lot more fun.
1. Even if you fly during nap time, your child likely will not sleep.
FOMO affects even the youngest flyer, and if you expect that your child will just curl up and nap on the flight, you are likely wrong. Most kids are too wound up on the excitement, the newness of so many things (light buttons overhead, window shades and seat trays, and anything else that can be turned on and off or lifted up and down), and probably a lot of unhealthy snacks you used to bribe them into good behavior (I totally admit to this method when my children were small.)
Instead consider flying as early in the day as possible. You will experience fewer delays, your kids will likely be reasonably rested, and you have plenty of options when the inevitable delays happen. In my opinion, the only people who should be at the airport in pajamas are children, so roll them out of bed and head out.
2. That toddler suitcase might look cute in tow down the hall of your house, but it will not be cute when you’re expecting him to tow it through three concourses.
Imagine yourself carrying the toddler, pulling that adorable suitcase, wearing a backpack, and pushing a stroller with the other kid(s).
So, check the bags. According to The Points Guy, the percentage rate for lost luggage is less than 1%, and good news for us in the Birmingham market, Southwest has the lowest percentage. Go ahead and pack the suitcases to be checked. Just make sure you have essentials for your travel day, especially medicines, and have your children only carry what they can comfortably manage.
3. You can tune out the 12 millionth time you have heard Bluey or Cocomelon or Paw Patrol.
The business traveler next to you cannot.
Get the kid-friendly headphones, please. Make sure your child is comfortable and has used them often before your flight. Use it as a learning opportunity and explain why it is necessary to be respectful of the other passengers. I would go so far as to say that you should draw the line and not allow them to watch anything without headphones. Be sure to charge that tablet and download the content you need. Wi-fi for streaming will not be available in flight.
4. Airport food is expensive—it just is.
Bring sandwiches and snacks through airport screening. This will help you avoid breaking the bank on your trip.
Also, pack lots of snacks. The last thing you want to do is shell out four bucks for a candy bar because you forgot or ran out of snacks or the flight was too bumpy for the attendants to distribute pretzels or cookies and your child is “dying of hunger” (as my children were likely to complain about loudly). This is an area where I would encourage you to include your kids in planning and choosing. Snacks are something they can comfortably carry in their own backpacks too! Maybe even most importantly, bring reusable water bottles. They have to be empty going through security, but most airports have water fillers now.
5. You are not entitled to ask for someone to change seats with you.
Yes, regular travelers know that sometimes things happen and may choose to help you out. But, in my experience, too many families plan poorly and expect everyone else to accommodate their lack of planning.
When you have to fly, plan early and secure your seats, paying attention to the configuration of the airplane. If you are flying solo with your kids, you need to book as soon as you know where you’re going. This will ensure all of your seats are together. If you are flying Southwest, use Early Bird Check-In for one parent. They can then secure seats and you can board later with the kids. Or, as travel writer Samantha Brown suggests, just send one parent with all the stuff during family boarding and wait as long as possible to board the kids, since it can sometimes take up to 45 minutes to actually leave the gate.
Be Patient and Present
Flying can be a fun adventure for your family, and if you plan well, you may even have some wonderful encounters with veteran flyers like me. As a soon-to-be grandmother, I love seeing all the little ones hugging blankies or looking with wide-eyed wonder. However, I do not enjoy when a little one is watching a tablet without headphones, kicking my seat because the parent is head down on their own device and not paying attention, screaming because they haven’t had lunch, or any of the preventable annoyances that can happen.
Be prepared, be aware, be patient, and most importantly, be present. If your family is prepared, you can all enjoy your flight, and so will the business travelers sitting near you. Safe travels!
