Leaving on a jet plane- with baby. Oy!

Posted on Dec 21 in breastfeeding, cloth diapering, parenting, parenting advice, personal storiesby TalinaPrint

I am not a huge fan of flying. We don’t travel by plane often, thankfully. We’ve never really had to as most places we visit are within reasonable driving distance. Unfortunately, now that we’ve moved so far away that’s changed.

We are heading back to Arizona very shortly for a visit with friends/ family and to pick up our car that we left behind during the cross country move. We are flying there and the thought of flying with baby is a touch overwhelming.

First there was the question “do we buy her a seat on the plane or just hold her on our lap”? The airline with the cheapest prices also does not allow infants to have a free or discounted seat fare. They’ll let us stow the car seat as carry on luggage and hold her on our lap but we wont be able to buckle her in without paying full ticket price.

Of course she wont be even remotely interested in sitting in her seat during the all day flight. She’ll be nursing, especially if the altitude and air pressure bothers her ears. This puts her smack in my lap anyway… and if the plane does crash, will the car seat do any good? Not to sure about that.

So we’ll be playing musical baby during our flight which is going to be trying I am sure. Car seat or not she’s gonna be fussy since she wont have her bed to nap in that day.

Speaking of beds… We have a pack n’ play and all this baby gear to bring along for the trip. You see, we are flying to Arizona and then driving back to Indiana in our newly repaired car. This means a 2-3 day road trip with hotel stays on the way back.

So we are toying with the idea of just FedExing our baby gear to Arizona to avoid paying hefty baggage fees at the airport. Anything that is not needed on the flight and not free to bring is gonna be shipped their instead, to save money and stress.

Now help me out here, we’ve never traveled long distance with a baby. What else should I be thinking through and planning for with all this?

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5 Comments

• Krystal McCarthy says:

  December 21, 2009 at 8:25 pm

  When my Aunt, Uncle and 2 cousins come out, they always ship all their stuff! My Uncle says it is pricey, but well worth it, knowing that your stuff wont be lost or stoled! I can not wait to see you guys! EEEKKKK!
  Krystal McCarthy´s last blog ..The Boys That Make Me Smile
• Starr says:

  December 21, 2009 at 8:41 pm

  I always flew with Logan on my lap up until he was two and was forced to buy him his own plane ticket, I found it easier to have a baby sling or carrier with me and he would sleep in that, being tired and so close to mommy or daddy helped, but you can’t wear it with the baby in it turing take off or landing because it itsn’t FAA approved. Also ask the airline if they have baby basinets during flight, I have heard of some airlines having them but I have never seen them, it may just be an urban myth, lol. Good luck I know its stressful but so worth it. Also you know you can check your stroller at the gate too and its never been counted in my baggage count. If you do decide to buy E a ticket that buys you an extra bag or two (depending on the airline) because she can then check bags also, just a thought although I am not totally convinced the extra seat is needed. Hope that helps, safe travels and Merry Christmas!
• Michelle in AZ says:

  December 21, 2009 at 10:33 pm

  Check the airline’s policy on car seat fees if you plan to check one with your bags. Most airlines say they’re free to check, which will save you $25-50. We started flying with Colten when he was 2 months and always held him on our lap, Give her a little Tylenol about 30 minutes before take-off – it’s recommended by doctors due to the ear pressure. Plus have some snacks on hand for her in case she wakes up or ask the flight attendants, they’re usually cool giving you stuff to keep your kid quiet . lol
• Donna B. says:

  December 22, 2009 at 8:10 am

  You are a far braver woman than I! I can barely get myself and my husband on a plane without a meltdown… usually mine, sometimes his
• melissa says:

  December 22, 2009 at 2:51 pm

  I flew with Riley this last July from here in Virginia to Tampa, Florida. I did take my stroller and they let you on the plane 1st with the baby along with the 1st class people. You can push the stroller right up to the plane and then fold it. They will have it waiting for you on your layover and when you get to your destination and they don’t charge you for it. Your lucky you have N with you to help you. I was by myself and I held riley on my lap. He did great with the flight but he fell asleep on me and I couldnt lay my tray down or go to the bathroom or anything. I would probably fed Ex your stuff because they airlines are charging soo much for baggage.
  Oh ya, your gonna have a fun time trying to change her diaper in the airplane if you have too. They don’t make the planes kid friendly at all. They counted Riley’s diaper bag as my carry on so all i was allowed to take on was my purse and the diaperbag.
  I would take some Tylenol with you and if her ears are realy bothering her then nursing her is a great idea.

  wish I could go to AZ. It’s been 2 yrs. Hope you guys have a blast and a Merry Christmas

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