At 11 weeks old, Colby boarded his first plane. We purposefully waited until he exited the newborn stage and received his first round of vaccinations, because, you know, planes are not the cleanest environments. I also knew that I wanted to start easy, so we went to visit my parents in Naples, Florida.
I say easy for a few reasons. First, Colby and I could fly out of our small, regional airport, Atlantic City. It’s about 15 minutes from home, so my husband was able to help with drop-off, pick-up, and luggage. Because of my parents’ proximity to another fairly small, easy-to-navigate airport, I knew that I had help on the other end of our journey. Next, I knew that I would have some extra hands while we were away, and didn’t have to bring all of our gear along with us. My parents had a pack and play, changing pad, wipes, play mat, and monitor set up in their guest room. Finally, it was just starting to cool down in New Jersey, but still very warm in Florida. Dressing a baby is so much easier in warm climates!
In planning our trip, I learned some really valuable information with regards to traveling with children under the age of 2. The best tidbit was that INFANTS ARE FREE! Okay, mostly free. You are still required to pay taxes or even 10% of the ticket price on international flights, but this depends on the airline’s policy. Transportation gear flies free, regardless of the airline’s baggage policy or child’s age. This means car seats and strollers. You have the option of checking these items upon check-in, gate-checking, or carrying-on (depending on the size). Big tip: invest in a roomy car seat bag. Why? They are inexpensive and they fit way more than just a car seat. You can also carry-on the essentials for your baby. TSA is very accommodating when it comes to breastmilk, formula, bottled water for formula (as long as it’s sealed), and baby food (even if it’s more than 3.4 ounces).
Tip: check everything. The less that you have to carry, the better, especially if you are traveling solo. I checked the car seat bag, but carried on Colby’s diaper bag, my personal item, and a stroller. It didn’t seem like a lot, but I could’ve gone without my personal item. I also made sure to bring my travel-friendly stroller so that I had the ability to put Colby down while navigating the airport. What made things easier in both airports and on the plane? My fellow Mommas! I cannot count how many times another Mom has grabbed my bag to put in the overhead compartment, carried the stroller down the jet bridge, and, most importantly, offered a simple smile and wink when I start to fluster.
My anxiety leading up to the flight was very REAL. We had taken him out to restaurants and friends’ houses, but I always had the ability to scoop him up and find a place to calm him down if he fussed at all. I knew I wouldn’t have that option on a full flight, in the window seat, on Spirit Airlines with no leg space. I had a plan, though. I put Colby in the carrier because he loved it and it gave me the luxury of having free hands. He had to come out of the carrier for take-off and landing, and the pediatrician advised me to feed Colby on the ascent and descent to help with the change in cabin pressure. I also made sure that I had a pacifier ATTACHED to him.
AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. Actually it was better than fine because he either slept or ate for both flights. I’m so glad Colby and I went because not only did we had a great time with his grandparents, but also it gave me the confidence to continue traveling!
Platt Family Passport 