You think flying alone is stressful? Try flying with an infant. We have done it six times. Averaging about 1x a month as baby Char is 7 months old. We have a lot of family all over the United States and spending time with them is a priority when our jobs and wallets can spare it. Traveling to see family is one of the reasons we became debt free. We have a line item in our budget for travel which includes car rentals, plane tickets & food. Money goes into this category monthly as it’s one of our sinking funds. Baby Char is now part of our traveling world. Keep reading to see 9 ways we fly from take-off to landing with an infant.
- ONLY PACK THE ESSENTIALS. I make a checklist depending on where we are flying and how long we will be out of town. Look at the weather forecast. It’s summertime and we have only been traveling weekends, so I pack for 3 days/2 nights worth of activities. Two pair of shorts for Cody and I, a light sweater for myself, undergarments, pajamas, sneakers/sandals + travel sized hygienic materials. I pack a couple outfits for Char, a throw blanket, diapers, wipes + baby food with a spoon.
- PACK A ‘TO GO’ BAG FOR BABY. A to go bag is a smaller bag filled of what I need that can be pulled out of the baby bag without searching. Think of it like, a baby travel case. I have a clear Ziploc with two diapers, travel sized baby wipes, wash cloth, onesie/extra outfit, socks + changing pad. I can pull this bag out and walk with Char to the changing table with no hassle or thought put into it. This bag gave me much needed relief when Char had to be changed on the airplane. Plane stalls are tiny and a super packed diaper bag would’ve taken too much space. Ziploc FTW!
- AVOID EXTRA FEES. Growing up traveling the world I have learned to be minimalistic packing what I need into one carry-on. Yes, I use one standard airline approved carry-on for myself, Cody and Char. Depending on the airline, this is included in your airfare – I’m looking at you Spirit! Always look at airline fees and make sure your budget accounts for them.
- YOUR PUMP IS A MEDICAL DEVICE. Because your pump is a medical device, you are allowed on ANY airline with it and your breast milk – subject to search by TSA – at no additional cost when flying domestically. You may either store it in your carry-on or an additional bag (separate from the baby bag) for FREE – sneak items into this additional bag that won’t fit in other bags. *Do not be afraid to tell the TSA agent to switch gloves when inspecting your precious liquid gold*
- BOOK FLIGHTS ON BABY’S SLEEP SCHEDULE. Char has one morning nap around 9am and afternoon nap around 2pm for roughly 2.5 hours. So far, I have been able to book flights that take off around the same times. Our next flight is about 2 hours long and leaves during her mid-day nap. She is usually asleep by the time the tickets are scanned at the gate.
- MAKE SURE BABY IS LISTED ON BOARDING PASS. I cannot stress this enough! If your child is going to be a lap traveler, please make sure the little “I” is listed on the boarding pass of one of the adults in the party. You don’t want to be held up by TSA security just because you forgot to notify the airline that you were traveling with an infant. Some airlines like Frontier allow you to book the baby online while other airlines, like American force you to call and confirm the same.
- GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TRAVEL TIME. TSA suggests you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before flight departure. OK- if you’re like me and like to be on time, you know a baby is going to put stress on that rigid timetable. I try to give my family a 3 hour window to flight departure. Char could have a blow out, there may be heavy traffic or security may take what seems like a lifetime to check all the breast milk (frozen & unfrozen). I like to arrive at the gate with enough time to snack, nurse and rock Char to sleep.
- WAIT FOR OTHERS TO DEPLANE FIRST. *as long as time permits* It is A LOT to deplane with a baby, especially when traveling alone. Do not hesitate to ask an attendant to help bring your bags down from the overhead bin. Save yourself the stressful situation of others waiting on you and allow the plane to be somewhat emptied before gathering your things. Your stroller and car seat will take a few minutes to be pulled from the cargo carriage anyway. I calmly sit and allow all who deplane gush over how precious my child is. Char loves to people watch and the added attention makes for a very happy baby!
- PRO TIP FOR NURSING MOTHERS* DOWNLOAD THE MAMAVA APP. It’s free and is a definite lifesaver while traveling through airports and public spaces. There is plenty of space for a stroller and suitcase if you’re traveling alone. Each pod is set up with benches, hand sanitizer, mirror, paper towels and outlets. Check out my reviews of the Mamava Pod and airport nursing space here for more information.