Leaving On A Jet Plane

"...Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane.
Don't know when I'll be back again.
Oh babe I hate to go."
- John Denver




We arrived into a snow covered, blue sky Helsinki Saturday afternoon. Once again, the boys did great traveling back over the Atlantic. They did not sleep much (3 hours total) but their spirits were high throughout the trip...no meltdowns!

I do not consider myself an 'expert' but I would say I am rather 'experienced' when it comes to traveling with young children. Many families do not even fly with young children until they are at least school age. Big first flew at 4 weeks and Little at 8 months. With 2 trips now across the ocean and few within Europe, they would both be Gold AAdvantage Members if we did not always fly on Daddy's miles.


When traveling with young children, you ALWAYS need to be prepared. In a carry-on have a change of clothes for each child and one for you if traveling with an infant, enough diapers and wipes to last 24 hours (spare underwear & a zip-lock for those in training), snacks and a spill-proof cup that can be filled with juice or water (bottle and formula for non-breast fed infants), and a few medications on hand (Tylenol, Motrin, Benadrly, and Pepto for kids). I always have crayons/pencils and coloring books, a few puzzles, a book or 2, and matchbox cars too. A new toy is always nice to pull out once you are 8 hours into a flight...last but not least, don't forget their favorite stuffed animal or blanket!


If you have the money or miles, I highly suggest upgrading to business-class for any flight longer than 4 hours. Better seats, better food and service, and everyone has their own TV. The 3 feet of leg room also allows a huge space for the boys to get on the floor and play cars. If flying coach, request bulkhead and when traveling with an infant you may get to use the bassinet for him/her!


Finally, FAA recommends that young children should be restrained in an approved car seat if sitting in their own plane seat (rather than on your lap if <2 years). From our travels and having children with LONG legs, there is very limited leg room in coach once our car seat was installed and the person reclined in front of us. In business class, you cannot use the tray for eating or coloring while using the car seat and the kids cannot recline for some shut eye. Also, car seats cannot be placed in an isle seat. If flying with a car seat, the gogo Kidz Travelmate is a life saver (and eliminates the need of a stroller).


Before taking a trip anywhere on an airplane, make sure you are aware of any changes in rules and regulations during travel. Good sites for travel...SeatGuru.com, FlyerTalk.com, FlyingRugrats.com, & FlyingWithKids.com