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We've all laughed and enjoyed the movie "Home Alone". In this flick, the hectic traveling family
forgets poor Kevin who gets left behind. This comedy is a stretch of the imagination
for our entertainment
but it does point out how hectic and crazed family holiday travel can be. I'm sure many parents
can relate to the stress of packing, planning and traveling with small children.
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are the busiest family
travel weeks of the entire year. This means airports are full of parents with their young
travelers. In many cases, these parents may be infrequent flyers accompanied
by young children flying for the first time. How can you avoid being stressed out parents?
Would your child be as savvy as Kevin in similar circumstance?
Here are a few tips to help navigate your
way and make sure no one gets left home alone...
• Plan your airport journey with sites like
World Airport Guide .
This site offer airport maps and complete details of all airport facilities,
parking, transportation and everything you'll need to know. Many airports now offer
children's play areas to help little ones pass the time during connecting flights.
•Dress comfortable and dress smart. Avoid delays with airport security by being prepared.
Empty your pockets of all coins and put wristwatches in your carry on bag while in line
for your security check. Avoid wearing metal belt buckles and lots of jewelry. Wear slip on
shoes that are easy to take on and off. Make sure your travel documents are safe but easily
accessible because you will be asked to present them several times before boarding your flight.
• Pack light!...with the exception of diapers and extra formula. Figure on bringing
along a 3 day supply of formula and diapers just in case you run into any weather
emergencies or airport closings. If possible, mail or ship gifts and your clothing
ahead to grandma's house. This will save time, aggravation
and your back. Keep any gifts unwrapped to save hassles at airport security checks.
• Make a rule that everyone over the age of 5 carry their own luggage. If your child
or teen insists on packing the entire house, make them carry their suitcase up and down a flight
of stairs 10 times. This might encourage them to lighten up.
• Infant snuggle carriers or back backpacks are often a good way to keep your child close while freeing up your hands for older children and luggage.
• Have a dress rehearsal, especially if you have toddlers or first time flyers.
Showing kids the ropes and their way around an airport ahead of time will help
alleviate any fears. Giving them time to explore during a relaxed family outing will
help to keep them focused the next time through when you're pressed to catch a flight.
• Designate a family meeting point just in case you get separated from your children.
Find a centrally located spot that is easy to find. Another good reason for a dress rehearsal.
• Have a talk with your kids about airport safety. Even young children can be taught to use
emergency page phones. Show children who airport security people are and what their uniforms
look like. Let them know who to safely ask for help.
• Make sure all of your children, including infants have a copy of your itinerary on their
person along with the name and phone number of an emergency contact person. Familiarize young
children with how to dial the phone and reach both your emergency contact person as well as
emergency services like 911. Make sure they know how to make a collect or emergency call.
• Single parents traveling with children may be asked for proof of custody. It's a good idea
to be prepared
with copies of legal custody papers or even a simple notarized letter from the co-parent.
• Keep a recent photo of your children with you.
Also make a note of exactly what they are wearing for their flight. This will be extremely
helpful to security personal should you become separated. Dress kids comfortably in brightly
colored clothing which will make they easy to spot in a crowd.
• Leave PLENTY of time to get to the airport. Airports are especially crowded during the holidays.
There are traffic jams, full parking lots and long lines at check in. Rushed, stressed out parents
mean anxious, crabby children. The usual rule of thumb is to check in 2 hours prior to departure for
international flights and 1 hour prior to departure for domestic flights. It is not unreasonable
to double those times for holiday flights. Remember, holiday flights are often over booked. If
you don't check in on time, you will loose your seats.
• E-tickets will often enable you to use kiosks for self check in which will save you time
waiting in line. If you are not checking any luggage, you can check in with e-tickets at the
gate. Make sure you bring along two forms of ID.
• Should your flight get cancelled or if you miss a connecting flight,
use your cell phone or a pay phone and call the 800 customer service number
for your airline. Often this can save you waiting
in line with hundreds of other stranded, stressed passengers.
The absolute most important thing that you can bring with you to the airport
over the holidays is a sense of humor. This will help keep your sanity in the best
and worst of circumstances.
Happy Holidays!
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