Traveling- Airport and Planes

Morning!
I have a few minutes of quiet time while the boys are watching some educational tv..."Daniel Tiger."

Don't Judge :)

Anyway...Back to how do we travel so much? Literally, how do we do it?

So the airport is very daunting to many people. Like yesterday I am going to break it down for you on how the W's rock the airport and plane rides.

G has been flying since he was a couple months old and Oliver was on his first international flight at 5 weeks....so they are pros.

At the airport:

• Both Andy and I wear each of our kids. Gus rides on my back in a toddler carrier while Oliver is on Andy's back in an Ergo. When G was little I wore him in a woven wrap which we then would use as a blanket on the plane, a nursing cover up, and a couple other things.
• When wearing kiddos you don't have to take them off going through security. This makes life MUCH easier. You just go through the metal detector and the test your hands. DONE.

• Like I mentioned yesterday you can check a pack n play, strollers and car seats for no charge. So, we carry our 2 suitcases, 2 car seats and backpacks to the counter and then check the car seats and bags.
• Snacks and Beverages
• With kiddos you are allowed a little bit more through security. If you are carrying milk, breast milk or kiddo beverages security will just run a quick test on them and you can continue on your way. There is no limit to what you bring on this way as long as it is for the child.
• When I was breast feeding and pumping I carried my pumping bag, a cooler full of ice and milk, my diaper bag, AND one small personal item.
• We bring TONS of snacks. Cut up fruit, baby food pouches, goldfish, fig bars, and just about anything else our children always eat.
• Most airports have areas for kids to be entertained. When they were really little we didn't worry about this but now that they are older it has come in super handy
• Carry your own water bottle and water bottles for the kids. Most airports have bottle fillers near the water fountains. This way you don't have to purchase insane priced water bottles AND you can make sure to stay hydrated on the plane.
• Once through security we often will grab a cup of coffee and then find a gate that the kiddos can run around in. Both our boys LOVE watching the planes, trucks, tugs, and people working outside so the windows provide a lot of entertainment.

                                              

On the Plane:
   We have learned a couple tips that have changed the way we fly. 

• We try and sit in the very front row of the plane. There is more leg room for adults AND once we are in the air the kids have a little more room to stand and move for a minute....also this...

Yes, that is Gus sleeping on the wrap I wore him in on the floor....don't judge

• 
  Children up until the age of 2 don't need a seat. They are considered a "lap infant" and there is no cost to them.
• If traveling internationally you do have to pay a seat tax for them.
• When the boys were little we tried to fly during nap time..That way we could get on the plane, get them settled and they would sleep for the majority of the flight.                                       

• Bring a couple "new toys" for them to explore and play with on the plane. The dollar section at Target is perfect for this. One or two new little things get them excited and will keep the occupied for a little bit longer.
• We do bring a tablet for the kids to watch a movie on while on the plane. For Gus it is the best way for him to sit still on the plane and usually he just sits back and enjoys.
• Don't apologize. I hate to say this but don't. Your kids are going to have bad days and good days just like at home. So if you happen to be on a flight and your kid is upset. Change up the scenery a bit. On our flight on Sunday Oli wasn't super happy. So Andy walked with him to the back of the plane and went to the restroom. He was thrilled to say Hi to a million people and to just move around for a bit. 

The adventure is in the journey. Both boys have flown for 4+ hours and had amazing flights. On the other hand we have been on hour-long flights that seem to last forever because they are un-happy.  Similar to the way we pack for our trips we approach flying the same way. Keep it simple. Don't over think it. You got this

Cheers and Safe flight