Having said that, here's the issue: My dh wants to go home to NC for a holiday visit.  Fine.  We can't drive, though because he wants to fly.  Originally it was just him and Katie for 10 days.  I put a big fat foot down to that!  Now I will go for a 4 day weekend over the New Year's holiday and he & Katie will stay through the next weekend.  That's fine ... his dad is over 70 years old and they only see Katie once a year.  No problem.

I am terrified to take Katie into a crowded airport and even more terrified at the thought of dh and her being in an airport without my supervision.  (Go ahead, laugh. I already admitted I am a control freak.)  I do trust Larry ... just not the 1000's of people surrounding them at the airport.

Can you give me advice on safety in the airport?  What about the actual flying?  What can I do for Katie during take-off and landing?  She has tubes in her ears ... will this be a problem?

Also, for those of you who have flown recently, what is allowed on the plane these days?

Sorry for the freaking out episode here, just a "little" nervous!
Beth

I know that wasn't much help at all, but I sure can sympathize with you!!

^JENI

I love taking the stroller, great for them to sit while you cart your luggage.  Through security you will have to take her out - take off your shoes, her shoes, any jewelry, etc.  Bring your I.D.  Go through the X-Ray machine while holding her.  The airport gate is a FANTASTIC area to run around in - just seats there.  Obviously stay with her and keep her from bothering too many people (we talk to EVERYONE...ugh!) but expend her energy before you get on the plane.  You will not be able to take water (or any kinds of liquid, if you have meds or tylenol - check in with your luggage) but you can dump it out just before you go through security and then refill it at a fountain.  Now, if you have formula and mix that into the water right then as you are in front of the security person, you're totally fine and they'll let you have as much of that as you want!  No other liquids are okay - you can get things (milk) at the little shops on the other side of security if you need them. 

If she's 2 or older you'll have to pay for a seat.  If you will be taking your carseat for use on your trip, keep it with you and let her ride in it for the plane - more comfy!!!  You have preboarding because you have a young child so this is also a piece of cake!  There should be a stamp on the bottom of your carseat saying it's FAA approved, within the past few years almost all of them are (the most inexpensive are not.)  If she's under 2 you may choose to have her be a lap child.  No charge!  She does NOT go inside the seatbelt with you, that would crush her in an accident.  Wrap your arms around her.    Check your airline for options, sometimes you get a free seat under 2 for using an approved carseat.  Sometimes they give you reduced fares... 

As long as she continues to take sips as you are taking off and landing, shouldn't be a problem for you.  We never had a problem with Morgan at all, even with ear infections, but she did drink water for me when I told her to.  Your stroller will be checked right at the entrance to the plane, just leave it there and it's a first on, first off piece - when you step off the plane, it should be waiting right there for you. 

Instead I will say that having tubes in her ears is a GOOD thing!  While I had tubes in my ears, flying was a breeze.  It is now that they are out that I have all kinds of ear pain due to ear issues.  So, she should be fine.

If her ears DO hurt though, ask the flight attendant for a cup with a little warm water.  Use that to cover her ears.  Somehow, it works!

Leanne

May All Your Days Be Filled With Magic!  And your nights full of Disney Dreams!

Now all I have to do is find her birth certificate ... we have moved 3 times since Hurricane Katrina so good luck to me!

I am also going to buy a harness for her.  I know, I hate those things and swore I'd never use one.  But I never thought I'd be taking a very active, friendly, fearless 2 year old child into a busy airport, either!  Larry has to swear he'll use it on the way back.  He knows if something happens to Katie he can't come home!

Beth

First - you will do fine! flying.  You didn't say how long the flight was - but make sure you have lots of little different things to do on the plane.  For Miss G (who flew first at 3), I took books, washable markers and a pad, a fishing game..things like that.  Whatever works - but take a few surprises.  If you're lucky - maybe your gal is a sleeper!  Mine never was

I flew just a couple of weeks ago, and make sure any carryon liquids are < 3oz and can fit in a 1Qt ziploc bag.  You can see the list of regs at the TSA website. I won't post the link because I'm not sure of the rules, but google TSA - and you'll find it.  There are exceptions for medications, and formula / breast milk - but not many. Be aware that you will have to have this out separately to go through the x-ray.  For me - it was alot of things I had not thought about (makeup, lipgloss, etc.).  If you're like me ... I don't really want to throw my tube of L'Occitane hand cream I carry in my purse away...so just be aware.

Take care - have a GREAT trip!

Anna

Also, you don't need her birth cert - she's over 2 and you won't get free tickets anyway.  So, we do usually take her shot record, which shows her first immunizations and an easy way to check age.  We have NEVER had to have the birth cert - even before age 2 and Morgan is BIG for her age.  We've flown 4 different airlines and never had a problem.  Do on the online check-in on your flight out and it makes things easier/faster for you.  Try to get seat assignments at check-in for your flight back as well (or now if they'll let you, sometimes yes, sometimes no...) to get seats together.

If you have breast milk, they will make you taste it!  YOU, not your child.  Some agents have been known to make you throw it out and pump on the other side because they have no way of ensuring it is breast milk...whatever...  If you have the formula can with you, you can mix your water with it on the spot - must be in front of them.  Do not take pre-mixed because you will be required to throw that out and make fresh.