Traveling with Kids? Travel Tips to Increase Safety & Reduce Stress

Traveling with kids adds a slightly increased stress level, no matter how much you prepare…especially when flying. There are the extra necessities, such as a stroller, diaper bag, or car seat, which can slow you down through airport security lines. Not to mention the pressure of trying to hurry because of people waiting behind you as you attempt to hold the baby and close up a stroller, all while taking your shoes off, ensuring your allowed liquids are set aside in their proper clean one quart bag and following other security rules.

It is enough to scare off some parents from attempting this travel routine. But, help has arrived just in time for this week’s Thanksgiving holiday travels. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just completed its new family, expert and casual traveler lanes through security checkpoints in U.S. airports designed to help travelers fly through and arrive at their gates faster and less stressed.

Hoping to ease congestion, provide additional help to those who need it, and to decrease wait time, the newly unveiled lanes, part of TSA's Diamond Self-Select program currently at 48 airports, allow families, individuals unfamiliar with air travel procedures and travelers with special needs to go through security at their own pace, as reported by TSA. Click here to watch the Black Diamond Self-Select video.

In addition to the new security lines, which are marked just like a ski map’s “black diamond” route for “expert traveler” to the green route for “family traveler”, TSA has put together some tips and a video to help people get through the screening process faster.

Also helping parents navigate airline travels with their kids is Louie Delaware, The Home Safety Guru™ and president and founder of US Safety Pros. Louie has put together several travel safety tips that can further ease travel concerns and make traveling with kids easier and most importantly, safer.

SAFETY ISSUES

1. Bring Your Own Car Seats – It is tempting to have a child that is under 2 years of age sit on your lap during your flight. It is very difficult, and most likely physically impossible, to hold a child during turbulence. All children less than 40 pounds should be a car seat and older children in a booster seat. Make certain that yours has the designation “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” as many car seats do not have this. For best fit in aircraft seats, use a car seat that is less than 16” wide. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain that the seat is properly installed with the airplane buckles. It is a requirement on many international flights that every child have their own seat.
2. Consider Using an Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) Strap - This is a restraint device that is allowed on airplanes for children between 22 and 44 pounds. It attaches to the back of the seat works in addition to the lap belt. These are much easier to carry as they are just straps. And they install very easily. You can order these at www.KidsFlySafe.com.
3. Booster Seats - Be aware that booster seats are not allowed on many airlines.
4. Don’t Use Car Seats From Car Rentals / Family & Friends - It is a good idea to bring your own car seat even though you could arrange for one with your rental car company, which may not be guaranteed and they can run out of car seats during busy travel seasons. You may not be happy with the condition of the seat once your get there either. And don’t count on your family or friends to have a proper one for your child either.
5. Oxygen Masks – If during your flight the oxygen masks drop from above, put yours on first as you will quickly loose your ability to deal with the emergency. Once yours is properly on, put one on your child. What is not communicated is that if there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure that your will possibly lose consciousness within 15-20 seconds without oxygen. So it is very important that you can get yours on before dealing with your children’s mask. You will not be of any assistance to them if you pass out after putting theirs on before yours.

In addition, to ease the travel process, Louie recommends the following advice:

MAKING TRAVEL EASIER AND LESS STRESSFUL
1. Take Advantage of Early Boarding – With more people carrying on bags on to the plane, the earlier you can board, the easier it will be for you to keep the bags you need near your seats. And you won’t feel rushed with everyone else boarding the plane.
2. Fly Non-Stop - With all of the record delays that have occurred lately, it is best that you try to fly non-stop as much as possible. It is much easier to travel this way and will get to your destination in a less stressful manner.
3. Notify The Airline You Are Traveling With Child – When booking your flight, let the airline know that you will be having your infant or toddler sitting in your lap. Also, some airline companies will give you a discount for flying with a child that will be in a car seat.
4. Seating Placement – For the safety of other passengers, car seats are usually placed at window seats or the center of a wide row of seats between two aisles. If traveling with a rear-facing car seat, you may want to consider requesting a bulkhead seat as these typically will have more space in front of the car seat.
5. Allow For More Time – Your travels will be a lot less stressful if you give yourself more time to get to your flight. Take breaks along the way. Don’t rush as this will most likely only make things worse. Also, remember if you don’t have pre-assigned seats, make a point to get to the airport extra early to try to get everyone together.

What tips or tricks have you learned when flying with kids to ease the process?

Photo Credits: TripAdvisor.com and TSA.gov