Thanksgiving is when you travel to spend quality time with the family. Although for many, traveling during Thanksgiving means being stuck on congested highways and fighting through packed airports.
Traveling with kids on a regular day can be challenging, especially when flying with a baby. So if you are flying this Thanksgiving, plan well! Here are tips to help you make sure your trip goes smoothly:
- Know when to schedule your flight.
Over 46 million American travel over Thanksgiving, and you can avoid this by traveling on non-peak days. A Wednesday departure and Sunday return are the most popular options for flying on Thanksgiving. Hence, these are the busiest travel days for this holiday.
Although Thanksgiving week is typically busy, flying on the right day can save your family time and money. However, if your travel dates are flexible, studies show it is best to schedule your flight on a Tuesday or Thursday, as these are the less busy travel days.
Some families who can carve time off work and school even opt to fly a week early. Aside from the benefits of going through a less crowded airport, you can likely snag deals on airfare for this flight schedule.
The next part of knowing when to fly is timing your flight around your children’s nap times or bedtimes, especially when flying with a baby. Letting your kids sleep on the plane usually results in an easy and stress-free flight.
- Get to the airport on time.
The expected time to arrive for a domestic flight is two hours before take-off, while three hours are the norm for international flights. However, if you have kids in tow, experts recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes earlier than you usually would.
Even if you have a fast pass like the TSA PreCheck, giving you and your family ample time for the longer lines and bigger crowds is essential. But a crowded airport also means longer waiting times for food and drinks in the on-site dining options.
- Do online check-in the night before your flight.
Airlines have this feature, and there is no reason not to self-check in for your family 24 hours before your flight. This feature will save you plenty of time waiting with bored kids at the counter.
Most airlines have a designated self-check kiosk for the baggage at the airport, so use this feature for more convenience. Remember to follow the guidelines on baggage weight to make this process a breeze.
Although, if you realize you need to add an extra bag outside your first booking, call the airline a day or two before your flight. Doing so will give you ample time to update your reservation details.
- Pack light.
Checking luggage can save you the hassle of pulling your suitcase through the airport while tracking kids and lugging around strollers and carry-ons. But this option entails baggage fees.
Less baggage can challenge traveling families, especially those with young kids.
If you are taking a short trip and can pack light, you could fit everything into one to two carry-ons. This option will not only save you money by not paying a baggage fee, but it will also help you go through the lines faster.
Besides toys and snacks for the kids, it should be easy to pack clothes lightly if you can do laundry at your destination. Also, if you have a baby or a toddler in diapers, you could buy some at your destination to save room in your carry-on.
- Bring enough snacks and activities onboard.
The number of snacks you should pack will depend on your child’s age, appetite and eating habits, and flight length. Since you know your children best, you can estimate how much they will eat and distribute it evenly while on the plane.
Aside from packing snacks for the flight, consider bringing extra snacks for the wait at the airport and in the highway traffic. Especially if you are traveling on peak days, buying food in a crowded restaurant at the airport may be a challenge. More so if you have several hungry kids complaining.
You can also prepare various activities to make flying fun for your kids besides snacking. The activities may vary depending on your child’s age but understanding your child’s interests is the best way to ensure their fun.
- Draft a Plan B in case of flight cancellations or delays.
Wintry weather is a wildcard, especially during the holiday travel rush. So it is ideal to follow your airline’s social media pages for updates. They can also offer quick rebooking help online in case of delays and cancellations.
Know your rights. Lawfully speaking, airlines should not just issue travel credit for canceled flights – they should also refund your money.
To avoid getting stranded in the airport with your kids, write down alternative flights to or near your destination. Also, list airport hotels before the day of your flight, so you can do your research without panicking.
- Keep yourself in check.
Understandably, parents get wound up traveling through a crowded and bustling airport. But most of their concerns are about how their rambunctious or whiny kids bother other travelers.
It is essential to remember that most people will have compassion and understand your struggle if your kids act up. Also, a calm parent usually makes a relaxed child. As Thanksgiving is a holiday centered on family, do not forget to enjoy this time with your kids and make the most of it.
Remember why you are traveling for Thanksgiving, and think about the enjoyable time you will spend with your families once you arrive. Once your kids feel your calmness while traveling, they will feel more relaxed and secure.
- Make car service reservations ahead of time.
Most travelers during peak times have struggled to get timely and affordable rides due to the spike in holiday travelers.
Booking a family-friendly car service like Kidmoto to and from the airport ahead of time will help reduce stress levels. Doing so will also help get you out of the house before your flight leaves.
Kidmoto provides a convenient car service with pre-installed, top-notch car seats. Kidmoto has a variety of vehicles available to fit your needs – all driven by a professional and dependable driver.
Besides that, you can conveniently book through the mobile-friendly Kidmoto App. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account, and provide information about your trip requirements upon signing in.
