7 minute read
SEAMLESS SUMMER TRAVEL
with children
By Joseph Cornwall, New York, from Jamaica
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Planning to travel with small kids for the summer? I suggest you do not do it. I work in the airline industry, so I know what I’m talking about. Day in, day out, I see Oscarworthy performances by the tiniest little people, who traverse the skies in search of holiday fun. They kick and scream, whine and moan; and very often, it’s due to no fault of their own. If you must travel, here are my fool-proof suggestions that will guarantee you a low-to-no-stress trip. Feel free to tweak accordingly.
Firstly, select an airline that suits your needs. If you wish amenities such as snacks and free drinks, free in-flight entertainment, be sure to ask the airline if they provide these options. Some airlines offer Wifi, XM radio and even direct TV. Some are free, some are not; so be sure to ask the airline. Your children will be entertained without having to leave their seats, and you may get a chance to nap while they watch television. If you select an airline without entertainment please bring your own cards, DVD players and games especially for flights longer than 2 hours. Also bring your own snacks or stop in the terminal and grab something to eat. Remember most airlines do not offer a hot meal.
KNOW YOUR AIRLINE’S BAGGAGE POLICIES
Throughout the Caribbean, locally based airlines tend to be the ones that offer two pieces of checked bags. Most US based carriers, will levy a fee for a second checked piece. Weight limitations are strictly enforced at check-in counters, so it would suit you well to use your home scale to ensure you are within the 50lb restriction prior to arriving at the airport. If it is at all possible, pack ‘light’. If you can’t pack lightly, pack a barrel, and ship it.
AVOID REDEYE/NIGHT HAWK FLIGHTS
This messes with your child’s circadian rhythm. While it may be more economical to take the late night flight, your child will be miserable unless he or she is a night owl. If your child is a night owl, you may want to take a closer look at that pattern. Older children may fare better. I have seen too many babies, toddlers and young children looking uncomfortable, and under unnecessary ‘stress’ on these flights. The sight to behold is the parent who falls asleep while the child wanders around the plane. Beware, somebody will call child services. If you have flight options, choose wisely.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
Most airlines are specialists in the transportation of young ones. Remember to brief your children and the airline representative accordingly. Without scaring them, remind your child of the importance of listening to the agent and flight attendant. They should never exit the aircraft unless the flight attendant hands them over to the gate agent. Never, and I say never, ever accept packages from anyone to bring on or take off the aircraft. If the child or children have never traveled unaccompanied before, ensure that you document any allergies or illnesses with the airline. As the parent or guardian you are allowed a gate pass to accompany the child or children to the aircraft. Please remember do not leave the airport until the plane takes off. A rule of thumb dictates that the parent or guardian wait at the airport for an addition thirty minutes in the event that the plane returns to the gate for any reason. Finally, ensure that your child has the name and contact of the person who will meet them at the airport. Most airlines will allow a courtesy call to the person or persons meeting your unaccompanied child or children. Some airlines offer a tracking feature which details the time of arrival. Please use it.
AVOID CONNECTIONS
T. here are real savings when one takes the connection option. Again, if your children are older then go for the savings, but remember that not all connections are seamless. Depending on the airport, terminal changes could mean exiting one terminal and going through security again. And after clearing customs your liquids must be checked in if you are connecting. Take all possibilities into consideration. With weather or air tra c delays, your airline is not responsible for any misconnections. They will accommodate you and your children on the next available flight and that may take a few hours or a few days. You are responsible for all hotels and meals.
REST UP
Get a good night’s sleep; you AND your child. The day may be hectic. Check in, security, immigration, boarding, deplaning, immigration again and customs will always be stressful even for the seasoned traveler. A good night’s sleep will make it a little more tolerable.
DRESS COMFORTABLY
Be sure to dress comfortably, but please no pajamas! Gone are the days of suit and ties, especially for children; but we need not turn this travel experience into a sleepover. It is not a good look. A T-shirt and a pair of jeans - and we are good to go. Again, please no pajamas.
ON-BOARD PREPARATION
Ensure your carry-on piece is well equipped to face the possibilities that can occur in-flight. Many airlines don’t have su cient blankets or pillows. Bring a sweater or jacket for your child, and you can consider purchasing a small neck pillow for added comfort. Chewing gum is always a great thing to have, to ward off the discomfort of blocked ears. Parents, if your child has a cold or sinus infection, please do not allow them to travel. This is pure torture for your child, and the cabin pressure can agitate or worsen the situation.
Please remember to check in your liquids. If you have young children who are old enough to pack their own bags, be sure to inspect their bags thoroughly. I have seen too many kids throw a tantrum because they refuse to part with their favourite body sprays or hair gels. Also please avoid the toy guns. You will have a problem at the security check point. TSA is not fond of guns - toy or not, and neither are customs o cials in many Caribbean islands. They will be confiscated on your arrival in Jamaica and Barbados.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Ok, so you’ve checked in, and received your seat assignments. Lil Miss Sunshine is in 13A and Lil Man is seated in 8B while you, Mommy Dearest are all the way in 25C . Let the panicking begin. While all airlines try to seat families together, it is not always possible. Some airlines allow you to select your own seat when booking your reservation but this does not mean the seat you selected will be available at check in. The earlier you arrive at the . airport is the greater the probability of actually getting the seat that you chose.
While there is no way of guaranteeing that everyone is seated in the same row here are a few ways to minimize the probabilities of separation. Most airlines allow online check in 24 hours before departure so please set your alarm and check in 24 hours before departure. Although you have checked in 24 hours prior to departure you must also check in again at the counter to get the boarding passes. Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once. Call the airline and inquire what time the check in counter opens and get there at that time. I guarantee the whole generation will be seated beside each other if you are the first to check in. I f this is not possible, please do not argue. Kindly ask the agent to assist in seating your family close to each other. If this is still not possible, then during boarding ask the passengers who are occupying the seats beside your children or you to assist you by switching seats. Note that this may not work because they may be sitting beside the children and wish not to separate their family. If your child is younger than six then it’s highly likely that someone will assist you. Ask the flight attendant to assist if necessary. Regardless of your destination or your budget, the traveling experience is second to none. Remember it is what you make it. If you are stressed your child or children will become stressed. If there is motion sickness or you are a nervous flier, try not to instigate that fear in your child. There is no shame is telling your Flight Attendant that you’re not entirely comfortable with flying – he or she will keep an eye on you. You paid all this money to get on a plane so enjoy the experience and remember to pick up a gift for your loved ones who will meet you at the airport. There is nothing worse than greeting your family or relatives at the airport with a smile, a hug and your two long hands. L.O.L. Happy Flying!
Joe Cornwall is a seasoned flight attendant who has over 14 years experience in the industry. If he were not a Flight Attendant, he would be a stand-up comic.
