Plane Travel with a Toddler

 Ok complete novice in this area, but it seems to me that using the carseat might be your best option since it would be familiar to her and I know that always helps, whatever the situation.

You should PM mrsjohnston (Lisa).  If i remember correctly, she travels frequently with Riley and her hubster and might be able to give you some tips and pointers.

Deb W.

we checked our seat. Our kids were wriggly/antsy in them bad enough on car trips (we freuqently rode to OK or 3 hour trips when they were small) that we did NOT need to bring that agitation on board a plane. We simply sat them in their seats as is. I think we even did lap once but luckily there was a seat next to use free and we used that.

We brought a movie player and that really did wonders...as did, food and drink.

We brought a pacifier for the ear stuffiness, a sippy cup too (tho I don't think they let you bring FILLED sippys on board anymore).

I have seen parents fussing with car seats on board a plane in my travels and the kid ALWAYS ends up out of it and walking up and down or moving seat to seat anyways...so I guess I wonder what purpose they serve aside from making boarding and exiting a ton more complicated and annoying for everyone else on board LOL. As well as cramping the person sitting next to the seat.

I'm here and yes, we definitely have experience traveling with Riley on a plane.

Two words:  DVD PLAYER!!!

We don't bring a seat (my parents have one for us on the other end), but if we did we would check it for sure.  Our trips are usually about 6 hours (Detroit to Palm Springs) with a layover, so we have some experience with everything.  Riley DOES NOT SIT STILL EVER.  So each trip is always a crap shoot LOL  Most DVD players don't have the battery life for our entire flight, so we are very creative on ways to keep her occupied.

Here are my TIPs 

#1.  Don't board early.  I know I know, it gives you extra time to settle; however, it also creates a longer waiting time in the seat.  Your flight might not be an issue since it isn't that long, but every minute counts and you don't want them to have to be perfect for longer than necessary. 

#2.  Change the diaper right before you board. 

#3. Bring tons of water and avoid sugar drinks.  More sugar, more hyper, more meltdowns.  This isn't an issue for us, since Riley doesn't like anything but water.

#4.  Suckers.  I know, it completely contradicts Tip #3, but small regular suckers are perfect.  As one of my best friends always says, they can't scream if they are sucking on a sucker!!  However, bring tons of wipes.  Even at Riley's age the stickiness was astounding; however, that was easily contained if kept up with. 

#5 Bring lots of ultimate favorite snacks.  For Riley that is fresh baked sourdough rolls...what can I say, she's bizzarre.  These saved us on this last flight.  I went to the baker in the AM and picked them up.  Goldfish are good too.  Not greasy, not sticky and she could eat a bag of them if I let her. 

#6.  Don't bring the car seat.  If you can afford it get her own seat (if she's not yet two).  Riley was 23 months and at the last minute we opted for her own seat.  Thank goodness we did.  It was worth every penny plus.  When she was an infant and nursing we didn't, but at this age there is so much wiggling going on.

#7 Bring DVD player and favorite movie, shows, etc.  I can't stress this enough.  I use my laptop  for movies, but it gives everyone a chance to breathe and she will watch a whole 1 1/2 hr movie.  Anything past that is a stretch though (remember we have to fill 6 hours)

#8 Bring toys that don't have a lot of pieces.  We made this mistake once and she dropped something and it must of rolled about 10 rows.  Things keep dropping, etc. etc.  Books are key, crayons (triangluar ones) with paper.  I would recommend only one crayon though (see #7).

#9 Select seats that are near the engine if you can.  These are louder and will not only muffle cries, screeches (our problem), toys, movies, etc. but the sound seems to lull Riley to sleep. 

#10 Don't freak out if she melts down.  DH always gets all worked up.  But what are you going to do?  As long as you are trying everything to keep her happy and entertained and not ignoring stupid behavior what else can you do.  Remember, you won't see any of these people ever again.

#11 Walk her up and down the isles.  People will smile and wave and will be a little more tolerant if they see her cutie pie face.

Finally, don't expect to enjoy the flight, so when you do its awesome!

Regarding the water and bringing on board.  If you buy a bottle of water at the airport past security you can bring it on board without question.  If you have breastmilk stored, you can also bring that, but they will inspect it. 

The sippy cups are big with the ear thing, suckers too.  Also, yawning does the trick too.

If you are going to use either the harness or the seat, I would go with the harness.  Honestly, we just put her in the seat and she was good to go with the belt.  She does get antsy once in flight and we let her out of the belt so she could move around.

You know, I have never flown with my kiddos, so I have no advice other than - finger foods, colors, magnadoodle, etc.

Good luck! Have fun!

 I don't have kids, never flown with a kid, but child passenger safety is a definite area of my interest. If you have ever seen the way they handle bags, is that really how you want your car seat handled? The FAA would prefer you use your car seat on the plane http://www.travelwithyourkids.com/on-the-plane/should-you-use-a-car-seat-on-the-plane

Thanks for all the ideas and input!  I knew I could count on you guys! 

I am still undecided on the car seat.  I am really tempted to take it on, but also concerned that she won't want to be in it anyway which will mean we will have an unused seat and she will end up in our lap anyway.  I do think I might gate check it though if I do check it b/c I want to know that it will be there when we arrive.  I also found out that I can rent the harness so I am considering that.  One thing is for sure, we will have a DVD player, crayons, a contained toy and lots of snacks! 

I looked at American's website and they recommend either your car seat or the harness.  They are both approved for use and I plan to use one or the other...or attempt to at least.  The handeling of the car seat is one of my issues as well.  I paid enough for it, I would hate for it to get messed up by checking it!