KS | LOUISIANALASS

Traveling is no stranger to my 5 month old and will only become more familiar as time goes on. When preparing for our first trip abroad, I consulted with Calée over at Fly Seckman for her advice as an American expat traveling to and from China! After a few trips via plane, I have accumulated a list to ease your mind when traveling with a little one.

Booking. Saving cost would be the average family’s main concern when traveling via plane. Typically most articles advise booking 2 months ahead for a flight that leaves midweek in the evening. And from comparing prices, I would agree.

When flying internationally, it may save money to end your flight at the international airport and drive if your destination is nearby as oppose to flying to a smaller airport. Look into car rental and compare the cost difference of landing your flight at the international airport instead of the local airport.

Though it may seem like common knowledge, always book a return flight. Even if you don’t currently have a return date. Two – one way flight fares are way more expensive than booking a round trip or paying open return/change flight date fees.

If you’re traveling abroad with a newborn be sure to book a cot seat. You’ll have extra feet room and your arms won’t regret it.

Documents. Check your airline’s website to be sure of the documents you may need to carry along. Depending on the country you are visiting, you may need other documents upon entering.

If you have a newborn, you will need a baby passport! When taking your LO’s photo, be sure to bring a white blanket for the background and that their eyes are open for the photo. Most applications will not accept sleeping babies.

Let’s be honest. Babies sometimes come before marriage. If you’re like me and your little one does not share the same last name, carry a copy of his/her birth certificate. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress when speaking to immigration. 😖

Packing. Check with your airline for baggage allowance and weight limit. Vacuum seal bags do help when toting lots of clothes, but will make your luggage dense. If you’re traveling with an average amount of clothes, rolling like items together is another method that saves space!

Most airlines offer baggage allowance for your little one. Do take advantage of the extra baggage for free!

When it comes to liquids, save yourself the hassle and be sure to stay under the airline limit and be sure to have them all in one clear bag for easy removal when passing through security.

If you’re traveling with a stroller and car seat, you can get special bags for them as well. Gate Check stroller bag and the Gate Check carseat bag will not protect your items from rough handling but it will protect your items from grease and help you to find your items easier.

Departure. The great part about traveling with your tot is that you immediately get damsel in distress priority. Your little one can detect anxiety so mommy/daddy, stay calm. The airlines know managing kids, especially a baby, is a tough job and will usually direct you to the front of a line and when boarding the plane! 💃🏻

Flying. Pack a pacifier to help your little one with ear pressure for take off and landing. If they don’t take a pacifier, nurse/feed him during this time. Relax. Put your little one down for a nap in the cot and order a beverage. It’ll all be over in 5+ hours. If flying KLM, you are backed with a supply of diapers and toys! Ask your airline if needed.

Arrival. Congrats! You’ve done it! Supermom/dad you are! Now just to pick up your bags and head to your destination.

Hopefully some if not all this information has been helpful to you! It’ll be a great resource/reminder when we travel abroad with our next newbie.

If you have any advice or experiences with traveling via plane, please share! I’m always looking for the easy button. ☺️