Saturday, June 18, 2011

Taking Flight

We recently took our first flight with Emmeline.  I can best sum it up by saying -- it was a learning experience.  In the hopes of helping others, I'd like to pass on a few tips.

1.  Plan to leave for the airport at least 3 hours before your airplane departs- you never know when several parking lots are going to be closed and you'll have to detour about 4 times to finally get to the right parking lot.  Leaving your house 2 hours before the flight departs is not sufficient.

2.  On plane ride day, choose your outfit very, very carefully.  Choose something that you might like to wear for the next 4-5 days. 
    *Bonus tip- black sandals go with everything and men can wear umbro capris. 

3.  If you're traveling with a baby, your baby needs a ticket.  Even if you plan to hold your child (that is under 2 years old) in your lap-- still need a ticket.  You can have them added to your ticket at the gate, but you're probably going to hold up the security line while they find a manager to authorize that.

4.  Don't leave your stroller at security.

5.  Some babies don't like nursing covers.  At all.

6.  Just because you pay to have your bag delivered NEXT DAY does not mean you will get your bag the next day, the next, or even the next after that.

7.  Wal-Mart and your in-laws stash of extra toiletries = your best friend.

8.  If you are blind as a bat, it would be a very good idea to travel with your eye glasses in your carry on.  Otherwise, you'll be wearing your contacts non-stop for the next 4-5 days and your eyes will be blood shot and itchy.  People will wonder exactly what you've been up to . . .

9.  DFW Airport requires that all baggage must be checked 40 minutes prior to the plane's departure, not 30 minutes like you might assume.  And they don't care if you're traveling with a 2 month old.

10.  Traveling is an adventure and flexibility is your motto!  

Emme on her 1st (maybe last) plane ride

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