Flying Alone with 2 Year Old!

When I flew with my son at about that age, a friend gave us a pop up book for him. I saved it for "on the airplane" and it was the BEST. He loved looking at it and it occupied him for quite a while (until he fell asleep).

-L.

where exactly do you live? Are you in the dallas area or the amarillo area? or somewhere in between? I have an all in one car seat stroller that is airline approved and fits in their seats and you just pop the wheels down then you only have to take one. ____@____.com

If she likes to color, I highly suggest Color Wonder. The markers only color on the CW paper and it will keep her busy.

I have flown 3 times by myself with my daughter (at 6 mo, 13 mo, and 15 mo). It's not fun and I told my husband I don't want to fly without him anymore =) But don't worry, you can do it! I've never had a visitor come to the gate with me so I've had to carry everything myself. You'll be able to check the stroller and car seat at the gate no charge which is nice but you still have to lug it around until you board the plane. The last time I flew I got smart and the only carry on I had was a diaper bag. If you can get away without having a carry on (check it if you can) then I recommend it. If you have someone go to the gate with you it's not too bad except you still have to carry/push the carry on, diaper bag and, stroller, car seat and child all the way down the gate to the plane by yourself and I've only once had an employee help me.

I've had bad experiences with American Airlines and they've never let people with children board first (not my last 2 times flying which were both this year). Other airlines have but not AA. Depending on the length of your flight I recommend bringing your own snacks and beverages. From the time you walk onto the plane until they deliver snacks in can be an hour or more.

The extra seat is nice! Bring things to keep occupied. The more you can check and the less you carry onto the plane the less hassle. Security varies. Most will have you take off any jackets and shoes off your children as well as you. They will most likely try and put the stroller through the xray machine even if you know it won't fit.

It's not all bad but it can be a hassle. The first time I did it - it was a breeze, I felt like supermom but then it got harder. Good luck!!

1. Take only what you can carry or roll.
2. Take a bit less than your initial impulse.
3. Most the time they will let you board early so take advantage of that.
4. Get there early so you are not stressed out.

I wrote about my experience here: http://www.burbmom.net/how-to-fly-on-a-plane-with-a-toddler/

i would do a bag for each of you. you will need something to keep you occupied should she nap and a clean shirt. she will need lots of toys/books/music thing (think ipod with earbuds) as well as food and a fave toy. just don't leave the toy on the plane!

Hi. My 23 months old daughter has flown a lot - including a 17 hour trip to china. Mostly I have my husband - but several times I have been by myself. I scanned through and it looks like you already got most of the advice I would give. The only thing that I would add is that instead of taking a portable dvd player - I try to take as little as possible -- I download tv shows to my ipod nano (like Dora, Jack's Big Music Show, etc) from itunes. I did this for the first time last month when we went on a trip and I had to fly home with her by myself. I have it in a workout wristband that I attach to some portable speakers (but you could use a rolled up blanket) that my daughter can hold on to. I have head phones and we "practiced" several times before I took it on the plane. My DD doesn't get to watch tv much so she was in heaven watching it on the plane. I let her watch as much as she wanted and she barely made a peep the entire time we were on the plane. The key is practicing before so she will get the hang of the head phones and downloading shows that you KNOW she will want to watch.

Also, make sure you take a set of pjs for her in your carry on bag. On our last flight Delta lost our luggage and we didn't get it for 24 hours after we landed. It sucked because I didn't even have an extra set of clothes for her. The clothes I had dressed her in for the plane weren't good for sleeping in and I had to let her sleep in just a diaper.

If you don't need to put anything in the over head bin -- I wouldn't try to board early. In fact, I wait until the very last minute to get on. That reduces the amount of time you have to sit and wait on the plane. The terminal is much more fun! In the terminal I try to find a seat near a wall or window. And then I tell my daughter to race as fast as she can to the window/wall and then back to me. She thinks it is so fun and it wears her out before we get on the plane.

Trust me when I tell you that you can do it! She'll probably be great but even if she isn't - just remember that most of the people around you have kids too so they get it. You'll be fine just keep a good additude. Good luck!

This summer I flew alone with our 2 1/2 year old daughter for the first time. My husband is usually with us. All I carried on is my purse/diaper bag & another bag with coloring books, snacks, etc., & the carseat. I bought one of those backpacks with a harness on it so that I wouldn't have to carry Kaitlyn through the airport but not worry about her running away from me. She hasn't ridden in a stroller for over 6 months. Our daughter never likes to stay in her carseat, so on the way home we checked the carseat at the gate & she just sat in the seat. I'd rather do that than have to listen to her throwing a fit cuz she doesn't want to stay in her carseat. She fiddle with the tray & was up & down in her seat. She stood up on the seat & messed with the light above us. Luckily on the way home she fell asleep before we took off & slept the entire. It was the most joyous flight I'd taken with her so far. LOL

Sometimes going through security is a chore with a toddler cuz you have to take off your shoes. Depending on how big your carseat is, it might not fit through the xray, but the security people are usually really nice about helping out if they see that you are alone. Boarding the plane is fairly easy & you can board early if you want. I didn't because that's just more time that your toddler has to be on that plane.

Being a mom, we're prepared for most anything & you'll do just fine. Good luck & have a nice trip!!

I skimmed the answers and have a couple responses.

-Someone mentioned that you can't use a car seat on the airplane. That's not entirely true. Some care seats ARE FAA approved. Check to make sure yours is before you carry it on.

-The airlines will (generally) accept a full size stroller as a gate-checked item, so feel free to take that if you think it would be helpful.

-Arrive early to check in and talk with the gate agent about when you can board, get your gate-check claim tickets. Basically, just be early and prepared!

Good luck!

You can ask the people at the gate if you can board early, but chances are you may not. I found with AA that it depended on who you got and what airport. Most likely you will just board with your boarding group which is really not a hassle -- well not any more than it would be getting on a plane with a 2 yr old. LOL.

Take whatever bags feel comfortable. You can take 2 carry ons in addition to your purse. If you can fit it into one, great. I have a large-ish backpack and I put my stuff in there along with my wallet, etc and then pack my purse. My son has his own little backpack that he can carry. If the car seat is a 5-pt harness, you can actually use it on the airplane. I'm not sure if they're charging $$ to check car seats -- I would assume they are. This might save you some money especially if you're taking a stroller which will need to be checked once you get to the gate. I don't know if they'll charge you or not.

The stroller you can check at the gate so it can go through security with you. I would use it to carry my bags, the car seat, etc. and then my son would walk, ummm, run. If you can get your husband to help you through security, that would be great; however, I never did that unfortunately, but I found that my fellow travelers were more often than not very helpful. More than one person helped me fold up the stroller, etc. and put it through the x-ray machine. Oh, and I would suggest easy on, easy off shoes for your toddler. they make the babies and children take off their shoes as well.

Allow your self a little extra time before the flight to go through security, etc. I found that my son loved running around and frankly, it would sometimes wear him out to the point he napped during the flight. That's always a plus! If you want your husband to help you through security (I've always gone it alone so check before hand), I think you can get a pass for him.

It will go fine. Honestly if you pack enough books, toys, games, stickers and food -- you'll do fine. My son like magna-doodles, sticker books with lots of pictures, wikistix, play-doh, colorforms, or anything *new* they might find in your bag. You know your child and her likes and dislikes -- use this as a guide. I remember one time at this age my son totally loved going through the SkyMall catelogue.

It's a sometimes difficult age, but you may be surprised by how well he does with a little planning.

Tootsie rolls are good for take off and landing to get their ears unplugged. Take a few with you along with a lollipop perhaps. Nothing shuts up a testy 2 yr old faster than magically appearing forbidden candy.

Good luck. I just traveled from Abilene to Dallas and Dallas to Tulsa via American Airlines with a 23 month old. I did not use a carseat, but think this will be to your advantage. I also recommend just an umbrella stroller and one diaper bag as a carry on. It was hard to juggle everything and an active toddler trying to get on and off of the plane. The flight attendants were not helpful at all. Also, take plenty of snacks in case of delays. Our flight home was awful. The plane had engine trouble and we sat on there for over an hour and then had to get off the plane and re book our flights. The did not take into consideration people with children and let them get rebooked first. I didn't plan on being gone too long and ran out of snacks early and had to buy expensive food from the airport. Security was not a problem. The only thing they will do is if you have a sippy cup they will check the ph of it and make sure it is just juice or water. Also, you are not allowed to take water bottles in your diaper bag unless you bought it after the security checkpoint. Hope everything goes well.
P.S. I would also take your childs favorite books to read on the flight. My daughter likes playing with my ipod so she had fun with this. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

I've been flying alone at least one way with my daughter since she was six weeks old (she's now five). She is a very spirited child too, so I can feel your nervousness about solo with her. If her car seat isn't too big, and she falls asleep in it while in the car, definitely take it onto the plane with you. The seats are made for adult bodies and I found my daughter was VERY uncomfortable sitting in the plane seat. Whenever I took her carseat on the plane, she'd fall asleep shortly after takeoff. Whenever I didn't, she'd be miserable (and so would I) for the entire flight.

I took two bags - mine and a diaper bag. I tried to time drinking/eating with a diaper change before we boarded the flight. Only once did I have to change her on the flight and I was fortunate to have a 2-seat section so I did it discretely on the seat instead of in the tiny bathroom.

Take something for her to chew on or suck on (lollipop if she's old enough) so she can keep her ear canals open during take off and landing. If you have a portable DVD player, take it (make sure it's fully charged!). I won one at work during a team building thing and it's been a lifesaver for long car trips and plane rides.

I ended up taking the umbrella stroller just because it's lighter weight than the Peg Perego stroller and made it easier for me to handle with everything else I was carrying.

You can board early with a 2 year old (or younger). Definitely do it.

If you don't take the car seat on board, take a small pillow or blankets and once the seat belt sign goes off, loosen the belt around your daughter a bit and let her lie on your lap on the pillow/blankets. The seat belt may cut into her side if she's lying flat so I like to use the blankets/pillow to let my daughter lie at an angle.

If you are on a flight with 2 seats on one side and 3 seats on the other side, make sure you get the 2 seat side, so you can have the area to yourself and can get in and out more easily.

You'll do fine!!

I just got back from flying on my own with three children, ahes 8, 3 & 10 mos. I would take as little as possible on the plane. I took carseats for my two youngest on the way there & that was such a hassle I checked them both on the way back! Ofcourse, they were cheapy seats I'd bought just for traveling; I'd never check the Britax & Safeguard we have here at home, for fear of damage or loss.

I also brought too much stuff on the plane. One backpack would have sufficed for mine & baby's things.

Security was a breeze. The people were very helpful & friendly. We were able to get a security pass from the check-in agent so that I could have help getting to the gate. Whomever will be there with you will just need to have a photo ID.

Good luck & have fun! If you get nervous just think about that lady on Mamasource who did it with THREE! :)

I really have no advice because I haven't flown with my children since my oldest was a baby. I just wanted to say that most of the passengers and crew on any plane are parents and understand that children have a difficult time sitting quietly for long periods, so try not to stress too much. Most people understand that your child may be a little restless and that you'll need extra help. For those passengers who don't-ignore them! Good luck and have a safe trip!

I use a backpack with 3 compartments. I put diaper changing supplies in a large ziplock bag; one for snacks/toys; and one for DVD player and DVD's. As soon as we get thru security I go purchase a bottle of water for my kids to sip on to pop their ears on take off and landing. Right after we board I put the water and snacks readily available in the seat back compartment and stow the backpack under the seat in front of me so I can get to it easily. The car seat will have to be placed in a window seat and I try to book an aisle and a window seat in hopes that the middle won't fill. If it does fill, people are usually more than happy to exchange for an aisle seat. you can request that the middle seat be blocked at the gate and if the flight is not very full they will usually accomodate your request. With my older son, i liked boarding early to get everything situated. With my younger it was easier to wait until the last minute to board. Just depends on your child's temperment. Since you're traveling alone I would probably check on early boarding to make sure you have plenty of time to get situated. You can adjust on the return flight and board late if you find that boarding early was just too hard for your child. People are usually pretty understanding, but do not let her kick the seat in front of her. If she does try your best to make her stop and definitely apologize to that passenger! You may get some glares, but you do what you can. Good luck.

Can you check the car seat? I know some people have their child sit in a car seat during the flight. I have never done this. I have taken 5 trips with just me and the baby who is now two. I held her in my lap before she was two, and now that she is two she will be sitting in her own seat.
I take a stroller, diaper bag, and carry-on through security and onto the plane. You will have to fold the stroller put it through the screening system.
After you go through security, make your way to the gate, and as for a stroller tag. Get the stroller tag before boarding begins. I like having the stroller in the airport because either my little one sits there, or I can put the diaper bag and carry on in it.

I do not think you will need to board early. Bring a sippy cup, snacks, crayons, paper, or a magnadoodle, and lots of books.
And, have fun!

If you have/can borrow a DVD player I would HIGHLY recommend it - we flew with our 23 mo old son this summer and the DVD player saved us! And having her in her carseat is awesome too - they feel secure and know they can't get up when they're in that seat. I would also recommend bringing some new toys or books that you just know she'll love - and don't let her have them till you're in the air. I would only take on one bag for the two of you - between the carseat backpack, the stroller, and the kiddo you'll have enough to worry about. Get a bigger bag than a diaper bag and just shove as much as humanly possible into the one bag. We also got one of those "piddle pads" for the carseat - so we could keep our son in the seat as long as possible - and put her in the overnight diapers - so you don't hae to change her too much. And - if possible - try to relax - I know - it'll be hard - but they know when we're stressed and react to it...so if at all possible - they to "seem" relaxed! If she acts up on the plane most people will be very understanding if you're doing your best to calm her back down and apaologize to them - they will usually even offer advice or help! Good luck!

As I single mommy I have flown with my 2 year old 12 times solo. Don't worry, it won't be that hard. Put her in her stroller and push her around the airport. It will make things much easier. Purchase her some wee squeek shoes from http://wesqueak.net (approx $19-$30 and so cute). It will make it much easier to keep up with her when she isn't in the stroller when going through security. You will be able to hear her all the time, as the shoes squeak when she walks (squeaker is removable when you are not traveling) and are also good for malls, public events, and cruise ships. Check your bag. When you go through security, she will have to be out of the stroller and the shoes will let you hear where she is while you are putting your bags/stroller onto the conveyor belt. Pack a diaper bag with plenty of snacks and if you have a ipod download a few of her favorite tv shows (Mickey Mouse Club House for my son) onto it. It will make the flight seem shorter if she is occupied. Don't worry and relax.

I know it can be hard flying by yourself, and you have already received good advice! I have flown many times by myself with one child under 3, or two 4 and under and it can be stressful. I remember one time I flew by myself with my 8 month old who screamed the whole time and someone gave me a hug when we got off because they felt to sorry for me!! I was about to cry myself. :)

I can tell you though it is always worth a question about if they will let someone go with you to the gate, or meet you there. They can always say no, and I have had them let my husband and my mother go out with me 4 times (on American) and my mom could meet me once. However, 2 times they turned me down. I do think it is worth a question. You have nothing to lose by asking!! :)

I usually travel with my stroller, a car seat strapped on my back, and two carry on bags (one small with a DVD player, and one larger with everything else). I have used an umbrella stroller, and also a regular larger size single stroller and they checked both at the gate. I find that people are very willing to help you through security, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed. I have always been able to board early too. Again, always worth the question and they can always say no!

My son (who is now 2) really responded to snacks that he doesn't usually get at home. I tried to pick things that would take a long time to eat like lollipops, nerds, whatever it takes. I even made him a necklace out of fruit loops which entertained him for a long time!
DVD's helped a lot. Getting a cup of ice when the drinks came around was also good for a bit of entertainment.

Just a few ideas. Hope these help!

AA does not charge to check a car seat. I would absolutely check the car seat. It is so ungainly and heavy. Target sells a great and inexpensive Eddie Bauer seat bag.

You just have to OWN security. It just takes long time with a kiddo and they can't (are literally not allowed) hold your child. Just be ready. If you have a laptop, have it out. Have your liquids in a ziploc already. Get her unclicked from the stroller, etc.

Finally, heaven on earth, take a dvd player with a nice long battery life.

Good luck!

I hear ya girl! I actually had to fly with my one year old, and she had her own seat so that was nice, because she slept through most of both trips! The backpack for the carseat is awesome because honestly carrying anything wider than a foot through that aisle is way awkward! Sadly (especially if you are used to a bigger nicer stroller) an umbrella stroller is your less stress option to fly with.

This is what I would do as far as packing goes if I were you.
-1 bag for your daughter
-1 bag for you
-1 carry on bag for snacks for her,(throw her sippy cup already filled into a baggie so it doesn't spill on everything) a few diapers and plenty of wipes and then the small toys you plan to bring with you, plus of course your wallet, keys if necessary and cell phone- forget the purse, put it in your luggage before you check it. Make sure though that you don't leave a thing in your luggage that you would be handicapped without when you arrive, like your wallet, just in case your luggage doesn't get there or it gets lost. (Hope not, but you need to be prepared for that just in case!)
-A great tip is to get a little piece of brightly colored cloth to tie on your luggage handles, so that you can easily identify when its coming to you at the baggage claim, you don't want to waste time there with a possibly fussy toddler!
-If you do have two pieces of luggage to pick up, I would recommend one rolling suitcase and one duffle bag, so you can strap or piggy back one onto the other.
-A good thing to keep her entertained would be a package of those markers that Crayola makes, they only work on the paper provided, so no stains if you aren't already familiar with those.

Thats all I have, hope I helped! Bring something familiar with you too like a teddy bear or in my daughters case it would be her glow worm, to keep her from being freaked out by it all. Good luck!

Hi Emmy

I fly mostly by myself with mt both daughters (daddy hasn't so much vacation)since years to Europe. This is a long trip, and I can understand your nervously so good. My girls are now 9 and 6 and I can relax a little bit more, they can carry now her own backpack with things like a Leapster or Nintendo. Anyway, don't go stressed out.
Best thing worked for me, a good backpack with several little seperate bags (for little things like hand sanitizer, small packages of sanitize tishues, tishues, camera and more). I pack change of cloth (there can be always little accidents with wetness), your diaper stuff, snacks for your girl she likes (the food in the airplane isn't what kids like), your drink bottle or sipper cup (fill it after security, but you always can ask the fly assistent), her favorite small toy and things she like to take for her nap.
Something to color isn't bad, but never could keep my girls busy enough. Check out toy stores for little things your girl could use, and save it at surprise. Something new will definitely keep her attention for a while.
If you're very unsure about her reaction in the airplane, fear or stress, try to give her a dose for her age, Benadryl (have it with you ready in your backpack). This was very helpful for my little girl, she is a very activ girl, and our last flight to Germany was a night flight,and it didn't turn out into a nightmare, because I gave her a little bit in the airplane. She slept first time ever 4 hours in a row, in a plane.
One more thing, YES, you can take a person with you to the gate. They get with a passport a gate pass. Just in case, call the arilane before.
Wish you a great trip, E.

Hi Emmy,
To bring the stroller on, it needs to be one of the umberella ones and you can ask to hang it in the front closet when you board. Bring a blanket for your 2 yr old. It gets chilly on the planes and blankets are few and usually dirty. (they wash them once a day) Bring lot's of snacks and a sippy cup. You could bring a couple of small new toys to keep her entertained. Take a camera to take a picture of her on her first flight. You could also bring a portable DVD player if she is into watching shows. The best advise I can think of is to let her run wild before the flight. (before you leave for the airport and at the airport if you can find an uncrowded area. It is so hard for them to sit still for 2-3 hrs unless they are tired. If she drinks milk, you will have to buy a small container at the airport. With cutbacks, they only put powderd creamer on domestic flights. Have fun and don't worry. If you are stressed, she will be too.

we JUST flew with our 2 year old 2 weeks ago!!
going through security was fairly easy, my son is HIGH energy but i made sure not to wear anything that would set off the alarm! childrens shoes also have to come off! i brought lots of differant kids of food!! BeachNut makes Banana cookies only 2 grams of sugar and he LOVES them!!! Get coloring books with markers or crayons(my son still sticks the crayons in his mouth). Stickers! Music is big with my little guy so i downloaded songs he likes to my phone. playdough worked for a short bit but not too long b/c he tore it up into TINY pieces! a lot of books, flashcards, cars. Go to the Dollar Tree and find books/toys that are small and NEW to her so its a little more exciting!!! Remember to bring a sippy cup....thats not part of the 3 oz rule!! :) i can't think of too much else, GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!! :) enjoy it and maybe even let her sit by the window before you take off!!!

I flew to Minnesota with my 2 year old recently. She was so good; however, I had to keep her pretty busy. This is what I did:

1) Packed a backpack as a carry-on that included: snacks, sippy cup to fill with water after security, her favorite things like a baby, crayons and paper, dvd player with dvds, books, change of clothes. I also had one of those toddler leashes so that I don't lose her in the airport. That way I didn't have to worry about her and the luggage. She was always attached to me. The backpack worked great b/c I was handsfree. Good luck