I flew with my son for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is only four months old.
I had just accepted a new job (after losing my previous role due to the pandemic, while pregnant), and our preferred daycare was unavailable for the next two months. My sister graciously offered to care for my son at her home in Tennessee, along with my one-year-old nephew, while I worked from her guest room.
I felt irresponsible traveling with my baby during a global pandemic (and for that reason, I didn’t tell many people about this). I also feel embarrassed want to to return to work. These emotions are compounded by the fear of flying with a baby—during a pandemic.
As I secured my son in the front carriage and made my way to the airport, I braced myself for the unknown. Will my child cry non-stop and receive impatient looks or negative comments from strangers? What if I can’t soothe him to sleep? How do I manage diaper changes from a small airplane bathroom? Have I packed everything I need? What about airport security?
Then I got on the plane and had one of the most enjoyable flying experiences of my life.
A touching experience
Not only did my son sleep on our two connecting flights from Pennsylvania to Tennessee—I quickly realized that plane engines are essentially giant sound machines—I was greeted with a grace I’ve never experienced in any environment, let alone an airplane. The flight attendant loved me and offered to hold my son. They gave him his first “wings” flight pin, and seeing that this was his first flight, they even invited us into the cockpit of the plane for photos. Strangers smiled at me warmly and also offered their help. My seatmate offered to hold her while I gathered myself and put our things away.
Here’s what’s even more surprising: the kindness continues. When he was a toddler traveling, a woman offered to let him lie on her lap (and mine) so he could sleep on the plane. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, an American Airlines employee handed my son a bag of small toys and goodies at the gate. And as I write this article, my son—now 5 years old—has just received a set of aviation wings from a friendly flight attendant who calls him by his name.
Our trips to Tennessee—just me and him—have become an annual tradition, and we both look forward to our adventures at the airport (without the inevitable delays or cancellations) because they’re always a bonding experience. Of course, it’s even more fun when we fly with my husband on family vacations, and every year, we fly further and further as he gets older and more patient. “We can also choose snacks and drinks on the plane, Piggy!”, he said on one of the items before we left for a recent trip.
So if you’re reading this and wondering if you can fly with your baby or small child, the answer is yes, you can. You might even be surprised (and invigorated) by the kindness of humanity, just as I was.
Tips for flying with babies and small children
There are several things you can do to prepare for a smooth flight with your young jetsetter. It is this tactic that I find most useful.
- Get TSA Pre-Check: Better yet, invest in Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck. Anyone 17 or under on your reservation will also automatically get TSA PreCheck, meaning you and your kids will spend less time waiting in long security lines.
- Don’t Worry About Security Checks: Except for the possibility of long lines (see our tips for avoiding airport lines), airport security is likely the least of your worries. Breast milk, formula and water are excluded from the 3-1-1 (3.4 ounce) rule for infants and toddlers. These items just need to be screened separately. Ice packs and cooler bags are allowed, and like most other foods, bags and porridge are also allowed to be carried through security.
- Fly First Thing in the Morning: There are statistically fewer flight delays and cancellations in the morning, and while I’m not a big fan of waking up early to fly, my kids always find something magical about being woken up in the dark to drive to the airport before sunrise (and often taking a nap once we arrive at our destination).
- Use Mobile Ordering: Even if you don’t use the Starbucks or Dunkin’ apps at home, download them before your trip. Before you arrive at the airport or land for your connecting flight, make your reservation via mobile to avoid long wait times (because there’s almost always a mile-long coffee line at the airport). As soon as our connecting flight lands in Charlotte, I always order coffee at Starbucks in my terminal (and I can easily find the nearest Starbucks location on the app).
- Visit a Dollar Store Beforehand: Prepare a small, inexpensive surprise to take out of your carry-on bag during your trip. For my kids, there are always Hot Wheels cars and new coloring books.
- Bring Candy: Yes, candy. I can’t tell you how many times a tube of mini M&Ms has helped keep the peace. Snacks in general are almost always the answer.
- Allow Screen Time: Screens may be limited at home, but crowded planes and long-haul flights are not a strict rule. Lower your expectations and enjoy age-appropriate shows and apps—consider that you could be on the runway for a while before you even take off for that long flight—and give everyone a little grace.
- Pack Extra Clothes for Everyone: Don’t ignore the possibility that the baby will make a mess yours clothes, not just theirs.
- Bring a Dog Poop Bag: Packable and scented pouches are great at hiding unpleasant odors like full diapers. Additionally, this bag can double as a vomit bag, trash bag, or multi-purpose bag for other items.
- Look for Kid-Friendly Activities: Some airports offer play areas specifically for children, but escalators and walkways are also a great source of entertainment while you wait to board your plane. Airports can also be a great place for I-spy and other equipment-free games.
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