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Traveling with Children
Compiled by Matthew Berry, Vice President, Vineyard Insurance
Headed overseas? Bringing your family along? While children are great, traveling with them can be a challenge for even the seasoned experts. Let us reveal to you some tips by the pros.
How can I pick the best Airline for my children?
- Check for special rates for children. Generally children under two fly free, but that usually means on your lap. You’ll have to purchase a ticket to guarantee them a seat.
- Check to see if the Airline has a child’s menu available. What types of selections are available? The Airlines generally do not provide baby food or formula, but check to see if they will have the ability to heat formula if you provide it.
- Don’t expect the Airline Stewards to help you change diapers. Since they handle food, they are restricted in what they can handle to keep everyone on board safe.
What is the Airline’s baggage policy for children’s tickets?
- Are they allowed baggage if they are traveling for free?
- Do they have the same checked baggage and carry-on allowance on a child’s ticket as a full fare adult ticket?
- Do they count a diaper bag against your carry-on allowance?
- Do they allow strollers as a carry-on? If they don’t, ask for a gate check for the stroller so you can use it in the airport. Umbrella type folding strollers are the most likely to be allowed on board.
How can I find out about my Airline's luggage restrictions and limits?
Check out their web site for information.
What should I pack in my child’s carry-on luggage?
- Pack your child’s carry-on as carefully as you pack one for yourself.
- Include their medications, pediatrician’s name and phone number and any other items they need to make it for at least 24-hours in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Although, you may want to put their important medical information in your carry-on luggage.
- Consider bringing some of your child’s favorite munchies along on the trip since the airline’s don’t serve meals immediately and may not have exactly what your child wants. Remember that with international travel, you may be limited on items such as fresh fruit that won’t be able to pass through customs.
- Pack an extra shirt for your child and yourself, accidents do happen.
- Check to see if the airline has any packets or gifts for your child. Airline wings have become standard, but some provide entertainment packets with games, puzzles or coloring books. You’ll want to provide plenty of entertainment to keep your child happy.
- You might also include a swimsuit or other appropriate recreational clothes to give your children something to do in case their checked luggage goes missing or is delayed.
Can I enroll my child in a frequent flyer program?
Yes, most programs accept children as well as adults. Enrolling your child in a frequent flyer program will earn them points for every paid ticket. There is often no cost to join so you may as well get them started early earning those free points.
