Air Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

Flying tips with kids and babies

May 23, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

The travel season is upon us, and if you’ve delayed that family vacay because you’re worried about travel with children and in particular, flying with kids, fear not! You’ve got this! Here are our top flying tips with kids:

No matter how savvy a traveler you are, the rules are different once you’re trying to book a flight (usually to save money) and travel enjoyably with kids in tow. Here’s how to get from Point A to Point B without misery, and maybe even have a little fun!

Booking Tips With Kids

Naturally, when you book airline tickets for family travel, you expect to sit together. Unfortunately, this is no longer guaranteed, or even the norm in some cases. To ensure you sit together, start by booking early and selecting seats at booking. This is the most obvious and certain way to sit together on the plane.

Next, check your reservation before departure to make sure your seat reservation hasn’t changed. I know, right? But they do that to you sometimes. If there’s a problem, call to talk directly to an agent. Explain your situation calmly and politely, and ask the agent not if something can be done, but what can be done. The nicer you are, the more the agent will want to help you. This may not be fair, but it’s human nature.

Always beware of booking seats on third-party sites. Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between third-party booking sites and airline sites. For instance, if you book your reservation on Travelocity and select seats on their website, this information may not make it to the airline agent.

For this reason, booking directly from the airline is best when flying with children. Sometimes the lowest fare wins, we know, but for the reason above, book through the airline when possible. Desk agents can see who you booked through, and can offer more upgrades or help to “loyal” customers. You’ll be better off in the case of delays or cancellations if you book directly, too.

If you can’t book seats together at booking, book all aisle or all window seats. These seats are much better “commodities” than middle seats when you need to trade with other passengers later. Another option: elect to book seats with a middle “buffer.” Book the aisle and the window, leaving the middle. This middle seat will be among the last seats booked, increasing your chances of having an empty middle seat to spread out in. However, if it does fill up, the decent thing to do as a fellow human being is to offer that person the aisle.

To help you out, use a seat alert at a site like SeatGuru or ExpertFlyer. These sites show interior maps of almost all airplanes, allowing you to see the best seating options at a glance. Unless desperate, do not pay at the gate for premium seats. Some airlines use this tactic to increase revenue, but in almost all cases, seating can be arranged once onboard, if you have young children.

Finally, if you still can’t resolve your seating arrangement, you’ll have to ask fellow passengers to switch (see how below).

Seating Tips: In The Trenches

It should be acknowledged that paying passengers should never have to resort to begging strangers to have mercy on them and “allow” them to sit next to their own children. However, it often comes to that. Here’s how to go about it for the best results:

Start by going to your assigned seat and waiting there. No one will appreciate your cluttering the aisle, least of all the onboard flight attendants.
Politely let the attendants know what you need. Their main objective is to get the flight in the air on time, so they’ll almost always help you in your quest.
Start with the passengers in your direct vicinity, politely explaining the situation (pointing out your helpless child rows away). Have something decent to trade if possible. Note that the passenger sitting directly next to your young child is the most likely candidate to trade.
If the first person you ask refuses (it’s their right to do so), just keep asking. Someone will cave, if only to end the awkward begging session.
If you have older kids or teens, do NOT expect anyone to trade. You can ask – we have – and get lucky, but after a polite ask, drop it. We were once subjected to a huge fit by an adult passenger insisting on sitting next to his girlfriend on a two-hour flight. Don’t be that guy.

Car Seat and Stroller Hacks

If you’re bringing your car seat on board, make sure it’s FAA-approved (there will be a sticker on the seat). Board early if it’s an option. It’s not easy to maneuver a car seat down that narrow aisle! Don’t be surprised if a flight attendant comes by to check your installation.

If you don’t need your car seat, car seats can be checked at the gate or at check-in, both free of charge. If your seat has wheels or attaches to a stroller or frame, by all means, bring it directly to the gate. Gate-checking is the only way to guarantee your seat actually goes on your plane and will be waiting for you at arrival.

Bringing a stroller? Like car seats, strollers can be gate-checked or checked upon arrival at the airport free of charge. If you gate check, it will be waiting for you in the jetway upon arrival (you’ll need to wait for it for a few minutes).

Tip: Don’t want to hassle with baby gear in transit? Rent strollers, car seats, and even high chairs and cribs at the arrival terminal or in your destination city.

Airplane Etiquette With Kids

Kids, just like everyone else, become citizens of that small metal tube we call an airplane the minute they board. Make sure they learn how to be good citizens. The best way to teach them is by example, of course. Seeing Mom and Dad acting politely and generously toward fellow passengers goes a long way. Here are a few additional tips to make your life easier on board (as well as everyone else’s).

GET MORE FLYING ETIQUETTE TIPS!

Get rid of as much gear as you can before boarding. Parents of young kids have enough on their hands – they don’t need to fight for overhead space, too. If you’re headed to your final destination, consider volunteering to gate-check your carry-on bags, stroller, and car seat (if you’re not using it on the flight).

If you’ve done tip 1, don’t board too early. Ignore the offer to board first with young kids. Who wants to sit on the restrictive plane longer than necessary? Now, if you have carry-on bags to stow in overhead bins, by all means DO board first.

Help kids avoid kicking the seat back in front of them by sitting cross-legged. This seems to be the number one complaint of solo and adult passengers on planes in regard to children, but sometimes, toddlers’ legs are just the right (or wrong) length. Yes, you can and should teach kids not to purposely kick the seat, but for those ages during which it’s unavoidable, this is a solution.

Bring appropriate entertainment. You’ll want to carry on toys with magnetic strips and few pieces. That collection of cars or Legos Junior loves? This is not the best use of them. If your young child is going to watch media, but sure to use child-size headphones and splitters to ensure no one else has to hear cartoons.

GET LONG HAUL FLIGHT TIPS!

Source: Fix.com

Tips for booking airfare

March 26, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

With airfare at a new low, now is the time to book that last minute trip! Here’s what you need to know, with all our top tips for booking airfare:

Use the 24-hour cancellation rule. After booking, check the fare the next morning. If it’s gone down, take advantage of most airlines’ 24-hour cancellation rule and cancel and rebook the flight.

Book on a Tuesday; leave on a Wednesday. This golden rule of flight booking still applies! Make sure you sit down to do your actual booking on a Tuesday, and if possible, be flexible enough to fly on a Wednesday. At very least, go into the booking process with a two-day “window” for your departure and return dates to take advantage of airline website calendars, which show fare changes from day to day.

Like your favorite airlines on Facebook. Airlines often post their inside sales on their social media channels first. By becoming a fan, you reap the benefits of being the airline’s prime customer base. Airlines reward these loyal followers with flash sales.
Book two 1-way fares on different airlines. Many airlines offer incredibly low fares, going one way. Passengers then find high fares for the return flights. To avoid this issue, consider booking your inbound flight on a different airline than that of your outbound flight.
Use an airline that offers companion fare perks like Southwest or Alaska. Here’s how to use Southwest companion tickets.
Book six weeks in advance. This time frame has been proven best for domestic flights. International flights should be booked four to six months in advance. Now that you’ve booked your flight, it’s time to ensure you get the seats you want. You do not need to leave this important aspect of your travel day up to chance!
Book early and select a seat at booking. If you book early enough, you should get your pick of window and aisle seats, without paying anything extra.

Liking these tips? Find even more in our post on booking the cheapest possible airfare, every time!

Ask an agent whether new seats have opened up at check in. Often, elite or frequent fliers book the best economy seats early on and then are bumped up to business or first class, leaving their prime economy seats empty at the last minute.
Flying solo at the last minute? Don’t pick your seat online. Instead, check in, but wait to select a seat assignment if the only seats remaining include undesirable middle seats. Airline agents are required to seat all checked-in passengers; as such, after all those middle seats are reluctantly claimed by other last-minute passengers, more appealing seats will be opened up toward the front of the plane, free of charge. This tactic is a gamble, but because you’re guaranteed a seat (provided you have checked in), you have nothing to lose.
Look for a seat in a row with one seat already taken. When selecting your seat online, avoid rows with all seats open. Instead, look for a window or aisle seat in a row with one seat already taken. That middle seat will be among the last chosen by passengers, increasing your odds of having some empty space in which to stretch out.
Beware picking your seat via a third-party site. If you book via a third-party website, note that their seat assignments don’t always make their way to the hosting airline’s computer system. We once booked tickets and chose seats on a cross-country flight months in advance only to scramble for a seat assignment at the airport. If possible, book directly through the airline website. If you do book third-party, read our tips here.

Source: Fix.com Blog

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Anxious air traveler tips from experts

March 16, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Are you an anxious air traveler? There are many people who feel deeply anxious when it comes to traveling – specifically traveling by plane. According to studies held in the USA, 25 percent of the population feel nervous about flying. It’s a real issue for most people, especially those who suffer from fear of heights or claustrophobia. But, there are ways to fight the flying blues and take control of your anxiety!

Anxious air traveler tips

We did some in-depth research, to find out the best ways for travelers to feel comfortable on their flight – after all, flights are usually pretty long, and no-one wants to sit on the edge of their seat, the whole way! So, if you need a push in the right direction, when it comes to calming those butterflies, take a look at our useful guide which has been created with the help of professionals – yup, straight from those who spend most of their lives in the sky, and many other helpful sources, too! So, next time you’re flying to your dream destination – like the shores of the exotic island of Maldives, or perhaps the open plains, and gorgeous sunsets of Africa – or anywhere, really, you can do so with confidence!

ADVICE FROM PILOTS

The pilots have given us the facts – and it should certainly help, because it’s pretty much impossible for anything to go wrong during a flight – and even if it does, they’ve got the means and ways (and a lot of training) to ensure you stay in the sky!

Educate yourself on the facts

The probability of the plane going down, is one in 5.3 million, according to studies.
It has never been safer to fly – each year, as technology progresses, the chances of there being a problem in the sky, that can’t be solved, decreases rapidly. There’s more chance of you dying from the flu or being eaten by a shark!

Educate yourself on the way a plane works

A few ‘strange’ noises are, in fact, normal – however, you wouldn’t know this unless you did some research. But luckily, we’ve done the research for you! Another myth we’re eager to bust is the one about turbulence. Airplanes are built to withstand turbulence – a lot of it. Way more than what you feel. (If it makes you feel better – there was a plane that flew right through hurricane Irma. There was an incredible amount of turbulence, according to sources – yet the flight was safe, and landed perfectly normally – no issues).

Another great thing to know is that even if something does go wrong, and the system malfunctions – this doesn’t mean the plane will crash. So, if one system fails, another system will take over, and if one engine fails, the other engine will do the work.

Choose an airline you feel safe with

Pilots advise that you fly with an airline that you feel safe with. This will put your flight anxiety at ease, as you have already built trust with that company. Some travelers also prefer to fly with well-known airlines, as they think these airlines always comply with the aviation rules, however, every airline company, whether well-known or not, has to comply with the aviation rules. So, you’re safe either way.

ADVICE FROM FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

Flight attendants see the anxiety of some passengers, on a daily basis. They have to know the best ways to calm passengers who suffer from fear of flying. Their tips are rather fantastic, so read on!

Let the attendants know about your anxiety so that they can help

If you feel anxious, it’s a good idea to let them know. They will ensure you feel comfortable and at ease and will answer any questions you have regarding the noises and the turbulence that you may hear or feel. They are more than happy to share their expertise with you and let you know that there really is nothing to be afraid of.

Read the safety features manual

The safety features of the aircraft and the other safety aspects of the flight are illustrated in the manual that is usually placed in the pouch in front of your seat. This will help you to feel better informed and aware of the procedures that are in place to keep you safe.

Sit towards the front of the plane

Air hostesses spend most of their lives on a plane – they know the secrets. One secret being, that the back of the plane, feels the most bumps. It’s like sitting in the back of a bus – for some reason the back is always a little bumpier. Try and opt for a seat closer to the front, to minimize the bumpy feeling.

ADVICE FROM OTHER ANXIOUS FLYERS

Other anxious flyers, know exactly what you’re feeling – and if their tips help them, then they’re sure to help you too, hopefully?

Plan your travel itinerary during the flight

The key is to keep yourself occupied so that you have no time to overthink – and hear all the strange noises. One way of keeping busy, (and productive), is to plan your travel itinerary during the flight. This will have you thinking about good things, instead of other things (you know what I mean). Perhaps put some earphones in and go about this task in the most fool-proof way, possible.

Watch the reactions of the flight attendants

Most people say that they keep an eye on the reactions of the air-hostesses, to keep themselves calm. They said that if they see the air-hostesses calm, even when there’s bad turbulence, then there’s nothing to feel worried about because all is normal, to them. I suppose you only need to worry if they look scared and frazzled, right!

Listen to self-help podcasts for nervous flyers

There are many self-help podcasts that talk one through an entire flight. They have meditation techniques, and some even teach you about the workings of a plane, and how safe they really are!

Tips for kids flying solo as unaccompanied minors (STEP BY STEP GUIDE)

August 14, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Once upon a time, the whole family was enjoying a Laguna Beach vacation. The only thing missing: my son Calvin, age 11. We booked him a one-way flight on Alaska Airlines (escorted to the plane by his grandfather). And it was easy! If you’ve never booked an unaccompanied minor’s flight, we’ll walk you through the steps for kids flying solo.

Step 1: book your minor’s flight

On Alaska Airlines, booking your unaccompanied minor’s flight is as easy as clicking ‘0’ in the ‘adults’ field when booking a ticket online. Once you’ve done so, you’ll be automatically directed to Alaska’s unaccompanied minor page, which will list restrictions and fees ($25 each way at the time of our flight) and provide the Guardian Contact Form you’ll need to fill out to ensure your child’s parent or guardian can pick him or her up on the other end.

Note: Children ages 5-17 can fly as unaccompanied minors. Kids 5-7 are restricted to only direct flights (recommended for all unaccompanied minors if possible).

Step 2: Fill out the Guardian Contact Form

Once you have your child’s flight number(s), fill out the Guardian Contact Form, keeping in mind that your child will only be released to a person listed on it (be sure to have at least two listed, just in case). Print the form using your child’s confirmation number, and bring it with you to the airport.

Note: What you’ll also need at the airport: your child’s e-ticket or confirmation number, and a debit card for your child to use if you’d like him or her able to purchase food on the plane. (We recommend simply feeding your child a meal or purchasing a meal prior to boarding instead, if possible.)

Step 3: Arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to departure to accompany your child to the gate

An escort pass to accompany your child through security must be obtained prior to the standard check-in process, and can be obtained at the check-in counter. Be sure to have your ID handy, and make sure any purse or bag you’re carrying is security-ready. What else you’ll need at check-in: your child’s passport if flying internationally (no picture ID was needed for a minor’s domestic flight) and your Guardian Contact form.

Step 4: Arrive at the gate 30 minutes before departure:

Alert the gate attendant that your child is flying unaccompanied, and he or she will board first with an escort. Before he or she boards: make sure he or she has eaten (or has food with him or her) and has a carry-on that is manageable, in which his or her on-board entertainment is readily accessible. If your minor will be connecting with another flight, it can be useful to give him or her a cell phone. The gate attendant will ask you to wait until the flight has departed.

Step 5: Picking up your minor

The parent or guardian at the other end of the journey will need to arrive at the check-in counter of your airline in time to get through security before the plane lands (I recommend 1 hour prior, to be safe). At the counter, the guardian will identify him or herself, show ID, and be given a pass to allow your through security to the gate. (You should also be given gate information, including the time the plane is due to arrive.)

Once your child has deplaned, an escort will check the guardian’s ID against names listed on the Guardian Contact Form, and release your child.

Why Alaska Airlines? Alaska Airlines did not sponsor this post in any way. We used Alaska in this step-by-step guide because we it’s the airline we patronized when flying Calvin solo, and (to no surprise) found the process to be friendly, easy, and enjoyable. Alaska is a top family-friendly airline, and Pit Stops for Kids recommends it wholeheartedly for its efficiency and stellar service.

Tip! Have a teen flying solo? Read our tips for teen international travel…and what to do when things go wrong.

Apple Watch travel tips

March 1, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I bought my Apple Watch for heath and GPS exercise tracking. I regarded its travel uses with skepticism. After all, I have a phone, which already accompanies me on trips, and saw no need to carry two devices for the same purpose. However, after using the Apple Watch for a few months, I’ve found it to be an extremely useful travel tool. It’s not great for everything, but it’s helpful enough that I no longer travel without it. Ready for some Apple Watch travel tips?

Apple Watch travel tips:

For me, the prime benefit of traveling with my Apple Watch Series 2 is the ability to keep my hands free and my phone stashed away. Using the apps on my watch means I can keep my backpack or tote bag closed, my eyes up, and my distractions to a minimum. Here are the uses I’ve found for my watch on travel days:

Boarding passes in Passbook:

When I check into my flight online, I use the appropriate airline app on my phone. Then I save my mobile boarding pass to Passbook. When I open Passbook on my watch, my boarding pass is right there. I can scan it at the gate and at security and never have to dig my phone out of my bag. I also keep the airline apps I use on my watch, because they will alert me of any changes to my flight right on my wrist.

Note: the TripIt app is now available for Apple Watch too, and I find it very helpful to get their alerts.

Directions on my wrist:

I have no sense of direction, so when I travel, I rely heavily on my Maps app. When I use Maps with my phone, I’m distracted, looking down at my screen while I walk unfamiliar streets, or worse, glancing too often at my phone while driving in unfamiliar cities. When I set up mapping directions on my phone before I depart, they sync to my watch, which gives me point-by-point directions as I go. I wasn’t sure if I’d like haptic touch (where the watch buzzes and vibrates to indicate which way to go), but I find I love it. I can drive and be confident about when to turn without taking my eyes off the road.

News bites in real time:

I have the CNN and New York Times apps on my watch, and appreciate how I can stay up-to-date on news as I travel. Yes, I could see updates on my phone, but how often, on a busy day, do I actually take the time to open a news app and read? With CNN and NYT on my wrist, short, one-line news bites are delivered to me, helping me be more aware as I travel.

Note: there are many other great news sources; for my watch, I chose CNN and NYT because their app headlines are particularly succinct and digestible…good for the small screen of my watch.

Apple pay on the go:

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve approached the register at an airport newsstand store or dining venue and had to dig around in my bag for my wallet or phone to pay. It’s time consuming, and can be unsafe to open everything up…important things could easily fall out of my bag. I use Apple Pay on my watch, and I’d say it works easily 70% of the time. The other 30%, it’s a big pain in the butt because it doesn’t work for some reason and I have to dig my wallet out after all. So there are negatives to using Apple Pay, but still worth trying.

GPS tracking for safety:

Some people don’t like to track their GPS, and I get that, but when I’m in a new city, I still like to run outdoors when it’s possible. I appreciate the fact that with just my watch, I can track my route, so I can easily find my hotel again. Also, in the case of anything going wrong, my route is tracked on my phone (which is back at the hotel room), so my family can more easily find me. It’s just a precaution, but one I appreciate.

A few of my favorite Apple Watch apps (not mentioned above):

TripIt: great to plan travel and get live updates on your travel plans
Timer: fun to time waits in line (so you can prove to kids that they haven’t been ‘waiting forever!’)
Breathe: a nice relaxation tool on travel days
Uber: I’ve found it to be pretty seamless as long as your account is up-to-date on your phone
1Password: for when I’ve forgotten a password that I need to enter on my phone and my computer isn’t handy
Music: I pair with bluetooth headphones and listen to music on the go

What I never use Apple Watch for:

Email: heck no! Way too small a screen
Photos/video: though I know people who like the remote camera app
Banking/Paypal: no real reason other than the small screen
Social media: I like to see Instagram, Facebook and more on a bigger screen

Do you have an Apple Watch? Do you use it for travel?

Jet lag: kids get it too! Tips for dealing

March 23, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

On my kids’ first cross-Atlantic journey, we did everything we could to ease the effects of jet lag. We drank a lot of water, got as good a night’s sleep beforehand as possible, and established a ‘bedtime’ on the plane. And everything went well…until our 11-year-old began vomiting as we weaved our way through customs. Not a pleasant story, I know, but nausea is a more common symptom of jet lag than you’d think. Read on for what to watch for, best prevention, and how to deal with jet lag…kids, adults, everyone!

Prevention of jet lag in kids is best:

As noted above, there are steps you can take to help ease the effects of jet lag in kids. Here they are in a nut shell. (And no, we have not found any of the gimmicky natural remedies to work.)

Drink lots of fluids, especially water. We already drink a large amount of water per day at home, so we thought this would be no problem in flight. However, water is only available every so often. Bring your own refillable water containers and stock up in the airport before your flight or flights. Sip often.
Pound the Vitamin C. It helps to stay heathy when dealing with jet lag, and traveling across time zones can really wear out your body. This includes your immune system, and the immune systems of kids. We brought Airborne chewables to take every few hours, plus mandated that kids order at least 1-2 glasses of orange juice during complimentary drink services onboard.
Get sleep the night before. Of course, this is easier said than done if you’re overnighting in an airport hotel or if you have an early morning departure. But do your best. Don’t be tempted to think kids will sleep better on the plane if they skip sleep the night before. An overtired body doesn’t deal with jet lag well.
Bring pillows, eye shades, ear plugs, and a plan for ‘bedtime’. Again…this is easier said than done. We established a time for our kids to stop watching airplane movies at their seat and lean their seats back to try to sleep. It sort of worked. Banning drinks with caffeine in the evening helped.

Dealing with jet lag once you arrive:

Drink more water. Be aware that public drinking fountains may be scarce (we find them much more plentiful in the States than abroad). Be prepared to spend a significant sum on bottled water.
Get Vitamin D, but continue with Vitamin C. Get outside as soon as you can. Take a walk in the neighborhood of your hotel or vacation rental. Avoid going into darker spaces the day you arrive, such as museums or movie theaters.
Put your watches and clocks on local time immediately, and make yourself (and your family) honor it. Yes, it may feel like 3 am to you, but if it’s lunchtime, eat lunch and be as active as possible. Do your best to prevent naps. It’s far better to allow an early bedtime than to allow kids to nap immediately, unless of course, you want to be up all night.
Leave an ‘empty’ morning in your itinerary for the day after you arrive. We’re early risers, but after arriving in Paris at about 3 pm local time and pushing ourselves through to 8 pm before going to bed, we still woke at 8 am. We needed those twelve hours of sleep, so I’m glad I didn’t plan a morning activity.
Consider a sleeping aid for Night 1. We opted to medicate with a mild sleeping pill. This is a personal choice of course, but we found that it helped our older kids fall asleep more easily those first few nights.

A dose of realism: what to look for and expect:

Difficulty getting to sleep: This seems odd, but even if you or the kids feel very tired, it can be hard to get to sleep if your body thinks it’s mid-day. We found this problem persisted for 4-5 days. To combat it, we did move bedtime back (which allowed for some later evenings out), but still forced ourselves to lie in bed with the lights off before we felt tired. After several days, our bodies made the minor adjustment to be truly on schedule. A natural sleeping aid, reading, or a cup of non-caffeinated tea at bedtime helps, if that’s your thing.
Nausea: Our son started feeling nauseous and dizzy on the last leg of our three-leg set of flights. By this time, he’d been awake almost 24 hours, with only a few cat naps. Luckily, we grabbed an air sickness bag from the plane before we disembarked, because he lost his breakfast by the time we were queuing for customs. Not fun, but we dealt with it with water and some fresh air. He felt fully recovered by the time we arrived at our accommodations.
Constipation: Pack an over-the-counter medication of your choice. Check in with kids about their bathroom habits during the first few days. If you have teens, this will embarrass them horribly, which is a fun silver lining.
Headaches: We also brought Tylenol for headaches, which are common while fighting jet lag. Ultimately, sleep and hydration will fix this problem best.

Realistically, you may not be able to prevent young kids, or even teens, from falling asleep upon arrival. We let ours take a nap between shorter flights (we landed in Rome and took a small jet to Paris) but once we had arrived at our final destination, we immediately went outside, grocery shopped, and explored our neighborhood. Were we tired? Goodness yes. Was it hard to deal with the language barrier while fallowing a grocery list in an unfamiliar store with tired kids? Double yes. But it was worth it when we fell into bed that night!

What are your best tips for combatting jet lag? I’d love to hear them in the comments.

How it works to take your pet on the plane

January 14, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Whilst the rich and famous might have the luxury of being able to hire or even buy a private plane to ferry their pets from country to country, for the majority of people that just isn’t a reality, leaving us to deal with mainstream commercial airlines if we want to fly abroad with our animals. What you need to know about taking your pet on the plane:

Pets travelling in the airplane cabin area

Whilst some airlines only carry pets in the plane’s cargo hold, many now allow very small dogs and cats to travel with their owners in the cabin. British Airways, for example, permit cats and dogs weighing under 6kg (including the weight of the carrier) to be transported in the cabin of the airplane. It’s something that is becoming more widespread and even some budget airlines are now considering allowing some pets into the cabin area.

There are various restrictions in place: The carrier must be under a certain size, well ventilated and allow the pet to stand and turn around. The pet cannot leave their carrier during the flight, only one pet is permitted for any passenger and a small maximum number of animals are allowed to travel in this manner on any one flight. There is usually a set additional cost for pets to travel in the cabin which may differ from the cost of a pet being transported in the plane’s cargo hold and the necessary medical and travel papers will be required before the animal can fly.

If this is something you might consider then it’s vital to speak to the airline in person before booking tickets to make sure that they can accommodate a pet in this way on your flight and to check their specific criteria as this will vary depending on who you’re flying with.

Pets travelling in the cargo hold

If you have a larger pet then they will usually need to travel in the cargo hold of the plane, along with general luggage. Airlines have strict conditions in place for every aspect of transporting pets.

The carrier containing the pet needs to fit specific standards to be considered as approved for air travel. Usually only one pet can travel per passenger and there are very limited numbers of pets permitted per flight. Medical and travel certificates are required in advance of flying and there are additional health and welfare factors to consider for a pet travelling in the cargo hold.

Owners cannot check on pets in the hold during a flight, so ensuring that their container is secure, that the pets have adequate hydration for the length of the flight and that the experience is as stress-free as possible is a complicated undertaking. Pets cannot be tranquilised for the journey as this has serious health implications for flying, so with all the noises, vibrations and sensations involved in this type of transport, it can be cause of a great deal of anxiety in animals (and their owners).

Assistance and support dogs

If you have a certified assistance dog, for example a guide dog or a hearing dog for the deaf, many airlines allow them to travel with their owner in the cabin of plane for no additional cost. All necessary medical and travel paperwork has to be in place and the dog must be certified by a recognised body as necessary to assist the owner’s mobility if they are visually impaired, hearing impaired or disabled.

More and more people now have emotional support dogs which play an important role in their owners’ lives to help keep them calm and reduce anxiety. Some airlines also allow these dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners for no additional cost, but the list of criteria that they must meet is extensive in order to qualify.

Owners must have a recently certified mental health diagnosis, along with a variety of specific documentation from medical professionals to prove that their dog is of vital assistance to them on the journey.

How to decide if airplane travel is right for your pet

The decision on whether to take your pet on a plane isn’t one to take lightly. Many dogs and cats find the whole experience very stressful and frightening, so this needs to be weighed up against the benefits for the animal and its well being long term.

It can be very expensive, not just purchasing an appropriate carrier and the cost of the flight itself, but also getting into place the correct veterinary treatments, vaccinations, checks and paperwork for your pet beforehand, such as an expensive ‘pet passport’, not to mention the cost of any potential quarantine or other checks required in the country that your dog or cat is travelling to.

It’s important that before you book anything or speak to the airline, your pet is given a full health check up from your vet to help ensure that they are fit to travel. The age of the pet could also influence your decision. Elderly pets don’t tend to cope as well with this kind of stressful travel. There are also non-physical factors to consider. The character and personality of your pet may well play a large part in how well or badly they will deal with the experience of flying, either in the cabin or the cargo hold.

If the plane journey is likely to be a one-off, for example if you’re emigrating and want to take the family pet with you for good, then it could well be worth the short term stress for your pet to then be with its owners for the rest of it’s life in your new home. Taking pets on short holidays via plane is another matter, and is usually generally considered not to be worth the expense, stress and paperwork involved for most pet owners.

Before booking any flights for your pets, ensure that you talk it through with your chosen airline and check that you have a full list of their requirements or policies as they do vary and change from time to time. At the end of the day, you know your pet best and will need to take every factor into account before finally deciding whether travelling by plane is in their best interest, both short and long term.

Source: eReplacementParts.com

Family travel tips for major airport delays

January 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Everyone knows air travel delays are out of our control, and at best, inconvenient. There’s not much families can do about them other than wait and hope for the best. But what about big delays…the ones that can stretch for days? What then? Just about everyone who travels regularly has at least one extreme delay story. Here’s ours, followed by tips for major airport delays, to make the best of a bad situation.

My son Tobias and I set out from Southern Oregon headed to Savannah, Georgia to review a hotel and gather some stories on the region. Our planned 12 hour travel day was on schedule until our layover in Chicago…where we crossed paths with their first snowstorm of the season. The storm brought blizzard conditions for two days straight, stranding just about everyone. Our flight that evening was delayed, then delayed again, and again, until it was finally cancelled well after midnight. Because our delay was due to weather, we were on our own to rebook our flights and put ourselves up for the night. We finally fell into a bed at a pretty terrible airport hotel at about 2 am.

The earliest flight I could find to rebook was a full 24 hours later, and we spent another full day in the airport. That flight, too, was cancelled. Faced with spending yet another night in a bad hotel and another day in O’Hare (and having missed 3/4th of our trip in Savannah at this point), we decided to cut our losses are book ourselves on a flight back home. This flight was scheduled for 36 hours later, so we got the heck out of the airport and enjoyed 36 hours in the city. The result: a stressful, awful few days ended in a spontaneous city getaway! How to make the most of your extreme delay:

While still in the airport:

1. Be prepared to rebook when delays start stretching out. Minor delays are pretty routine, but when your flight is continuously delayed multiple times (often by increments of 15-30 minutes at a time), a cancellation may be in your future. You’ll want to do you best to beat others to the customer service counter, especially if you’re not a flyer with elite status. Locate the costumer service center for your airline (it will likely be in your terminal) ahead of time, so you’ll know where to go, and look up the 800 number so you can be calling while you wait in line. Note: you can’t rebook before your flight is officially cancelled…just be at the ready.

2. Once in that dreaded customer service line because of the dreaded cancellation, call the service number while you wait. It’s very possible you’ll be helped before you reach the front of the line. If your cancellation is due to mechanical issues, you’ll need to stay in line to get lodging and food vouchers, but if it’s due to weather, you’re now free to leave.

3. If you need to book a hotel, search for best rates using a 3rd party site (I recommend Trivago) but then call the hotel directly instead of booking online. The reason for this: you’ll find out if the hotel’s shuttle system is still running (they typically stop at 11 pm) and find out exactly where to wait for it. Plus, they’ll know you’re waiting and will usually make an extra run to the airport or offer you a voucher for a cab. Ask for the rate you found online and it will almost always be honored. Plus, by booking directly, you’ll be able to cancel the reservation much more easily should it be necessary for any reason. For example, when our flight was cancelled, I was flustered and made a reservation at the wrong location of the hotel chain I wanted. I called right back (within five minutes) and they were willing to cancel my reservation without a penalty. Had I booked through a large 3rd party site, I would have been responsible for the first night’s rate.

4. Consider paying for airport lounge access. If you’ll be delayed a long time and cannot leave the airport (you’re delayed all day rather than overnight, for instance), consider paying for your airline’s lounge access. The fee is usually around $30-$40 per person, and therefore rarely worth the money if you don’t have passes due to elite status or miles; however, in extreme cases, it can be of good value. For the price of admission, you’ll be able to wait in comport away from crowds, with unlimited snacks and soda (enough to make a few meals out of), free WiFi, and a bar (with some free drinks). Kids can stretch out, you can change your devices, and still keep an eye on your flight via monitors.

5. If you decide to cut your losses: if you’re delayed so long it’s no longer worth going to to your planned destination, there are several steps you need to take. Step 1: make sure you can cancel your planned hotel reservations, car rental, etc in your original destination. This will require some phone work and possible begging. If the delay is this long, there’s likely a good reason for it (epic snowstorm, hurricane, you get the idea) and usually you can find some mercy. Do this as soon as possible though, to avoid last-minute cancellation fees where possible.

Step 2: Head back to that customer service counter and explain that you no longer want to go to your final destination. Instead, you want to be rerouted home. This is called a Carry Over Carry Back. To do this without paying a re-scheduling fee, you’ll be asked to book the earliest option available. If you’d like to salvage some of your holiday, however, you’ll actually want to be rebooked home at least 24-36 hours later, so you can get out of the airport and have a little fun. This is the part where you’re very nice and polite to your desk agent. He or she has the power to bestow some goodwill your way, and help you out as much as possible. Acting angry and rude will not work. Believe me, I’ve seen it played out time and again. When we were delayed in Chicago, I was helped by several agents during my long layover, and all were kind and generous with what they could do. I believe this is because they are kind people, but also because I was kind and patient when talking with them.

Note: on most airlines, after you’re successfully rebooked home without a fee and in the time window you desire, you’ll keep the same confirmation number, but you won’t have boarding passes (because your flight will be more than 24 hours away). You also won’t be able to check in online or via the airline’s app, in our experience. You’ll need a desk agent to check you in when you return, so include that into your plans. You’ll also, in my experience, be issued two sets of boarding passes, one of which you’ll need to hand to the gate agent, even though you’ll already have seats assigned. I have no idea why.

6. Once you’re all rebooked and ready to get the heck out of the airport, you’ll need a hotel. Don’t go to a lame airport hotel. This is your chance to salvage your trip! This is the time to book a nice hotel downtown in the city you’ve found yourselves in, upgrading yourselves silly. Trust me, you’ll be glad you pampered yourself, and probably, you’ll still spend less money than you planned to spend wherever you were going (because now your trip is much shorter). Call the hotel of your choice directly, so you can book their best rate (just like with the airport hotel) and to ask a local hotel desk staff member for the best directions and transportation method to the hotel. We like to use public transit when possible, but depending on the weather situation and location of your hotel, the hotel desk clerk may suggest a taxi or car service. If this is the case, ask for the approximate rate you should expect.

Once on your ‘new’ holiday:

1. Use your hotel’s concierge. It has one, because you booked a nice place, right? Because this city wasn’t what you planned on, you probably are at a loss as to what to do and how to go about doing it. The concierge is your new best friend. He or she can tell you what maybe be happening that day or weekend in the city, any special events causing traffic, and what attractions are must-dos. During our trip to Chicago in the snowstorm, we only knew about a Thanksgiving parade because of our concierge. She also gave us exact directions to the best museums so we could stay dry and warm, and recommended a seasonal Christmas market.

2. Get some R&R. If your hotel has a club level, upgrade to it (many Westins and Grand Hyatts have these). If not, book a spa treatment or order room service. Buy that pay-per-view movie and watch it in hotel robes under the covers. Have a nice meal or try that excursion you never thought you’d do.

3. Reach out to social media. Get tips for your ‘new’ city, find out if far-flung family or friends live nearby, and ask for restaurant recommendations. I got a 25 ideas in less than an hour when I asked about Chicago! (Just don’t take rides or offers from strangers, of course.)

4. Allow time and budget for getting back to the airport. When your salvaged mini holiday is over, remember you’ll need to get yourselves back to the airport without the convenience of a free shuttle. Plan the time to take public transit, or, if your flight is very early in the morning, ask your concierge whether it’s best to hire a car service or take a taxi. Depending on the distance to the airport and the number of people in your party, the answer varies. Allow extra time to see an agent at check-in, since you likely won’t be able to check-in online, and extra time to see a gate agent.

With our impromptu 36 hours in Chicago, we had a magical time. We started with a chilly commute to our downtown hotel, but quickly made up for it with club level access and amazing views at Westin River North. The next day, we enjoyed a full day on the town, during which we said ‘yes’ to everything from hot cocoa to ice skating to souvenirs, and while our trip wasn’t what we planned on, I know we’ll have fond memories of our ‘stolen’ day in the Windy City.

How to plan a stress-free family holiday while pregnant

November 25, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Welcoming a new arrival to your growing family is an incredibly joyous occasion albeit with one small exception; planning your family holiday! During this time it can seem daunting to plan a relaxing vacation abroad which will accommodate for all of your pre-natal needs. To help rectify this issue, here are some helpful hints that I’ve found can reduce the stress that often accompanies planning a family holiday while pregnant:

Investigate airline policies before booking flights:

‘Flying whilst pregnant’ is not a term which appeals to many expectant mothers. Fortunately, I’ve found that if you carry out some online research into airline policies before booking your flights then you can choose the method of travel which best suits you. In these instances, I agree with Flashpacker Family blogger Bethaney Davies who advises;

“Flying can be uncomfortable at the best of times… Look into the quality and comfort of the airline, especially the seats, before you book any flights. If you can afford it, business class makes for very comfortable pregnant flying!”.

In this manner, I have also found it useful to capitalise upon airline early boarding policies. By investigating their guidelines with regards to pregnant women and contacting these particular airlines before arriving at the departure gate, you can board early without a fuss and present any medical notes that need to be shown which deem you are safe to fly. Not only will these steps avoid any inconvenient documentary complications upon boarding, but they will also equip you with additional time to settle your children, get yourself comfortable and put on some DVT socks before take-off! Once in the air, I would also advise you to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and to take short walks along the aisle at regular intervals to boost your blood circulation.

Implement emergency contingency plans:

In my experience, I’ve found that if you dedicate some time to planning for any emergency that may occur whilst you are abroad then you can grant yourself peace of mind throughout your family holiday. Even when I think that I’ve accommodated for every eventuality, I still invest in a family travel insurance policy to account for any circumstances that I might have overlooked. As this guide for expectant mothers conveys;

“Having the right travel insurance for your holiday is always important, especially when you’re pregnant. Expecting a child makes you more vulnerable than the average traveller to potential risk. On the off-chance you do need to cancel your trip and hurry home or require medical care, travel insurance will have you covered”.

If you look for travel insurance policies which will cover you and your family against the cost of lost luggage, stolen or damaged possessions, cancelled flights and accommodation as well as any medical expenses you may incur, including the cost of transporting you home should you fall ill, you can remain calm and confident that you, your family and your baby’s welfare will be safeguarded whilst abroad.

Don’t underestimate the importance of taking breaks:

Above all else, if you wish to have a stress-free holiday whilst pregnant, you should make your rest and recuperation periods a priority. As travel blogger Frances M. Thompson explains;

“While my initial reaction was to see tiredness as an inconvenient side effect of pregnancy that I had to battle with, a firm but fair piece of advice from my midwife soon made me realise tiredness was my body’s way of telling me it needed all the energy it could gather to put into growing my baby so I’d better rest up to gather more for it to use “.

Consequently, regardless of whether you plan a beachside break, a weekend away in a capital city or a relaxing retreat in the countryside, I’ve found that taking frequent pit stops throughout your holiday itinerary will enable both parent and baby to remain happy and healthy. By interspersing your family-friendly activities with relaxing excursions, such as sunbathing or even a few prenatal massages at your hotel or holiday resort, you can ensure that your family enjoy a memorable vacation whilst simultaneously safeguarding your health and the development of your baby.

Five air travel hacks that save you money in travel perks

October 19, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We all know families can earn travel day perks with air mileage programs and airline-associated credit cards. But not all of us have tons of miles or platinum cards that get us upgrades. That’s ok. Here are five air travel hacks you can use to enjoy free or discounted perks on your next air travel day.

Park your car at the airport for free.

Plus get it washed and vacuumed. Plus make some cash. Here’s the catch: you need to make your car available for rental in your absence. FlightCar is a car sharing service now at many major US airports. Just sign up for free, then drop your car off at the FlightCar lot when you arrive at the airport. The check-in process is quick (most of the info is compiled ahead of time online) and after turning over your keys, you’re on your way to your gate, courtesy of a FlightCar shuttle. Parking for the duration of your trip is free whether your car is rented out or not, and if it is, you earn a marginal fee (to the tune of about 10 cents per mile). Your car is even washed before you arrive home. FlightCar insures all cars, but yeah, you have to be willing to let strangers drive your vehicle.

Don’t want to do this? If you’ll be staying the night near the airport before or after your trip, you can park your car for free using ParkSleepFly. We’ve used this perk many times. For no additional cost than the hotel room, you can park your car for up to 10 days, and get a free shuttle to the airport.

Get free checked luggage.

And free luggage, for that matter. The service Orion will send you two hardshell roller bags (one 21″ carry-on and one 29″ for check-in), each wrapped in advertising. You keep the bags, which are actually quite nice, with charging stations, GPS location, and a luggage tampering system, and you never pay checked bag fees again. Orion sends you a refillable gift card that starts with $50. Every time you check your bag, you get the card reloaded. Ads include KFC, GM, Verizon, and the like. The catch: you have to be a walking advertisement. The first million users sign up free, so get on it!

Want to carry your own luggage? Eight times out of ten, passengers are able to check bags for free at the gate. Simply volunteer to your gate agent. If you’re flight is full, you’ll get free checked luggage.

Gain discounted entry to airport lounges.

I love airport lounges. My favorite is Alaska’s Board Room, but I’m also a fan of United airline’s club. However, I very rarely fly first or business class, and I don’t have the air miles to achieve elite status. How do I get in? I buy passes in advance, or use guest passes. Check to see if the carrier you’re flying offers an airport lounge discount when booking your ticket. Often, you can save significantly by buying a day pass online, in advance. On United’s Web site, you can save $11 this way, and US Airways reduces its lounge price to $29 if you buy the pass when you book your ticket. Also ask friends and co-workers if they’d be willing to sell you their guest passes, if they’re elite fliers. Strike a deal that’s win-win. Often, these passes go unused.

Enjoy priority boarding.

It’s a myth that priority boarding is only available to high mileage flyers and business class or first class passengers. While most airlines used to reserve this perk for their most loyal customers, for better or for worse, this perk is now for sale…and it’s cheap. Look for the option to upgrade to priority boarding when you book your ticket online. You know, it will be on the page you usually click past immediately because it’s full of ways they’re looking to milk you for more cash. But give it a look before dismissing: this upgrade can be yours for as little as $9-$10. What does it do for you? In addition to allowing you to skip the headache of lining up with the masses, it ensures your carry on bag will make it into the bulkhead compartments before the plane fills.

Get free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Ok, this one does involve a credit card. However, there’s a long list of cards offering this perk, and it’s very possible just about everyone qualifies (or already has) at least one of them. Of course, being an elite member of an airline loyalty program is also likely to earn you free TSA Pre. According to this article, here’s the list of cards that reimburse the fees to apply for Global Entry and TSA Pre, if you use the card to purchase. Skip the long security line and use our packing tips to breeze through security like a pro (or like the flight attendants).

• Barclay AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite MasterCard (Global Entry only)
• Citi Prestige Card
• Citi /AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard
• Platinum Card from American Express
• Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN
• Centurion Card from American Express
• American Express Corporate Gold Card
• American Express Corporate Platinum Card

Do you have tips for getting free or discounted travel perks? Share them with us!