Air Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness in Children When Traveling

October 16, 2015 By Sharlene Earnshaw

You’ve just booked the perfect trip. You and your family are about to experience the adventure of a lifetime. But if you have small children, motion sickness might put the breaks on your travels. Whether you’re traveling by boat, car, plane or train, small children are prone to nausea, light-headedness, and fatigue while traveling.

Motion sickness is usually brought on by mixed signals in the brain, usually when our eyes experience something different from our bodies. If a young child is traveling at high speeds for the first time and they’re situated in the back seat of a car or the passenger cabin or a plane where they can’t see where the vehicle is headed, their bodies might have trouble adjusting. Motion sickness is usually more common in children under the age of 10. Follow our tips to prevent motion sickness in kids and don’t let nausea and upset tummies interrupt your family’s vacation.

Provide a Distraction

A fun distraction is one of the best ways to prevent motion sickness is kids. You can focus their minds on other things by reading them a story, playing their favorite song, or engaging them with a fun game. You can also talk to them about the trip and explain the ins and outs of traveling. Encourage them to look out the window to help them understand how and why they’re moving.

Let Them Breathe

If you feel a bout of motion sickness coming on in your child, give them more room to breathe. Roll down the window in the car, open any vents nearby while turning up the cool air, or step outside when possible. Fresh air and an increase in oxygen will help settle your kids’ aggravated stomachs. Also get rid of any strong smelling foods, scents or odors that might make motion sickness worse.

Naptime

Use naptime to decrease your child’s sensory input. Fast-moving video games and movies can make things worse. Instead, give them room to rest their head and help them drift to sleep to lessen the effects of traveling. Some well-deserved peace and quiet can also help move things along.

Choose Pre-Trip Meals Carefully

Make things easier for yourself as a parent by feeding your children bland, easy-to-digest foods. Vomiting and upset stomach are much easier to avoid if your kids have had a mild meal before traveling. A peanut butter and jelly, crackers, or a grilled cheese can make for an excellent pre-trip meal.

Cool Them Off

If your child starts to feel sick while traveling, try combating the effects of motion sickness by cooling them down. A cold wet towel on the forehead can help with sweating and fatigue. Cold water can help reduce nausea and upset stomach.

When trying to prevent motion sickness in kids, a gentle touch is usually the most effective. Your child will slowly learn to adapt to the side effects of traveling with age. You can also talk to your doctor about certain medications used to relieve the effects of motion sickness. If you’d prefer more natural options rather than synthetic medications, you can try ginger pills before you travel or many stores carry topically applied essential oils that are applied behind the ears and help calm the nerves in the ear that cause motion sickness.

When in doubt, help you child relax and give them a chance to catch their breath. Now you can play some travel games in the car! Happy travels!

About the Author: Megan Gallagher works with Motioneaze, an all-natural, over-the-counter remedy for motion sickness symptoms.

Five questions to ask yourself before buying travel insurance

October 2, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

When should you consider buying travel insurance? This is a question I am asked regularly, and frankly, it’s one I’ve been mulling over when booking my own travel adventures as well. I’ve bought travel insurance for two family trips in recent years: for a vacation to the Caribbean uncomfortably close to hurricane season, and for our upcoming two-week trip to Europe.

I don’t believe families need to buy travel insurance for every trip. How to know which ones are ‘insurance-worthy’? Ask yourself these five questions:

1. Am I already insured?

You may assume you are not, but if you booked your entire trip on a major credit card, you may already have the perk of limited coverage. Personally, I do not book all my travel via credit card, which works for our family to reduce debt. However, I do miss out on the built-in travel insurance some card companies offer. Double check!

2. Is this a ‘bucket list’ trip?

Is this vacation a trip of a lifetime? In other words, will it be hard to financially recoup? If you will not be able to replace your trip financially within the foreseeable future, should something prevent you from going, you should consider insurance. For us, our European trip falls under this category. Should we not be able to go, it will take considerable time to make up for the financial loss.

3. Will I be traveling during the winter or hurricane season?

Flight delays and cancellations can happen anytime, but if you like to travel during the shoulder season or off-season, you may find yourself flying in extreme weather seasons more often than you’d like. If your trip will be in winter or during hurricane season, you may rest easier knowing you’re insured. The insurance we purchased for our winter trip to Europe covers weather-related delays. If our flight is canceled and we miss a hotel or apartment stay, we will be reimbursed.

4. Did I book a tour or cruise leaving on a specific date and time?

If you’re flying to connect with a cruise ship or major tour operation that will leave without you if you’re not on time, consider travel insurance! Anything can happen, and delays are, of course, a regular occurrence. Even if it’s not your fault you arrived at the cruise terminal an hour late, you’ll still be left behind.

5. Do I have a job that’s hard to leave?

We fall into this category…not because of my job, which is travel-friendly, of course, but because of my husband’s. Even after requesting (and being granted) time off, work-related emergencies are always a possibility. We found an insurance policy that included work-related trip cancellation, which is not always part of the package. Of course, any good policy will include illness or (god forbid) death-related cancellation, which is always good to have. Life is unpredictable.

Five easy steps to finding and buying insurance:

This is the easy part, believe it or not! Here’s what I did to identify and buy the right travel insurance for our trip:

Double check that I’m not already covered (we do not have a credit card that covers us, and our medical insurance does not cover international travel).
Compare insurers.
Fill in the trip information needed to get a quote.
Looking at your results, click on 2-3 policies and click on the ‘compare’ tab. Click on ‘details’ to see exactly what each section of the policy means. Decide how much medical coverage you need based on personal health and travel risks involved.
Buy right on the site! Be sure to print your policy.

Packing tip: How to pack only a carry on!

January 7, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Have you lost luggage lately? Not much fun, is it? How about those baggage fees? Not a fan. But can an entire family really pack carry-on only? Yes! We’ve done it for years, for everything from a weekend trip to two weeks away. We’re full of packing tips, including how to pack only a carry on during your next family vacation, no matter where you’re headed. Read on!

1. Use the ‘roll’ method or packing cubes when packing.

Thousands of Pinterest pins can’t be wrong: rolling clothes instead of folding them saves 30% more space in a duffle or suitcase. Line the bag with bulkier items such as shoes, then roll heavier clothing (like pants and jeans) on the bottom, layering next with shirts, t-shirts, and lastly, delicates and socks. Better yet, use packing cubes. Personally, we love Eagle Creek. (Check out all our best packing cube picks.) I use shoe cubes to keep kids’ socks and underwear organized, but many families ‘cube’ by day, packing complete outfits for each child in each cube.

Tip: Get all our travel tips in one place!

2. Pack more shirts than each child needs, and half as many pants.

Assuming your family vacation is not taking you too far into the wild unknown, the majority of messes will occur to your child’s shirts (think food spills, sweat, and sticky hands wiping). Pants and shorts can often be re-worn with minimal noticability to their wear. Try to find clothes that do double duty, such as pants that zip off to become shorts, and sun protection shirts that can be worn during active play. Our favorite is Columbia’s Silver Ridge pant. Likewise, try to restrict each child to two pairs of shoes: a sturdy pair of walking/hiking shoes (to be worn on the plane) and a pair of destination and season-appropriate sandals or boots.

3. Rent baby equipment at your destination.

By far the bulkiest part of the packing equation is baby gear such as portable cribs and play spaces, strollers, seats, and baby feeding equipment. Whether your destination is a hotel or resort or a relative’s home, there are numerous companies renting all of the above to vacationing families. Most allow parents to reserve the desired equipment online ahead of time, and will deliver equipment to their door. One I have used and recommend is Hotel Babies. And if your child is still in the logistically-difficult baby food stage, companies such as Petit Organics will deliver organic, hand-processed baby food as well.

4. Be prepared to do laundry.

No one wants to do laundry on vacation, but with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. We always pack 2-3 mesh laundry bags, which compact to almost nothing while empty. Travel-sized laundry detergent containers and stain remover can be purchased in TSA-approved sizing, and a roll of quarters can make finding change for washing machines far less painful.

5. Take advantage of the carry-on plus purse rule.

In addition to each ticketed passenger’s carry-on, he or she is permitted a personal purse, tote, or backpack. Since hauling a family’s worth of carry-on luggage can be challenge enough, consider foregoing each passenger’s right to bear a backpack and consolidate to only one or two totes or packs for family use. In addition to each passenger’s carry-on, we designate one large tote for in-air entertainment, which carries our laptop, iPad, and each family member’s book or Kindle and one backpack for snacks, medications, water bottles (to be filled post-security) and other essentials.

6. Board as early as possible.

Because so many travelers are now packing carry-on only to avoid luggage fees, those bulk-head luggage bins fill up quickly. And when they’re full, you’ll be forced to check bags against your will. If you’re carting several large carry-on roller boards or duffles, board the plane as soon as you’re able. Doing so will ensure there’s still space for your carry-ons. It helps to have high-quality carry-on luggage like the brands on our Pinterest page, that can stand a few bumps and bashes (from your kids and others).

7. Gate check for free.

If you’re carrying-on only for the cost-savings, and don’t mind waiting at the baggage carousel for your bags at your destination, almost all airlines will offer free checking at the gate, as an incentive for travelers to save some cabin space. On smaller commuter flights, gate-checked bags will usually be waiting for you on a cart directly off the plane, but beware that on longer flights, they’ll be checked all the way through to your final destination.

Note: Don’t forget about the 3-1-1 rule! The 3-1-1 rule states that you cannot bring any liquid or gel that’s more than three ounces, and these must be carried in one quart-sized clear, zip-lock baggie. We love the reusable kind for this purpose (find them at eBags and Timbuk2).

When packing carry-on only may not work for you:

Carry-on travel is possible even during extended or long-term travel (thanks mostly to the laundry tip!), but there are situations in which it just may not be practical, such as 1) during winter vacations, for which bulky snow or ski wear or multiple layers are needed, or 2) during adventure travel, during which a wide-variety of clothing types will be needed (think hiking gear and snorkeling gear, or 3) during multi-climate travel, during which several drastic weather changes may necessitate bringing both winter and summer wear.

Photo credit: Flickr/m01229

Budget airlines: Tips and tricks for a smooth flight

November 26, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

With a family of five, we often fly on budget airlines, and while abroad, budget airlines in Europe. While we certainly enjoy the comforts and perks enjoyed on higher-priced air carriers, on many trips, the savings on these low cost flights outweigh the lack of perks. However, it’s important for families to know what to expect (or more accurately, what not to expect) when buying budget airline tickets in order to have a pleasant flight.

Tip #1: Book directly through the budget airlines.

Go ahead and find deals on an airfare deal finder like Kayak or CheapOAir (we use them all the time!), but then click over to the budget airline’s website and look for the same flight to book directly. Why? We found out the hard way after booking a Frontier Airlines flight through CheapOAir. We found ourselves with an extra carry-on item (a homemade souvenir our son Tobias had crafted and couldn’t part with), and had to pay to bring it onboard, even though he didn’t have any additional carry ons with him. Had we booked through Frontier directly, we would have been entitled to free carry-ons*. It’s also helpful to book directly through the airline website when you find yourself in need of extra help at check in, or have any routing issue. Just like when booking hotel rooms, brands are happier to help their loyal customers. Buying through a second-party site screams ‘deal finder’ not ‘loyal flier’.

*Check Frontier for current carry-on baggage policies.

Tip #2: Consider upgrading to priority boarding:

I know, I know, the whole reason you’re booking a budget airline is to save money! But when you buy the bare bones ticket on airlines such as Allegiant, for example, you’re almost guaranteed to find yourself at the end of the boarding line. If you’re carrying on bags, you’re likely to have them re-directed to checked baggage. If this is ok with you (hey, free checked bag!), then do not upgrade to priority boarding. But if having your bags with you is important (we usually want to get going immediately upon landing, not wait for bags), upgrade!

Tip #3: Read the fine print regarding carry-on bags:

Remember our Frontier flight? On many budget airlines (including Frontier and Spirit, last time I flew both these carriers), there is a charge for carry-on baggage. There are exceptions: travelers who book directly through the airline are often entitled to free carry ons, but you have to read the rules…which change regularly. Southwest still offers free carry ons and even two free checked bag for travelers who book directly through their site, for example. Always do your research, and find out if the budget airline you’re considering has a partner airline, such as Delta, American, and Alaska. If so, your loyalty mileage plan membership may entitle you to free carry-ons or checked luggage.

Tip #4: Book two one-way tickets to save money, and search by single passenger.

Because most budget airlines are regional, they often offer extremely cheap fare on select days of the week. Use the airline’s fare calendar or ‘flexible dates’ tool (like the one below) to find the cheapest days to fly. Compare the cost of two one-way tickets vs round trip fare. Likewise, if you have older kids who can sit alone if needed (best for short flights), always check ‘one passenger’ when searching for fares, even if you’re shopping for your whole family. Airline ticket generators find the lowest fare in the seating tier that accommodates your whole party, so if there are two remaining lowest fare seats, but four people in your group, all four of you will be ‘upgraded’ to the next lowest fare tier. If two budget seats and two slightly more expensive ones will be ok with you, check ‘one passenger’ when searching.

Tip #5: Consider paying more for long haul flights.

When our whole family traveled to Cancun last year, we flew on (now-defunct) Air Tran. We got a great fare, but the brutal truth is, our red-eye, five-plus hour flight across the country from the Pacific Northwest was pretty miserable on a bare-bones airplane. Forget about food service (or even complementary drink service), or comfortable seats or decent in-flight entertainment. We don’t mind skipping these perks on a shorter flight, but for a few more hundred dollars, we would have been far happier on a higher-priced air carrier for this long flight.

If you take heed of the tips above, it’s entirely possible to have a happy, contented flight on a budget airline, and save money to boot. We’ve happily flown Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest without issue, when we knew what we were getting, booked directly, and leveraged our bigger budget frequent flier reward memberships where possible.

Flying for the fun of it: Take a trip with San Juan Airlines

October 27, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Yes, you read that right: flying can be fun! In an era when it’s 99% hassle (even for kids!), I had a great time remembering what I love about flying when I spent a morning with San Juan Airlines. Check out my flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor, WA:

Yes, I’m smiling. Actually, I grinned most of the flight. Why? On a small plane–in this case, a Cessna 172 three-seater–it’s easy to remember why flying is fun! Gone are the barriers between you and the act of flight, such as large airline cabins, in-flight service, and movies on your laptop. Gone, too, are the discomforts: overcrowded conditions, delays, and grumpy fellow passengers. Instead, it’s just you and the pilot, an empty runway before you, and the heady sense of disbelief when you actually do defy gravity.

Do I really do this all the time?

Not like this!

San Juan Airlines, like several other small carriers in the Northwest, operate flights primarily between the small islands that dot the landscape between Seattle and Canada. They fly out of Bellingham, with stops in Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and smaller island and mainland destinations. However, they are also available for charter flights to over 16 destinations, from Spokane to Kamloops BC. Occasionally, they fly out of Boeing Field in Seattle, which is where I caught a ride.

When to consider a small carrier flight:

Obviously, flying on a 2-3 passenger airline is rarely going to be the economical choice. However, it’s worth considering whenever you’re traveling to hard-to-reach destinations, because sometimes, it will make the most sense. When I flew San Juan Airlines, I did so because I needed to be on San Juan Island at a specific time, and had I driven and taken a ferry, I would have had to leave my home 24 hours earlier in order to make the schedule work for me! In this case, time was indeed money.

Other times, flying instead of driving may be the best choice if you want to make your travel day as memorable as your vacation. On my San Juan Airlines flight, my pilot, Brett, doubled as a tour guide, pointing out many landmarks as we flew. When I wanted to see something closer, he happily did a circle around the harbor, allowing me to get all the photos I wanted. We’ve paid for scenic helicopter flights when on vacation before; I’d consider a flight with San Juan Airlines to be just as exciting and fun (plus you’re actually getting to your destination!).

Plus, consider this: no security lines, no boarding passes, no baggage carrousels…no waiting! Now that’s flying!

How to book with San Juan Airlines:

Their website makes it pretty clear, especially if you’re traveling their regular route. If you’d like a charter flight, simply fill out their form or give them a call. They’re a small operation, which means you’ll talk to a real live person when you pick up the phone. Tell them what you need, and they’ll work with you to find the route that’s best. Since I had flown into Seattle at SeaTac, for instance, I needed a flight from Boeing Field (in Seattle), not their regular location in Bellingham. Luckily, a flight was available for me!

How to find San Juan Airlines at Boeing:

Boeing Field is located less than 10 miles from SeaTac, but it’s a big place. San Juan Airlines operates out of the Landmark Terminal, which is located at 7149 Perimeter Road. Give your cab driver the exact address, or you could be circling around Boeing for a while! If you don’t get lost, the cab fare will be about $25 in normal traffic conditions. The waiting room is casual and comfortable, with fresh fruit, coffee, and wifi available.

Have you taken a charter flight? Where?

Fall wardrobe essentials for carry-on friendly travel

September 23, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve ever tried to fit everything you need for a week away in a carry-on bag (or even a weekend’s worth), you know it’s essential that every clothing item have a purpose…or two or three. When we travel, we pack carry-on only, and to be honest, I never have trouble fitting all the kids’ clothes they’ll need. It’s my wardrobe that’s often out of control. The first rule of carry-on friendly travel: make sure every item you pack can do double-duty (especially if you’re on a seaplane in which every ounce counts!).

Last spring, I became an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. Many of the clothing picks below come from this brand (you’ll see why as I describe them). Others are favorites from the dozens of other brands I review in my capacity as a writer for Practical Travel Gear. In other words, a lot of travel-specific clothing comes across my desk (and into my closet). Below, you’ll only see what I consider the absolute best. Need carry-on luggage that can go the distance? Check out our carry-on luggage picks for kids!

Essential clothing pieces for a fall carry-on:

1. Organic cotton:

A few organic cotton shirts will last you more than two days on a trip. Organic cotton is extremely soft and comfortable (crucial for long travel days), but more importantly, it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Roll your cotton shirts instead of folding them in your carry-on, and you’ll not only save space, but prevent any creases. One of the reasons I love Aventura Clothing is because so many of their pieces are organic.

Top organic cotton pick: Aventura’s Erin Top. This top is basic in style, which means it can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt, but has just enough detailing to be dressed up in the evenings. The ruching on the sides is very flattering. Pack two of these (in different colors), and you’ll be set for a long weekend.

2. Scarves: Want an easy way to dress up any outfit? Add a scarf. Scarves take up very little room in the carry-on, yet pack a powerful punch when worn. I love something sheer in the summer, then switch to a knitted infinity scarf in winter. Plus, scarves are a fun souvenir to pick up in different destinations. I love wearing scarves that remind me of the places I’ve been.

Top fall scarf pick: Aventura again! Their Alisha infinity scarf is elegant while still soft as a pillow around your neck. Bonus: you can use it as a pillow on the airplane.

3. One lightweight jacket:

I love bringing one lightweight jacket in my fall carry-on (or better yet, wear it on your travel day to make room for more things). I prefer a tailored look, so I can dress the jacket up or down. Pick one that will look ok if you need to wear it to an outdoor event or dinner, when fall nights can get chilly.

Top jacket pick: Every fall, I reach for my Mountain Khakis Americana jacket. I love this jacket with true devotion. It’s warm, but can also be unzipped and used as a casual covering when just my shoulders are chilly. It has numerous pockets, and looks good with just about everything.

4. Khaki or cotton pants:

The workhorse of your fall carry-on wardrobe, 1-2 pairs of solid, high-quality, khaki or hemp/cotton pants is crucial. You can re-wear them several times, they’ll match everything, and never go out of style.

Top pant pick: The Aventura Arden pant is a consistent winner in my closet. It’s made of organic cotton, has a brushed finish that looks great, and while they’re fitted, they’re roomy enough that I’m still friends with the Arden after sitting in a car or on a plane all day. (I can’t say the same of my skinny jeans.) I’m also a huge fan of my Sherpa Naulo pant. These stretchy nylon/spandex pants resist stains, move with the body, and look good doing it.

5. Layers!

Layers are your best friend when packing carry-on only. I bring at least 2-3 camisoles or undershirts that can be layered over lightweight sweaters or pullovers and hoodies. If you think you’ll be in extremely chilly weather, bring a thermal undershirt that can be paired with a vest (and discarded when the day warms up).

Top layering pick: I own a collection of hoodies and pullovers, but my new favorite is Aventura’s Amelia hoodie. Why? It’s extremely lightweight thermal, so it takes up next to no room, and its fitted, so it won’t make me look bulky or overdressed. I pair mine with a camisole, because the ‘whisper white’ color is a bit transparent, but the other solid colors could be worn solo. It has cute accenting and snap buttons, too.

6. Minimalist shoes:

I can only live in flip-flops until October or so, and when I do need to confine my feet, I go with a minimalist shoe (or ‘barefoot’ shoe). I pack this type of shoe not for the health benefits to my feet (though the zero depth means I am free to walk with the most natural gait). I pack them because they’re lightweight and compress down small.

Top minimalist shoe pick: I love kigo shoes. They’re environmentally friendly, and cute as button. These shoes breathe well and feel good even after lots of walking.

What do you pack in a fall carry-on?

Teaching kids airplane etiquette: how to create good fliers

July 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve all been there, either as parents or innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire: a disastrous flight during which kids are causing more than their share of trouble. Sometimes it’s unavoidable: a tired baby a parent is trying to console, a sick child, a long layover. Other times–and I know you’ve seen this–kids behaving badly on planes when it’s avoidable with a few lessons in manners. When teaching kids airplane etiquette, we suggest the following while flying with kids:

Kids Airplane Etiquette:

1. Find your seat quickly. I don’t know if it’s just my kids, but there’s always a lot of debate over who’s going to sit where in our assigned seats. I’ve taught them to go straight to the seat listed on their ticket first, to get out of the aisle, and to swap places after the rest of the passengers have gotten on.

2. Wheel your rollie-bag properly. No carry-on luggage wars in the terminal, kids! Games of chicken and extreme rolling are not permitted in our family…anymore. I’m tired of my toes getting rolled over and the looks of disgust issued by business travelers.

3. Clean up trash. I instruct my kids to place snack trash into their cup, then hand the whole thing to the flight attendant. Getting out of the habit of putting anything–including trash–into the seat pocket ensures we don’t leave anything we need behind, like chargers or iPods.

4. Say hello to flight attendants when you board. Thank them as you deplane. Required. Enough said.

5. No kicking the seat in front of you.Whoa boy, is this a big one. And sometimes, it’s not the kid’s fault, if his or her legs are just the right (or wrong) length. Our kids know to tuck toes down or even sit ‘criss-cross applesauce’ to avoid the seat kicking issue. It’s a toughie.

Tips for parents:

1. Try to board early. Even if your kids are out of the age range that (sometimes) ensures pre-boarding, line up as soon as you’re able to based on your seat assignment. This will give you more time to stow carry-on baggage in the bulkhead while the main cabin is less crowded.

2. Prepare kids with a great eBook: Monsters Don’t Ride on Airplanes. Check out the screen shot of this adorable book below! We read it recently, and I think it’s a great tool to use with young kids. The simple story shows various silly-looking monsters on airplanes, doing everything wrong. Then is shows a girl and boy doing things right, with the message that well-behaved kids get to ride on airplanes and go to fun places (while monsters are left behind).

3. Avoid red-eye flights unless you know your kids will sleep. No one likes a crying baby. There’s little that’s more miserable on a plane than a red-eye during which young kids cannot sleep. We’ve been tempted by lower cost red-eye flights, but because our kids are not good sleepers on airplanes, we’ve learned to avoid them. Fly when your kids are at their best. If that time happens to be when they’re asleep…hey, we don’t judge!

4. Help security flow more smoothly. We almost always fly carry-on only, which means everyone has toiletries that may have 3 ounce containers. To make it easier on everyone when we go through security, I consolidate these items so they’re all in just one quart-sized bag. (Everyone’s tooth brushes, hair ties, and other non-liquid cosmetics and toiletries can remain in each person’s carry-on.) When we go through security, each kid knows he can place his backpack and his carry-on onto the belt without getting anything out.

5. Eat on the plane. Hey, it’s something to do, and it keeps kids happy. We’ve found that in most cases, purchasing a meal on a plane is no more expensive than purchasing a similar meal in the airport. And this way, we don’t have to carry a bag of food onboard. My kids love simple meals like fruit and cheese plates or snack baskets, and I love that they’re entertained by the novelty of airplane food for a few minutes. Plus for parents: Alaska Airlines flights offer complimentary local wines and craft brews for the adults!

6. Bring a headphone splitter. For some reason, it highly annoys me when parents set their kids up with a movie or cartoon on a plane, and subject the entire cabin to the audio. Are there worse things? Sure, but this problem is easily solved by buying a cheap headphone splitter and using kids headphones.

What are your top tips for airplane etiquette?

Safe holiday travel tips and Master Lock Safe Space review

December 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

An average of 34% of Americans spend 1-3 nights away from home during the holidays. Will you and your family be away? Master Lock, maker of luggage locks and the innovative Safe Space, offers five tips for safe holiday travel:

safe holiday travel

1. Keep that lived in look. In 2010, more than 1.8 million homes were burglarized with 400,000 of those burglaries taking place between November and December3. Making the home appear active while away can discourage potential break-ins. Set a timer for both inside and outside lights to switch on and off and turn a radio or TV on to create the illusion that someone is home. Hold your mail deliveries at usps.com, and contact your other providers to stop newspaper and package drop-offs while you’re away. Of course a good standby to rely on is a adequate security system, some of which you can view here. Consider it a watchdog when you’re away.

2. Toast don’t post. Resist the temptation to update your social network accounts with travel plans to avoid having the news of the unoccupied status of your home fall into the wrong hands. Instead, spend that time in the company of friends and family toasting to health and happiness, and wait to post photos of holiday fun until you return home.

3. Check (Twice) Before Travel. Before departing for a holiday destination, check the schedules and status of your flight, train or traffic route to stay aware of delays, bad weather and other potential changes. Checking in on the status of your method of travel will guarantee you are prepared for any delays and keep you calm during the holiday rush. And don’t forget to double-check your travel documents before leaving the house.

4. Activity and Emergency Kits Are Key. Whether traveling by train or car, always carry a first aid kit stocked with bottled water, snacks, medication, bandages, a flashlight and cell phone charger. Should you encounter a problem or a long distance between rest-stops on your route, these items can help keep you nourished and your travel companions busy. Keep children occupied by bringing fun games or movies to lessen driving distractions. If traveling by car, have it inspected by a mechanic or someone you trust before a long journey to make sure all systems are primed and tires are filled.

5. Lock It Down & Carry It On. A reported 200 items are stolen each day from JFK Airport4, one of the busiest airports in the world. Keep your valuables including cell phones, wallets, watches/jewelry and other important property safe by carrying them with you at all times and locking them up while on-the-go. Storage solutions like the 5900D SafeSpaceTM are perfect for keeping these items secure. In addition, use generic luggage, be mindful of wearing flashy jewelry and dress down to prevent being targeted for theft. Secure checked and carry-on luggage with a TSA-accepted lock, such as the 4688D Combination Lock while traveling to prevent unauthorized access to your possessions.

Master Lock Safe Space review:

In keeping with this travel security theme, Pit Stops for Kids reviewed Master Lock’s Safe Space, a miniature safe for small valuables such as jewelry, point-and-shoot cameras, passports, and cell phones while traveling by air. Here’s what we thought:

safe space

1. Great for use in airports where theft is most common. Having a Safe Space won’t take the place of keeping a close eye on your luggage, but it will make you feel better about those moments you can’t avoid that pick pockets love, as as when your luggage is adjacent, but you’re distracted by kids, media, or gate information. I like that you can use the security cord (like a bike lock) to secure the SafeSpace to an airport chair leg or table leg. You still can’t leave it (or anything else) unattended of course, but you can read your book or toss something in the trash without worrying about your valuables.

2. Not practical for storing a cell phone. I don’t know about you, but I need my phone constantly while traveling through airports, whether to check apps, flight information, weather, or email. (Or to hand off to a bored kid for an Angry Birds session.) Locking my phone away would make it safer, but it’s just not going to happen.

3. Easy to store and pack. I tossed the Safe Space right into my carry on bag, and it fit there perfectly. I like the size and weight, and how easy it is to access the contents. It will only fit a few things, though, so you’ll have to prioritize. We put our house and car keys and my husband’s wallet in ours, and that pretty much maxed it out.

Family-friendly skies: five airlines that still go the extra mile

May 12, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This past March, my sister flew to visit us for a spring break vacation. Since her husband couldn’t leave work, she traveled alone from one coast of the U.S. to the other with her two-year-old and infant. A daunting task? Of course. One guaranteed to encounter a few bumps along the journey (turbulence notwithstanding)? Sure. In fact, she was pretty much betting on it. What she wasn’t counting on–what no traveling parents should have to count on–was the lack of hospitality or effort of any sort by the airline personnel to make her multiple flights comfortable. Actually, forget comfortable–she would have settled for bearable. Instead, she was met with a mixed bag of rudeness, apathy, and downright hostility from check-in to the final tarmac.

Unfortunately, I’ve suffered similar experiences while flying with kids. We all know that the going will be rough at times: you may encounter the odd grumpy passenger or the universal nightmare of delays and cancellations. But families spend an average of 30% of their vacation budget on the air travel portion of their vacations. While doing so, it’s not unreasonable to expect the simple (and free) courtesy of a smile, a helping hand (when possible), and a dash of understanding from the airline being patronized.

**The Pit Stops family can wholeheartedly endorse the following truly family-friendly airlines, and am happy to explain why.**

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines’ motto is ‘fly Southwest to be treated like a person’, and they stand by it. Carrying an infant, folding a stroller, and controlling a toddler at the same time? I’ve been there…in a Southwest Airlines jet way. They notice (and are pros at folding any type of stroller). I love their flexible seating arrangements, and the fact that their reward program truly has no blackout dates. We also love their boarding groups system. Get Southwest Airlines tips!

Alaska Air: If you have the opportunity to fly Alaska, don’t hesitate. In our region, they offer the most family travel deals by far, including their recent ‘kids fly free to Disneyland’ promotion. They also feature regional wines and coffees on-board (complimentary) to help you get through those kid-centric flights. Many of their terminals feature special ‘family’ security lanes to ensure you won’t feel rushed while fiddling with strollers, diaper bags, and babies, and guess what? If you call customer support, you get a real…live…person. I know…crazy, right? Find out how to travel Alaska Airlines with a minor, or get tips for your teen traveling solo!

Allegiant Air: Best for bargain-basement prices when you just need to get somewhere (preferably non-stop). I love that Allegiant makes it easy to price flight options on their one-way calendar pages, where it’s possible to scroll over dates to see listed prices before committing to a flight date and time. They also list pretty tempting vacation packages that compete with all the major airline search engines in price and value.

Frontier Airlines: Finally, an airline that makes itinerary and name change fees more customer-friendly by reducing them by as much as 50% (as of December 2011), a very welcome improvement in the airline fee arena. On an unrelated note, who doesn’t like flying in planes with such cute and cuddly images on the sides and tail? Frontier Airlines expert advice!

Jet Blue: Did someone say ‘free snacks’? Yep, they’re still free on Jet Blue, as is the DirectTV (on personal screens for each passenger) and wi-fi in Jet Blue terminals. Plus, is it just me, or is there more leg room on Jet Blue flights? My kids don’t seem to be kicking the seat in front of them nearly as often as usual.

Is it coincidence that our favorite airlines are not among the heaviest hitters? I think not.

In our experience, smaller, regional, and/or niche airlines consistently offer more costumer-service perks, and regularly go the extra mile for their travelers. Though this post was based on first-hand, personal experience (my favorite kind), I found it interesting to note that this month’s Consumer Reports is in agreement with my findings, siting Jet Blue and Southwest at the top of the airline industry list in terms of overall satisfaction, check-in ease, and comfort.

And for those interested, internationally, our favorites (and those of Pit Stops for Kids reviewers) include RyanAir (seriously cheap for saving money) and Qantas (seriously luxurious).

Have an air travel experience with kids, good or bad? Share in the comments. While you’re at it, what’s your favorite airline for family travel, and why?

Long haul flight tips: Keeping kids entertained

April 20, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This guest post written by freelance writer Ross Fraser.

Traveling with children on a flight particularly if it’s a long-haul flight, can be somewhat tiresome especially if the child or children you are taking are quite young. While easily entertained in a larger space, the restricted space and length of time involved can prove to be quite a challenge.

Long haul flight tips:

To help you meet this challenge and make the journey as relaxed and smooth as possible for you, the kids, and everyone else, a little forward planning can help enormously. If you can, choose a night flight as this will encourage your children to sleep for at least some of the journey. Remember a space that you have to sit in may well be enough for a smaller child to curl up in if provided with a blanket and pillow so they can make their own cozy nest.

Check out what the various airlines flying to your required destination offer in terms of child provision in advance. Do they provide sky-cots, pre-allocated seating, special meals, children’s entertainment on personal screens, dedicated flight attendants etc.? All these things can help you a lot in maintaining a stress-free journey with your child.

Pick your airline carefully: flying Alaska Airlines for the domestic leg of our flight is our top choice, as they have great international partners to get us the rest of the way, and are the most accommodating in customer service that we’ve found.

If possible, splurge on flight itineraries that require as few legs and layovers as possible, and leave strollers at home; most international airports rent these to arriving parents.

Pre-flight planning on your part can help too. Make sure you carry lots of supplies in your hand luggage, not just for the flight itself, but also enough for any delays that might occur. Things to include are diapers, wipes, a spare change of clothing, snacks, pacifiers, and comforters. All these should be very easily accessible on the flight so that you can remain comfortable while providing for your little one. Think about what you could take that they enjoy doing seated–coloring books, puzzles, small toys, and reading books are all good options. For older kids, hand-held consoles, books, and music players are a great idea but do make sure to include plenty of batteries and headphones too!

Initially on a flight, especially a first flight, the excitement of just being on a plane and looking at everything that’s going on can be interesting enough to amuse kids, so don’t be too quick off the mark to start the entertainment process. When this starts to wear off, it’s time to bring out your arsenal of tricks to keep them occupied, or if the airline provides a children’s entertainment pack, this would be the time to ask your flight attendant for this.

Noise cancelling headphones or over-ear headphones can help kids feel more relaxed and ready for sleep, even if these items are uncomfortable when they actually trying settle in. Neck pillows can also be a good idea, as well as ensuring everying is drinking plenty of water.

A few other tips that can help are to bring candies to suck on, or a drink they can suck through a straw as this can help a small child’s ears to pop after take off. Decongestants can be useful to help younger children with sleep as the dry atmosphere on a plane can make this worse than normal for many people. Your doctor can recommend the best brands and dose for your child. Small snacks like dried fruit, chocolate raisins and other easy to eat nibbles often go down well and help pass the time; they’re also quite good if you do need to resort to bribery too.

Worried about jet lag in kids? Get our top tips on combatting jet lag.

Hopefully a bit of clever planning in advance will make your journey as pleasant and smooth as possible for you and your children, so you’ll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready for anything.

Provide a Distraction

Let Them Breathe

Naptime

Choose Pre-Trip Meals Carefully

Cool Them Off