Continental Airline Tickets

Tips & Info on taking a 1 year old on an air plane?

I live in Pennsylvania and I'm going to visit my mom in Georgia with my 1 year old daughter. I haven't traveled since before all of the 9/11 stuff happened and I know LOTS have changed since then. Could anyone tell me any tips or give a website for rules and regulations on what you can and can't take and also rules and regulations on traveling with a one year old. Can I take snacks with for her and juice and toys? I'm not sure she'll sit on my lap the whole way there, so if I get another seat for her do I bring my car seat to strap her in or does the airport provide one? Any info would be helpful. Like I said this would be a US airline traveling within the US. Thanks. ***Ok to all the people who responded telling me "DON'T" and that I should just be worried about "shutting her up" were reported for abuse. How about not being so friggin RUDE! I am going and so is she and all I want is for anyone who can give me advice NICELY as to the rules and regulations. Anyone else on the plane who can't stand a kid crying IF she does, should take a private jet or drive to their destination. That's just what to expect when you travel. Tough shit to everyone else on the plane.***

Public Comments

1. no you can't take juice and keep her quiet, nobody wants to be stuck on that plane with your kid screaming the whole way! Give her some benedryl or tylenol to keep her calmer and at least ACT like you're trying to shut her up, even if you can't!
2. Well, air travel is expensive these days. Gone are the days you could just check them at the curb. Now they charge you $20! Outrageous. The most cost effective way, unfortunately, is to just carry them on. Stow them in the overhead, eight or nine rows in front of you. That way, you can keep an eye on the door and make sure no one gets in there and messes with them, but you are still far enough away so if he/she starts crying, it is muffled enough to be bearable. :)
3. 1. Don't. That's the best tip. We did, and it was a nightmare, for us, and everyone else on the plane. Otherwise, you need to bring a pacifier or something to keep their mouth working while the pressure changes - it hurts their ears, and when their ears hurt, so does everyone elses. As for juice and milk, be prepared for a problem. Have to be less than 4 oz. Still, they'll be evil about it, so best just not bring anything but an empty bottle, and get juice from the flight attendant for $5. You can of course bring snacks. If the plane ride is an hour or less, you can try the "sit on lap" thing. Otherwise, bring a carrier and pay for an extra ticket.
4. Most airlines, that I know of, do not provide child seats. You should be able to view this on the airline's website, as well as their rules and regulations. I have traveled with my young daughter (she is now two) with both a car seat and without. The car seat is a pain to haul around, but most airlines will give you enough time to board the airplane prior to the other passengers. I have also had her sit on my lap, and this only has to be done while the seat belt sign is on, other then that, I was chasing her up and down the aisle, but that is a personal preference. The pressure change does bother some children, mine fell asleep right before take off, but make sure they have something in their mouth for the pressure change. Their reaction to this all depends on the child and her personality. Make sure that in whatever carry ons you have to remove anything sharp (eg, toenail clippers) because sometimes they will just take away the whole kit, not just the sharp item. This depends on the security individual. Lastly, any liquids, be it milk, formula or lotions will be taken out of the bag and searched. They might even put in in a clear bag. I would suggest having a separate cooler bag for the formula and snacks that they can easily search through instead of them having to root through your suitcase/ diaper bag. I skipped the diaper bag and used a hiking backpack. It kept my arms free. I hope this is helpful. I would recommend, instead of buying the extra ticket, spend the money on a portable dvd player. It has saved my life a few times.
5. The website for what you need to know is www.tsa.gov. The other website you should probably see is your airline's. Yes, you can take snacks and juice and toys. If she will not sit on our lap for the whole flight you will need to buy her a seat. Yes, you need to bring her (FAA-approved, most are) car seat. No, the airline will not provide one. Bring (in your direct possession, not in checked bags): Twice the diapers and wipes you would expect for the travel duration, a complete change of clothes for both of you, twice the snacks you think needed, toys and books both old and favorite (for comfort and calming) and new (for stimulating and engaging.)
6. OK if you were taking her for a 12 hour flight I would say that might not be the best idea, but people need to chill out. PA to GA is like a 2 hour flight at most! Any one year old is perfectly capable of sitting still, quiet and probably even sleeping for 2 hours. Bring some toys for her to play with, I was going to say a coloring book or something but I don't know if that's too old for her. Maybe if you have a little dvd player to show something she likes. A little snack to keep her occupied, nothing too messy, maybe some crackers or goldfish. I think she will be fine! Anyways, the only real restrictions are liquids and gels. Everything must be under 3 ounces. Walmart sells everything you need- toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc in travel sizes so go grab some of those or just use your moms. This DOES apply to all liquids including drinks, so you can't bring a bottle of water for yourself or a made formula bottle. But you are able to buy water bottles after you have gone through security. So bring the powder formula and mix it with a water bottle you buy at the airport. Make sure the formula is in the original container, not like a ziplock or they will get suspicious. And then the obvious of course, no weapons, sharp items, etc. You are allowed to have a razor for shaving. If you need more info here is the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm Oh, I just noticed your question about her seat. Since she is under 2 she is allowed to sit on your lap for free. You should do this since it's such a short flight. Otherwise you have to pay for her seat and provide your own car seat.