First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

I think we are heading to FL in August and I have NEVER traveled with DD on a plane (actually we've only done overnight trips) and am very nervous! I know I have to purchase a seat for her on the plane (she's almost 2 1/2), but does she require a car seat? What are "must haves" for the plane ride? Any other tips for traveling would be greatly appreciated!!

Message edited 7/7/2011 7:46:38 PM.

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

Bring lots of snacks and some new toys or new books.
Regarding the car seat I found it was easier for my ds to sit in his carseat in the plane and he was more comfortable. It isn't necessary though.

Also have drinks ready for take off and landing to help wiht the ears. Remember don't give it to early :)

She will be fine.

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

She does need a seat like you said, but you don't have to bring a car seat on the plane.

We've flown several times with DD (and going again today!) and my best advice is to bring lots of snacks, a new toy (maybe that she can unwrap), new books, maybe some crayons to color, portable dvd player if you have it.

Also, you can gate check the stroller and car seat right before you board the plane and they will be right there again when you get off at your destination.

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

You dont have to have a car seat.

Frankly it was too much bulk, etc I'm glad I didn't bring it. NY to FL isn't that bad of a trip.

Bring snacks, juice, etc
I brought an Aquadoodle too but didn't show it to her until we were in the air.
I brought little cars and a toy airplane, crayons and a spiral notebook.
I had my iTouch with 3 movies put on it too

My trip was a 'bit' longer (TX to HI) so I brought a blanket and pillow for her. So we also had a DVR player. Overkill for a smaller trip, I think.

I asked the gate lady and she said we can board with the first class folks as long as we let handicap and military board first. I took advantage of that. We had never flown with her before and I didn't want us to hold up everyone while we put our stuff up and got her settled. I also didn't want AJ standing, scuffling along while we waited for others (carrying her would NOT have been an option).

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

put her in an overnight diaper (if she's not potty trained).

i don't know how or why i thought of it - but it saved us from 30 diaper changes during the flight...

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

We just came back from two weeks in Ireland with DD and I posted about my fears about the long flights before we left as well!
We've gone to FL a few times and its really not bad as it's a very short flight. Definitely have snacks, small toys, books etc. We also dowloaded videos onto the ipad which was a great distraction. Also, if you have an ipad or iphone, download the "Peekaboo Farm" app...it kept DD entertained for a while. And one thing that I was shocked kept her busy for so long...stickers! I brought a book of 600 stickers and she had a BALL putting them on her clothes, hands, tray, seat etc (DH and I did not have a ball removing all of them but hey it kept her busy! lol).

You do not need the carseat for the plane as far as I know (DD is only 13 months so was on our laps), but I saw a few older toddlers in their own seats with no carseat.

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

I am leaving tomorrow morning to Puerto Rico....thanks for the great advise ladies!!

Re: First time traveling on a plane with DD - Advice needed!

I went to target and the $ tree and got a bunch of new small toys and wrapped them. Every half hour or so I would give him a new one. He LOVED it.