We're back - some travel advice (long - sorry)

Our trip to NY was pretty good after a few bumps. It was my first time traveling alone with DD (but her 5th trip) so I was kinda anxious. We were only alone the way there. I really thought I planned for everything, but some things are just out of our control - the parking lot was full at the airport so I had to use Economy & take the shuttle (UGH!), the lines to check in were huge, and the flight was overbooked so I could not bring Lily's infant seat in (UGH UGH!!). Talk about stress!! I barely ahd enough time to change her, buy water for her bottle, go to the bathroom, and give her half her lunch before it was time to preboard. She pooped on the plane (UGH - but at least it was not an explosion so she waited until we landed. it was towards the end anyway.) And she fussed until the last half hour when she FINALLY fell asleep. Once we got to Islip, everything was terrific. (as it usually is there) Avis rent-a-car was amazing. They brought the car to me at the terminal (even let me choose from 3 different models.)

So my advice:
1. expect the unexpected
2. don't get stressed - stay calm
3. if you can afford it buy the extra seat - it would have made my life so much easier. This is the first time the flight was that crowded in 8 times flying with southwest, but it was packed both ways. We always were able to bring her seat on, but not this trip. Coming home wasn't so bad with DH.

I would fly alone with her again, but now I know some changes I need to make. It really could have gone so much worse. She was a very good girl. And she had such a blast with all of her cousins and friends on Long Island. Now she's going to be bored back here with just me & DH!

I'll post pics soon. She started some new "milestones" while we were gone. She can do "How big is Lily??!?!? Soooooooo BIG!!!!"

Re: We're back - some travel advice (long - sorry)

Thanks for sharing. Sorry it was rough!

I will be traveling w/ DS, but not alone in Sept

Re: We're back - some travel advice (long - sorry)

I just wanted to say again how awesome Islip airport was. There was a huge line at security (which I so rarely see there) and we went on the "stroller/wheelchair" line. We breezed right through. It was great.
So if you can fly Southwest out of Islip it really makes a huge difference.

Re: We're back - some travel advice (long - sorry)

Posted by SuzyQ

I just wanted to say again how awesome Islip airport was. There was a huge line at security (which I so rarely see there) and we went on the "stroller/wheelchair" line. We breezed right through. It was great.
So if you can fly Southwest out of Islip it really makes a huge difference.

Re: We're back - some travel advice (long - sorry)

Posted by MsKitty1274

Posted by SuzyQ

I just wanted to say again how awesome Islip airport was. There was a huge line at security (which I so rarely see there) and we went on the "stroller/wheelchair" line. We breezed right through. It was great.
So if you can fly Southwest out of Islip it really makes a huge difference.

OOoo, good to know, we'll be flying out of Islip!!!