WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

My DH surprised me tonight by telling me we are taking our annual trip to FL next month.
We are going back and forth. Do we drive (we'd save $$ by not having to check so much stuff) or fly (where we can get there a heck of a lot faster)?

Any tips on flying with a 3 year old and a 9 month old?
DS will have his own seat. Do we bring his car seat on the plane?
DD will be in our lap. So, We check her infant carrier and base right?

TIA for any advice you can offer!

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

what part of FL? we drove in Dec w/ DD and it was great!!! Sooooo convinient to just have everything in the car. Also, eventhough the flight is quick, its still a long day (getting to the airport early, going through security, picking up bags, etc...)

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

Could you drive to DC and then take the auto train?

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

We've done both going to visit the ILs in Palm Beach Cty. I liked both, but DH prefers flying. We flew Southwest out of Islip so it was really easy, I think if we'd done JFK or LGA DD would have gotten overwhelmed and then it would have turned into a nightmare.

ETA: We checked the carseats and my 3yo sat great on the plane. We gave him the window so he couldn't get past DH and DD and I sat in the row in front of them so when he kicked the seat or played with the tray it wasn't annoying another passenger.

Message edited 2/10/2010 6:48:58 AM.

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

I would definitely fly. 2 young kids on a drive to FL is really rough. Honestly depending on what airline you fly and when you buy airfare isn't that bad. I think we are paying about $850 for 4 seats on Jet Blue and you can check one bag for free. By the time you pay for hotels, meals, gas, and all the stops you would need to make round trip with two young kids I don't think you save that much that is worth the hassle. Strollers and car seats check for free. The only thing is that your DD won't have a baggage allowance if you don't buy her a seat - but I think you can get airfare for 3 under $800 (check southwest - you can check 2 bags for free - jet blue is one bag for free per ticket). You don't need the infant seat base - you can use the seat in a car without the base when you travel (see your seat instructions.)

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

We are driving to FL with the girls and I am petrified but we figured it was cheaper and we could lug everything in our car. I'll let you know how it works out

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

i chose to drive only bc i am petrified of flying..

but if i had to fly, i would get seats for both children.

but you know your 9 month old best.

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

Fly

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

FLY!

Baby stuff doesn't count towards the allowance of checked stuff on most carriers (ie stroller, pnp, car seats)

We check DS carseat in a big laundry bag and we have never had a problem with that.

As for DD, can you put her in a Bjorn? You still need to take if off to go threw security, but I found it a great way to travel with DS when he was under 1.

ETA-I don't really think driving is cheaper, the cost of gas is, plus tolls, staying overnight, stopping to eat, etc. We flew to Tampa for $599 for the three of us last year roundtrip

Message edited 2/10/2010 11:12:49 AM.

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

I would fly. I've done a lot of driving and flying with my two. The faster the way to get there, the better.

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

I would definitely 100% fly.

I think my first trip to FL was when I was 5 and our family drove from NY. My memory of that trip is not happiness at Disney (although the pics show otherwise). I remember being miserable sitting in the car.

However, if you made a 3 day trip driving down taking looooong breaks like in PA, then VA, etc, that may be fun. If you've got the time, go for it! We never have the time luxury to those types of trips but I'd really like to one day.

Re: WWYD...Moms with 2 or more...Drive or Fly?

Posted by megsm3

We are driving to FL with the girls and I am petrified but we figured it was cheaper and we could lug everything in our car. I'll let you know how it works out