Totally OT, but I'm sure there are seasoned travelers here

[TengoFive]

I'm going to be flying alone with my 5 kids next month. The flight will only be about 2 hours, but I have to drive 3 hours to the airport and then drive 3 hours to my parents once I'm there. I'll be going over to a hotel the night before, taking the shuttle to the airport, then same thing once I get back. Shuttle to the hotel, spend the night and then home the next morning. I'm trying to work out the logistics of car seats, carry ons, luggage, etc. though, so I'd love to hear some btdt advice. I have 3 in car/booster seats, so its going to be interesting to say the least.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

Well, I haven't tried this with more than three but...

There are some rolling totes made for holding car seats-you could put the kids seats in those-perhaps you could combine some boosters in one bag. You might not be able to have any of them in seats on the shuttle.

Second-if everyone has there own ticket you could check the older kids seats and only put the youngest two in seats on the plane.

Third-check strollers at the gate and ask for gate pickup.

Fourth-for the bigger kids use backpacks or rolling backpacks for carry-ons so that they can manage them on their own.

Fifth-have everyone wear shoes they can take off and put on by themselves.

Sixth-When all else is just too much-have the shuttle drop you at your airline's counter entrance and tip skycaps to bring your bags in-they can sometimes get you right up to the desk or at least have your bags waiting there.

Seventh-If you talk to the airline ahead of time they may be able to arrange for you to board early and get settled without the crush. They may also be able to arrange one of those carts to take you out to your gate. They may also be able to meet you at your destination.

The toughest part is getting your luggage from pickup to your rental car. I guess I would contact your car rental agency and ask them to deliver your car to curbside at arrivals and explain the situation. Do as much paperwork ahead of time so you can speed through the check in procedure.

Minimize baggage and try to use bags the older kids can help you with.

Wish I could offer more but I hope that helps! Bon voyage!

[In The Great White North]

:iagree: Lots of good advice there.

Definitely have bags the three oldest can handle. We go to Europe for 3 weeks with each dc having a backpack or rolling carry-on and have since they were 6. They really can do it. If they have a back pack, they can push a stroller too.

Pack light. Buy shampoo, diapers, etc there.

Do call the airline and rental car agency ahead of time. Use any help you can get. (They probably don't want 5 tired kids at their counter anyway.)

Pack food (inspite of its weight) unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars at the airport.

Have a good trip

[Melinda in VT]

I've done it with four. In addition to the good advice above, I suggest traveling with a good sturdy stroller that can hold both the 2yo and the baby. That way, when you are busy at the ticket counter, etc, it will be easier for your 10 yo to keep track of the younger kids. I also tend to hook car seats and carryons to the stroller handles. I look crazy, but it works.

I also have car seat travel bags. I can fit two or three booster/car seats per bag (depending on design--a rear-facing seat would probably need it's own bag). The bags have straps so I can carry it across my shoulder or hook it on the stroller.

I'd talk your kids through the security check point in advance, so they know what to expect (taking off shoes, emptying pockets, etc.). My oldest, ironically, is the one most likely to leave change in his pockets or not remember that yes, his 120z bottle of glasses cleaner counts as a liquid. :tongue_smilie:

Have your oldest go through the security check first, and then tell the 2yo to walk to her/him (sorry, don't remember which). Then send in the middle two kids and then you can walk through with the baby. I definitely second shoes that slip on and off.

[Krista in LA]

As for the carseats - use them on the plane. My kids were always happier being in their familiar carseat than sitting in the plane seat, plus it's safer for them. You can't use booster seats on the plane though. If you have a backless booster, you might be able to put it in a suitcase. If you are renting a car when you get there, another option is to see if you can get one from the car rental place. I would not recommend renting a carseat from them, but typically a booster seat would be okay. If someone is picking you up from the airport, I would ask them to see if they know someone they can borrow one from or else buy a new one - a backless booster can be pretty affordable and then you wouldn't have to worry about getting it there.

If you absolutely must check in a carseat, check it at the gate. The way they throw around checked luggage would not be good for a carseat.

I would also see if you can get a ride in one of the golf cart things they drive around.

[TengoFive]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've got so much to do, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I only started thinking about the actual maneuvering around the airport yesterday. Yikes!

[Rich with Kids]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've got so much to do, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I only started thinking about the actual maneuvering around the airport yesterday. Yikes!

My first thought was Benedryl. But, I'd go as light as possible on the baggage. Maybe have each of the bigger ones pack their things in a backpack? Ditto on the easy-off shoes. I think I might call ahead to the airlines and ask them for assistance. There are some things they may offer that the general public isn't aware of... Good luck, my friend!

[ljf]

I always travel with food (dry snacks that won't run into problems with the TSA), and and empty water bottle that I fill at the water fountain after I'm through the security check point. Last time we pre-measured dry drink mixes into bottle so we had a drink we liked for the plane ride.

I also make sure that I have a change of clothing packed for each kid, and me in my carry on. I don't want a grumpy wet kid flying.

[Colleen]

It sounds overwhelming, but I think you'll find that most people are going to go out of their way to lend you hand. You've received a lot of great advice here, and I think the bottom line is to communicate as much as possible ahead of time with your children ~ letting them know it all plays out, particularly if this is their first time flying ~ and with your airline, car rental agency, hotel, etc. Be very specific about your needs and try to get as much help as possible arranged ahead of time. Don't feel that you're putting them out. They'd rather be aware of any special instructions ahead of time than deal with it at the last minute.

I almost hate to disagree with what's already been offered by others here, but I'll just share one different perspective and you can make of it what you will. I've never taken a carseat on an airplane for a child beyond the infant stage; I much prefer to just check carseats as baggage. All of my boys were perfectly content sitting in the plane seat. The last thing I want to deal with, in addition to children and backpacks and so on, are carseats. In your case, I'd of course bring the baby's carseat on but I'd check the carseat for the 2 year old, and I doubt the 6 year old's booster seat would be allowed on the plane, anyway.

Hope the trip goes well!:)

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

I've never taken a carseat on an airplane for a child beyond the infant stage; I much prefer to just check carseats as baggage. All of my boys were perfectly content sitting in the plane seat. The last thing I want to deal with, in addition to children and backpacks and so on, are carseats. In your case, I'd of course bring the baby's carseat on but I'd check the carseat for the 2 year old, and I doubt the 6 year old's booster seat would be allowed on the plane, anyway.


I have to agree-the bigger car seats are tough to get into those little airline seats and the boosters probably aren't necessary or allowed (remember everything has to be used with a lap belt only.

Another option is that if the infant or 2 year old can lap sit with you/don't need a ticket you can by a vest that buckles to your belt and then even if you let go that are stuck to you.

Also remember to give yourself time! Extra time in the airport is important! Oh-and if the airport/airline officials pull you aside to assist with the family getting through lines and checkpoints or boarding faster-say yes thank you!
You sometimes get nasty looks from other passengers but it is worth your peace of mind and it helps out the airport/airline too.

Have a great time!