Thanksgiving Week Travel Tips

So the big day is almost here and millions of families will be hitting the road or sky to travel for Thanskgiving. Some parents will be traveling with children for the first time. So here is a summary of some of my best travel tips for Thanksgiving 2010. You can always click on the labels, or browse through old posts for more detailed info.


Airplane: When traveling domestically, you do not have to buy a ticket for a child under age two, but without a ticket, they will have to sit on your lap for the flight. At check in, make sure your ticket says you are traveling with an UNTICKETED INFANT; you will need that to go through security. With domestic travel you do not need an ID for your child, but I always travel with a copy of my son’s birth certificate just in case.

When going through security it is very helpful to carry your baby in a Bjorn or other type carrier. You will have to fold your stroller and put it through the x-ray machine. You can gate check your stroller planeside with no charge. That way you can use it to walk through the airport. You can also check your car seat (and infant car seat base) for free upon arrival at the airport.  These items do not count toward your baggage allowance.

On board you can bring a “reasonable” amount of liquid for your baby. I always pack extra snacks, diapers, wipes, toys then I think I need, and always an extra outfit for you baby. If you child is a big spitter upper, you might want to bring on another shirt for yourself.

Road Trip: Pack a wide variety of snacks, toys, and books. Fuel up before you go and only stop for gas, or for the baby to stretch their legs and run around (or when he or she needs to nurse or a diaper change). Pack snacks for the adults so you do not have to stop for the grown-ups. Although pulling over at a fast food restaurant that has an indoor play area is a great tip someone once gave me. Also, plan your drive around naptime as much as possible.

Hotel: Hotels will provide you with a crib (or pack and play) and a fridge upon request. It’s always a good idea to confirm this a few days in advance. Most hotels we have visited have provided a portable playard for baby, and I always bring with me a pack and play sized sheet since many hotels just use a regular sized one. Also the scents of home are soothing to a little one when on the road.

Since my son goes to bed early (around 7pm), we try to book a suite or a larger room when possible (to us, worth the extra money) so that when the little guy goes to bed, us parents can watch a movie or read. We usually end up watching movies on our laptop, with headphones.


Please feel free to add your tips or suggestions in the comments! And I have also posted something similar this week in my Babyssentials post, so be sure to check that out! And bon voyage!!!!!!

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