Captain Nowhere Kids at the Airport

Going to the airport for anyone can be a very trying experience,
doing so with children can break you. First and foremost
remember that everything you do with children takes much longer
than when doing it alone. Having children along usually makes you
run behind schedule as well. Plan for this as you leave for the
airport. Leave earlier than you think you need to and allow for
unexpected occurrences. Also make sure you have plenty of time
booked for connections if you need to make them. The thirty
minutes most passengers use to change concourses in Atlanta isn't
going to cut it if you have a child or six to transport through the
airport. Arrange all the documents like ID cards E-Ticket/
reservation codes, itineraries, and so forth in a folder that you
carry with you. If there is more than one adult traveling then the
adult who is in charge of the calmer child or children should carry
the documents.

Don't be afraid of child leashes. You may get odd looks or may
personally not agree with a leash on a child but, I tell you from
personal experience that this is a great thing. Kids naturally
wander off and get lost in their own little worlds. Going through
airports can be extremely exciting for a child with an avid
curiosity and they may drift off while you are searching for the
right gate. Having a child leash helps you feel where they are at
all times. They come in all styles and shapes, I suggest the little
stuffed animals that look like they are hugging them.

Being prepared is everything to a successful trip to and through
airports. You can make it go smooth or it can be extremely nerve
wrecking. Do you want to be the parent who missed the first leg
of their flights, had to pay rebooking fees then, loses their child in
Cincinnati while trying to make a tight connection? Yeah, me
neither.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart . . . Get Somewhere!