Questions on flying with LO

Jmcmahon21

We just bought tickets for our trip to AZ for Christmas to see the MIL. We decided to buy a seat for DS since I don't know that he'll let us hold him the whole time, do we need some form of identification for him? I filled his info online and birth date but didn't know if he needs a copy of his birth certificate or not? Also, did you bring a seat restraint along or just buckle him in the seat?

Thanks ladies

Leap08

You don't need any sort of ID. DD1 was in her car seat on the plane until she was 3.5.  At 2, I didn't think she was big enough for the plane's seat belt, and I also thought she would play with it a lot. Chances are, you will need the car seat anyway and as long as there are 2 adults going, it's not that big a deal.

moosebaby2011

We brought DS's birth certificate just in case we needed it, but I don't think anyone ever asked. We chose to bring along our car seat and used that on the plane because we knew we would need it once we got to our destination anyway. We bought a little strap thing that attached the car seat to our wheeled carry on bag to make it easier to transport the seat in the airport.

ETA: This is the strap we bought. I highly recommend it (or something similar) if you do decide to bring your car seat on the plane. LINK

co baby1

We always ask for a health appraisal from our dr when we fly with DD. When I asked the airline they said just need a form that identified her: shot records, health appraisal, etc. We just got her birth certificate or we would have just brought that.

Ricola

We took Alex as a lap baby when we went to Germany this summer, so no tips from me. But man, that strap for the car seat looks awesome! 

Kelly1109

We have never brought anything when we've flown domestically - obviously internationally you would need a passport. 

Since he has his own seat I'd bring his carseat on the plane.  Much more comfortable for them and easy for you to keep him somewhat contained and happy in the seat vs. being able to wiggle out of a lap belt! 

We always bring a bag of snacks/sandwiches - lots of options for the kids.  Also if Bex likes milk, pack an extra sippy or buy it after you get through security.  A lot of times domestic flights only have one or two milks for coffee, not for actual drinking. 

To keep him occupied I'd bring books, coloring books, sticker books, whatever he's into.  Right now Colin loves stickers, so when we go to SD's volleyball games, I bring along sticker books and those keep him occupied the whole time!  Possibly ipad/tablet loaded with some shows/movies?

Good luck!  We've done it many times now and as long as your prepared it's not bad!   

Jmcmahon21

Thanks everyone, I guess we'll get that strap @moosebaby2011 that looks pretty awesome! Thanks Kelly for the ideas! I don't think he really understands stickers yet, he seems annoyed that they stick to his finger haha. I think a portable dvd player for breakdowns and books and new toys will work great! Never thought about the milk/water good point!! It's 3 1/2 hours straight through so hopefully he'll sleep a little bit at least since it's around nap time too.