I know this is going to sound stupid (more plane questions)

sammiekc

Try to keep in mind, I have never been to an airport or flown.

In my head, all I see is myself carrying a bunch of bags and DS (while we are at the airport.) How am I going to to carry a bunch of bags and DS? I do not have a lightweight stroller, which is something that I should probably buy for my trip. I was planning on using my baby bjorn but I'm pretty that DS is way too heavy for me to carry around.

Also, I am hard of hearing so I have this fear that I am going to miss my flight because I didn't hear the flight being called. I know that there are signs that will say when the flight is being called. But does anyone know if there are any services for deaf people? I do plan on asking the lady at the desk if someone could help me or what to look for.

I can't think of any more questions but don't be surprised if you see another post with more plane questions.

katie_cj

When I went with Jake,

I put him in the carrier, then I loaded the luggage on a trolley and used that, it went really well. I definitely recommend an umbrella stroller if you are bringing a stroller, you can bring it right to the gate.

You won't miss your flight if you get there on time. You either get a gate number when you get your ticket, or once you pass security, there are always big screens with gate numbers. Just go to your gate and then there's no way you'll miss your flight!

FlaCourtney

I have flown before but am flying for the first time this weekend w/ the baby. I'm stressed about it, too. So I can only imagine how you feel!

I am not sure how we'll juggle all our stuff either. I'm planning on packing as light as possible. We do have a lightweight stroller (probably a good idea regardless -- what do you plan on using otherwise once you get to your destination?). I may wear him in the Beco in the terminal, though. We also have to carry the car seat. We are checking the Pack N Play.

I don't think being hard of hearing will hurt you -- I don't usually hear them calling the flight number because I'm sitting right there, and you'll see when they start boarding. Just get to the gate with plenty of time to spare and then you can chill. Like you said, you can tell them at the desk at the gate that you're hard of hearing, and they will probably make concessions for you.

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I know that San Francisco Int airport has TDD/TTY phones set up around the terminals for hearing-impaired travelers.  There's also plenty of flight schedules posted around the airport too.

kes3237

As long as you make it to your gate on time (which you'll go to as soon as you check in and check your bags and after you pass through security) you will not miss your flight.  You'll be waiting in one section with everyone else from your flight, so you would have be be pretty oblivious to miss everybody around you boarding the plane!

You can check your bags right away, so that will free you up to just have your carry-on and DS.  I highly recommend using the carrier or an umbrella stroller (you can get a really inexpensive one). 

You'll be fine!

sprice88

Don't worry!! You will do great! We flew last week- I was really glad I had the umbrella- I could hang the diaper bag and my other bag on the handles! Also nice to throw blankets, jackets. etc on it. 

You won't miss the flight!!! Just get there in plenty of time and find the gate and you'll be fine!  

Tabby2727

Yup, do what everyone else suggested.  Try to arive at the aiport 2 hours early for security measures.  Have your flight information in hand and check your bags at the front/as soon as you walk into the airport.  Either wear your baby or use an umbrella stroller and have toy/snacks/etc for you and your baby.  Take a deep breath, you'll be fine! 

BellieRue

We are flying for the first time with A next week and this is what I'm thinking:

You are going to check most of your luggage so you won't have "all those bags", I'm just going to have my purse bag and diaper bag with me. We haven't decided if we will bring our stroller or buy one when we get there. Either way, an airplane will take any kind of stroller, to my knowledge, and you give it to them right when you are getting on the plane. I'm flying with my mom and sister, so hopefully there will be plenty of people to handle him.

As far as the hearing issue, DH is too, and we have never had any problems. Just make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time (about 2 hours before your flight) and get through security and get to your gate so you can get familiar with it. If you are sitting at the gate, then you can't miss the flight.

WeddingInGreece2008

I travel a LOT with DD. I carry her in the bjorn on my front (although, she is getting a little heavy, thinking of buying an ergo) and either put a backpack on my back or wheel a carry on suitcase (standard on board size) behind me. Depending on where I am going - if its a really small plane (like to my ILs house) they don't let you take on any wheel ons (so I take the backpack). 

Only take on board what is necessary...

- diapers (depending how long the flight is...remember you can always buy more at the airport)

- wipes (good for tray tables as well)

- pacifier (for take off and landing if she won't eat)

- jars of baby food (put in these in a zip lock bag just in case they spill/break)

- a full set of clothes (long sleeve top, pants, socks - also in zip lock to put the dirty ones back in - dd has had too many blowouts on planes)

- formula/milk (they only let you take as much as you need depending on the flight time - I BF so that makes things easier but the flight attendants are really helpful with this so if you take extra powdered formula they will give you hot water)

- toys (books are easy to pack - also, DD has 'played'/ripped up a lot of in flight magazines - take advantage of what is on board. She has also played with the safety card, plastic cups etc.)

- tylenol (just in case)

 

My other piece of advice is don't worry about other people on the plane. They are usually very good. And if they are not they are obviously very nice...DD has screamed for an entire 4 hour flight before and I just walked up and down the aisle with her.

 

Also, when you check in ask the seating configuration. If you are traveling with your DH and its 3 seats on the side - ask if the plane is full and if they can block the seat between you (that is, if you haven't purchased a ticket for the baby). They will often do this if its not a full flight...