Anyone fly alone with 2u2?

bergs720

Contemplating whether or not I should plan a trip, cross country with a 2 year old and a 4 month old.  I'd really like to go, but the more I think about it, I realize I am crazy!  Logistically, I can't even figure out how it would work.  Not to mention that it would be a NY to CA trip and there are no direct flights, so I would also have to deal with a layover.  There is no way I can do it, right???

sweetpea2003

You can.  I have lots of friends who have.  Even with 3u3.  If you went over to the Military Families board you would probably be able to find many women who have done it.

Are you really curious about techniques?  I can give you some pointers that I have learned.  It takes some planning, patience, and a can-do attitude.  There are a few things you can purchase to make it more seamless.  

NavyPilotWife

It's a PITA, but it's doable.  I flew alone with a 21 month old and a 5 month old.  The flights honestly weren't bad.  That part was basically the same as flying with one (packing snacks, toys, books, diapers, extra clothes, etc).  Going through security was a bit of a challenge (taking off my shoes, DD1's shoes, taking the baby out of the ergo, taking liquids out of the bag) and lugging a Britax Marathon through the airport sucked (definitely getting a Sunshine Kids Radian for DD2, since they fold flat and have a carry strap).

I put the baby in the Ergo in a front carry, had a backpack diaper bag, carried the car seat, and held DD1's hand and made her walk.  They make a CARES harness that you could buy for your toddler and use that instead of carrying a bulky car seat.  You could use a stroller, as well, I just didn't want to take another big item through security.  We had a direct flight, but I had to drive 3+ hours to the airport, park, and then take a shuttle to the terminal.

You can do anything, if you set your mind to it.

howleyshell

Sure you can.

I'm not gonna say it's easy but it's doable.  Especially if you've got help waiting for you on the other side.

Wear the baby and put the toddler in a stroller.  

Have DH accompany you to the gate on your home side and ask for a gate pass for someone on the receiving side to meet you on the concourse.

The biggest challenge for me was the bathroom.  It's pretty small to change a baby and juggle curious toddler but it can be done.

12bailey18

You definitely can do it! I'm a military wife and plan on traveling quite a bit alone to see family with my 2 kiddos while my husband is in the field or working long hours. It's pretty common with all of us. Everyone I know has survived just fine so I'm hoping I do too! Good luck!!

LJR 84

I've asked this question here before too because I fly frequently to visit family by myself with DD. It seems like you got more positive responses than I did.

 I just know how difficult it's become to travel with DD...I honestly don't know if I'd tackle 2u2 by myself. I think a lot of it depends on how well #1 can entertain themselves on the plane if you need to tend to #2. The thought alone freaks me out!

scherza

Did it several times (most recently to the UK).

One of my tricks is to pack a "surprise bag" with little treats and small toys and books that are new to them and dole those things out periodically throughout the trip.  If you can, avoid getting on a plane at naptime or bedtime.  I buy tickets for mine so that they'll have their own seats.  I try to get bulkhead seats so they can't kick chairs, but that doesn't always happen.

My SIL swears by a portable DVD player. 

jeffrae

I will be in one week!  I bought DD1 a seat and will have DD2 on my lap.  I plan on bringing my stroller with me so that both girls can be on it (the single bob).  I am using borrowed items at my destination (pnp, car seat for DD1) so I don't have to bring as much.