Hiccups parenting blog is written by parents for parents and their children

Family, friends make trip home so memorable

It’s been 4 years since I’ve been home.  Why 4 years, you ask? Because this blogger doesn’t fly. 

I  know, I know. It’s the safest form of travel. You can spout off statistics all day long and I still won’t board a plane. Call me crazy. Especially when you hear that I drove, (yes, drove) to Connecticut, which is about 1600 miles from Oklahoma City … with a 4-year-old.  Yep, that’s me, the crazy lady.  

But to be honest, it was amazing.  The drive was long, but my son was terrific on the drive up and back.  Thank goodness for car DVD players! It took us about 2 1/2 days each way and we were able to stop at some fun spots along the way,  such as the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo., and the Ohio State Fair on the way back. The Great American Road Trip. That’s what we were on.

The best part, though, was going home.  Seeing all my family, some dear friends, including a girl I’ve known since I was 5, and even Simba the family cat.  It was a two-week whirlwind.  Trips to museums, the beaches, and of course, New York City.  My son was in heaven when he stepped foot into the largest Toys R Us – the one in Times Square.  He got to meet his heroes, Iron Man and Spider-Man.  It doesn’t get any better than that for a 4-year-old boy.  And the train ride back to Connecticut to boot.  He was in awe. 

Seeing his Gwennie (his grandma) and grandpa, his Uncle Will and great-grandparents was such a treat.  They spoil him and he knows it.  Family friends were calling day and night, wanting to catch a visit with us. With some, we could fit it in, with others, we just couldn’t make it this trip.

Now, I’m back in Oklahoma and find myself missing home. I may sound like Dorothy, but there really is no place like home and no one like family and lifelong friends. I know I won’t be able to wait another 4 years to go back, airplane or not.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Kids flying alone this summer?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement division has many tips and facts about kids flying alone. 

Most U.S. airlines have the following age-based unaccompanied minor qualifications (but call your airline to get all the information):

Age 5 and younger: Cannot travel alone.
Age 5 to 7: Can travel alone on nonstop and through flights.
Age 8 to 11: Can usually travel alone on any flight.
Age 12 to 17:  For domestic flights, can travel alone on any flight without restrictions.  For international flights, can travel alone on any flight but many carriers require unaccompanied minor procedures.
For ages 5 to 11, unaccompanied minor procedures are required on all flights.

Booking a flight

When booking flights for children, always try to book a nonstop flight, or if no nonstop flight exists, then try for a direct or “through” flight, where children won’t have to change planes.

If the flight has meal service, ask about reserving a child’s meal if available, because these have to be arranged in advance.

Ask the airline about “electronic ticketing” where no paper ticket is issued (and therefore, no ticket is lost).

Check all itinerary and ticket information to make sure names, destinations and other information are correct.

Ask the airline about getting a gate pass so that you may accompany your children through security to the departure gate.

Preparing for the flight

If your child hasn’t flown, visit the airport before the trip to have them be familiar with their surroundings.  Be sure they know where assistance can be found.

Have your child dress in comfortable clothes. Put their first initial and last name on any article of clothing, like a jacket, that may be taken off during the flight.

Get to the airport at least one to two hours before departure for a domestic flight and two or more hours for an international flight.  Don’t plan to just drop your child off at the entrance or ticket counter.

Bring to the airport the address and phone number of the person meeting your child. The airline will request this information.

Have your child use the bathroom in the gate area before boarding.

Stay in the gate area until the flight has taken off.

What to pack

Consider having your child bring a small carry-on bag.  It could include books, small toys, games, crayons, and even a surprise or two.  Also include a light snack and any essentials your child may need for the next 24 hours, in case of delays. Be sure to pack a copy of the child’s complete itinerary, including the names and cell phone numbers of the person meeting them.  Make sure your child knows this is in their carry-on bag. 

Things to tell your child

The most important to tell them is NOT to leave the airport unaccompanied or with a stranger.

Tell them if the flight will have a stop or connection.

Let them know there will be pressure changes in take-off and landing, that can bother their ears. Tell them they can yawn or chew gum or swallow a few times to help with this.

If it’s their first flight, explain the different sounds they’ll hear and that there may be some patches of bumpy air that pose no threat to the aircraft. 

Advise your child to keep their seat belt fastened at all times.

To see all of their tips and procedures, go to http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/pubs.htm and click on “When Kids Fly Alone” under “Other Publications.”

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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