Special thanks for this article go to Sharon, an American expat mother in France and a former flight attendant for two carriers in five countries over thirteen years.


14. Check In

First, a quick explanation on airport organization. The check-in area is called "landside" as opposed to "airside", or once you get through security. You remain in "airside" until you leave the baggage area or Customs, if flying internationally. Landside is a totally public area. Children usually have energy at this point of the adventure and often want to run while you are stuck sitting in line.

I really suggest bringing someone to the airport and have them stick around and help you watch the children. Airport parking is expensive, especially the temporary lots but this is not the time to skimp on this expense. Have them occupy the children while you wait in line or trade this duty off between the adults. Make sure they rejoin you at the desk when it is your turn because, especially for international travel, the agent will want to verify all your travel documents and see all of the family members.

Be careful if you are alone and flying with your little ones when help is offered. Do not let anyone "landside" ever stay alone with your child(ren). By all means, accept help but direct the Good Samaritan to your bags and be with them. Most people are genuine but do not take chances.

Try to put off any restroom stops until you are past security, especially if you are alone with your children.

I understand that curbside check-in still exists in some places. Since I do not have experience with this, although I remember it as a child and remember my mother was able to do this once, I do understand it can be great for families with children. Just be careful of the traffic outside while handing over your bags. This is one of the first casualties when stricter security levels are brought into force so do not assume this service will always be in effect.

Another "helpful" tip that I read on the internet advised parents to not let their child sleep on the way to the airport. Obviously, they do not live two hours away like we do but... having a cranky toddler while trying to check-in, getting through security and boarding sounds like a nightmare, and just plain bad advice! For the record, I let mine sleep and I have never had a problem getting them to snooze after take-off. Young babies and kids can get over-stimulated and then not sleep because of all the excitement. You do not even need to know what happens if a sleep-deprived child arrives at the airport only to face a delay...

But a good tip I read somewhere else had to do with older kids. Some of our offspring like to make running commentaries on what they are seeing, other people, etc. This can be amusing in the car, or at home, but in this situation, there will be plenty who will be listening in earshot. This is especially important for bilingual families like ours. Your kids might be used to no one else understanding whatever you speak at home but if you are flying to that country, the whole plane might be listening in when your offspring express their opinions on their fellow travelers. In any language, if you know your child has a habit of "calling it like they see it", perhaps have a talk beforehand.

Go early. Shoot for a half-hour more than they recommend. This helps cut down on the wait, which is especially grim with children. People tend to show up right on the minute they have been told. Try to go for when the check-in desk opens. This might mean you go straight to the counter (unless you are flying charter). I have often finished checking-in to see a huge line behind me.

If you have any seat "issues", either you do not have assignments or you have requested a change, try to get that sorted at check-in right away. If it is still unresolved and you might get new boarding passes at the gate, ask exactly when you would be called to the desk at boarding. Ask also if you have to line up there (probably not, but be sure). Be clear about both the procedure and the timing so you can organize yourself and your kids, i.e. "We have half an hour to sit and relax..."

In winter, while checking in, I take the coats and jackets and put them together at the top of one of the suitcases. On arrival, I can just pull them out and do not have to fiddle with them during the flight. Ask if you have to board from outside before deciding whether keeping the jackets is a better idea. I was also scolded for giving this tip by people who, say, have to connect through Chicago or those who swear they make good blankets (remember that a lot of domestic flights no longer supply blankets, especially during the day). I can see missing a connection and having to stay in a local hotel, which happened to me once pre-baby where I had to wait for the bus in Chicago, in winter, so this is definitely access-your-own-situation tip!

When you check in, ask if they can 'block' the seat next to you to give you some more space, especially if you do not have a seat for your lap baby. Bring the car seat to the aircraft, even if you have not booked a seat and the car seat can be gate-checked if they cannot manage an empty place beside you. They will also only use it if they really need it, and if so, it is very likely that it might be one of us airline employees traveling on a really reduced-fare ticket.

For future updates to Sharon's information, or to contact Sharon directly, please visit her Blog: http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

Sharon's Disclaimer: This article is not a legal document and cannot be used as proof of any of the laws or rules that I refer to throughout. Check the FAA websites, or other relevant agencies to confirm any statements that are made. I try to provide links where I can. Be aware, also, that airlines often have their own policies which might be stricter than their own government's laws. Most of the employees that you encounter do not have the power to change or make exceptions to any rule. They simply must follow them, even in cases where logic or safety is questionable.