You are about to take the kids on a great adventure ---traveling through some of the busiest days of the year. This will be to eat (and drink) too much, and maybe spend time with relatives you can barely tolerate (some of them, anyway).
I feel your pain! So here is the Taking the Kids Annual Guide to Holiday Travel that's guaranteed to de-stress the experience and maybe save a little money in the process:
1. Juggle your dates and consider alternative airports. Major search engines like www.kayak.com let you see the prices if you shift your travel by a day or two. You may be able to avoid massive traffic too.
2. Book a nonstop flight, even if you have to pay more. The planes will be packed and if you miss your connection - all it takes is one major storm somewhere - you won't find enough seats on the next flights for your family. If you are traveling with young children, consider paying extra for economy-plus seats to guarantee seats together.
3. Sign up for TSA Pre Check: You and the kids can speed through domestic security lines without taking off your shoes, belts, etc. Kids under 12 can go with parents who are part of the program.
4. Buy a seat for the baby and toddler and bring their safety seats on board. Yes, they can fly free until they are two, but everyone from the FAA to the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that young children are far safer - not to mention more comfortable - in a safety seat, especially when a flight hits turbulence. You'll have a more comfortable flight too.
5. Allow extra time, whether you are flying or driving. You'll need it!
6. Stash sandwiches, snacks and reusable water bottles in the car or carry-on bag. (Fill the water bottles once you are through security.) You not only feed the kids healthier en route but also save considerable money and time.
7. Be prepared with something new to entertain the kids enroute -- a movie for the tablet, a video game, a holiday book you can read together, a mini toy or game.
8. Keep that hand sanitizer handy and use it often.
9. Consider travel insurance. You'll be covered if you can't travel because of illness or have to stay longer if, for example, your child gets an ear infection and can't fly. (Some policies cover kids free. Compare at www.insuremytrip.com.
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10. Make sure kids who are flying as unaccompanied minors know where they are going. (Yes, kids have been put on wrong flights.) Give them a cell phone and all of the phone numbers they might need. Teens who aren't being supervised by airline personnel need to know that if their flight is diverted or if they miss a connection, they've got to speak up and tell the gate agents and flight attendants they are alone. You don't want them to get lost in the shuffle.
Most important, keep your cool. No matter what happens, getting angry and upset won't help. Just remember, you'll have another story to tell around the holiday table.
