Traveling is stressful. Oh, I think it's worth it. But it's still stressful.
Adding family to the situation increases the stress – and it's even more stressful to fly on vacation.
Thanksgiving is coming. It's the busiest travel weekend of the year.
There are two important categories in planning your trip: what to pack and how to get where you're going.
Travelers take their luggage seriously. Some people swear by the carry-on only rule. Others carefully roll their clothes into their suitcases. Some use packing cubes to keep things organized. I admire their planning and foresight.
My own style is more of a freestyle approach. Underwear, socks, pants, shirts and outerwear. If I need chunky boots when landing, I usually wear them on the plane.
But it's different when traveling with children.
“I used to pack my bags the morning of my trip,” the travel guru said. Johnny Jet.
I met Johnny at Manhattan Beach, which he likes because it is very close to Los Angeles Airport (LAX). But his travel style is much different now, since he and his wife, Natalie, have two children.
“Now I start preparing things for our trip two weeks in advance,” he said.
“Natalie has a great checklist,” Johnny said. “I tend to forget things. But not my passport!
His children are great travelers. And there's one thing they take on every trip.
“An iPad,” Johnny said. “Our kids can't use iPads at home, so as soon as we set up, they plug in their headphones,” he said.
Erin Kirkland is a family travel expert and takes trip planning seriously.
“Have your kids carry what they can in a backpack,” she said. “Also make sure packages are clearly labeled.”
In the backpack, Erin recommends that children carry what is important to them. This could be their phone or iPad, a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a water bottle to refill after security.
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Checking bags for travel from Anchorage is a little cheaper when you fly with Alaska Airlines or Delta. In fact, both carriers allow two free checked bags for most domestic trips. Alaska Airlines requires you to join their free program called Club 49. For Delta, travelers must sign up for its loyalty plan Miles Sky to get checked baggage for free.
To keep track of your checked baggage, Johnny Jet recommends travelers place a AirTag or similar online tracking device in each bag.
A problem in every airport is the security checkpoint. Erin has a specific protocol for families traveling with young children.
“I call it the adult sandwich,” she says. “An adult goes first, then the children follow. Then adult number two arrives next.
Before going through security, adults should check with children and ensure that pockets and water bottles are empty.
Angie Spear, director of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, recommends travelers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time, especially on a holiday weekend.
Teri Lindseth is the airport's assistant manager and she advises adults to do the same empty pocket check before security. But it's not the gum wrappers or the change that worries her.
“There are so many stray bullets,” Teri said. “They are everywhere: handbags, backpacks and pockets! »
Leave your balls at home, or at least pack them in your checked baggage according to the firearms transportation regulations. All rifles, shotguns or pistols must be secured in a locked, hard-sided container.
Speaking of backpacks, Johnny Jet always carries at least a day's worth of clothes in his bag, in case his checked bags are delayed. “I also pack a sweatshirt and swimsuit,” he said.
Johnny and his family pack a few extra basics to make the trip more fun. “We always bring chocolates to the pilot and cabin crew.”
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Johnny and Natalie's kids have both visited a dozen countries so far – and they have flight logs to keep track of.
“The log entry includes the type of aircraft, miles flown, destination and other notes,” Johnny explained. So far, his son has recorded more than 100 thefts.
Lately, more and more travelers are bringing their own food on board for meals. Sara Haley is the Rental Manager at the Anchorage Airport and tracks all concessions.
“Sweet Caribou started serving breakfast burritos,” Sara said. My ears perked up, because they do a great job with the burritos, as well as their signature grab-and-go salads and macaroons. Sweet Caribou is located across from Starbucks, at the beginning of Concourse C.
Getting to the airport, going through security, and getting to the gate is the most stressful part of starting a trip. Planning it ahead of time can help you sit back, buckle up, and enjoy your flight.
If you don't want to pay to go to the lounge, there is a nursery and a quiet room just at the start of hall B. There are toys for the children and books to read. It's designed as a quiet room to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport until it's time to head to the boarding gate.
Before you leave, be sure to download your airline's app on your smartphone to get updates on delays, gate changes and weather-related announcements.
Don't forget your charging cord and a portable power bank. This is because sometimes the seatback charging socket does not work. Also be sure to bring a portable light. I always travel with a portable headlamp because the lights above the seats work poorly. Quality headphones are also essential.
Make sure everyone has a blanket or jacket as planes can be cold.
If you're flying Delta, SkyMiles members enjoy free onboard internet as well as seatback TVs. Alaska Air charges $8 per flight for in-flight connectivity, although you can stream movies and shows for free on your own phone or iPad.
