At the time of this writing in October 2020, flying during the COVID-19 pandemic is not really new news, but I did want to document my experiences flying this fall and sharing some tips and observations with you. I had a great experience flying despite COVID, so keep reading for more info on how to fly safely during the pandemic.
When we came back from our awesome Holland America cruise, we flew home from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. Since we used a Delta companion ticket for little man’s seat, his reservation was linked to my husband’s – who had just gone thru the process of applying for, and receiving TSA pre-check. Little man and hubby had pre-check on their tickets and baby girl and I did not. Literally, it took us 20 minutes longer to get through the security! All while they were waiting on the other side for us. Obviously, I needed to get in on the TSA action so I finally went to today to complete my TSA application! I am so excited to have TSA precheck and I am so excited to share with you how to apply for TSA precheck!
For all the flying we have done, my kids have ONLY twice traveled with a layover. The first time was when little man was almost two. Our flight to Fort Myers, Florida were cancelled due to weather and we had to rebook for the next day, but stopping in Atlanta. Then last year, when we went to Hawaii, we opted to arrive on Maui which necessitated changing planes in LA. I always say I am lucky to live in New York, because you can fly direct MANY places.
So today’s guest post is about layovers with kids, and how to handle them with (or without) little ones. The writer is Alex who blogs at Inspire a Better Life. He lives in Sydney, Australia.
I turned off the lukewarm water and stepped out of the shower. I really thought a quick rinse would make me feel better. Twelve hours in the 100-degree Disneyland heat will wear you down and I was a sweaty mess.
Friday night I went to bed feeling slightly cleaner, but still a bit dizzy. A little nauseous. I fell sleep thinking about the next day’s drive to San Diego.
I tossed and turned through the night – nothing new to me on this California trip. The combo of hotel pillows and jetlag meant I was rolling over every couple of hours. Except tonight, each roll gave me the spins. I felt like I was intoxicated. Which was ironic, because Disneyland doesn’t even serve alcohol and this was the first night on the weeklong vacation that I hadn’t drank wine! I was exhausted from a long day at the park, but stone cold sober.
I woke up on Saturday, stood up and felt like the floor was spinning. I barely made it to the bathroom. I immediately knew I was not well. I looked at the clock.
8am.
Let’s face it, a long flight with a young one is not anyone’s favorite part of a trip. A means to an end, yes, but I know that my kids are a total crapshoot when it comes to enjoying a long flight. Sometimes they will hunker down with their headphones, giving you hours to relax. But when the boredom (or hunger) sets in, it is best to be prepared! I’ve flown a ton with my kids, starting when little man was 4 months old, so I am excited to share my best long flight survival tips for families!
