My cellphone rang while we were at the pool yesterday afternoon. I usually don't answer when we're out having fun, especially if there is no caller id info and I don't recognize the phone number, but I did (having forwarded my office line, trying to be sneaky!), and instantly regretted it:
"Hi, this is so-and-so from CheapFlights.com..."
As I was getting all ruffled up to lay into a telemarketer calling on my cellphone, he quickly went on to explain the reason for his call. Turns out, it wasn't a telemarketer at all, but a PR guy representing
CheapFlights.com, with a request to review a new travel publication they are currently offering online:
"Kids Airport Diversion Guide."
The Diversion Guide is a handy compilation of kid-friendly places and activities at 22 U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Seattle, New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando... The Guide is four pages (blessedly brief!) of interesting and helpful info, if you are going to be flying in the U.S. with children.
Of course, you have to sign up for CheapFlights.com
Travel Deals Alert Newsletter (Free!) to access the
Kids Airport Diversion Guide, but it seems to be a win/win, with more interesting & helpful info for family travel in the newsletter.
Here are some additional expert tips for traveling with children, by Jerry Chandler, aviation expert and author of the
Kids Airport Diversion Guide (and a father of five!). Chandler has experienced the challenge of traveling with children first-hand. He offers these additional tips for families flying with kids this summer, or anytime:
- Book direct, non-stop flights whenever possible, to avoid airplane changes. On international flights, try to travel at night, so children can sleep.
- Ask about early boarding to avoid crowds; many airlines pre-board families traveling with children.
- If you’re child requires a car seat, call ahead to ask about on-board car seat regulations and availability; you may need to bring your own.
- New laws require that every child, no matter how young, travel with a valid individual passport for international travel; children can no longer travel on their parents' passport.
- Keep kids busy! Choose an airline with movies and seat back video games for older kids. For younger ones, pack crayons, paper, books on tape, cards, stuffed animals, etc. in your carry on, but don't unpack them all at once. [Rebel Housewife note: Our all-time favorite, most-successful, must-have airplane boredom-buster: window clings (vinyl 'stickers' that will cling to the window and can be taken off, replaced, moved around. Don't fly without them! Also: comic books, Disney Magazine & puzzle books!
Also see: Free Printable Summer Fun Books!]
- Bring snacks. New regulations prohibit passengers from carrying liquids through the security checkpoint, so leave time to purchase water and juice in the terminal prior to boarding. Rice cakes, breadsticks, dried fruit and small boxes of dry cereal are great portable snacks.
- Prepare for the worst. Snacks and activities will be especially needed if you are delayed on the tarmac for an extra two hours. Arriving to the airport early will leave plenty of time for crowded security checkpoints.
- Many infants under age two experience ear pain when changing altitudes, which can cause cabin-rattling crying. Encourage swallowing, which reduces discomfort, by giving them a bottle or pacifier.
Be sure to check out
CheapFlights.com and sign up for the email newsletter to access your
Kids Airport Diversion Guide -- could be a sanity-saver this summer!