Thanksgiving Air Travel with Infants

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Photo: Getty Images

Thanksgiving is considered one of the busiest travel days of the year. The Air Transport Association of America is predicting that approximately 24 million travelers will use the nation’s airports during the Thanksgiving season.

According to the Orbitz Insider Index, Chicago O’Hare International Airport will be the busiest for Thanksgiving with an increase of 20 percent flight activity. Los Angeles International came in second place, Boston Logan was third and New York LaGuardia was in the fourth spot. San Francisco International rounded out the top five spot.

The busiest travel days of the year are the Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, so you may want to avoid traveling on those days.

Recently the Transportation Security Association (TSA) modified the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Breast milk is now in the same category as liquid medications.

According to the TSA, mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

The TSA encourages women to travel with only as much formula, breast milk or juice in their carry-on as needed to reach their destination. Also, you can bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and/or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage and aboard the plane.

The TSA states that when traveling with an infant or toddler, greater than three ounces of baby formula, breast milk or juice are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your flight, if you perform the following:
• Separate these items from the liquids, gels and aerosols in a quart-size and zip-top bag
• Declare you have the items to a TSA agent at the security checkpoint
• Present the items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray as the items are subject to additional screening

Unfortunately, many U.S. carriers no longer allow families with small children to board early. So, try to book flights that will not upset your infant's routine.

One expert recommends packing an infant onboard kit. The kit should include diapers, wipes, lotion, blanket, a plastic bag (for trash and dirty diapers) and fresh change of clothes. Keep the kit in a smaller bag so you can stow it under your feet or keep immediately above you on flights for quick access. Add a bit extra in case of delays. Also, pack an extra clean shirt for yourself in case of accidents.

Also, one of the main sources of discomfort for infants traveling on airplanes is the change in cabin pressure when taking off and landing. Pressure in the ears can be quite painful for the baby especially if the baby has a stuffy nose. To help alleviate the pressure, prepare to nurse, give a bottle or pacifier to the child during take-offs and landings.

Sources:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orbitz-insider-index-reveals-the-busiest-airports-for-thanksgiving-106876818.html
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
http://www.travelforkids.com/Travelessentials/flyingwithbabies.htm
http://www.flyingwithkids.com/
http://airtravel.about.com/od/travelindustrynews/a/inftips.htm

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.