Travel Tips

Whether traveling near or far for the holidays, it is important to remember that certain restrictions apply for different types of flights and destinations. For instance, US Airways charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second; although if you are traveling to and from Europe, these charges do not apply.

Tip: Traveling international usually exempts you from check-in fees and allows for extra checked-in bags; however make sure that you book your flights under one itinerary. If you book a domestic flight (even if it is a connecting flight) separately from your international flight, you will most likely be charged for your bags during check-in for your domestic flight. If the domestic flight is connecting to an international flight that was booked together, the charges normally do not apply.

When booking your flights, there are a few important factors that are worth noting:

1. If there is an option on your flight-booking website, click the button that checks all flights in your surrounding area rather than the single, closest airport. Certain airports tend to be cheaper than others due to location, accommodations, and flights.

2. Check the difference between domestic versus international airports. Domestic airports are inherently smaller and less chaotic than international airports- plus, the security check points may sometimes have shorter lines and be less strict with security.

Regardless of your destination, make sure to check the different requirements and policies of international and domestic flights to avoid being stuck with extra bags or lack of documentation at the airport.

To begin booking your flight, visit:
Real Travel Flights

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The Winter Holidays are almost upon us and that means travelers are flying the skies and returning home or going on a much needed vacation. This week we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and suggestions to make the flight process a little less painful.

For those traveling with children, here are a some things to think about preparing before take-off:

1. Make sure to allow yourself a little more time to reach the airport and get through the check-in process. Children can forget things at the last minute , have to stop for bathroom breaks, or simply walk slower in a rush, so make sure you have plenty of time to catch your flight.

2. Think about your trip from start to finish when packing for your little ones. For babies, carrying breast milk, formula, and juice is now permitted in quantities greater than three ounces if it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Make sure to check in with your specific airline about their food accommodations for children as some do not provide baby food or special children’s meals, so pack food accordingly.

(For the slightly older children, most airlines have coloring books, movies, and other entertainment available, though remember to bring something to keep the children occupied in the Waiting Area at the airport so they don’t resort to fighting with their siblings and making a scene, or worse, venturing off.)

3. Bring the appropriate documents for your children. Though typically, minors under 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel, each airline determines their own identification requirements for check-in, so ask your airline before packing. For international flights, the Federal Aviation Administration states that all travelers must have passports, including young children. Plan early because receiving a passport generally takes approximately three weeks from the time of application, but depending on the season can take longer.

4. Do not assume that your infant or young child does not need a ticket or rides for free. Each airline follows their own policy in regards to child passengers, though most do offer discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years old.

Also, Child Restraint Systems are normally required for children under 40 pounds and not always provided by the airlines. If you are required to bring your own Child Restraint System, look for one that has a sticker which states: “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approval for Aircraft Use Only.”

Though airport accommodations won’t determine your trip, there are a few particular cities whose airports make flying with children easier. The Boston Logan International airport has a “Kidport” which includes a baggage claim slide, infant and toddler area, and other activities. Dallas/Fort Worth International has built children’s play areas in three of the airport terminals. Other child-friendly airports include Las Vegas McCarran airport and Chicago O’Hare International.

Here are more sources to help prepare your family trip:

Chicago Hotels
Boston Hotels
FAA Guidelines: http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/
http://www.hotelfun4kids.com/travelnews/air-rail/safekidsair.htm

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