Airplanes can be a source of anxiety for parents with young children, even before they take off from the runway. Restrictions, security gates, crowds and the added luggage might scare some away from this type of travel until the kids get older. To help ease family trip fears, Akron-Canton Airport plans to provide tours for moms — and dads — who wish to get experience before they board.
Meghan Mason, from Norton, who attended the airport’s first tour last month, wanted to find out more because her family is taking a trip this month with her 1-year-old son, Daulton.
“I have never own with him before,” she says.
Mason, along with the other moms on the tour, was worried about what to carry and about going through security with children.
According to Akron-Canton’s Flying with Kids guidelines (and TSA guidelines), “Formula and breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.”
“(Parents) can bring as much as you need for the baby,” TSA officer Ryan Schweitzer says, adding some liquids need extra screening, but that often doesn’t take long.
The guidelines also say you can bring children’s snacks like yogurt, pudding and fruit squeezes that may be larger than 3.4 ounces.
Schweitzer says while going through security, parents can carry a child or go through the detector while wearing a baby harness.
Brittney Lewers, with daughters Luna and Lily, says she was shocked that it was easier than she thought.
Pam Ross, station manager for Winter Aviation Above and Below at Akron Canton Airport, says, “If you have children walking around, get out their energy (before takeoff). Get something they can suck on (during takeoff).”
The moms were told that a diaper bag counts as an item for the baby and if you are worried about diaper changes while aboard the aircraft, many new planes have changing stations in the bathroom. Large strollers are checked at the gate, while umbrella strollers can be placed in the plane’s cabin.
Parents traveling with a car seat on the plane may be able to board first, which allows time to properly install the seat, similarly to placing it in the car.
Ross also advises parents to not stress too much if baby is having a bad day.
Click here for more tips on traveling with little ones.
For Akron-Canton Airport’s “Flying with Kids” guide, visit akroncantonairport.com/flying-with-kids