We have flown several times with our 3-year-old and now 8-month-old since the height of the pandemic.
Here are some tips from what we’ve learned so far. Unfortunately, some of it we learned the HARD WAY.
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Plan ahead for food
Update February 2022 – from reporting moms all over the world, more restaurants in airports are open now. However, airports are so packed that it still may be tough to get food your kiddo will actually eat. I would bring plenty of food as backup just in case! Bring extra onto the plane in case your flight is delayed on the tarmac for an hour. Happens more than you think!
Or get to the airport very early, and get in line for food somewhere, anywhere, immediately after you clear security.
After finally getting our food at the Cabo airport, I balanced two plates of pizza and a bowl of mac and cheese in one hand, fed my 3-year-old bites of mac with the other hand, carrying luggage with I don’t know what hand, running to meet my red-faced hubby at the gate, as we rushed to the front of the long line (since we had kids with us, ya know, priority boarding), to then practically shove our way onto the bus that takes you right to the tarmac to climb the stairs and board the plane (Mexican airport, remember?). A mini amazing race we had.
Disinfect everything
And I mean everything. Don’t underestimate your baby to find some nook or cranny that they can get their sneaky little hands or mouth on.
Wipes should be at least 60% alcohol for them to be effective. After wiping down everything, let it sit three minutes before touching the surface in order for it to be effective. One of us wipes while the other (tries to) reign the kids in.
You can wear disposable gloves to clean everything. If that’s just too much to remember to pack along with everything else, then be sure to wash your hands immediately after or at least clean them thoroughly with a new alcohol wipe. Now I sound like your mother, sorry.
I almost forgot – there are hand sanitizer dispensers all over most major airports now. Many airlines also give you a personal set of alcohol wipes when you board. Nice touch. Is that what all the extra fees are going to these days?
Complete testing and health requirements
Even if vaccinated, you’ll need a negative COVID test to re-enter the U.S. from an international destination. That goes for anyone 2 years and older. The test must be no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Prior to leaving, check with your hotel for options or help booking.
Depending on the destination, you may have other requirements, such as filling out a health questionnaire. Prior to your trip, download apps and everything you need. The airlines are pretty good about informing you of what to do.
Masks are still required
At least in our experience masks were still required in the airport, on most shuttles, and on the plane. Although on the shuttle and in certain areas it did seem less strict in July than it was in March. Yes, required even if you are vaccinated.
And yes, unfortunately, for ages two and up. If you’re thinking, how on Earth am I going to get my kid to wear a mask and keep it on, read my post How To Get Your Two-Year-Old To Wear a Mask for some great ideas you may not have thought of yet.
NEW MASK TIP!!! Attach your kids’ mask to a lanyard they can wear around their neck. The hardest part with my 3 year old (and myself) with the masks while traveling is the constant on-off with nowhere clear or safe to put it. There were times his mask would be wedged under his bottom.
Low risk on plane
As you can see in the sign, there is a very low risk of transmission of the virus on the plane, if you wear your mask.
According to a study by the Department of Defense, there is a near zero chance of transmission on a full plane, because of the filtration system and air flow direction. That was nice to know before we booked our first flight during the pandemic.
Of course, you may be more cautious if someone in your family is immune-compromised or more at risk. Shields and N95 masks can provide extra protection as well if you feel you need it. Be sure to check with your pediatrician as to whether an N95 mask is safe for your child to wear.
Things are different now with this pandemic, airline travel included. So don’t forget to pack some patience. By all means, it was do-able and didn’t really have a big impact on us one way or another. Actually, it’s kind of nice that everyone on the plane is masked up!
This post is by no means meant to encourage you to fly if you don’t feel ready. It is merely informative, so you know what to expect. Only do what you feel comfortable with. You do you!
If you are ready to travel but don’t feel safe in an airport or plane, consider a road trip to a less crowded destination. Read my Road Trip Survival Guide for tips.
