Do You Board Early With Baby?

August 26, 2008

We all know that jetsetting with junior can be overwhelming. It's one thing if you're in danger of being deplaned, but it's another to be itching to board the plane. For quite some time, airlines have allowed families the luxury of getting set up for flight a few minutes before other passengers. According to one report, things are changing. When you have your kids in tow, do you take advantage of early boarding to stow luggage and buckle up, or do you wait until the last minute before strapping in your lil rascal?
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17 Comments

Twinkle 4 years 38 weeks

I was wondering why early boarding is no longer allowed. I can't imagine letting families on first would slow down things that much. It seems more and more industries are becoming family unfriendly.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

I'd have been pissed too. There's no reason not to allow it in that case unless they plan on guaranteeing you seats together.I've flown several airlines when I was pre-boarding due to pregnancy and no one ever even questioned it. When I fly to see my parents, they even direct me straight to the preboarding area when I reach the gate and they see a small child in a stroller.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

I'd have been pissed too. There's no reason not to allow it in that case unless they plan on guaranteeing you seats together. I've flown several airlines when I was pre-boarding due to pregnancy and no one ever even questioned it. When I fly to see my parents, they even direct me straight to the preboarding area when I reach the gate and they see a small child in a stroller.

jessie 4 years 38 weeks

i don't know why they didn't let us....at that time my kids were 5,6,and 9. in no way did i want to be seperated since the seat are 3 across. i won't fly unless i absolutly have to.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

Seriously, this is the first I've heard of airlines NOT allowing it. Actually, if you ask for preboarding, they pretty much have to let you, it just may not be a part of the preboarding announcement. Several times when I've flown while pregnant, I've just walked on when they made the announcement because otherwise I hold up the line of people walking on, I walk so slow.They also generally include "or anyone needing a little extra time" as well.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

Seriously, this is the first I've heard of airlines NOT allowing it. Actually, if you ask for preboarding, they pretty much have to let you, it just may not be a part of the preboarding announcement. Several times when I've flown while pregnant, I've just walked on when they made the announcement because otherwise I hold up the line of people walking on, I walk so slow. They also generally include "or anyone needing a little extra time" as well.

nuttmegg 4 years 38 weeks

What? There are still airlines in the US that allow families to board early? I love to so we can stow all the gear, but it seems to be a luxury that has gone the way of free water.

lickety split 4 years 38 weeks

with my daughter that has autism i do, the other 2 are to old to get us early boarding (7 and 9). the shity looks from other passengers when we go up with my 10 year old daughter get so old (mentally she's about 18 months). i actually hate flying anymore. it's such a hassle with security and seating and baggage, etc. i drive whenever possible.

Mommy of Three 4 years 38 weeks

I try to board early because it takes time to get the car seats installed properly and get everyone settled in. It also gives the kids a chance to make a bathroom visit before the plane takes off, as it may be awhile before the seatbelt sign turns off and they are able to go. Last time we flew my husband waited with our oldest and I preboarded with the 2 youngest as the rule was only children 6 and under could preboard.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

Yes. It's much easier for both me and any close passengers if I'm not trying to lift my stuff over their head to get my seat and things like that. Getting us situated is much easier preboarding, and people sitting around me are less inconvenienced as well. All flights I've been on have included "those traveling with small children" as part of their preboarding invite.

Greggie 4 years 38 weeks

Yes. It's much easier for both me and any close passengers if I'm not trying to lift my stuff over their head to get my seat and things like that. Getting us situated is much easier preboarding, and people sitting around me are less inconvenienced as well.All flights I've been on have included "those traveling with small children" as part of their preboarding invite.

jessie 4 years 38 weeks

i traveled with 3 kids....so it meant that there was 4 of us....i asked to board early....because i was at the end of the line....they refused! i wanted to board early for the reason that i could sit my oldest son right across from me...luckily i was still able too.... all i wanted was to make sure i could keep me and my kids together..

schnappycat 4 years 38 weeks

We just flew with our 7 month old for the first time two weeks ago. Our airline did ask if we would like to board early and we did, just so we had enough time to get settled and get all of the stuff handy we would need at our seats. We probably didn't have to, but being the first time, we figured better safe than sorry. Next time, we might wait a little longer so he doesn't get bored or restless.

jennifer76 4 years 38 weeks

If I'm traveling by myself with the two of them, then yes. They're slow and I'm carrying <em>everything</em>. If my husband is with us, then no. And I've noticed that they almost never announce that people traveling with small children are welcome to board in the beginning anymore. I just do it anyway, though.

jennifer76 4 years 38 weeks

If I'm traveling by myself with the two of them, then yes. They're slow and I'm carrying everything. If my husband is with us, then no. And I've noticed that they almost never announce that people traveling with small children are welcome to board in the beginning anymore. I just do it anyway, though.

NyckieRocks 4 years 38 weeks

I took my son on his first flight when he was 3 months old. I boarded early so i could have a chance ti breastfeed him before the flight took off. This was perfect for us because he fell asleep for the flight and didnt other anyone with his "I'm hungry" cry.

macneil 4 years 38 weeks

I've only flown with her when she was 4 months old, a long haul flight of 24 hours in total, otherwise alone, with a clanking bag of cans of formula because I couldn't breastfeed. It aged me about a decade. I'm going on holiday in about a month and will be watching this thread gratefully for any tips or revelations about how best to fly with a 2 year old.

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