Bowman’s Travel Brief: Baby’s First Flight

This past weekend, we ventured out on our first flight as a family of four. It was my daughter’s fourth or fifth (is that bad I lost count already?) but it was my infant son’s first flight.

We flew to Michigan to see family, which is funny because my first ever flight was also to Michigan to see family, however, I was 15 and he’s not even one.

Some air travel observations from our extended weekend getaway:

– There are good, kind people in this world willing to lend a helping hand.

– Fully able individuals who use the family restrooms by themselves are a special kind of awful, especially if they’re using the space to vape/smoke.

– Odds are high that your car seat cover bag will get ripped, whether from baggage handlers or just general wear and tear during the flight, it’s a high probability it’ll take some hits. Imagine if you didn’t have a cover.

– Kid’s play areas in airports should be more upfront and prevalent after going through security.

– Crowds remain high, so plan accordingly.

We made some wonderful family memories this weekend for a short fall getaway. Overall, the air travel experience as a family of four was thrilling, and we can’t wait to do it again to a new destination.

Of course, we certainly hope things can improve at the airport and maybe one day seats will be more comfortable and TSA security checkpoints won’t have such long lines. Wishful thinking perhaps.

But the US Travel Association did recently call on the government to modernize air travel, saying that air travel hassles are encouraging travelers to take fewer trips each year, costing the U.S. economy an estimated $71 billion.

How do you think the air travel experience is for families?

Let me know your thoughts, you can follow me on social media: @EricBowman_