Recently, my family and I took the plunge into the chaotic world of air travel with our child on an extensive international journey. Sharing our plans with friends and family often elicited a mix of excitement, followed by questions about childcare arrangements, and finally, disbelief when they realized we were actually bringing our little one along. We thought their reactions were a bit over the top—turns out, we were very much mistaken.
Here are the types of fellow passengers we encountered on our flight, and ones we’ve met on many journeys since:
- The Unencumbered Executive: This traveler is determined to maximize their time in the air, hoping to catch up on work or sneak in some much-needed sleep. Unfortunately, they often find themselves seated next to you and your lively child. While they may try to mask their frustration with polite smiles, the disappointment will be evident. By the time they arrive at their destination, they’ll likely be contemplating a life-altering decision regarding their own family planning.
- Mr. Too-Comfortable: This passenger is usually childless and lacks awareness of their surroundings. They tend to speak at an ear-piercing volume and may indulge in a few too many drinks, inadvertently teaching your toddler some colorful language. You’ll find him reclining his seat so far back that it’s practically in your lap, making it nearly impossible to juggle your infant. One can only hope that someday, karma will catch up with him in the form of a very vocal brood.
- The Rule-Enforcing Flight Attendant: In a critical moment, when you’re racing to the lavatory (which is a whole other story!) to change your baby, this attendant will be lurking to remind you that the seatbelt sign is still illuminated. Feeling embarrassed, you retreat to your seat, still bearing the consequences of your baby’s mealtime choices. Throughout the flight, this attendant will enforce every rule, particularly regarding your toddler, while conveniently overlooking the child kicking the back of your seat.
- The Picture-Perfect Family: This family’s children are impeccably dressed, well-behaved, and seem to be on a mission to demonstrate the ideal travel experience. They engage in calm activities like reading or coloring, often snacking on organic treats and softly conversing. Meanwhile, the flight attendant beams at them, casting a disapproving glance your way, as you wrestle with mashed pea residue on your shirt.
- The Little Tornadoes: These energetic kids are the ones sprinting up and down the aisles, yelling at the top of their lungs, and pushing every button in sight. They seem to need the restroom every five minutes, with impeccable timing during takeoff and landing. Their parents are visibly exhausted, watching the clock tick slowly as they hope for the flight to end. Spoiler alert: these parents are you.
Despite the challenges, travel is an incredible opportunity for children, offering cultural, intellectual, and social enrichment, and creating lasting family memories. In theory, it’s one of the best ways to bond. In practice, however, our family will be sticking to a travel schedule of once a year (or five).
For more tips on navigating travel with kids, check out our guide on survival strategies when traveling with little ones.
When it comes to family planning, there are also helpful resources like this article on home insemination and insights from Make A Mom. If you’re considering IVF, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent information on fertility services.
Summary
Traveling with children can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. From the frustrated businessman to the overly relaxed passenger, each flight brings a unique cast of characters. While the journey can be tough, the memories created are invaluable, and with some preparation, you can make the most of your travel adventures.