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| JWK.com keeps you Informed |
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| An informed traveler is a smart traveler! Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events concerning traveling with children here at JetWithKids.com. We're busy doing the research and interviews on the latest information related to flying with kids. Check back often for updates on special travel guidelines, product recommendations and coming soon, events and speaking engagements hosted by Anya Clowers, RN, the author of Jet with Kids. |
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| News |
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| July 13, 2007 |
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| Another Toddler Kicked Off Plane |
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19735896/?gt1=10150
Once again we hear of a toddler and mother
being removed from a plane due to the toddler's
behavior. Unfortunately, the ball has started rolling
and the fear of flying with children seems to
be escalating.
I receive a lot of emails from parents
asking my thoughts on this and crying out for justice
on the side of the toddler.
What do I say? I wasn't present on this flight
and therefore cannot comment on the specifics.
As we all know, there are several sides to every story.
Flights and toddlers can be a nasty mix. Not all
flight attendants like children. Not all parents
are good parents. Not all children have been properly
prepared to fly. Not all passengers prefer to have
children on their flight.
However, many many toddlers fly successfully every day. I am
often told when my frequent flying toddler exits the plane,
"I didn't even know he was on the plane! He was so
quiet!" I can't always say that about some of
the inappropriate acting adults who are on the same flight.
With all the negative media attention about toddlers and
families aboard (and being removed) from flights, it
is a perfect opportunity to point out that it is
possible to complete a flight with a toddler and
receive compliments instead of controversy as you
reach your destination.
The key to taking a toddler into any public place
is to be prepared, and always be two steps ahead
of where your toddler is headed behaviorally.
Preparing for the flight begins long before the
day of departure. Age appropriate books about the
flight process or the Shae by Air DVD Toolkit can be
a fabulous tool to prepare a toddler for what is
expected of him or her when flying.
Having proper food, toys, and entertainment for
children is key including extras for possible
delays or cancellations.
I have found that respect for those around you is
really the key to a successful flight. Not allowing
your child to kick the seat or yell or even
watch a DVD without headphones is a great start. But
also having respect for airline employees (even if
you don't agree with their attitude toward children)
is a smart thing to do as it has been demonstrated
that sometimes a toddler's actions will result in
being removed from a flight.
Do I recommend drugging a child? I do not. As for my
son, I never considered drugging him. That should not
be expected of parents. But I also made sure that he did not
interfere with others on our flights.
Yelling in church or running around in restaurants is
not permitted either. I do not accomplish this by
drugging him. And yes, it is sometimes a bigger job than
I bargain for. However, it is usually accomplished with
distraction and preparation.
Just as there will always be airline employees who do
not care for children, there will also be parents
who do not respect the fact that their children
do not have a right to interfere with others just because
they are children.
On the other hand, there are many flight attendants
who are wonderful parents and many toddlers
who fly unnoticed, enjoying the experience themselves while
allowing others the same opportunity.
Toddlers do not enjoy being around stressed out adults
and also do not enjoy being in unfamiliar and sometimes
scary situations. Understanding what is going on
at an age appropriate level and being involved in the
process helps to calm a child.
Arguing with an airline or TSA employee is not a
good idea since as passengers we are in their territory
and even if unjust, their decisions will rule. This
will also add to the tension that my toddler already
feels.
The best defense is to be self reliant and armed with
tools to distract and calm myself and my child.
A happy, calm child many times eguals a happy, calm parent.
And there never is a media story about happy calm
families flying! |
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| July 11, 2007 |
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| Passports: Keeping Up With the Changes! |
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Are you one of the 17.5 million people who are receiving
a passport this year? About 5.4 million more passports
are being issued this year than last due to new passport
requirements, and processing offices are feeling the strain.
What does this mean to traveling families? Do not delay! If your
passport is expiring or someone in your family needs a new passport,
apply now AND KEEP PROOF OF YOUR APPLICATION.
As stated in an earlier news, all air travel between the US,
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda now requires a passport.
With the overwhelming number of passport applications, the official
passport agency has now made an exception for air travel. According
to the U.S. passport travel web site:
"Since January 23, 2007, all citizens of the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda have been required to present a
valid passport when entering the United States at any air port
of entry.
Due to longer than expected processing times for passport
applications in the face of record-breaking demand, the
federal government is making an accommodation for air travel.
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can
temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with
a government issued photo identification and Department of State
official proof of application for a passport through
September 30, 2007."
For more information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html
For children:
"Are you a child who is a U.S. citizen traveling to Mexico,
Canada, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region by air
and you have applied for a passport but have not received it yet?
Children 16 and under traveling with a parent or legal guardian
will be required to present the proof of passport application
status from the Department of State (DOS) for departure from the
United States as well as re-entry to the United States.
Acceptable confirmation of a passport application may be found
at the Department of State's website at
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
Children 16 and under traveling alone should carry a copy of
their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record
of birth in the United States as well as the proof of passport
application status from the Department of State (DOS) for
departure from the United States as well as re-entry to the
United States. Acceptable confirmation of a passport application
may be found at the Department of State's website at
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
Children older than 16 and traveling alone are required to have
a government-issued photo ID in addition to the proof of
passport application status. Acceptable confirmation of a passport
application may be found at the Department of State's website at
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html."
It is good to carry some proof of who your child
is, such as a copy of a birth certificate or hospital birth
certificate. Being in a foreign country with no proof that
you are the parents of your child could be a scary thing!
Also - remember that there is a difference between a certified
birth certificate and a hospital issued certificate of birth.
To obtain a passport, the certified certificate is required.
For more information about obtaining passports or when a
notarized letter is required for flight, see pages 66-70
of the book Jet With Kids.
**Might be a good time to check the expiration date of your
passports as well. With a turnaround time of 10-12 weeks,
it may be time to renew long before your plans of
vacation!
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| June 22, 2007 |
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| Airport Security & Kids: 7 Steps to Get Through Security With Your Sanity & the Sippy Cup! |
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Having flown over 400,000 miles, I've been through my share of long security lines; and I've even been pulled aside, questioned, and reprimanded by TSA agents while passing through security with my toddler. Knowing and following TSA rules and regulations has not prevented these encounters. I have been frustrated with the lack of consistency at times, and have come close to losing my cool on more than one occasion.
The reality of air travel post 9/11 means stricter rules, inconvenienced passengers, and at times, confusion and misunderstanding. Add kids to the mix, and airport security can become a dreaded nightmare. Water in a sippy cup, formula in a bottle, or in my case, liquid infant Tylenol, are just a few of the items parents need to carry on board a flight when traveling with small children, but only some of these essentials are allowed through security.
So what is a parent to do? Before writing off all air travel with children, take a moment to consider these essential steps for getting through security with your family and your sanity intact.
TSA has developed a simple rule for carry-on luggage: Remember 3-1-1 to pass through security with ease. 3: All liquids must be in 3 ounce bottles or less 1: Place these 3 ounce containers in 1 quart size bag 1: 1 bag of liquids per traveler allowed.
Once you have met the requirements of TSA, follow these 7 tips to alleviate the stress of airport security: |
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Take a few moments to organize your belongings before stepping
into the security line. |
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Label each 3-1-1 ziplock bag with your name and keep your valuables
near you. |
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Locate your declarable items: know where the empty
bottles and sippy cups are and point them out to the screener
to save the hassle of being questioned about them.
If you are carrying prescription medicine or
liquid medicine, make sure that it is properly
labeled and declared to the screener. |
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Carry your ID with your boarding pass in an easy to
reach location or better yet in an EZ Show Retractable ID Holder |
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Take shoes off your child and yourself and put them
on the bottom of the tray - keeping in mind that the
trays are not sanitary as everyone's shoes end up there.
(Avoid putting a bottle or sippy cup on the bottom of the tray) |
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Remain calm and allow extra time for long lines. |
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Prepare your children in advance for what to expect going through airport security. Utilize preparation tools such as the Shae By Air DVD Toolkit to help toddlers visualize and understand the flight and security process. |
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TSA security measures are in place to protect travelers. Don't be offended when a security agent reminds you of the rules. Remember, the rules are in place for our security and the security of our families.
However, keep in mind that these people are human and if they make a mistake, don’t lose your cool over it. If there is a problem, request to speak to a supervisor, write down the ID of screeners you have issues with and file a formal complaint by calling: 1-866-289-9673 or contact them by E-mail: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.
Flying with children is a dynamic process; the inconvenience of security can make it challenging. Take the time to plan ahead and involve your children at an age appropriate level. And remember, children often react to tension and increased stress levels by acting out. Bottom line – plan ahead, allow extra time, and remain calm and you will make it through security with your sanity and the sippy cup!
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| January 2, 2007 |
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| New Passport Requirements |
Beginning this month, new passport requirements go into effect.
These new requirements mean more travelers will
be applying for passports so plan ahead
to meet documentation requirements for your family's travel!
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S.citizens,
traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be
required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S.
Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration
Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico,
Central & South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or
sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid
passport or other documents as determined by the Department of
Homeland Security
More Information: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Reminder to those travelers that already have a passport:
When you travel, your passport must have at least 6 months time remaining
before it expires. If your planning a trip, don't wait until the last month to renew! |
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| Events |
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| March 9, 2007 |
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| Paperback Launch: JetWithKids.com is proud to announce the arrival
of Jet With Kids in paperback! Due to overwhelming reader requests,
we have made available another option for the parent on the go
Jet With Kids in paperback. |
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| February 15, 2007 |
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| Jet With Kids Readers Travel Lite! We are proud to announce 2 special
Partner offers to Jet With Kids readers. |
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The Luggage Club: 10% discount
Try this hassle-free way of flying and avoid lugging your baggage
through the airport.
To get the 10% discount, just click on The Luggage
Club logo found at www.JetWithKids.com/partners and enter
the Promo Code "JWK207" when ordering the service. |
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Babies Travel Lite: $5 off each order
Be confident you'll have everything you need at your destination
(diapers, snacks, formula, water, sunscreen, wipes, etc.)
Order online before your trip, and arrive at your destination
where your supplies will be waiting to greet you! Don't waste a
minute of your vacation searching for those necessities.
Founder, Natalie Pechacek, has kindly offered Jet With Kids readers
a $5 discount off each order when ordered by clicking the
Babies Travel Lite image found at www.JetWithKids.com/partners |
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| October 26, 2006 |
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| eBook Launch: Jet With Kids eBook launched to over 65,000 readers!
Finally, a complete resource for anyone flying with kids in an
instantly available downloadable format. Busy parents especially
appreciate the clickable links of the latest products and resources
for traveling families. Thank you to Tim Knox and Jim Crockum for
helping to get this project started. |
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