Traveling is stressful. Oh, I think it’s worth it. But it’s still stressful.
Adding family to the mix increases the stress — and it’s even more stressful to fly during the holidays.
Thanksgiving is coming up. It’s the busiest travel weekend of the year.
There are two important categories in planning your journey: what to pack and how to get where you’re going.
Travelers get personal about packing. Some swear by the carry-on-only rule. Others carefully roll their garments inside their suitcase. Some use packing cubes to keep things organized. I admire their planning and foresight.
My own style is more of a freestyle approach. Underwear, socks, pants, shirts and outerwear. If I’m going to need big boots when I land, I typically wear them on the plane.
It’s different when traveling with kids, though.
“I used to pack the morning of my trip,” said travel guru Johnny Jet.
I caught up with Johnny in Manhattan Beach, which he likes because it’s very close to the Los Angeles airport (LAX). But his style of travel is much different now, since he and his wife, Natalie, have two kids.
“Now, I start laying out stuff for our trip two weeks in advance,” he said.
“Natalie has a great checklist,” said Johnny. “I tend to forget things. But not my passport!”
His kids are great travelers. And there’s one thing that they take on every trip.
“An iPad,” said Johnny. “Our kids can’t use the iPads at home, so as soon as we get settled in, they plug in their headphones,” he said.
Erin Kirkland is a family travel expert and takes trip planning seriously.
“Have your kids carry what they can in a backpack,” she said. “Make sure the packs are clearly labeled, too.”
In the backpack, Erin recommends the kids carry what’s important to them. That may be their phone or iPad, a blanket, a stuffed animal and a water bottle to fill up after security.
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Checking bags for a journey starting in Anchorage is a little less expensive when flying Alaska Airlines or Delta. That’s because both carriers allow for two free checked bags for most domestic travel. Alaska Airlines requires that you join its free program called Club 49. For Delta, travelers must sign up for its loyalty plan SkyMiles to get the free checked bags.
To keep track of your checked bags, Johnny Jet recommends travelers place an AirTag or similar online tracking device in each bag.
One logjam at every airport is the security checkpoint. Erin has a specific protocol for families traveling with young kids.
“I call it the adult sandwich,” she said. “One adult goes through first, then the kids follow. Then, adult number two comes through afterward.”
Before going through security, grown-ups should double-check with the kids and make sure pockets and water bottles are empty.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport director Angie Spear recommends travelers arrive at least two hours prior to scheduled departure time, particularly on a holiday weekend.
Teri Lindseth is the Deputy Airport Director and she cautions adults to do the same empty-pockets check before security. But it’s not gum wrappers or loose change that she’s concerned about.
“There are so many stray bullets,” said Teri. “They are everywhere: purses, backpacks and pockets!”
Leave your bullets at home, or at least pack them in your checked bags in accordance with the regulations on transporting firearms. All rifles, shotguns or pistols must be secured in a locked, hard-sided container.
Speaking of backpacks, Johnny Jet always carries at least a day’s worth of clothes in his pack, in case his checked baggage is delayed. “I also pack a sweatshirt and a bathing suit,” he said.
Johnny and his family take a few more basics to make the trip more fun. “We always bring chocolates for the pilot and the cabin crew.”
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Johnny and Natalie’s kids both have been to a dozen countries so far — and they have flight journals to keep track.
“The journal entry includes the type of plane, the miles flown, the destination and other notes,” said Johnny. So far, his son has logged more than 100 flights.
Lately, more travelers are bringing their own food aboard for meals. Sara Haley is the leasing manager at Anchorage’s airport and keeps track of all the concessions.
“Sweet Caribou has started to serve breakfast burritos,” said Sara. My ears perked right up, since they do a great job on burritos, as well as with their salads-to-go and their trademark macarons. Sweet Caribou is located across from Starbucks at the beginning of the C Concourse.
Getting to the airport, through security and to the gate is the most stressful part of starting a trip. Planning it out in advance can help you to sit back, buckle up and enjoy your flight.
If you don’t want to pay to go to the lounge, there’s a nursery and quiet room right at the beginning of the B Concourse. It’s got some toys for kids and some books to read. It’s designed as a quiet room to escape the hustle-bustle of the airport until it’s time to head for the gate.
Before you go, be sure and download your airline’s app onto your smartphone for updates on delays, gate changes and weather-related announcements.
Don’t forget your charging cord and a portable, external battery. That’s because sometimes the seatback charging plug doesn’t work. Also, be sure and bring a portable light. I always travel with a portable headlight — since the lights above the seats malfunction. Quality headphones also are a must.
Make sure everyone has a blanket or a jacket since the planes can be cold.
If you’re flying Delta, SkyMiles members enjoy free in-flight internet, as well as seat-back TVs. Alaska Air charges $8 per flight for in-flight connectivity, although you can stream movies and shows for free on your own phone or iPad.