Tag Archives: flying

Flying With Fido At Your Feet

In one of my prior travel blogs I detailed Midwest Airlines’ gourmet meal options (see “New Menu Options at 35,000 Feet”). Now for you pet lovers who can’t bear to leave Fido or Fluffy at home (or who cringe at the thought of your furry friend flying in a cold cargo hold) some good news from the Milwaukee based airline. A new policy will allow travelers and their small dogs to fly together in the airplane cabin. The airline has given the go-ahead to passengers who want to bring up to two small dogs (like a dachshund or Shih Tzu) … Continue reading →

Flying with Children: Layover or Not?

When you’re traveling with children by plane (on a flight longer than 4 hours) do you take a direct flight or one that includes a layover? It’s a question that sparked a heated discussion at my daughter’s playgroup. I brought it up because I have a friend who is about to embark on a 12-hour flight with his 4-month old daughter. The playgroup moms had a lot to say on this issue. The following are some factors that were considered in our “discussion”: Age of Child. My opinion: If you are traveling with an infant then it is a good … Continue reading →

Flying With An Infant

A posting in the “Family Travel” forum asked for tips in regards to flying long distances with an infant. Coincidentally, in just a couple of weeks, a good friend of mine from high school will be taking his 4-month-old daughter on her first flight from Chicago to Hawaii. Knowing that I have flown a lot with my young daughter, he also asked for advice. The best tip I can give anyone flying with a “lap child” (that’s airline lingo for any child under the age of two traveling without a ticket) is this: find out what type of aircraft you … Continue reading →

When Kids Must Fly Alone–Part Two

This is a follow up to my previous blog addressing a recent message posted in the “Parenting” forum that reads: “A colleague put his four year old son on a plane from Sydney to London to see his mother. It’s a 25 hour trip. At what age would other parents feel confident about putting their child on a plane alone?” In “When Kids Must Fly Alone—Part One” I detailed the airline’s requirements for minors flying unaccompanied. This blog provides tips on how to make your child’s solo flight as smooth as possible. · Make sure your child is traveling with … Continue reading →

When Kids Must Fly Alone–Part One

A recent message posted in the “Parenting” forum coincided nicely with a travel blog idea I had outlined two weeks ago. The posted message reads: “A colleague put his four year old son on a plane from Sydney to London to see his mother. It’s a 25 hour trip. At what age would other parents feel confident about putting their child on a plane alone?” Personally, I pray that there never comes a day that I would have to put one of my children on a plane unaccompanied. But, it sounds like in the case of the boy flying to … Continue reading →

The Great Carry-On Debate

Alaska’s Republican senator, Ted Stevens’ (who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and transportation Committee) recent suggestion to restrict airline passengers to one carry-on bag sparked a lively debate at a dinner party I attended last night. Stevens’ theory is that airport screeners would be able to pay closer attention to potential terrorists if they weren’t so burdened by checking two carry-on bags. He has a point. But, I am a mom and two carry-ons is the way I travel. (Frankly, in the past, I have gotten away with having three carry-ons, but the flurry of activity that surrounds getting me … Continue reading →

New Menu Options at 35,000 Feet

Smoked turkey salad folded in a southwestern remoulade with peppers, grilled onions and chipotle chiles. Served with tortilla chips and salsa cruda. If you’re thinking it’s a dish being whipped up on your favorite “Food Network” show, think again. Believe it or not, it is actually an in-flight meal choice on Milwaukee based “Midwest Express Airlines.” The airline recently began a new program called, “Best Care Cuisine” and I thought it fitting to profile it as a follow-up to my blog: “No Such Thing as a Free Ride or Free Pretzels,” which dealt with the way many major airlines were … Continue reading →

Traveling with a Disability

If you or someone you know has a disability and is planning to travel by air it is a good idea to read the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) before taking flight. The ACAA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and requires U.S. air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabilities. Here are some of the ACCA’s main points: · Airlines may not require advance notice that a person with a disability is traveling. Carriers may require up to 48 hours’ advance notice for certain accommodations that require preparation time (e.g., respirator hook-up and … Continue reading →

Flying with Fido

Did you know that more than two million animals are transported by air every year in the United State alone? If you are planning to travel or ship your precious pet by air, be aware that there are rules you must follow to ensure your animal gets to its destination safely. While each airline has its own company policy for the proper handling of the animals it transports, the following are some provisions you will likely encounter at most airlines. 1. If you are shipping a dog or cat, it must be at least eight weeks old and must have … Continue reading →

No Such Thing As A Free Ride… Or Free Pretzels

My dad always says nothing in life is free… and now the airlines are proving him right. Airlines are starting to charge for many services that once were free — such as assigned seating, paper tickets, blankets, and in some cases (GASP!), pretzels. If you are someone who doesn’t fly often, you may be in for some unpleasant surprises when you get to the airport for your next flight. Intense competition from low-fare airlines along with high jet-fuel prices have led many major airlines to cut back or charge passengers for amenities. For example, many airlines no longer serve meals … Continue reading →