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We'll be back in NYC for thanksgiving as well! I hate hate flying into JFK, my stress level accelerates as soon as I step foot in that airport. I think you'll be perfectly fine with a 1.5 hour flight as long as there's no delay. Since this is her first time flying, her fascination with the new surroundings will keep her busy for quite a bit. How long are you going for? You might be able to do it for sure with just a carry on depending how much clothing you would need in ny.
My kids enjoy running around the airport so they didn't really use the stroller when we brought one. They also each have their own rollers and love rolling it around like everyone else at the airport. The plus is, they're carrying their own toys in their bags.
Good luck! I think your LO will do just fine!

Have fun!!!!! So glad you are getting to go home!

I always pack a carry on bag to put under my seat. If you have a lap child and you're in the window, you want your stuff near you, not in the overhead bin (i hate the overhead bins, lol).

I packed everything into a big diaper bag, but a backpack would have been better. I had the carseat on a dolly and she rode in that most of the way to and from the terminal. I also had squeaky shoes on her in case she decided to run (which she did... A lot). Our flight was 2.5 hours, so 1.5 should be super easy. I kept her busy by either walking the aisle or watching videos on my Kindle.

I was going to say the same as @buffalove: -- even if she isn't in the stroller, it might be nice to put your other stuff in it while carrying LO. BUT-- I have never flown with a LO, much less solo, so don't listen to me

Good luck! And report back with what works best for you

@locavore_mama: I pack a duffel bag/ carry on for the flight - one side contains my stuff (wallet, keys, phone, water) and other side has diaper stuff. Middle area has keys and snacks. I'd check a bag for your visit. I've only ever flown with LO with my husband but always take a stroller. Airports are big and if you are in a rush for whatever reason it's a must.

We've always had longer flights but he's usually entertained for awhile by bubble guppies on the iPad and bad snacks (lollipop)

I haven't traveled solo with LO before but I have traveled with him many times with the husband. If I were to travel solo I would consider the following:

- I would either have an umbrella stroller or a baby/toddler carrier. That is a must. (because you still have to carry her and walk through both airports)

- If I were to travel solo in your situation, I would have a good baby/toddler carrier (carry in the front), a hand carry diaper bag (back pack?), and a carry on rolling suitcase. I find the diaper bag super important because it gets filled up very quickly with all the stuff - magnetic drawing board, ipad, books, drinks, small toys, food, diapers, wipes, wallet...etc. This arrangement maybe better than an umbrella stroller, because if you are pushing the stroller, you only get a backpack as carry on, and since you don't want to check bags, it wouldn't have enough space for everything.

- This doesn't apply to you but an extra tip: A friend of mine who traveled solo a lot with her LO said, she would fit everything in a back pack. Then she has these wheels purchased for her car seat. This way you can pull the car seat like a hand carry luggage with your child sitting on it. She doesn't bring a stroller or carrier, but this is an efficient way of bringing the carseat and having something for her LO to sit on. I think she checked bags though.

- If you decide to bring a stroller, consider buying a cover for it (if it doesn't already come with it). I'd imagine they get dirty pretty easily with all the handling at gate check! Anything that checks (Car seat, stroller...etc) should have a cover IMHO

I am travelling with my toddler son for a week and like you, want to avoid checking in our luggage. What do you plan on packing?

I've done four solo flights with a 17 month old and pregnant in the past 2 weeks (two 4.5 hrs, one 1.5, and a 17). My best advice is expect to be tired, but it's Definitely more doable than it sounds - I think most reasonable people can see that it's difficult and are generally nice and helpful. You said your LO is social - that's great -should work to your advantage. My daughter was trying to duck into random seats and "talk" to strangers on our 17 hr flight when we walked the aisles and honestly, even the most serious business traveller couldn't resist smiling.

As for luggage management, I generally pack as light as I can, checking one 4-way rolling suitcase (the key is something easy to steer w/ one hand) so that I have my hands as free as possible at the airport for going through security, using the toilet, wrangling a toddler, etc. as carryons I have my travel stroller (a maclaren that gets gate checked) which I use as a baggage cart for a small duffle bag and my toddler's backpack (a tiny bag full of toys/snacks that are the most essential things to have close when everything else must be stowed for takeoff). My duffle has bags inside it separating changing items, toys, snacks for us both, fresh clothes, and my purse or travel wallet. I use an ergo to carry my daughter but also bring her harness so she can walk if carrying her is becoming to uncomfortable for me. I needed the stroller at my destination; if you don't you might be able to do without, although I think it's very much worth it to bring one.

One other packing point to consider is that on such a short flight, you might be in a very small plane with narrow aisles, and limited overhead and floor storage space. If that's the case you will probably want nothing bigger than a backpack with you onboard so that you're easily able to get it out and access the items you need most - that would be really tough with a rolly bag because once it's up, there's literally no room to take it down and rummage through it, while a smaller bag will be more accessible and can possibly be kept at your feet.

For entertainment On these most recent flights, The best distractions for my daughter proved to be food in containers that was a little extra work to get out (raisins in a little box, for example), a clean empty peanut butter jar stuffed with little toys we wouldn't care if we lost (plastic chew rings, a little teddy bear weight from a helium balloon, a sequin headband, stretchy phone cord bracelets, finger puppets) - she spent 30 mins plus taking these in and out; and a few random items in packages for her to work on opening (a toddler toothbrush was a big hit). The iPad helped a bit but couldn't be used during takeoff and landing, which were the hardest times for me because she just did not want to sit still on my lap. She was squirming and shouting "DOWN, Mommy!" - that's when I used the things mentioned above (or recited her fav book while turning the pages of the flight magazine for her, haha).

God luck! You will be fine! If you come up with any great toy/ travel tips based on your experience, please share - I'm sure my ideas will get stale with my LO soon!