Hellobee Boards

I have flown with baby in the ergo and they automatically ushered us to the metal detector instead of the newer scanner. We curb checked the stroller (in a padded bag) and then gate checked the car seat, also in a padded bag. They did take the seat out of the bag to inspect it since it didn't fit through the x-ray machine so give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes just for that hold up. Otherwise it was a piece of cake.

@.twist.: You can get a "gate check" red bag at Target or on Amazon. They will take the car seat as you board and give it to you when you get off.

just a warning about what happened to me - maybe it won't matter as much with an 11 month old. I flew with a 5 month old. I had him in the carrier and he had fallen asleep - yay! i went through security and they INSISTED i undo the carrier to walk through! WTF! no rationale as to why (I asked and argued and said "um, the baby is asleep, that will wake him!" and it of course woke up LO. I am still pissed when i think about it, in case you couldn't tell

The actual flights were okay though. I had read somewhere that flying after their bedtime is easiest because they will sleep through - and that the case on our flight home and it was very easy and nice. On the way there, we had to entertain him, but the carrier definitely helped.

I brought the Ergo all 3 times I flew with 3... never used it. She preferred the stroller. I gate checked the stroller with it's bag (We have a City Mini, we got the Baby Jogger bag for it) and we installed the carseat on the plane.

Definitely gate check a carseat and stroller. Checking at the counter voids your carseat warranty, I believe.

@.twist.: We used this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009RNXNA?pc_redir=1401446085&robot_redir=1

I would at least put it in a large trash bag though just so it doesn't get dirty. I can't imagine the one we bought would protect it much if it were dropped. I think some airlines have plastic bags for you to use though but I have never tried.

We've always checked our seat with the luggage and never had an issue. Most (all but 1 time) the airlines put the car seat in a plastic bag to protect it.

I always wear LO through security and they've always swabbed my hands after for bomb residue. Only takes about 30 seconds, it just can be a little alarming if you are not expecting it.

If you bring liquid formula/juice on, usually they will test those too in the machine in security. They do NOT have to open it to test it and should not open it.

Try to encourage your LO to nurse/bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing - really helps to keep their ears from hurting!

I gate checked the seat, because I figured: 1. We'd be screwed if they lost it and 2. They may not tear it up as much by putting it on the plane last.

I just wore E through everything in my Ergo. We took him out on the plane and let him crawl all over us. We recently had a 5+ hour flight with a 10 month old, so 1 hour will be totally manageable!

@.twist.: I've flown with DS quite a few times on my own now and will be again in a couple weeks at 15 months. It was easier when he was less mobile. Flying on westjet is great. I always check the car seat, they put it in a plastic bag. One less item to carry around when you are on your own. The first few times I wore him in the carrier and they let me wear it through security, I've never had my hands swabbed. Last time I took the umbrella stroller and I had to take him out so they could check it. The stroller is left at the door of the plane, you have to fold it but if someone is there they will help you.

Flying out of Edmonton they take you right up to the front of the security line if you have a baby and if they are under two you can bring as much liquids for them as you want. They've never checked anything I've had, even a sippy with water in it.

Good luck on your flight.

@.twist.: we fly westjet always and they are so great with whatever baby gear we've brought! We carried her the first of three flights she's been on with us 8w, 14m an 16m, the other two we just carried her with no stroller.

Good luck!

I have used the Ergo every time I've flown with LO (at 6 months, 9 months and 13 months) an each time it's been the biggest help, mainly for keeping her contained in the seat with me. They always make me undo it for take off and landing though, which is frustrating.

A few more tips about flying with a LO: Instead of having all your diaper supplies in one bag, have a couple of plastic bags with a few wipes and a couple of diapers in, then every time you need to go to the washroom you don't have to lug your whole bag. Also, a few small dollar store treats that LO hasn't seen before are great to pull out throughout the flight. We also found that she was seriously entertained by our water bottle, empty tea cup and lid, go figure