Things you can’t fly with this summer

Summer travel is returning this year after a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re gearing up to go somewhere this year, you may have forgotten about those pesky TSA rules. Some make more sense than others. For example, there are certain consumer electronic products like power banks and batteries that carry the risk of catching fire or exploding. Then, there are those TSA … [Read more...]

Safe travel: 3 medical conditions that could prevent you from flying

The idea of getting on a plane again and heading off somewhere exciting is something many of us cannot wait to do. For most people, this is easy – we simply book a ticket, arrive at the airport, check-in, and fly. Yet for some people, it is not quite so easy. Some medical conditions could prevent you from flying, and rather than booking a vacation and finding out flying is not possible, it is best … [Read more...]

Teens flying unaccompanied: what to do when things go wrong

On Pit Stops for Kids, we've written tips for parents whose kids are flying solo. But what about teens? Most airlines allow kids aged 5-14 to fly as unaccompanied minors (with kids 5-7 restricted only to direct flights), which leaves kids 15 and up in a completely different category. When kids 15-17 fly solo, they're still every bit as unaccompanied...and are still minors. But basically, they're … [Read more...]

Using FlyLine for cheap airfare booking

We like to think we're pretty good at finding the lowest airfare for any trip. But it's complicated and usually makes us want to pull our hair out. Plus, it seems there's a new third-party airfare booking app just about every five days...how to know which ones to search through? Enter FlyLine, a wholesale flight club with exclusive fares and zero markup. Instead of using a third-party … [Read more...]

Tips for buying airfare from third party airline booking sites

If you'll be among the many families deciding to buy airfare this year, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of third party airline booking sites competing for your business. Buying airfare using third party airline booking sites can reward you with the lowest fares possible, but you do need to go into the process with eyes wide open. Related post:  find the lowest airfare for your trip, every … [Read more...]

Flying tips with kids and babies

The travel season is upon us, and if you've delayed that family vacay because you're worried about travel with children and in particular, flying with kids, fear not! You've got this! Here are our top flying tips with kids: No matter how savvy a traveler you are, the rules are different once you’re trying to book a flight (usually to save money) and travel enjoyably with kids in tow. Here’s how … [Read more...]

Tips for booking airfare

With airfare at a new low, now is the time to book that last minute trip! Here's what you need to know, with all our top tips for booking airfare:   Use the 24-hour cancellation rule. After booking, check the fare the next morning. If it’s gone down, take advantage of most airlines’ 24-hour cancellation rule and cancel and rebook the flight. Book on a Tuesday; leave on a … [Read more...]

Anxious air traveler tips from experts

Are you an anxious air traveler? There are many people who feel deeply anxious when it comes to traveling - specifically traveling by plane. According to studies held in the USA, 25 percent of the population feel nervous about flying. It’s a real issue for most people, especially those who suffer from fear of heights or claustrophobia. But, there are ways to fight the flying blues and take control … [Read more...]

Tips for kids flying solo as unaccompanied minors (STEP BY STEP GUIDE)

Once upon a time, the whole family was enjoying a Laguna Beach vacation. The only thing missing: my son Calvin, age 11. We booked him a one-way flight on Alaska Airlines (escorted to the plane by his grandfather). And it was easy! If you've never booked an unaccompanied minor's flight, we'll walk you through the steps for kids flying solo. Step 1: book your minor's flight On Alaska Airlines, … [Read more...]

Jet lag: kids get it too! Tips for dealing

On my kids’ first cross-Atlantic journey, we did everything we could to ease the effects of jet lag. We drank a lot of water, got as good a night’s sleep beforehand as possible, and established a ‘bedtime’ on the plane. And everything went well…until our 11-year-old began vomiting as we weaved our way through customs. Not a pleasant story, I know, but nausea is a more common symptom of jet lag … [Read more...]