Airport tips for one parent travelling with two little kids?

Hi Tuggers

Was hoping to get some tips.

We have two young kids (3 and 4). When we fly, I usually take care of all the logistics (watching bags through security check/getting luggage/car-seats/car-rental/strapping seats into cars-seat/etc) while my wife focuses on watching the kids (usually strapped in the double stroller)

My wife will be travelling to New York City with the kids by herself later this summer. What do other parents in a similar situation typically do to ensure as smooth of a trip as possible? In case it opens up options, will be flying into EWR (preferable) or JFK.

- Look into hiring a porter service? I've never used one. How does that work? Can you pay for service all the way to the car rental?
- Pack as lightly as possible
- Don't bring the stroller?

Thanks in advance for any tips.
dlca1

By all means use the double stroller. Easier to keep track of two (possibly tired and cranky) little ones. Have lots of dollar bills on hand for tips. If you must have a rental car, check to see if any of the rental car companies offer a valet service that will pick you up from baggage claim. Check to see if a company offers luggage delivery service from the airport.

Consider hiring a Town car service for pickup at the airport (hire porter at baggage claim) and get a rental car later without the hassle of dealing with luggage.

Have a KNOWN teenager to travel with them. This function usually was a 'job' for a grandmother or aunt in families years ago. Yes, it is expensive for the plane ticket and other costs .... but travelling is not easy on kids and very tiring for a parent alone.

UPS the luggage to the destination so she is traveling with nothing but daiper bag purse change of clothes.

You can go in with her and handle everything until she enters the security line.
I'd check everything but one bag for the kids needs. When they exit the plane, she can, relatively easily, make it to the baggage delivery. Definitely hire a porter. Tell the porter, in advance, she will need him to take her to the car-rental bus stop. He'll stay with her if she tells him she needs it, and she can tip more to make up for the time he can't go back and deal with someone else. It's really not a lot different from traveling with someone in a wheel chair, and that's the generally accepted way to deal with luggage problems then. The porter won't be surprised at the request.

Thanks for all the great tips everybody. Really appreciate it.

Thanks again.
dlca1

I took my two daughters to WDW myself in 2014. It was actually much easier than I thought. I met a military wife travelling with a two-year-old and twin eight-month-olds and realized I didn't have it so bad

My recommendations are to bring a stroller. You might end up in the family security line, which moves quicker than the regular line. Most people will be patient when they see two young kids if it takes her some time to fold the stroller. Chances are someone will jump in and fold it and lift it if needed.

I'd suggest bringing plenty of electronic devices, toys, books, etc. for the flight. I take a seat in one of the last rows so that we're closest to the bathrooms.

Talk to the kids beforehand to let them know expectations and what's involved. They'll probably understand more than you think and be excited to help Mommy and be "big kids."