air travel

I'm considering taking the whole gang (will be 6 yr, 4 yr and 2 yr old twins) on the plane from Oregon to Texas. Non-stop about 4 hours. Has anyone done this, and am I crazy for considering it?

Is it possible to get an escort pass, so my husband could take me all the way to the gate, and in-laws could meet me at the gate?

 

There was a discussion about this a couple days ago, in this forum, I believe. Do a search and you should be able to find it. It had a lot of good tips from moms that have done this sort of thing alone. And yes, you can do it, but I'm not gonna lie, it won't be easy!

 

Im guessing it will be hard, but twin moms always manage, right! :huh:

One thing i know for sure is tht the airline will not let your husband through the checkpoint without a ticket. they may give you an airline person to help or something. Something you may consider is getting a super cheap fare for just a random flight for your husband just so he can go through the security and to the gate with you. I know right now, there is a 29.00 fare from Houston to Austin here on Southwest.. maybe you could find a cheap fare like that so you could have help to the gate.. just a thought! i mean it would just be a wasted ticket, but it may be worth the 30 bucks for your sanity! good luck

 

I think it is possible to arrange for an escort pass (at least according to other post I have read here)
I also know that a twinstuff mom flew alone with her 2 sets of twins. The older set was 2 and the baby's. Here is her post asking for advice.

 

Yes, airlines will issue a "gate pass" so that you can have DH or whomever go through security with you and help you. Its free and I've never had a problem and done it many times on different airlines. They can't get on the plane with you with a gate pass, but in my experience usually an airline employee will lend a hand if needed. Moms flying with twins get a lot of sympathy!. Also, in my experience, I've had the airline issue a gate pass to a family member meeting me at my destination so they were able to go through security and be at the gate when I got off the plane.

 

I did it from CO to NC and it WASN't nonstop. We had 1 layover in Chicago and it was superbowl Sunday. I had a cold and the kids were all on antibiotics so I had to carry a cooler with there meds on board too. I had all 5 kids AND my cat. (we were moving) The twins were 20 months at the time. I was physically hard but I just stayed really calm and organized. The pathetic thing was only on 1 flight did a mommy who wasn't travelling with her 3 little ones offer to help in anyway I needed. Not one other person offered. Most just stared at me like a side show lol! Anyway if I can do it with 2 large carseats, a double stroller, a 15lb cat, 2 fussy 1 yr olds, a scared 5yr old and a 7 and 9 yr old, it can be done I was actually really proud of myself afterwards. I just made sure I brought toys they'd never seen and lots of snacks. I also brought sippys with milk and noone batted an eye at me. Good luck!

 

I have traveled several times with my twins and my son. We live in MN and my folks live in NM, so many trips that way. we will be going again in August. It was when they were infants a few time and then when they were 18M. DS is 21 months olders, so it was tough. I would recommend packing light carrying. We had to lug car seats, so that was another story. DH was able to get a gate pass each time, but was never allowed on the plane. Make sure to get there early so you can preboard when they announce it for people traveling with young children.

I always choose seats in the very back row-- for one, you are right by the restroom. Also, by the flight attendants if you need help. If the kids are noisy, it isn't as bad as being the front or middle.

It will be different when I go again because all of them will be mobile. I used to travel with two in a seat one in my lap, but now they will all be in seats. I will have to sit on a separate row.

 

QUOTE(runnergirl @ Mar 21 2008, 08:47 PM) [snapback]681289[/snapback]
Yes, airlines will issue a "gate pass" so that you can have DH or whomever go through security with you and help you. Its free and I've never had a problem and done it many times on different airlines. They can't get on the plane with you with a gate pass, but in my experience usually an airline employee will lend a hand if needed. Moms flying with twins get a lot of sympathy!. Also, in my experience, I've had the airline issue a gate pass to a family member meeting me at my destination so they were able to go through security and be at the gate when I got off the plane.


Absolutely, this was true for me - I have gotten gate passes for various people to help me get them through security, and my mom got a pass to meet me at my destination gate too.
Good luck!