Freaking Out!

I've just been asked to fly to Dallas and present my little local program as a model program at my organization's national convention! The presentation is schedule for April 27th. I told my boss I wasn't sure if I wanted to leave my girls just yet and she said if I decided not to that she'd go in my stead. BUT, my whole family lives within 3 hours of Dallas and when I called my mom to ask her about my predicament she said that she WILL NOT LET ME fly that close without bringing the girls (none of them have seen them yet). That means my DH has to come too, cuz I can't fly with twins by myself.

Now this gets confusing... So, the national org will make my travel arrangements and my mom offered to pay for DHs. Then, of course my older kids want to go to, and there isn't $$ for that. BUT my SIL works for a major airline and MAY be able to get them standby flights for 10% of cost.

Now I'm so scared! What if my mom can't get my DH on the flight that I get booked on? What if she can, but its too expensive for her to cover it? How do I not lose my mind completely when my teens are waiting at the airport for their flight (which isn't on the plane with me)!? How do I make sure they fly together and don't get separated (DD is 13 and DS is 16)?? And holy cow how do we work out all of the logistics of traveling with twins in two weeks? While I also have to prepare a presentation, look uber professional (right! I don't fit into ANY of my professional clothes) and prepare for another MAJOR event at work that's on the 19th of this month?!?!

This is sounding SO UNMANAGEABLE, but everyone is too excited about it for me to say "no" and let my boss go. Plus, I think she'd be really disappointed if I passed on another trip (i missed 2 already due to pregnancy/maternity leave).

Please can you all give me some tips to make this go as smoothly as possible!?! Give me some reassurances?? And maybe just tell me I'm crazy...let my boss go. :blink:

 

ok, first off your going to be FINE

and no, you have to go! it will be great for your parents to meet the twins and now you've gotten everyone excited.

your DS is 16, he will be fine on a plane with/without you and im sure he can look after DD for you, make sure someone is there to meet them on the other side, and if you can get them on the same flight as you even better!

the twins are only two months old so your not going to have to bring colouring books or movies to entertain them, just bring their favorite toy and you will be set.

plan ahead, start packing now, your DH will help out im sure.

good luck and keep us posted.

 

:hug99: Take a deep breath & try to relax (easier said than done, I know). You have to go if you can work it out! Your mom will be so excited to see the babies. Just keep that in mind during all of the stressful planning. The babies are little so they won't be too much trouble on the plane, I'm sure your husband will get on the same flight & everything will be great! It sounds like a fantastic opportunity for you, keep us posted!

 

Thanks for the quick and encouraging comments! So, did I mention that the flight from Anchorage to Dallas is at least 9 hours, and most likely 12 - 14 with lay overs? I'm so nervous for my older kids doing standby and for the logistics of the car seats, strollers and formula for that long....let alone HOLDING them for 12 hours straight! I'm going to need to buy some baby carriers/slings or something! :icon_eek:

I know we can do this, but I just can't wrap my head around ALL the details. Help!!!

Laura

 

First of all, you are a trooper for even thinking about doing it!! We just got back from a trip to florida with my 10 month old twins and my 3 1/2 yr old. The best advice I can give is make it as simple as possible for yourself. Looks like you are definately going to a different climate so if you can, ship a small box of stuff to your parents with the twins clothes and any other items you can do without in the meantime. Put your carry on bag together really organized - I used zip lock bags for everything so I wasn't digging through the bag every time I needed something so xtra clothes go in one zip lock. bottles in another, wipes, diapers, etc....it made it much easier for me. Even though they don't board families with kids first anymore, if you go up to gate with twins, they will/should certainly make an exception so you won't be frazzled with the impatient people behind you while you try to get organized. Also, I found that both ways, the flight attendants could not have been more helpful to us so hopefully that will be your case too.
Wish I could help on the reassurance of getting everyone on the same flight etc, but good luck on both traveling and your presentation!!
Jennib9

 

Ask your boss if you or your sister can make all the travel arrangements, put it on a Credit Card and get reimbursed and use the money from that and your mom to pay it off. That way you have more control over flights etc...

Just a thought!

 

Try to get a flight at the least busy time so there is more chance your older kids will fit on the flight with you. If not, make sure the 16 y/0 and 13 y/o at least stick together (or what about you and DH each taking one baby and one older kid).

I have flown so many times with my DS and so many different ages by myself, and I'm about to take my 3 y/o and 2 mo old twins by myself and I am confident it can be done. Plan, plan, plan and write lots of lists. Carry lots of cash for smart carts and for tips to the porters.

 

My DS can't go. He has prom & battle of the bands that weekend, plus if he misses more school he'll be repeating this year! So, I talked to my Dad and he's going to pay for my DDs plane ticket so she doesn't have to do standby all by herself! Now I'm waiting to hear back from national about how they'd like to handle buying the tickets. Hopefully, that part of it is worked out.

Now I have questions about the flight. Are they gonna give me a hard time about bringing bottled water on board for their formula? Will they let me carry on McKenna's meds? What kind of sling should I get so DH and I can be hands free for at least part of the 12 hours we'll be traveling? Should I check their PNP as luggage or will it get destroyed? I need you collective wisdom! Any and all advice is welcome!!!

 

Laura,
Check the pack-and-play and the carseats (since I am assuming you are doing the freebie lap child). I'd check the stroller at the gate if you are taking one (unless it is a snap and go which is worthless without the seats). I have never had a problem with destruction of my luggage. They even have nice plastic bags to wrap your stroller in if you ask to keep it cleaner. You and DH each need a diaper bag and basically should each be in charge of one baby at a time. It is not as bad as you think. My son was much better flying very young like that vs. when he was 18 mos-2years. I called our airline we are using this weekend and they want you to bring as much formula/breastmilk as you need for the entire trip despite the TSA guidelines of 3 oz of liquid in each bottle. They said don't bother with that and bring what the baby needs for the sake of the baby and all the passengers who don' t want to listen to your babies scream for hours. I'd call and see if they prefer you to put the water in the bottles or keep it in the original container if you plan on using powdered formula.

If you have the opportunity, pick the TSA screening line with female employees who look old enough to have had kids. In my experience they have been there/done that with the mom thing and are much more helpful with breaking down your strollers/making sure your kids don't run off. The men just always stare at me while I am frantically trying to break down strollers/console my child/ pull out my keys/etc.

 

We travelled with our twins in February and we had no problems taking formula on the plane. I took several 6 oz bottles premixed and had no trouble from security. I also took powdered formula and just bought bottled water after I got through security, they won't let you take it through but if you buy it after then you can take it on the plane. Plus, the flight attendants were really helpful & would get me another bottle whenever we needed it. They will also heat bottles for you. Your daughter's meds won't be a problem either, but they need to be in a ziploc bag that you can give to security separately.

If you are not flying direct, make sure you pack lots of extra diapers & formula in case of delays. I would think you will have to check the pnp & hope for the best. I know you will have a great trip. Good luck!

 

I just travelled by myself with my 6-month old twins. Everyone said it was impossible - but it was fine. Granted, it was only a 2 hour flight, but the toughest parts are really security, boarding, and deplaning.

As a flight attendant, I can tell you that all the advice you've received from previous posts is right on! I would like to add that if you are travelling with the babies as "laps" you may want to bring your carseats to the gate anyway. Sometimes if there are enough empty seats, you can get a seat for your carseats. Even one extra seat will help a lot! And if there are no extra seats, you can "gate check" your carseats and pick them up at baggage claim, or at the gate of your arrival city if they go with your snap 'n go.

Also, bring your boppy, brest friend, or whatever nursing pillow type thing you have with you on the plane. It will have to go in the overhead for takeoff and landing, but during the flight it will make things so much easier while they're on your lap.

And most babies really like airplane travel. The hum of the engines lulls them to sleep.

You'll do great. Just take your time, and try not to get frazzled.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions I might be able to answer.