Surviving the Airport (and Thriving in the Lounge) with Kids
A no-nonsense guide from a snack-loving, TSA-prepped, lounge-prioritizing mom
1. Our Mindset:
Be Prepared, Not Panicked
We don’t just go to the airport—we prepare. Everything is packed the night before except the day-of items (thank you, notepad checklist). Our rule: aim to arrive 2 hours before boarding, not before departure. That buffer matters when little legs, multiple bags, and snack stops are involved.
2. Getting There:
Why We Drive + Shuttle
We’ve tried ride shares with car seats, and… never again. The car seats were always old, improperly installed, or just plain gross. Our setup:
- Drive to economy parking
- Michael drops me and the kids at the terminal with all the bags
- I check in while he parks and shuttles back
It’s cheaper than terminal parking or hiring a car service, especially for trips 7+ days ($15/day vs $$$). And honestly? The shuttle isn’t bad.
3. TSA PreCheck = Sanity Saver
TSA PreCheck is the best thing we’ve done as a family. Keeping shoes on kids = less chaos. Our system:
- I baby-wear Claire in the Ergo
- Michael handles the stroller and Guava Lotus
- Everything goes through, and we’re through in minutes
Pro Tip: Double-check your TSA number shows on every boarding pass when printing at the airport.
4. Gate Check Flow
Right after security, we go straight to the gate to gate-check the stroller and Guava Lotus. Nothing fancy needed—they treat everything gently. Then it’s time for the good stuff…
5. Lounge Life: The Ultimate Travel Hack
Let’s be honest: the lounge is everything. We count on it so much that we leave our house EARLY to leave time for the lounge.
- For the kids: fruit, yogurt, muffins, cereal
- For us: coffee, food, and a mimosa if it’s been that kind of morning
It’s not just about food—it’s a reset button before the flight.
6. Snacks + Sanity Kit
We always pack backup snacks, but the lounge does most of the heavy lifting. No one’s hangry. No one’s begging for $12 airport candy. And with full bellies, the plane is a smoother ride.
7. What’s Worked (and What Hasn’t)
- ✔️ TSA PreCheck with kids? Non-negotiable.
- ✔️ Baby-wearing at security? Game changer.
- ✔️ Lounge time? Mood booster for all.
- ✖️ Ride shares with car seats? VERY rare.
- Pull-ups during the potty training stage? Lifesaver.
Final Thoughts: Make It Easier on Yourself
Air travel with kids doesn’t have to be chaos. With the right systems, the right snacks, and a solid pre-checklist, you might even enjoy it. (Especially if there’s a mimosa involved.)