Flying with Disabled Kids.

Traveling with kids is probably the most stressful thing I have ever, I repeat EVER had to deal with. Especially flying.

We travel a lot, and we truly enjoy it, but at first we used to dread taking the kids on the plane.

Between checking into your airline, luging all your luggage around, getting yourself through TSA and making it to your gate on time, then you add in managing children, and in our case children who need extra attention. How do you manage? Here are some tips!!

1. Pack light. I know, I know! It sounds impossible, but it really isn't. We pack light and with the intent to do laundry while on vacation. Less bags to manage will make your time in the airport smoother and quicker. We almost always plan a "rest" day where we will do laundry mid trip in the morning and spend the rest of the day kicking back at the pool or doing some less involved activities.

2. Check your bags! The initial check-in may be dicey with getting your bags squared away but I promise, the less you have to take through TSA, the easier it will be.

3. Get TSA Pre Check!! I (Shauna) travel a lot, so I recently signed up for TSA Pre check. It allows you to enter TSA through a faster line where you do not have to take off shoes, light jackets, belts, or take all of your stuff out of your bags. If you are physically disabled where these activities are difficult to do especially in a fast moving TSA line, I 100% recommend signing up! For about $80, once you pass a background check you will have use of Pre-check for 5 years, and even better...if you have kids all of your kids are included until they turn 11! I was prompted to do this after a very bad experience at the Orlando Airport where TSA failed to acknowledge the kids as disabled and kept screaming at us we needed to get moving or we'd be in trouble. Orlando...do better!

4. Pack Busy Bags! Once you make it through TSA you'll likely be arriving at your gate early, plus you're about to get on a long flight. We pack a small backpack which the kids can manage on their own. You'll want to add their favorite snacks, a water bottle (you can fill it once you pass TSA), and activities! What you pack will be entirely up to what your child likes. If you want to see what we pack check out this video from our YouTube channel.

5. Research your airlines policies for children and people with disabilities! Per the ADA travelers with disabilities are protected in many ways, but it is extremely important to know the airlines policies. This will help when boarding time comes. Make sure when you book your flight you distinguish the passenger as disabled, this will usually get you on the plane before other passengers allowing you extra time and space to get situated.

Links for a few popular airlines and their policies for passengers with disabilities.

Southwest Frontier

Jet Blue Delta

United Spirit

American Allegiant

We personally prefer to fly Southwest or JetBlue!

We hope these few tips help make the airport and flying more enjoyable! If you have more specific questions leave a comment down below!