Flying solo across country with a <2 month old - which airline would you pick?

[aguinn]

I am flying from Boston to SF in late October with DS #2, who will be less than 2 months old by then, to attend my brother's wedding. If you were in my shoes, which airline would you pick (if you pick one that is not listed, please respond and let me know which one and why)? I'm thinking that one that is parent-friendly would be the best choice - I certainly won't need the hassle of flight attendants who ignore me or give me dirty looks if DS #2 gets cranky! However, I'm also not expecting them to babysit either of us - that's not their job.

ETA: If you vote and have the time, I'd love to hear "why" you chose the airline that you did (like if you have specific experience, etc.)!

tia for your help!
;)amy
(who's siggie is not showing up right now for some strange reason)

[Hallie_D]

DS #1 has flown many times in his 3 years, and almost every time I've taken American with great success. I flew Continental once, it was fine for DS but not as pleasant an experience for me (the plane was filthy). I've also flown United and had no problems.

I've never gotten a dirty look any time I flew with DS (I've flown solo with him twice and DH flew solo with him once, and we've flown as a family several times as well), and flight attendents have always been extremely helpful--as have other passengers--in getting on and off the plane.

Are you buying DS a seat of his own? If not, I highly recommend it as it makes things much, much easier.

I'll be flying Southwest solo with BOTH boys in less than two weeks. Ask me in early August how that went! :-)

[usfrph]

We've only flown American and that's mainly because of miles.
The flight attendants have always been helpful. Your DS *should*
sleep through most of the flight at that age. The older they get
the harder it is to travel! :)

[mudder17]

Well, I didn't vote because unless Southwest does not fly somewhere, I almost always choose it! They are so helpful even when both parents are around and they let us preboard (American did NOT let us preboard, and they are also the ones who did not let my sister's friends preboard and then announced over the PA that they would be on their way as soon as the parents got their carseat settled!) and just generally I feel really comfortable flying with them. During the flight, they would stop by every once in a while just to see if there was anything we needed for Kaya. We've gone on 5 round trips with Kaya, 4 of them on Southwest on 1 on American (we didn't buy these tickets).

ETA: I've also nursed Kaya during the flights and NEVER got even a look, let alone a dirty one, if that makes any difference. We've flown Kaya since she was 4 months old if that makes any difference. FWIW, I like that Southwest will let me reserve a seat for her, but if they're not full-up, they'll let us have the extra seat for free. Other airlines may do this, but I don't know.

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[aliceinwonderland]

We literally fly them every weekend. NEVER a bad experience.
And they're the only airline that does not significantly jack up the prices if you buy your ticket a couple of days before travel date (which we do too, for some reason).

OT here, but I will NEVER, EVER, if I can help it at all,fly AlItalia again. We're paying hundreds more to avoid them this winter. Suffice it to say that I think I have pretty thick skin, yet they had me in tears before the flight even pulled away from the gate last summer(flying with 2.5 month old DS). And my normally sedate, mild-mannered DH VERY mad.

e.

[murpheyblue]

We've flown United, Continental and Jet Blue with DD and never had a problem anywhere. With a toddler, I'm a big fan of Jet Blue because of the TVs (No I don't normally let her watch 5 straight hours of TV!) and, at JFK, they have a kids play area at the gate. Can you say 'brilliant'! At two months, you don't have those issues though. As an infant, DD slept through most of our x-country flights.

[kensjen]

Well, we usually fly Delta due to FF miles, but have pretty much flown each airline at least once with DS. My favorite is delta Song, they are awesome, and all of the extras are helpful with DS. I would pretty much say anyone but American, as both flights we flew with them were TERRIBLE. First, they wouldn't let us preboard (they only allow the first class passengers to preboard, and would not make an exception), and then they gave us a hard time because they had to wait for us to install the car seat. Also, when I flew alone with DS they would not help me with anything, said the parents need to install the car seat (???). I just had my hands full and would have loved some help. In general, they seemed to have an anti-kids attitude.

We have flown at least 10 or 12 times on some sort of delta flight with DS and each time it was great. They always have let us preboard, were helpful when I was alone, one time a flight attendant even brought over a mobile that she makes for the small babies. So they have a good track record with us.

We have also had a good experience with United and America West.

I'm sure sometimes it depends on the staff and the time of day what kind of service you will get. But now I really try to avoid American and always try to book Delta. HTH!

[DebbieJ]

Another vote for Southwest! We've flown Southwest and ATA with ds, two of those legs (one one SWA and one on ATA) it was me solo with ds and the Marathon car seat. Southwest wins hands down! The flight attendant carried the car seat in for me, asked if I needed help, etc. ATA did nothing for me, didn't even offer.

Both SWA and ATA still allow preboarding for families with small children, but many of the majors do not. You might want to check that out.

Also, consider the time and length of the flight. Is it non stop?

And, yes, always always always buy a seat for your child and use his/her carseat on board.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[wagner36]

We love Southwest too - if you preboard, you can get the bulkhead seats, which are great with a baby or toddler.

[bmartin]

I'll tell you who doesn't get my vote-American.

I was dismayed to recently be told on 4 different trips on American airlines that I could not preboard with my child to install his car seat and get him settled before regular boarding. One of the gate agents said "It will take too much time." Yet they still find plenty of time to board their platinum members. Another told me, "Then everyone would try to preboard." Right, like you can fake having a child with you. I wouldn't have been as mad if they had just compromised and let only those installing car seats board early to get this arduous task done before the aisles are clogged.

When I asked if they would prefer I block the aisles while I installed the car seat and my husband held the baby, one of the agents looked me in the eye and said "yes, we would." Wow American, this really makes me want to fly your "friendly" skies.

Bonnie
Mother of Jack-15mo.

[holliam]

I'll be the odd-man out and vote for American. I have flown a lot in my life, and American and United are currently the only airlines I will fly (too many reasons to get into).

We flew home from Guatemala on American, and it was the best experience. The flight attendants were great. The ticket people were great. The CS people on the phone were great. I sound ridiculous but it was seriously such a smooth, smooth travel home. I could rave about American for so many reasons.

I admit that we were flying FC with frequent flyer miles so we had plenty of time to settle, and we were not using a carseat. We had her on our laps. But, we did notice that they no longer do pre-boarding for families, and that surprised me.

Holli

[JBaxter]

I have flown on united 5 ( 4 cross country trips) times with Nathan. The first time he was 4 months old. I cant say anything bad about them. The last flight was the first time we bought him his own seat. ( 20months and 30lbs is to much to be a lap baby). I had them heat a bottle and baby food with no problems.
Jeana

[hez]

Hmmm... Delta almost didn't let us pre-board on our trip in June. They said to wait for our group or whatever-- we were in group 3. So, we went up with group 1, asked nicely if we could get on to install the carseat (we were the only ones with a carseat), and got a really nasty, dirty look like we had just asked for something foul. The gate attendant let us board after the look-- and to be honest, I'm not sure why they didn't want to let us pre-board. The flight was already over an hour late (incoming flight was late), and we would have just made it later if we'd had to wait 'til almost last to board. DH is one of the Medallion levels, too, so it all just ticked me off to no end.

I will say that the ride home was nice when they bumped all 3 of us to 1st class. It still doesn't make up for the first gate attendant, though.

I haven't figured out the logic of not allowing passengers with children, or elderly people needing extra help to board early. Some poor lady who was in obvious need of a wheelchair leaned on her daughter (I assume it was her daughter) so patiently waiting for her group to be called... My VERY biased view based on my last trip is that they don't want you traveling on their planes unless you fit into a very specific category of age and ability to care for yourself. Which is fine when I'm on business travel, but stinks for anyone on personal travel.

[rupptopia]

I've had similar experience to the previous posts. So I will sum up our airine ratings in one word:
Southwest: Great
American: Good
United: Terrible

Of course, it really depends on the flight attendants. But I think Southwest goes out of their way to be family friendly. Friendly smmiles & large bottles of water for formula. (They even let me preboard when I was pregnant!)

On our American flight, the lady told me I couldn't preboard but 4 month old DS & I just got in line right after first class anyway. I just handed her my ticket like I belonged there & she (same person) let me through. I was banking that she wouldn't throw us out of the line & I was right. The extra time was really helpful, we got settled before we could slow too many people down.

Once we got on the plane & asked for assistance from the flight attendant greeting folks at the door. She didn't seem thrilled with the idea but she helped anyway & all was fine.

Michelle
Mom to Alex born 9/28/04

[TonFirst]

What? You should automatically get to preboard if you're Medallion! Although, when I was flying alone with Adam a few months ago, the gate agent gave me that same nonsense about people with babies no longer being able to pre-board. I replied, "Well, that's new and terrible!" and boarded early (after the first class, but with the Medallion people) anyway.

I've flown Delta 10 times with Adam and AirTran twice, and I have generally been very happy with Delta. We've flown overseas in Business and the rest of the times have been Coach. I nursed him on almost every flight with nary a sidelong glance from anyone, and I also nursed him in the Crown Room Club with no problems. AirTran wasn't *bad* but Delta was a little nicer.

Some more tips: The bulkhead is great *except* you can't put your diaper bag under the seat in front of you, which is a pain. In Atlanta, you can usually go through the first-class security line if you have a baby in a stroller.

[marit]

Another vote for SouthWest. They let you prebaord anf are the only airline (I know of) that doesn't have marked seats. Therefore, you can get the first line! (since you are going on the plane first). The atendants are great and friendly too.

[hez]

Yup. It was a rotten ending to a rotten evening (see my post last month about the TSA fiasco!).

I have to say, though, this post reminded me that I hadn't written my complaint yet to Delta about the no pre-boarding policy, so that's been done this evening, and feels good to get off my chest :) I even clicked the box saying I wanted a response to my email, because I really want to know what the heck their logic is on the policy.

Again, the only thing I can think is they're trying to discourage vacation travel, which could make some sense-- vacationers tend to plan ahead and get cheaper fares than a lot of business travelers who make last minute arrangements and pay full price. Then again, if you were Delta, who's been in a lot of financial hurt, wouldn't you just want to fill up your flights anyway you could?!

[hez]

We flew ATA last summer. It was very pleasant-- we got help when we wanted it, and privacy when I needed it to nurse DS.

[jesseandgrace]

We fly San Fran Boston at least every two months with the kids, and it really doesn't matter what airline you take because it really just depends on the flight crew IMO. I would check orbits for the cheapest non stop as you will want a non stop if you are flying alone, and just take it. On my trip to Boston this month I am flying Jet blue (you can fly non stop to Oakland (really not any farther than SFO or San Jose, a bit farther). The times are really good, I fly out of Oakland at about 10:10am and get to Boston about 6, and fly back to San Jose leaving Boston at about 3 and getting here at about 6.

The best deals with orbits are found by checking the little box at the bottom of the screen that says more options. After that you can check a seat for the infant if you want one, and in the box under SFO (san fran) you can check airports within a certain # of miles, always worth it as San Fran and Oakland are really similar distances to the city (the airport is a little far out) and San Jose is not too bad (an hour) so at least worth seeing if it is hundreds cheaper. Usually San Fran is the cheapest on the major airlines you have listed, but Jet blue doesn't fly out of there. Go for a non-stop!

[jbowman]

I have flown Northwest & American with DD and had no problems. That said, I would be more concerned about prices & flight times (and # of connections, if any) than with the specific airlines. I believe that American and Delta have large operations out of Boston Logan. I'd go with one of them. JMHO.

[DebbieJ]

If you're using a car seat on board, you probably DON'T want bulkhead seats. They are usually narrower due to the tray table in the armrest.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[pixelprincess]

I'd vote Southwest too. American has a pretty lousy track record of being on time to SFO. I forget where you can find that info.

I live close to SF and have flown various airlines so the delays can also be a luck of the draw. The only thing I don't like about Southwest is that seats aren't assigned so it is a free for all. If you book American or another airline that assigns seats you can request an empty seat next to you and if the flight isn't full, you can end up with a free seat for your DS.

Good luck!

[DebbieJ]

Forgot to add--SWA does not fly out of SFO, only Oakland, and they do not fly into Logan. I believe Manchester NH is the closest on that end.

The extra travel time that will add for you may steer you towards other airlines.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[mudder17]

Yes, the fact that American barred us from preboarding and then complained about us taking too long still bugs me to no end!


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[hez]

I was telling DH about this on the way in this morning. Maybe we ought to stage a mini-revolt. If the airlines won't let us pre-board, take as long as we need to installing the car seat, while telling everyone and anyone who will listen that this would have been done so much faster had the airline let us pre-board with the frequent flyer folks. }(

[hez]

Stupid computer.

[heatherlynn]

I think SW also flies in/out of SJC and Providence.

H-
Heather
dd 3/98
ds 8/04
and #3 edd 11/05 (it's a girl!)

[heatherlynn]

My brother just flew SJ/Boston on Jet Blue and loved it. He said that's all he'll fly from now on!

H-
Heather
dd 3/98
ds 8/04
and #3 edd 11/05 (it's a girl!)

[ethansmom]

Southwest is very family friendly; I think because their crews are more relaxed.

The longest flight we've taken w/DS was on NW, (6 hrs flight time w/one connection) and I was absolutely THRILLED w/them! We had the Marathon, stroller, DS, and one small pull-behind carry-on going through our departing airport. A NW employee actually approached us after we got through security, took the car seat and escorted us to our gate. WOW! We were always allowed to preboard, and the crew were great. DS was given wings at check-in, and a pilot on one leg gave us a little card w/a picture of the plane and the stats on the other side for his baby book. Also, I was letting DS stretch his legs a bit during one flight (more for the other passengers' comfort since he was going to melt down) and one of the flight attendants very nicely told me that we were coming up on some turbulence, and although the seatbelt sign was still off, I might want to get the little one back in his seat well before it got bumpy. He wasn't condescending or anything.

[aguinn]

Thanks to everyone for responding! Wow - some of your experiences are pretty harsh, but it sounds like if I can get past the gate attendant and get a good flight crew then I'm all set no matter which airline I choose.

I forgot to mention that I am a seasoned traveller, and have flown with DS#1 several times in his 2 years, but never across country on my own (just quick flights from Boston to DC/Atlanta). I'll have DS#2 in a pouch and will be trying to manage his carseat and a small carry-on - hopefully that won't be too much! I am hoping that he does sleep most of the way, as some PP's have mentioned - that would be very nice!

Just wanted to say that I added the major airlines to this poll, and would have put more but there are only 6 slots to put choices - sorry to those who wanted to vote for Southwest, JetBlue or others! It sounds like they are really great! I'm only looking for non-stop flights, and SW only has connecting flights on the dates I need to travel, so they are out already! Same for a couple other smaller carriers. So far, Delta has the best price for non-stop ($305 RT), but I'm going to keep looking at price over the next couple of weeks before I buy my ticket.

Thanks again for all your help! It is VERY useful!

;)amy
proud momma to DS
and cutie #2 due 9/9/05 - it's a BOY! (Please come earlier! School starts on the 12th!)

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030729/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." ~ Neil Postman

[Mommy_Again]

sorry, this is slightly OT, but we just flew Northwest with DS a week ago (by myself on one of the legs). So get this:

You wait in line to check bags curbside (a very long wait, by the way)
Then they tell you to go INSIDE and wait in another line to get your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk.

WTF? So glad this makes things easier on you, mr. airline, but have you thought that if you inconvenience your passengers in such a ridiculous manner that they might vow to never fly you again? arrrhhhh

[mudder17]

I'd join you except I don't plan on flying American anytime soon and I tell everyone I know why. What I do do is tell the Southwest folks every time I fly with them exactly why I fly with them. :)


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[ethansmom]

I love being able to check-in and print out our boarding passes from home via the internet. So much easier!!

[mama2galpals]

i've had good experiences on southwest and american but i've found that every time i've flown northwest the flight attendants have been less than nice to my girls. they don't seem to have the same patience for some reason.





rita
mommy to
olivia '97
stella '00
emma '03

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
--Henry David Thoreau

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