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Travelling With Kids? Tips from Toronto Pearson

December 20, 2012 By Lena

Until six weeks ago, I hadn’t traveled with my family before… EVER. Yes, I freaked out about absolutely everything – the flight, keeping the boys busy and happy, the airport wait times, checking our stroller, what to pack, how much to pack, what I shouldn’t pack… OMG!

Turns out, it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it’d be, and the boys rose to the occasion both times. Easy-peasy! And since then, we’ve taken off once more to a sunny destination, so I guess you can colour us lucky :)

Now if you’re traveling today or tomorrow – chances are, you’re not alone. It’s Toronto Pearson’s BUSIEST days for holiday travel; in fact, an estimated 105,000 visitors will pass through the airport tomorrow. #Wowzers

And so when Toronto Pearson asked me if I’d like to share the following travel tips with my readers, of course I agreed – after all, a few short weeks ago, I would have loved to have these for reference myself.

  • Check in online from the comfort of your home before you leave for the airport. <<- I can’t stress this enough. Come on people, it’s 2012! There’s no reason you can’t check in online beforehand.
  • Ensure all travel documents and tickets are in hand before you reach your counter or kiosk.
  • Be aware of weight and size restrictions for checked baggage and ensure that all checked and carry-on luggage has your name and address on it prior to arriving at the airport. <<- On our last trip the airline even weighed our carry-on luggage, something that has never happened to me before!
  • Before leaving home, verify that your baggage does not contain any restricted items. For a complete up-to-date list of restricted items please visit www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.
  • Flag with your airline if you have oversized items to stow, such as strollers and car seats.
  • Talk to your kids about the airport experience before you leave home, to ensure they are prepared for the experience and know what to do if you become separated. <<- Watch them like a hawk at the airport. Both my kids treated the big, spacious gates like their personal living room. Gah.
  • Take advantage of Guest Service Representatives. Located throughout the terminals, these airport staff members are happy to help you with any assistance you may need while at the airport.
  • Keep an eye out for family washrooms which are designed with to keep your family together while protecting your personal space. <<- Yes please. No one wants to crowd in a bathroom stall with two toddlers.
  • Check TorontoPearson.com for any special events happening at the airport the day of your trip, and plan to stop by to enjoy the festivities.
  • Give yourself lots of time to enjoy your airport experience. <<- YES!

The last point is crucial for me. Airport travel is always mildly stressful for me, because of the sheer amount of things going on. You do not want to add the prospect of missing your flight to the mix. So, be sure when traveling with kids to give yourself just a little extra time (but not so much more that you’re banging your head as you wait at the gate for an hour).

For all my friends traveling the skies this holiday season, wishing you a safe a comfortable flight. And if you happen to peek out the window, be sure to look for flying reindeer!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, safe travel, Toronto Pearson

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie Bashford

    December 20, 2012 at 11:49 am

    invaluable information!

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks Debbie! I think so too!

  2. Kristina

    December 20, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Good info! We have traveled quite a bit with our daughter and found it enjoyable! The hardest part is getting out the door.

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      You’re so right. And I’m always afraid that I’ll forget something!

  3. @ParentClub

    December 20, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    I love to have my kids play at the Pearson indoor play ground (international terminal) so they get tired before take off.

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      That’s a great tip Caroline, thank you!

  4. Shirley

    December 20, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Great list. Will come in handy.

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks Shirley!

  5. Marissa

    December 21, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Good post Lena – I’m sure this info. will help a lot of people travelling with kids especially during the holiday season when airports are overcrowded. Thanks for sharing.

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      NP – Happy Holidays!

  6. michael

    December 23, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    Don’t forget to under pack- meaning leave room for things you might purchase including duty free :)

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      Hahaha yes that is a good tip!

  7. courtney b

    December 27, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    i like the tip about talking to your kids :)

    • Lena

      December 30, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      Yup, a little information goes a long way!

  8. francine

    January 7, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    great tips. these work for buses and trains as well. however if you are taking a bus or train i would recommend waiting inside until you are ready to board. airports have gates and such however buses and train areas aren’t gated off outside. it can be hard to juggle 2 kids and everyone’s luggage even with 2 adults and you don’t want to risk your kid falling onto the tracks or running in front/behind the buses even if they aren’t moving or visible at the time

    make a plan. know who is in charge of the kids and who is in charge of the luggage. don’t deviate from that plan. it doesn’t matter if kid a wants to go with the other parent especially in a big crowd. apparently families are a target for theft. as they are banking on your attention being divided or being on your kids.on the same note if you are traveling alone you don’t want to be distracted with a book or magazine either(based on something i saw on tv)

    • Lena

      January 7, 2013 at 1:53 pm

      These are EXCELLENT tips, Francine! Thanks so much for sharing!

  9. Michelle Chow

    January 12, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    A very thorough, funny and insightful – first hand article. Love it. Fun to read and not boring or too long. I enjoyed your personal stories about your experience and the very helpful and useful tips for navigating through airports at any time of year. Thank you, L2L.

    • Lena

      January 27, 2013 at 9:36 am

      Thank YOU Michelle!

  10. Jennee

    January 15, 2013 at 12:23 am

    These are excellent tips! I’ll be sure to implement these when we travel to the UK next year….8 hour flight?!? Eeek!

    Great post!

    • Lena

      January 27, 2013 at 9:37 am

      EEK! Good luck Jennee!

  11. paula huie

    May 21, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Great advise i will have to remember for our upcoming trip to Cuba with our toddler in july (flying out on his 2nd birthday!)
    **must remember to leave with plenty of time** lol

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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