We're considering flying out to Denver on the 17th of December. Will we be in the thick of holiday flying, or will that be early enough to beat the major rush? Any tips on flying with 2 small ones, and while pregnant? Check carseats? Or install them and use them on the plane (each kid will have their own seat)?

My DH is a pilot so I'll try to answer :) It'll be busy since most schools will be out for the holidays by then, but not as bad as the week of.

We were just talking about car seats and planes yesterday. The baggage handlers just toss them around and since you have to get new one if you are involved in an accident I would be cautious and put them on the plane with me if DH were flying with me to help carry them. I would be worried about damage to the seats that you may not be able to see that would cause them to not work properly in an accident.

Bring some things to keep the kids entertained and try not to worry about what other people think if the kids get whiny or loud. If they don't want to hear it than they should have bought a first class ticket:)

Have a great trip!!!

My DH is a pilot too, and people are always asking him about this.

We have a special bag for the baby's seat, and we check it. She wouldn't sit in it on a plane anyway, and she's still young enough to be a lap baby. (I can't imagine buying a ticket for a baby - that can get expensive if you have a whole family going along. The airlines don't seem to be offering discounted fares for kids anymore.) We've checked this seat at least 8 or 9 times (probably more - it's been used for both kids), and it's never even gotten a scratch. We also take along a "travel carseat" for Alex, but it gets checked too - he's big enough at 3 1/2 to sit in a regular seat with a lap belt.

Take along "quiet activities" and be sure to carry on water and snacks. Muy importante! I always try to plan flights during nap times, if at all possible - it makes the whole event much more bearable. ;)

We always bring a carseat on the plane cause we always buy duncan a seat. it gives him something comfortable to sit in and nap in if he gets tired. Call me paranoid, but i don't think a lap belt is appropriate for a small child, even on an airplane. you never know when you're going to hit turbulence so i feel much better knowing duncan is buckled into his car seat. then he carries a backpack with coloring books and regular books, little cars and whatever else might occupy him. mini-magnadoodle is good since they have the attached pen. and always bring snacks and water, and i usually get him one treat in the airport, like nuts or pretzels, he gets excited getting a little something.

...i hope we can see you when you come in town! :)

I should add that both kids have to purchase seats. The cutoff for laps is 2 now, and I'll have a huge belly, making a lap not the best idea anyway, lol.

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts. I think we'll go ahead with the date we picked, so as not to brave the week of Christmas.