Babies Can Fly! 13 Tips for Air Travel With Twins

It may sound wild, but eventually you will voluntarily board an airplane with your twins.  The good news: traveling with twinfants is often easier than traveling with twin toddlers. A second adult is ideal, but even if you’re solo, flying with twins is absolutely doable.  It does, however, take planning.

Planning the Most Amazing Airline Flight Ever

1.  Map Out Your Journey.  Before you start packing the diaper bag, you must first carefully consider your logistics. How long a flight are you prepared to endure? Is a direct flight possible? Exiting the plane with twinfants will take significantly longer than the solo passenger who is jogging to his connection. 

2. Arrive Early or Suffer the Consequences. To survive this journey, give yourself every possible advantage. Why add to the abundant stress by running late? Do not assume that anyone will do you favors if there is a long line to check your bag and get through security. Picture yourself running to the gate while carrying twins, only to miss your flight. That is a special type of heartbreak. 

   
   

3. The Seat Situation.  Airlines typically allow one lap infant per adult. If you are flying alone, this usually means you’ll need to purchase a seat for one twin and bring an FAA-approved car seat. Yes, it’s an extra expense (hello, twin tax!) but it gives you space and is much safer than juggling two wiggle-worms during turbulence.  

4. Car Seats. Here is another strategy exercise. You will need two car seats at your destination to get around in a car with your twins. But on board, you may only bring a car seat for each ticketed infant. If flying solo with twins, bring one car seat on board (for the twin with a seat). Gate-check or baggage-check the other, unless you purchased tickets for both infants. If you don’t bring your own, arrange in advance for a second car seat at your destination.

5. Stroller(s). If you are traveling with car seats, consider whether you can survive your vacation with a car seat stroller (sometimes called “travel systems”).  A car seat stroller is certainly easier to travel with than a traditional double stroller, but will it meet your needs while you are on your trip? Car seat strollers are bumpier and carry fewer extra items, such as diaper bags. If your trip will involve being out and about sightseeing with your twinfants, you may prefer your traditional double stroller for comfort and utility. If your trip requires less walking, the car seat stroller may suffice. In either case, be prepared to fold up your stroller and check it at the gate.

6. Ask for Airport Assistance in Advance.  Many airline passengers assume that airport assistance is only for the most elderly and disabled passengers.  Not true!  If you are a parent traveling with multiple infants you may absolutely request assistance, such as  wheelchair and/or golf cart transport within the airport. Call your airline beforehand and explain that you cannot safely manage two infants and luggage alone. They will not call you an incompetent parent. You are literally paying them to transport you in the air, why not get a little help on the ground?  Don’t forget to also request this same help at your destination airport.

7. Ask for Assistance at the Airport.  If you have neglected to call in advance, you should still ask for help at the airport. If they are available, advise the skycaps outside the terminal that you need immediate assistance. They will call or radio the correct manager. If you ask for help in the terminal, do not wait in line at customer service. Madness lies in that direction. Find a security guard or airport agent on the floor and politely (but firmly) explain you cannot physically manage alone.

8. Count and Number All Bags.  Before leaving home, line up all your bags, take a photo, and make a simple numbered list. Use this to confirm you have everything when loading the car, when unloading at the airport, and when boarding and deplaning. You can purchase booze and cigarettes at the airport, but not diapers. I learned that hard lesson when my family arrived at the airport, checked in, and realized we forgot the diaper bag. Good times!

9. Pack Extra Carry-On Clothes for the Twinfants. As I am writing this, I am wishing you a tranquil vacation.  Deep down, however, I know at some point there will be vomit.  Where will your twinfant(s) vomit? Who knows! It could be the car to the airport, the security line, or just after take-off. When it happens, your task is to get the twinfant into clean clothes ASAP and the soiled items into a plastic bag you can seal and conceal. You must have these items at the ready. (Pro tip: the EO brand of lavender spray hand sanitizer comes in a travel size and works wonders to combat odor in small spaces.)

   
   

10. Pack Extra Carry-On Clothes for Yourself. Anyone holding a twinfant on a plane is in the splash zone. Plan accordingly. Ask me how I know!

11. Expect Chaos at All Times. Traveling is an adventure. You are simultaneously  anticipating the unpredictable while also living in the moment with your twinfants. Keep your cool when the inevitable bumps arise. You are not afraid of the chaos because you understand it is constantly all around us. Focus on the challenge, which is travelling from point A to point B. You can do this.

12. Care Less (or not at all) About Public Perception. Travel comes with uncontrollable variables. There are moments when your kids will be loud and bothersome when traveling, and that is completely normal. When your twinfants commence wailing mid-flight, you can only do your best to soothe. There is no shame in being an attentive parent. If people are staring, you should assume they sympathize. Your kids have a right to be on that plane. Anyone with the judgy gall to complain can book a private jet or hitchhike.  

13. Find Your Allies.  Travel means meeting new people. The flight attendants are there to help you. You never know who will empathize with twinfant travel, so be open when another mom offers to hold a twinfant mid-flight so you can go to the bathroom (and enjoy 3 minutes of cramped solitude). That trip where we forgot the diaper bag? I took my stroller and roamed all the nearby gates until I found a fellow mom with a comparably sized baby. I literally begged for one diaper (offered to buy it off her) and she generously gave me four diapers to get me through the flight. When you travel solo later in life, pay it forward. Do not assume that staring strangers are judging you. There may be a guardian angel in the crowd. 

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Parenting today can be a scary business, but travel is a source of joy for parents and children. Here at The Twintellect, we know parents of multiples are capable of big adventures. Do not be afraid. Go forth and explore. And, seriously, don’t forget the diaper bag!