Planning and patience required when traveling with children over the holidays

Traveling with small children can be stressful. Traveling with small children during the hectic holidays can add another layer of stress.

Thankfully, local experts have tips for surviving holiday travel with young ones.

“You have to have patience,” said Joe Weigler, who owns Pittsburgh-based Shadyside Travel. “You have to go with the flow.”

It is best to build in extra time for anyone traveling for the holiday, especially those with little ones, Weigler said.

Try to remain calm, because if you get upset, your tiny travel companions will pick up on that, Weigler said. It most likely will be easier if you prepare ahead of time. Part of that preparation means leaving the house to factor in arriving more than two hours at Pittsburgh International Airport before your flight’s departure time, Weigler said.

“The most important piece of advice for those coming to the airport with children is planning,” said Bob Kerlik, director of public affairs for the airport, who agrees with Weigler that arriving more than two hours ahead is best.

Travel is expected to be up 17% over the next week, said Kerlik. He said the total number of seats on all departing and incoming flights will most likely be full. The heaviest day of travel at the airport is projected to be Monday, Nov. 27, he said.

Most days this week, more than 30,000 people per day are expected to go through the airport. It will be less on Thanksgiving Day. Close to 40,000 people are projected for Monday, according to Kerlik.

“Take the time before you leave the house to make sure you have everything you need,” Kerlik said. “If you have strollers and car seats … that might require more time, so make sure you allow for that. Contact the airline because they may differ when it comes to checking things such as strollers and car seats.”

Although TSA will have additional staff this week, with most airlines running at full to near full capacity on flights, it might be best to sign up for Transportation Security Administration pre-check, Kerlik said. It allows eligible, low-risk travelers to have expedited security screening and cuts down on time going through security checkpoints in a more timely manner.

Children can accompany adults through TSA pre-check, Kerlik said.

All travelers are required to undergo screening, but TSA has modified screening procedures for children. Items such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby and toddler food are allowed in carry-on baggage.

“It is best to check TSA’s website ahead of time for what you can bring through,” said Tiffany Stanley, spokesperson for AAA East Central. “Before heading to security, make sure you have all the documentation you will need in one place” — that documentation includes tickets and photo identification.

Stanley said to build in time to clean up spills and for bathroom breaks.

If you have downtime, visit Kidsport on Concourse C. It has interactive components and elements from a Fred Rogers’ Productions’ traveling exhibition. Concourse C also offers a Mothers’ Nursing Lounge for nursing moms and Presley’s Place on Concourse A, a sensory-friendly area with private, soundproof spaces and adjustable lighting.

There is a 90% chance of rain forecasted for Tuesday, which could impede travel.

“There is quite a bit of rain expected and that can be challenging,” Weigler said. “If you have an early morning flight, that can add to the situation because you will be traveling to the airport in the dark.”

AAA projects that 55.4 million people will travel by air and on the roads between Wednesday and Sunday, an increase of 2.3% over last year.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said Monday that more than 3 million motorists are expected to drive within or through the commonwealth from Tuesday through Sunday. Rosanne Placey, spokesperson for the Turnpike Commission, said children need more breaks when traveling long distances.

“It is also so important to pay attention to the road,” Placey said. “Make sure the children know you won’t be interacting with them a lot, so you can concentrate on driving. We are seeing more deer, so be aware of that.”