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Well, having just discovered last night that I lost 50K miles (on US Airways), I checked the balance of my other miles and discovered that Delta has no expiration on miles now. So I would vote for them. :)
I personally love Delta. I've had to fly across the country all the time, I hate those long flights. But some delta planes have pretty sweet entertainment consolses for each seat where you can watch tv, pick out music you want to listen to, and other stuff too. Plus they have internet sometimes, which can be worth paying for when your flights are long. That might help withkeeping kids distracted too. The snack are pretty lame though, and any onboard food super pricey. I never flew air tran so I can't compare though.
My favorite is Virgin America or Jet Blue. The nicest attendents, more leg room, newer planes, you get your own TV and can order food through the TV.
Of the more traditional airlines I guess Delta. Remeber, unless you have their credit card you have to pay for luggage on Delta and most old school airlines.
Check the cost because it can be $25 or $50 for the first bag and even more for the second bag, which can make a difference when you need a bag both ways. Which may make another airline cheaper
Southwest and Virgin are my faves, but unfortunately they have limited routes. Out of the the choices of Air Tran and Delta I'd choose Delta.
Get to the airport 2 hours early. Wear clothes with minimal metal and shoes that easily slip on and off (with socks). I'd avoid belts and shoes with laces. If you're bringing liquids/gels in your carry-on they have to be in a 1 quart ziploc and each container can be no larger than 3 oz. Have the ziploc and any laptops in easily accessable outside pockets for when you go through security.
Pack granola bars or other snacks, like PPs mentioned, their snacks blow. Put anything that you need easy access to in your purse, not larger carry-ons. It's REALLY annoying when someone is trying to get stuff out of their carry-on in the overhead.
I would plan for them not having TVs in the seat backs and bring handheld game systems, colouring books and other quiet activites for the kids. Restless kids kicking seats are never a good thing.
i LOVE Delta. I fly them all the time both domestic and international. They're great- generally on time... still give free soda and snacks on domestic flights. They let people will small children board early if need be. Good luck booking the flight! :) enjoy your trip!!
I'm a business traveler. I think they're all pretty much on par, but I agree that Virgin and JetBlue are a little better. Unless the satellite isn't working on your JetBlue flight. Then that little TV screen seems to be mocking you. :)
Prep the kids for security ahead of time so they know what happens. I think kids get scared when they're suddenly told to walk alone through a machine without explanation.
For everyone's sake, put them in slip on shoes.
I think I've flown dozens of times with small children, kids, teenagers and adults. They are all hit/miss.
-You want to be at the airport at least two hours in advance, wear comfortable clothes, shoes that are velcro, check the kids bags to make sure they didn't accidently pack something like scissors.
-In a carry on have an easy outfit for each person flying with toiletries...that way if you have to check bags and they are lost...you'll have a change of clothes until your bags are returned to you (this has been a life saver many times).
-If I can help I never get a seat near the toilets...it can smell like a port-o-potty near that area.
-Bring your own snacks, always. Half of my family got stuck in an airport for 10 hours once. Don't take anything smelly, PB, gooey, sticky etc.
-Always carry on medication (even if it's a mini nebulizer).
-Mini packs of: Wet-ones, tissues, hand sanitizer, tums/pepto, benedryl, etc.
-Dramamine (drowsy kind if it's a longer flight, the kids won't puke and they'll sleep through the flight)
-Some kind of gum or lifesaver (kids suck/chew on them before/during take-off and landing, so their ears won't pop as much...if at all).
-Activities: books, crossword, coloring books, playing cards, handheld games, DVD player, whatver they like. One word of advice: PLEASE do not take anything that makes noise...unless you can plug in earphones....it is extremely rude to make other passangers listen to movies, music, etc.
-Don't let kids carry their own tickets, ID, etc. It's just a bad idea and holds up the line for other people trying to get through the scanning line.
-A babysitter of ours did something interesting on a long car trip: She had tiny little bags filled with goodies...after every hour of us being good we'd each get one (filled with a snack, small coloring book, bonne bell, etc.). It was an amazing idea.
I'm sure there are tons of more do's/don'ts. These are just a few I've come up with off the top of my head.
I've flown both and don't mind either. Usually it comes down to who I can get a cheaper rate with, less layovers, shorter travel time. They've both been great and both have sucked as well.
If I can pick from the major airlines, definitely Delta. JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin are all extra nice though.
Typically though, I just go with whatever is cheapest, with good flight times, and minimal layovers.
As a business traveler, I beg you to put those kids in slip on shoes. I can't tell you how much the darn shoe process holds up the line. If you have shoes with ties, you will hold up the line.
The best experience I've ever had on an airline was in Air New Zealand, even their coach was comfortable and well equipped (and they offer awesome tea :))
My advice for flying, take a pill and sleep as much as you can, wear comfy/warm clothes, drink a lot of water, walk around whenever you have the chance.
It's not one of your options, but I really had a great experience with Southwest. They allow you to check the first two bags per passenger for free, and you can change flights for no fee (just pay difference in flight).
It's very minimalist though, at least on the planes I've been on. But, the staff are very friendly, there's free drinks and snacks. Nothing fancy, but the free checked baggage was very worth giving up some of the finer things in flying.
Best airline is ANA then Virgin, but I don't think those are options for you. What ever you do, DON'T use USAIR!! They totally sux!
Earplugs. I never ever travel without them! but be sure to take them out before the plane descends or the pressure will hurt!
Make sure they have something un-electronic to do while on the plane. They won't be able to use electronics until 10,000 ft and if they have something to do it helps distract during take off. I find if I have something to do, I am less nervous.
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I am planning our familie's first big vacation ever. We are going to Discney in January, I just need to book the flights. The two cheapest airlines are Air Tran and Delta. Any input on which is better? I would appreciate really any tips on flying with children or flying in general from all you bees that fly regularly! thanks!