Whether you have an upcoming trip or you’re thinking about (or dreading) booking a trip, here is what you should know about flying with twins (and some tips and tricks).

What you need to know:

• You can only have 1 lap infant per passenger (a lap infant is from 0-2 years old).
• You can’t have 2 lap infants in the same row unless there are three seats and only 2 passengers; there needs to be an oxygen mask for each passenger/lap infant. If you are in a row with three seats there are 4 oxygen masks. This means that you can’t sit next to your companion if there are 3 actual passengers in the row. Some airlines make you skip a row, so you’ll likely be sitting by yourself with only one of your babies.  If you want to sit with your companion and both babies, consider booking an extra seat
• Checking a car seat and stroller are free – we purchased car seat bags on Amazon ($14) and check our stroller and car seats at check in, so we don’t have to drag them through the airport, but you can also check gate side if that’s easier for you. Make sure to put your car seat in a car seat bag to protect it from germs, etc.
• A diaper bag does not count as a carry on
• You can bring breast milk and a pump on the plane. Put the breast milk in containers less than 3.5 ounces so they don’t need to be scanned. If you put it in a bigger container, they just need to be scanned.
• You carry your baby through the metal detector. They will scan your hands after you walk through.

Tips:

• I prefer to check the stroller and car seats at Check-in and wear the babies in a wrap/carrier.  This way, you don’t need to take them out of the car seats at security
• Pack two diaper bags in case you can’t sit next to your companion – this way you will each have diapers, wipes, change of clothes, etc.
• Pay for a porter when you get to the airport – don’t waste energy or get stressed by having to carry all of your checked bags to check in.  Have $5-$10 ready and have someone help you!
• Pack extra “stuff” in the stroller or car seat bags. I stuff them with stuff, such as shoes (mine), diapers, breast feeding pillow, etc.  They don’t weigh them or look through them.
• Nurse the baby(babies) during take off and landing. Have a bottle or pacifier for the other baby if you can only nurse them one at a time (tandem feeding is very hard on a plane, but if you can do it, good for you!).
• Wipe down the whole area right when you get on the plane – including the tray table, arm rests and seat belt buckles.
• Pack an extra change of clothes and diapers for the plane!
• I get grossed out changing the babies in the bathroom (which is what you are supposed to do). I usually change them on my lap, but you may get dirty looks from people.
• DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP – whether it’s at the gate or on the plane. People will be happy to help.
• If there’s a long line at security, tell them you have twins and sometimes they will expedite you through.
• Pre-board with family boarding – trust me, you will need extra time!