airport

Flying on JAL with infants

Posted on by Marissa Goldstein

Here’s our honest review of flying on Japan Airlines (JAL) with infants

Reservations:

  • They were extremely helpful. Besides having to wait on hold for upwards of 10-15 minutes, they fulfilled all of our requests (bulk head, bassinets, kids meals).
  • They charge 10% of the fair for each lap infant. Includes a checked bag and a kids meal.

Pre-Flight:

  • They were very nice at check in.
  • We checked our stroller at the gate about 30 minutes prior to boarding. They provided a plastic bag for it.

Flight Pro’s:

  • Airline is very clean and modern. We flew on the Dreamliner. Seats seemed spacious for coach.
  • Flight attendants were very pleasant. They set up the bassinets shortly after takeoff. Provided pillows and blankets.
  • They come around with a kids toy from the airline –  nice touch!

Flight Cons:

  • Kids meals were a bit unusual. Came with a banana and muffin at the beginning of the flight. The meal was some sort of chicken salad (I think). Didn’t seem too appetizing.
  • You must change your infant in the lavatory. We learned the hard way! The changing table goes over the toilet and is actually clean and okay. (Ok this isn’t really a con, but so much easier to change your baby on your lap!).
  • Flight attendants were VERY awkward with the babies making noise during “quiet” time. They turn the lights off about 2 hours after takeoff (even though it was only 3pm Boston time). It’s hard to get a young kid to go to sleep at that time. Every time my kids made a peep, they stood over us. What are we supposed to do?!? They also asked, numerous times, that we get up and go to the lavatory area, as to not disturb other passengers.  I should add that the flight attendants on the Tokyo-HCM flight were much better with the babies.
  • It’s hard to eat with a baby on your lap. Flight attendants weren’t good about bringing us food after service. Also didn’t clear quick enough – this is very challenging with a lap infant.
  • Food at the Narita airport was scarce. I was excited for Japanese food but unfortunately, didn’t get any!

All things considered, the Boston to Tokyo flight is fantastic. Non stop on a beautiful, clean airline. I wish the flight attendance were a bit more kid friendly and attentive, but overall, it was a positive experience. We will definitely fly with them again.

Taking your twins on an airplane

Posted on by Marissa Goldstein

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).

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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!