First in Flight

We used to write often about our New York “firsts”.  A year and a half into our big city adventure, we have fewer and fewer Big Apple firsts, but have had a ton of new parent indoctrinations to keep us busy.

We’ve gotten used to changing diapers, bath time, and even have figured out a “tired cry” from a “something’s wrong cry” (at least most of the time!)  Still, we get excited about trying new things out with our little guy.

That is, unless the new thing is flying in an airplane for the first time.  This “first” scared us a bit, as we’d grown accustomed to the ease of traveling on our own and weren’t sure what it would be like to be those people with the baby on the plane (c’mon, you know you think it!)

Alas, the super affordable last minute tickets to NC we found were too good to pass up, so we embarked on our inaugural airport experience with Miller a little over a week ago.

The first (and perhaps most daunting) obstacle in our path was the dreaded security line.  It’s painful enough for a savvy business traveler - so try taking your baby through the line, especially when you’re trying to avoid the bag fees by carrying on 2 overnight bags as luggage.

Once we figured out the rules, we devised a plan, which consisted of sending our bags through while I carried MIller, with Tracy escorting the stroller and car seat through the x-ray machine.  We made sure to let the lady behind us in line to jump ahead once we knew she was in a rush - because if one thing’s for certain, it’s that we were not going to make it through expeditiously.

We made it through with relative ease though - thanks in large part to the TSA employees who went above and beyond the call of duty to make our lives easier.  Often these folks get a bad rap as government employees with little regard for customer service (and it’s generally a rap that comes well deserved!)  But in this case, the TSA team provided first class service, and with smiles too!

The fine service from TSA was simply a precursor to the continued care we received throughout the trip.  The US Air gate agents and bag handlers helped get our bags to the tarmac and fellow travelers were there to pick up a dropped pacifier or to simply open a door when needed.

And to live up to his end of the bargain, Miller returned the favor by hardly letting out a peep during either flight segment.  He was content to lay across our laps and caught a few zzz’s.  Even when we had to exit the commuter jet onto a cold and windy boarding area, Miller stayed calm and collected - certainly a treat for anxious first flight parents.

The reward for the big day of travel? A comfy bit of snuggling with Aunt Jennifer and plenty of priceless time with our entire family.

It was a fun trip and the first of many for Miller.  In fact, he’s already booked for St. Louis in March!