Amtrack Vs. Flying with a 2 and 1 Yr Old

Your children can sit on your lap during the flight, but they have to sit in their own seat restrained during take off and landing, so you're really not getting "extra" seats. You have to have them.

I would say flying would be your best bet. The reason for this is because you will be able to get over there faster and flying shouldn't be that bad because as young as your children are they will probably both take a nap on the plane. If you take the Amtrack depending on how busy your 2 year old is there is always a chance of him running around on the train opening doors that shouldn't be opened. About the seating on a plane and buying an extra ticket the airports should be able to tell you if you should buy one or not. Just remember that if you do take the plane to make sure the kids have either a passy or a bottle or something when the plane takes off to help their little ears pop so it won't hurt as much.

The question is...how long do you want to travel with 2 children? And how much can you afford to spend? It may be cheaper to take the Amtrak but the plane is faster. Either way you may have delays checking in what with the terrorist stuff and the tightened security, so make sure you leave plenty early. Personally I would take the plane cause trying to keep young kids still for so many hours is hard. I took a bus from Michigan to Illinois once with a one year old and it was a nightmare.

I would DEFINITELY fly. We've taken our kids on planes (they are now 2 and 4) about once a year since they were born - so they aren't super used to it, but they love it. They find it exciting. We take a portable DVD player or laptop for them to watch while they are onboard, and that works really well. Our kids are afraid of lots of stuff, so we were a bit worried about it, but our last trip went really well. I would never want to be on a train for that long with two small kids. just my opinion, of course.

I live in Louisville, but my parents live in Alaska and I try to visit them 1-2 times a year. So, I have been traveling with my daughter on an airplane since she was an infant. My recommendation would be to fly, especially if it is only a 4 hour flight. If your kids are 1 & 2 I would go ahead and get the extra tickets. The seats are cramped already and flying with a lap child is very uncomfortable! Be sure to bring entertainment like coloring books, or the ever-faithful portable DVD player. The airlines will let you board early so you can be sure to have your roller-board in the overhead bin above your seat with all your necessities. Just be sure to be prepared and well rested before your trip.

Hi, I took two trips with my two daughters this past summer and fall when they were 3 and 6 months old. Over the summer my husband and I took the girls to Perdido Key, FL. It was a very long 13 hour car trip. This past fall, by myself, the girls and I flew to Denver, CO. Flying is definitely the way to go because you get the trip over with. When taking a long car/train trip I have found it almost takes a day or two of your vacation to recover from the long exhausting trip there. I have flown with children many times and these trick always work for me. It definitely took a few times to get it down just right!
-Get your children their own seats if you can. The more space the better.
-Prepare them. Let them know they are about to go on a long but fun trip and for safety reasons they must stay in their seats. If my daughter behaves well on a flight we always reward her after.
-Have plenty to entertain. I actually bring a portable DVD player (you have to use head phones with it) and I buy a couple of new videos because if they've never seen the video, it's sure to hold their attention better. I also buy a couple of new books or little toys too.
-I bring plenty of yummy snacks!
-I think my best tip would be to board the plane absolutely last!!! They always call for families with small children to board first. I found if you board first, you often sit on the plane for over an hour before it even takes off. I let my kids run around until the last minute so they get all that energy out.
-If possible, always get a direct flight. The longer the travel process is drawn out, obviously the children will only get more restless.
-Last but not least, don't worry about other people around you if your children are loud or throw a fit, just know they are very glad they are not you!:)

My husband is in the Army so he is gone pretty much all the time. In 2005 we had to fly to Oklahome to spend a few days with him because they would not let him come home. At that time my boys were 3 and 10 months. I did it alone with no help. It was a hassle with the changing the baby's diapers and trying to get to the gates on time furing layovers but I did it. Some things that will help would be a very small umbrella stroller (walmart ten bucks) because they can collapse easily they can be used as carry on luggage, and for the older one, even though I TOTALLY disagree with the use of these, this was a complete nessecity, one of those little leashes that velcro around them like a harness. Th eplane will require the older child to have a seat, but the smaller one will most likely be able to sit in your lap. Im sure you have heard how chewing gum helps with the popping of you ears, gummy worms work great for the kids!

Hi D.,

When our kids were little, we traveled overseas several times by plane, and then on an overnight train - so we've "done it all"! :)

I wouldn't think the four hour plane ride would be a problem, as long as you prepared in advance. Bring some new and old (familiar) toys/activities for the boys. Snacks and juice would be a good idea, too, as you can't be sure if they will like what is served on the plane.

I'm not sure about ticket prices, anymore. It used to be free up to a certain age, then 1/2 price, for young children. When ours were 2 or less, we did not get a seat for them. They sat on my lap, or stood between my legs, etc.

Okay...on to the train! My kids loved riding the train. If you had a compartment for your family, I think it would be great! Again, just come prepared. Being able to walk around through the train, look at passing scenery, towns, etc, eat in the diner, etc. etc. will be fun for the boys, I think. My kids had no problem sleeping on the train.

Do your boys like any kids' dvd/videos? If so, it might be worth investing in a player to take on the train, if you choose that route.

Hope this helps! Good luck, and have lots of fun!! Our kids are now almost 20, 19, and 17 and I **cherish** the memories we made when they were little!!

K.

I flew alone with my DD whan she was 3 mo. I took her whole stroller (because I knew I had a 2 hr layover) and car seat with me and when I checked in at the airport I just asked if there were any empty seats on the flight that they would seat me next to. So I checked the stroller at the gate and carried my baby on in her car seat and buckeled her right in! It was SO easy! and I was so nervous before!! But it all worked out great! SInce yours are old you probably won't need the carseat but I would still ask for to be next to an empty seat for diaper changes etc!
Good luck!

I agree with the plane. I was scared the first time I took mine on one too, but it was actually quite easy. They were 2 and 16 months.

You can buy them a seat and take their carseat on the plane. That's what we did. If they're under 2, I think it's up to you, on your lap or in their own seat, but I strongly suggest the carseat because they're used to it. Also, you can take a stroller and when you get on the plane, the stewardess will take it for you and hold it at the front of the plane, so don't check it in!! When the plane lands, she has it ready for you as you're leaving.

That would be a very long time on a train with 2 young children. I'd fly with them. Our kids have been flying 4-5 times a year (mostly cross country flights) since they were a few months old. It's really not hard. And it's just a few hours. We also got a seat for the kids and brought their carseat. It helps restrain them... they are used to it and they fall asleep better. With just the adult seatbelt, they jump around and squirm and just never settle down... and the more tired they get, the worse it gets. We stopped using the carseat with our son when he turned 3. Flying with kids is pretty easy... just bring lots of snacks and toys and a DVD player never hurts, either. They can walk around the plane once it's up. As long as you actively engage them in play the entire time they are seated and awake they won't get bored... the bored restless kids seem to be the ones crying the most on the plane. We never had a crying meltdown on a plane.

The plane isnt that bad....and it depends on how crowded the plane is but they usually cater to you. But there are things that you can do to make it alittle easier....Make sure they have either a bottle or sippy cup to suck on when the plane is taking off and try and keep them up from a nap or keep them up late so that they can sleep. Hope that helps...Good Luck