Trip to Italy with a 17 Month Old - Airline Suggestions?

You didn't mention it but I am assuming that you are actually purchasing a seat for your son? I know that you don't HAVE to up until the age of 2 but I wouldn't DREAM of traveling with a baby/toddler who didn't have their own seat. It is, first of all, completely unsafe (I can't believe they even offer this option) - they can bounce out of your lap so easily. Secondly, the thought of holding him for the entire trip is horrible! We travel A LOT (in laws are overseas) with our 4 kids so all I can say is bring his car seat and stroller right to the gate - make sure your carseat is FAA approved (the flight attendants sometime check them and make a big deal out of this). We always travel with portable DVD players and favorite movies/shows. Lots of snacks and high hopes that he sleeps for most of it - the time of the flight is important (we like to fly at night into the a.m. so there is sleep involved). I don't think the airline makes a difference - being well prepared does! Best of luck!

Hi K.!
I am in freezing NJ and it would be wonderful to go to Italy right now! I was traveling to Croatia every summer since I came to USA in 2000. First it was with 1,5 year old daughter, later with two of them. I even had to wait for another plain somewhere along the way, because there are no direct routes to my hometown Split. So, for me, bulkhead seats are great, but be careful not to be late with check-in, otherwise you may stay without it even if it was promised before. When in the plain, let your little one walk around and enjoy the experience, try the headphones, music, food, little plastic spoons - everything will be new and interesting. Recognize the exciting moments and prepare him in advance to help him not to be scared -sounds, pressure, everything can be fun if you are joyful about it. Enjoy the trip, don’t be nervous, and it will be a really wonderful experience for him.
Here is a nice link with some advices. http://www.toddlers-are-fun.com/air-travel-with-toddlers....
And don’t forget the umbrella strollers! Take them with you all the way, and when you are entering the plain tell them that you need the stroller at the door, don’t let them mark it as cargo and send away, it will be a disaster! Remember, it is a long line to wait until you catch your bag and show your documents, and you and your little one will both be very tired. That is the worst part of the trip, everything else is a pleasure – strollers are the saver in that moment! And prepare some milk bottle, favorite crackers or something like that (and a blanket!) before you are out of the plane, it will halp with that tired stroller-time at the end. Also, change of clothes, so the spilling will not boder you (that little plastic cups are so exciting!)
Hope this will help and enjoy!!!
S.
ps.I don't find Delta worth the higher price.

whatever you do, do not take alitalia. there flights are always delayed. continental is good. i have family there so we either travel there or they come here. I had 20 family members come from italy this summer and they all took continental on different times there flights were always on time and early. my uncle flew to italy a month ago on alitalia and his flight was delayed 8 hours and they lost his luggage both times. i took the trip to italy with a 2yr old and 10 month old. going there was ok b/c they managed to sleep. coming home was torture b/c the flight was so long bring lots of toys and stuff your child likes to play with.

Hi K.,

I've flown Continental and Delta domestically several times in the last year with my infant (at 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months) and I found Delta far superior. They were just nicer and more accommodating. Definitely get to the gate early to try and score the bulkhead - this has always worked with Delta and never with Continental.

I loved the advice to make it a great adventure for your son. I know it's totally stressful and provokes great anxiety, but traveling with baby can be fun (or at least not horrifying). Good luck and have a beautiful trip!