Adhere to luggage weight restrictions and be prepared for last-minute repacking Most domestic airlines charge extra for checked bags over 50 pounds. Exact pricing varies by airline, but you can generally pay between $25 and $35 for each of the first two checked bags under 50 pounds. Prices have risen sharply by more than 50 pounds -- up to more than $100 per bag depending on its weight， sports fitness .
International weight limits vary. In Europe, 20 kilograms (about 45 pounds) is a typical "overweight" standard. On longer holidays involving multiple flight segments, be sure to check each airline's baggage weight limit.
Good news: In our experience, airlines view overweight thresholds as a guide rather than a boon. I have exceeded the limit by only 3 or 4 pounds or kilograms twice and have not paid the excess baggage fee.
However, when you're lugging heavy items such as formula, toys and portable baby chairs, it's not always feasible to limit the entire family's belongings to one checked bag without severely breaking the weight limit. To reduce the weight of checked luggage, tuck as much heavy items as possible—solid foods, formula, wipes—into your carry-on.
And, since a second checked bag on most airlines is cheaper than a single excess bag, it's usually best to take it with you, even if you want it to remain half-empty for the entire trip. If nothing else, it has more space for souvenirs.
Don't bring too many baby items through the airport No matter how lightly you pack, there's only so much you have in your hands. If you are flying alone, you cannot manage your checked luggage, carry-on luggage, strollers and car seats individually. Even with two adults in the photo, lugging a car seat is difficult.
If your child is old enough to not need a stroller car seat attachment, seriously consider leaving the car seat at home or in the car in an airport parking lot and renting it at your destination. Hertz offers infant, child, and booster car seat rentals, usually for less than the daily cost of the car itself.
Consider driving to the airport Our son is a public transport expert, especially since he loves attention. But that doesn't mean his parents like to travel on buses and trains with heavy bags, strollers and car seats. We've driven to the airport every time since he was born, even though it's only a short drive from the airport train.
Regarding ridesharing, for trips of less than five days, we drive and park in discounted lots less than two-way Lyft rides. Your break even may be longer or shorter - depending on how far you are from the nearest airport and how much that airport's parking authority charges for long-term parking.
Also, when you are driving your own car, you can leave the car seat in the car for replacement at your destination if desired.
Be sure to price your airport parking in advance. Terminal parking at our home airport charges about 50% more than on-site discounted parking, which is cheaper off-site. The 10 to 15 minute free shuttle service is well worth the savings.
Pack more than 1 baby clothes per day Baby clothes are small and light enough to pack overweight without significantly increasing the overall weight of your luggage. Take advantage of this.
Even after our son started eating solid foods, we found that blowouts were more common in runaway situations - probably due to a combination of factors such as unfamiliar foods, irregular sleep patterns, and travel day photography Incorporate more dietary fluids.
Don't be a cloth diaper hero Cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers, but they're a travel day nightmare. After continuing on our son's cloth diaper regimen on his first flight holiday, we dropped the idea because it wasn't feasible - too many extra bags, too much risk of leakage.
If you are more creative and committed than we are, you will have more power. Otherwise, use disposables on vacation and change back to cloths when you return.
