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| I took my kids to all 7 continents, and these are my top tips |
| by Brian Kelly |
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Hi everyone,
It’s been a long few weeks in travel, and if you’re traveling with little ones in tow, it might feel even longer.
Right before Global Entry was reinstated, my family and I were stuck in a very long customs line upon returning to the United States at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 1. I was in the Mobile Passport Control line, but it wasn’t working, and my 1-year-old and 3-year-old were starting to melt down after about 45 minutes. Luckily, after some very kind staff members moved us to various lines, we made it through customs after a total wait of one hour and 15 minutes.
Although Global Entry has since been reinstated, the moral of the story remains relevant: Things do happen when traveling, and when you’re on the road with young kids, everything seems even more intense.
The good news?
There are many ways you can make family travel easier. I can’t guarantee you’ll never get stuck in a long line, but after visiting all seven continents with my two children in 2025, I can certainly give you plenty of tips to make your travel experience with kids significantly better.
Understand the rules and options
To avoid drama at check-in, boarding or security, make sure you understand each airline’s rules on car seats, strollers, kiddie suitcase “beds” like the Stokke BedBox, bassinets on the plane, etc. Every airline has specific regulations, and Europe’s and Asia’s rules can be starkly different from those of U.S. carriers.
Educate yourself ahead of time — call the airline to book those bassinet seats, and make plans for what to check and how to move your family quickly through the airport.
For example, some airports have strollers you can use for free, which can be really helpful for children who don’t normally use strollers but may not be able to move as quickly when you need to make that connecting flight. You can’t take advantage of options if you don’t know they exist, so once you book a flight, read up on everything and plan accordingly.
Move through lines quickly
Although Global Entry is currently open, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of long lines.
It’s still a good idea to have one family member wait in the Global Entry line and another in the Mobile Passport line. Then, bring the rest of the family along to the line that’s moving faster.
Right now, Transportation Security Administration wait times are still record-long in some airports (it can vary by day and time), and I’ve been recommending not only TSA PreCheck, but also TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Normally, you can’t go through the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lines with children, but we have heard reports of families getting through given the circumstances, so it never hurts to try.
Airports in Europe and Asia often have dedicated family lines, so always check with the staff before waiting.
Use points for business class
If you have the points for business class, go for it. It’s so much easier to fly in business class with a baby or kids. You’ll have more space and amenities, which translates into a more comfortable, less stressful flying experience. When you’re calm and happy, your little ones will be, too.
You should never feel bad for flying in business class with a baby. Babies and kids are people too, and they have just as much right to be there as anyone else.
Control what you can — let the rest go
Do whatever you need (and can afford) to make your trip easier. For example, I love using Blacklane for airport transfers. I always call ahead to confirm, but it often has Doona car seats, which makes things a lot easier.
I opt for Clear Concierge Gate Service, where a Clear Ambassador meets me curbside and helps with check-in, bags, security and getting to my gate.
Clearly, things like lounge access and fast-track security and customs services can make your trip a lot less stressful, but you can’t control everything. Delays, cancellations and tantrums may occur — respond calmly, and if it’s out of your control, just let it go.
Take the right gear (and leave the rest at home)
Traveling with kids means you’re carrying a lot, but I suggest lightening your load. Take only the essentials: I love the Wayb Pico car seat, the Doona car seat-and-stroller combo, my baby carrier from Artipoppe, portable blackout shades, and the SlumberPod, a kind of blackout sleeper tent.
Remember that luxury hotels often have many child-friendly amenities. They may not be outwardly advertised, but check with your accommodation ahead of time. I’ve had hotels offer bottle warmers, strollers, baby monitors, sound machines, and even diapers and wipes. You can always buy or order anything you might need at your destination.
Tip: Because kid and baby items are often sold at stores that don’t fall into traditional credit card bonus categories, I always use my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which gets me 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
Perfect the art of family travel
My book, “How to Win at Travel,” has an entire chapter dedicated to family travel, from how to ensure your kids earn frequent flyer miles to how to get your baby’s passport, where to sit on the plane as a family and what to know about sending your unaccompanied minor on a plane.
Pick up a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, at the airport where books are sold or at your local independent bookstore.
Have a great weekend!
BK
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| Photo Credit: BRIAN KELLY/THE POINTS GUY. |
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