Well, we have done it. On the last day of 2006 we completed a flight which to us, feels worthy of NASA.
Our 14 month old triplets, our nine years old daughter and the two of us took off on Dec. 27th from Florida to Minnesota to see our family. We had two infants in arms and four seats - Sammy got his own.
A few days prior to the flight, all four were struck with a cold and had a stuffy noses. I was pretty worried about the effect this might take on their ears for the trip and up until the last day we waited to see if we should cancel. In the end, we decided to make the trip.
We took the luxery of conveinance at the airport and used the valet parking. I would suggest either this or having someone drop you off. We also brought one bag with the baby essentials and then another with some toys and other time wasters. The essentials included gas medicine, benedryl, wippees, diapers, finger foods (lots of variety) bottles, and sippe cups. I know there were a few other things in the mix, but this was primarily the list.
Less is more is probably the best rule. The more you have, the more there is to manage.
As far as security goes, I really don't understand why everyone is so concerned with the amount of liquid you are now able to take on a plane. If we were using breast milk, I guess I could understand. Although, even then you are allowed some exceptions and could certainly use formula in this case. We simply asked the flight attendant when we boarded for some water to mix formula and we were given a full bottle both times. Everyone was very accomidating.
We were most worried about the climb and decent for their ears. As the flight went up we were all prepared and holding bottles to babies mouths with our breath held. No reaction from them. It was almost as if they were wondering what all the fuss was about.
All three slept at least an hour of the journey. The rest of it was spent eating and looking at the magazines stuffed in the back of our seats.
On the return flight we had a few minutes of crying and fussing due to the long periods of sitting. For the most part, it went better than we expected. What it was was a lot of work. Time spent entertaining and shuffling things around left us exhausted upon arrival.
Would I do it again? Yes I would. It was worth the time to see our parents and family. It is also important to get out, even if it is more difficult to do. Will I be doing it again anytime soon? Probably not. : )