https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:45:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1301577 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:38:23 +0000 Glory 1301577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear you have arrived safely - sorry to hear it was somewhat chaotic. Hopefully the kids will recover quickly and have a wonderful vacation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1300474 Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:25:07 +0000 Isabel 1300474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This IS difficult. I am sorry it is causing you worry. &nbsp;I once traveled along with both my kids on a domestic flight. A 9 month old and a 24 month old&nbsp;. &nbsp;I did not do well thinking ahead like you, but I got lucky in that EVERYONE wanted to help with the baby. &nbsp;I even scored with a 12 year old girl on the plane who loved playing with her and holding her &nbsp;( in a special carrier that I had ). &nbsp;I don't know where that 12 year old is and she is about 23 now. &nbsp;LOL&nbsp;</p> <p>You know how the airlines and airports provide chaperones for kids or disabled adults traveling alone ? &nbsp; Well, I wonder if you could call and arrange for a "chaperone" to help with your children. You could offer to pay for it. &nbsp;You could specifically ask for the people who accompany minors. &nbsp;I have a neighbor who has done that a couple of times. &nbsp;</p> <p>I would also contact DFW customer service and not the ambassador.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="mailto:AirportInfoCenter@dfwairport.com">AirportInfoCenter@dfwairport.com</a></p> <p>Good Luck and pls update us !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1300209 Fri, 11 Jul 2014 04:12:58 +0000 abc 1300209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh glamourpuss your offer is so sweet! </p> <p>Just checking in to say I survived. We flew yesterday. Poor babies are still recovering. Momma too, haha. </p> <p>It was pretty bad - if any of your friends mention seeing some lunatic chasing two toddlers in the D concourse of DFW yesterday I have to admit it was probably me. Gulp! </p> <p>We are here and all is well. The trip home should be much easier due to no intermediate customs, just once when we are all the way home. </p> <p>Thanks again to all!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1297410 Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:18:19 +0000 glamourpuss 1297410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, bless your little cotton socks.&nbsp; My sister and I went through this with an 11-month-old, two cats, a car seat, a stroller, and luggage when she moved out of state.&nbsp; She actually was able to strap her enormous car seat onto her back like a back pack.&nbsp; In future trips, she tried the Go-Go Babies car seat wheel thing and it was a time-consuming nightmare and I still had to help her.&nbsp; Fortunately, American Airlines allowed me to get a gate pass every time so I could help her carry everything.</p> <p>If all else fails, I live in Plano.&nbsp; I'd be happy to meet you at the airport to help you.&nbsp; I know I don't post much but I'm offering.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1297183 Tue, 08 Jul 2014 00:53:17 +0000 abc 1297183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wah greycat, you made me flash back to my former auditing days. We had what we called "what could go wrong" statements. So oh yeah I am with you. As a person who works in risk management I think we tend to think alike and like control and predictability in certain situations. Anyway thank you for the support!! </p> <p>Yep Glory. I am planning on checking everything. The only things I was planning on taking onto the plane with me were the kids (duh!) and a backpack. Nothing more. Except maybe the umbrella stroller though I am debating on even that. Thanks for your input too, greatly appreciated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1297134 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 23:38:53 +0000 greycat6 1297134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ABC, you crack me up!&nbsp; You hit the nail on the head as one control freak speaking to another can truly understand.&nbsp; I truly understand your anxiety.</p> <p>One thing I have learned to do that has helped me in situations such as this is to catastrophize about a situation.&nbsp; I try to envision the worst possible thing that could go wrong and&nbsp;make&nbsp;a plan for getting through that.&nbsp; In other words, in my mind I&nbsp;give myself&nbsp;control by coming up with a plan.&nbsp; If anything&nbsp;other than the worse possible scenario happens, it is a piece of cake.&nbsp; FYI - the worst possible thing has <i>never</i> happened and I have been a practicing control freak my whole adult life.</p> <p>Good luck!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1296969 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 19:56:39 +0000 Glory 1296969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 2 cents. My kids are now lots older (17, 14, 13) but I travelled loads with them when they were younger. I say you need your own car seats and your own stroller. Rentals are not an option especially with car seats and safety regulations.&nbsp;<br />I would not ship those items in case they got lost and they are really dealbreakers in my experience. You won't be able to get into&nbsp;a car without them.<br />I can appreciated your control side because I am exactly the same way and I mull it over and over. I make myself crazy with the details.<br />Will you need to carry the 2 year to customs/ check in and&nbsp;from the deplaning area? If yes, then you should reconsider the umbrella stroller idea. They are very inexpensive and they will have that right at the gate. You can pop the kid in, fling your carry on over the handles and the 3 year old must hold on to the side of the stroller. They pack up super small so you can use it on the return voyage. If you need a second bag on the plane it could be a backpack which will leave your hands free to manage the stroller and the 3 year old. The umbrella stroller may not balance with the handluggage over the handles so you will need to keep your hand on it.<br />They have golf carts avl all over the airport. Flag one down and I am sure they will assist you! They can load it all up and drive you to the check in.<br />I would check as much of the baggage as possible so you will not have loads to deal with during deplaning.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1296851 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 18:11:04 +0000 abc 1296851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>crutcher, yes, I will call the airline. &nbsp;I can't quite yet bc I'm rescheudling the flights from earlier ones we had to cancel. Long story. &nbsp;Anyway I will call as soon as possible.</p> <p>greycat, I think yours is a very valuable reply. &nbsp;Thanks for the encouragement. &nbsp;I guess the crux of this whole thing is that I will be faced with a situation that I cannot control 100% and that wigs me out a bit! LOL (TYPE A CONTROL FREAK HERE!) &nbsp;I do think the kids will (hopefully) sense the situation is different than usual and many times they are quiet and better behaved in these times than most. &nbsp;Thanks for your encouragement again.</p> <p>Traci, good idea, but a no-go. &nbsp;I could probably buy everything on the US side cheaper than trying to ship it from here (Mexico). &nbsp;Things get caught up on the border and then there is the inevitable tax situation. &nbsp;Thanks for the suggestion, though!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1296388 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 09:08:12 +0000 Traci 1296388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about shipping your car seats and stroller to your destination? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1296347 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 06:13:21 +0000 greycat6 1296347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh boy.&nbsp; I hear your concern and have lived through a similar scenario.&nbsp; I managed by opening the stroller, balancing&nbsp;the car seats on top and pulling my bag.&nbsp; I have two very active boys.&nbsp; Amazingly they held onto either me or the edge of the stroller and didn't stray.&nbsp; Honestly, I was most concerned about them darting off in opposite directions.&nbsp; We managed though it was slow going.&nbsp; Leave yourself lots of time, don't beat yourself up if something doesn't go quite right and have a sense of humor about the whole thing.&nbsp; As long as you remain calm, so will your kiddos.&nbsp; Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295588 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 20:11:25 +0000 crutcher 1295588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just call the airline...I am sure they would rather help than have one of their passengers struggling...yeah I am a cup half full kind of girl...smile..<br />I wouldn't ever count on getting help...Have your plan mapped out and be ready to sprint through DFW...I have changed planes there before and it can be daunting...Good luck...<br />(love Pastrygirl's suggestions re/car seat...wouldn't have thought of that...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295514 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 17:11:32 +0000 abc 1295514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, thanks for sharing your experience. I forgot about the roving golf cart people. But that's on the concourse. I'm more concerned about the baggage claim and customs areas. </p> <p>Debbie, thanks for the suggestion about gate checking the stroller. According to AA's website we will be forced to check it at the counter due to size and weight. It is a double jogging stroller. It folds up quickly and pretty small but nowhere near what they allow to be gate checked. I guess I could get a 2nd small umbrella stroller just for the trip but I think I'd rather chance it. I will call the airline to ask too. </p> <p>Suz, I might look into borrowing seats but to be honest the last time I did that **I** didn't feel comfortable putting my child in the seat my family was able to borrow for us. Plus our seats were bought in the USA and meet standards so no issues there. </p> <p>Marin, I will look into renting. Didn't know this existed. We are just connecting in DFW, it's not our final destination, but I will take a look at your link. Thanks. </p> <p>Pastry girl, thanks for sharing your wisdom. The same concerns were mine about the car seats other than our own. I already have rolling, zipping carriers for both car seats. You make an interesting point. I hadn't thought about carrying one seat for use ON the plane. I know it's a safety thing so I will look into it though it would probably complicate logistics even more </p> <p>Rabbit, thanks for weighing in. I wouldn't have an issue answering those questions as long as the bags were in my sight the whole time. And in my experience they ask about food most of the time anyway. guess I won't bring any suspicious homemade goodies this time! Haha </p> <p>Thanks everyone. Lots to think about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295506 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 16:56:23 +0000 rabbit 1295506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a handful! &nbsp;Hope that you are able to get something arranged with the airport and airline&nbsp;ahead of time that gives you peace of mind and a game plan for landing. &nbsp;</p> <p>Myself, I wouldn't necessarily plan to rely&nbsp;on Samaritans especially in the section you describe right before you clear customs. &nbsp; If I remember correctly, 'has anyone else handled or touched&nbsp;your bags' is a common security question, and it seems like answering in the affirmative wouldn't necessarily go well, especially if it was someone you didn't know. &nbsp;My experience is any of those questions you don't answer in the expected way (no matter how innocent your situation), leads to a long run-around and grilling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295447 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 15:20:55 +0000 pastrygirl 1295447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a former CPST (child passenger safety technician), I can't advise anything except using the car seats ON the plane. I also cannot advise strongly enough to NEVER rent a car seat. Lots of info here, including pics on strapping two car seats to luggage:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://csftl.org/leaving-on-a-jet-plane-the-csftl-guide-to-safe-air-travel-with-children/">http://csftl.org/leaving-on-a-.....-children/</a></p> <p>Renting a seat is dangerous because:<br />-- you don't know the seat's history; was it ever in a crash? or even handled poorly enough to cause damage? Do they toss the seats around, like airport handlers do?<br />-- is it expired?<br />-- is it currently coated in old vomit, urine, or feces? (Hint: probably!)<br />-- even if it looks&nbsp;clean, was it cleaned properly? (can't submerge or use cleaners on&nbsp;the straps because that weakens them; they'd need to be replaced)<br />-- will it even be appropriate for your kids -- I've heard stories about boosters being handed out for one-year-olds! At 2 and 3, your kids need harnessed seats that are appropriate for their height and weight. Some older (and popular!)&nbsp;harnessed seats are outgrown well before age 2.</p> <p>(I always had a lighter harnessed seat to travel with, too. But I was a car seat nut and had many more than I had children.)</p> <p>To carry them around, though, I've always used these, though I don't use it as a stroller:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Seat-Travel-Accessory/dp/B000JHN3AS">http://www.amazon.com/Travelin.....B000JHN3AS</a></p> <p>I DO like the stroller rental idea! Is that a possibility? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295402 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 14:32:21 +0000 Anonymous 1295402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! That is a lot after a long flight. What about a baby rental company for the car seats? Your family could have them installed and ready before you even land. My kids love their seats too but have adjusted pretty quickly to different seats. Of course a little treat to distract never hurts. Another option is car seat bags. We have one that is a backpack and one with wheels. They help but it is still a chore. Or you can get wheels that transforms a car seat to a stroller, pretty cool. We wheeled kids through airports in car seats. Not sure how you would handle two car seats with kids strapped in a stroller, and luggage. Rent the stroller? Do you need it in the airport? Now that I think about it I would rent the car seats and stroller in Dallas, have the family pick it up. Leaving just luggage and kids to deal with for the flight.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Wheelie-Seat-Travel-Black/dp/B000XA6DC6" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Childres.....B000XA6DC6</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Go-Babyz-QRKIDZ-Kidz-Travelmate/dp/B000JJK9EY" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Go-Go-Ba.....B000JJK9EY</a></p> <p><a href="https://babysaway.com/reservations/Dallas_Ft_Worth" rel="nofollow">https://babysaway.com/reservations/Dallas_Ft_Worth</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295388 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 13:32:40 +0000 Suz 1295388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What others have said -- I have seen lots of strollers checked and then it is ready when you land. So the stroller is easy to deal with and being able to put a child or two into it right at checkout will simplify things a bit.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think the airline should be able to help out also.</p> <p>For carseats, our family members who travel a lot with small children have us get them for them so they don't travel with their own. It is just too cumbersome, plus, their seats might not meet the safety requirements we have here.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with Lyn that it wouldn't be great to <b>COUNT</b> on people to help - people in airports are stressed, self-focused, worried about security, and in a hurry to make their own connections. They might not be at their good-samaritan best.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295288 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 04:14:36 +0000 Debbie 1295288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have done this a couple of times. They can check the stroller at the gate and have it for when you land. Also at DFW getting a wheelchair without arranging in advance is a huge gamble. My daughter needs one in airports and DFW usually only does reserved or makes you wait for a long time.<br /> I like Ironkurtain think people would help but I get with the airline and see what I could arrange in advance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295250 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 02:47:41 +0000 Mo 1295250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know kids and cats aren't the same, but I had to juggle 2 cats in their carriers along with luggage of my own through DFW a few years ago. &nbsp;One of the 'people carts' picked me up and drove me along to my gate, along with some elderly people. &nbsp;The cats alone were 25 lbs, no telling what the hard case carriers and my own carry ons tallied in the end. &nbsp;I may be fit, but juggling just gets crazy at certain weights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295183 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:14:44 +0000 abc 1295183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lyn* - that is exactly the service I'm looking for. &nbsp;I guess a call to AA is in order (per IK's suggestion as well). &nbsp;</p> <p>I did just somehow find a Special Assisstance telephone number so I supose those are the people to call. &nbsp;Wish me luck.</p> <p>Thanks for the input, all.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295180 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:12:30 +0000 lyn* 1295180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't flown through that airport, but in Canada, you can call ahead and ask for a service they offer for people with "limitations" - that includes things like needing a walker, a wheelchair or kiddies and they come with a little golf cart and pack everything up and off you go! I don't know if something like that is available? </p> <p>ETA: I wouldn't rely on other people to help you. I am usually pretty good for helping out people who look like they're struggling, but I'm leery of touching other people's stuff at airports...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295178 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:10:48 +0000 ironkurtin 1295178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I believe people will help you.&nbsp; They usually do.&nbsp; I would!</p> <p>Definitely contact the airline and ask what assistance they can give you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295171 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:54:25 +0000 abc 1295171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Carter, yeah the idea (getting car seats once we arrive)&nbsp;crossed my mind - we are meeting family on the other end and not renting a car. &nbsp;The kids are pretty used to their own car seats (as in REALLY comfy in them)&nbsp;so that is another reason why I was/am kinda hell bent on taking THEIRS along, but maybe I should rethink this?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295169 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:52:20 +0000 carter 1295169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yikes! The most cumbersome issue is the car seats. If you'll be renting a car at your final destination, the rental car agency will have car seats (may need to reserve). If you're headed to see family or friends, maybe they could borrow car seats from someone for the length of your visit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/international-connection-in-dfw-with-little-ones-in-tow#post-1295163 Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:40:05 +0000 abc 1295163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a frequent traveler (flyer) and have done this trip solo what feels like about a zillion times.</p> <p>However, I am about to do it with two little ones in tow.</p> <p>I'll be flying through DFW on an international arrival with connecting flight. &nbsp;I know the drill - arrive at any random D-gate, walk (usually quite&nbsp;a haul) to passport area, queue up,&nbsp;clear passport control, down the escalator, grab checkd bags, get in another line and wait,&nbsp;clear customs, recheck bags, up the escalator, clear security and on to the new gate.</p> <p>My fear is the part where I have to claim my bags, clear customs and recheck the bags. &nbsp;It's all of about a couple hundred steps, but with two little ones with me (ages almost 3 and almost 2), at least one large suitcase (hoping I can keep it to that), two BIG car seats (checked) and a double stroller (checked) - I have no idea how I can manage all of this on my own. &nbsp;I know they have the little cart thingys you can use but STILL I have no clue how I would manage it all.</p> <p>I laugh, but it's true - here in Mexico there are guys working for tips in this area, and life is super easy because of it. &nbsp;You don't have to lift a finger for the mere price of a tip. So worth it!</p> <p>Soooo...has anyone done this before, specifically in DFW? &nbsp;</p> <p>A few thoughts crossed my mind:<br />1. &nbsp;ask the airline for help - either<br />a) fudge and say I need wheelchair assistance (making the request ahead of time if I can)&nbsp;- they would meet me at the gate and assist through clearing security on the other end, but this is somewhat "cheating" as I am an able-bodied person, but with two little ones in tow I do need the extra hands (again I have seen this in Mexico but not the US that I recall). &nbsp;I don't know if this request&nbsp;would be rejected once they saw the "truth" of the situation (though you can't tell disabilities by looking, I know)<br />b) ask the day-of and see what they can do. &nbsp;Again, the part I'm most worried about is the international arrival portion in DFW. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure I can get help in Mexico fairly easily if needed.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. &nbsp;plead for help from fellow travelers in the baggage claim area&nbsp;(or wait until they see my hot mess and offer to help)</p> <p>3. ask DFW for help - I asked one of their ambassadors in the international arrivals area&nbsp;last time I was through (green vest/hat person) and she was unaware of any assistance available (gee, thanks!). &nbsp;So this one is of little hope.</p> <p>4. &nbsp;Stop a random wheelchair guy in the concourse and ask for help (and have $$ ready to tip!)</p> <p>Not taking the car seats or stroller are not really an option. &nbsp;Not reeeeeeeeeeally unless I am super desperate...</p> <p>I have lowly Gold status with AA but the way they've been stripping our benefits lately I have little hope this helps me, other than shortcut the security line in DFW.</p> <p>I figured I would throw this out there in case anyone has experienced it before or has some brainchild idea I haven't thought of before.</p> <p>As always, thanks in advance, lovely YLF-ers!</p>