I am a frequent traveler (flyer) and have done this trip solo what feels like about a zillion times.

However, I am about to do it with two little ones in tow.

I'll be flying through DFW on an international arrival with connecting flight. I know the drill - arrive at any random D-gate, walk (usually quite a haul) to passport area, queue up, clear passport control, down the escalator, grab checkd bags, get in another line and wait, clear customs, recheck bags, up the escalator, clear security and on to the new gate.

My fear is the part where I have to claim my bags, clear customs and recheck the bags. 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. I know they have the little cart thingys you can use but STILL I have no clue how I would manage it all.

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. You don't have to lift a finger for the mere price of a tip. So worth it!

Soooo...has anyone done this before, specifically in DFW?

A few thoughts crossed my mind:
1. ask the airline for help - either
a) fudge and say I need wheelchair assistance (making the request ahead of time if I can) - 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). I don't know if this request would be rejected once they saw the "truth" of the situation (though you can't tell disabilities by looking, I know)
b) ask the day-of and see what they can do. Again, the part I'm most worried about is the international arrival portion in DFW. I'm pretty sure I can get help in Mexico fairly easily if needed.

2. plead for help from fellow travelers in the baggage claim area (or wait until they see my hot mess and offer to help)

3. ask DFW for help - I asked one of their ambassadors in the international arrivals area last time I was through (green vest/hat person) and she was unaware of any assistance available (gee, thanks!). So this one is of little hope.

4. Stop a random wheelchair guy in the concourse and ask for help (and have $$ ready to tip!)

Not taking the car seats or stroller are not really an option. Not reeeeeeeeeeally unless I am super desperate...

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.

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.

As always, thanks in advance, lovely YLF-ers!