Accommodation when traveling with kids: Hotel Frón, Iceland

Group of statues in Reykjavik.

A couple of years ago, my family spent a few days in Iceland on our way back to Canada with Iceland Air. The airline offers free layovers if you fly through Iceland, which is a really nice perk, and a great way to see this little country that you might not otherwise visit.

We stayed in Hotel Frón, a hotel located in the centre of Reykjavik on the main street Laugarvegur. I didn't know anything about this hotel before we made our reservation. I'd found it online, and thought it looked like a nice hotel in a good spot. Turns out I was right!

Hotel Frón fulfilled all my expectations:

• The room was clean, and the furniture was not fancy, but nice and new-ish. I loved the hardwood floors since I'm always a bit suspicious about how clean carpets really are.
• The room we were in had two separate, small bedrooms with a double bed in one, and two twin beds in the other. Perfect when you're staying with kids.
• The beds (and pillows!) were really comfortable.
• The bathroom was small but clean, and there was a nice shower but no bathtub. Be advised that the tap water in Iceland does smell suplhur-ish. It's just the way things are, unless you're in a place that filters its own water. It did take a little bit getting used to a shower that smelled like that, but the water was warm and plentiful so I had no great complaints.
• The kitchen area had a small range, a sink, and a fridge.
• The staff was friendly and helpful and helped us organize some excursions.
• A buffet breakfast was served in the downstairs restaurant each morning. It was a basic breakfast without any hot dishes, and not the kind of insanely big spread you might see in some hotels. But there was various kinds of bread, cheese, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, milk, cereal, juice, coffee and tea: not fancy, but definitely good enough for the kids and us adults.
• The location was unbeatable: right outside  the hotel is the centre of Reykjavik with little shops, restaurants, cafes and sights to see.

So, all in all, it was clean, comfy and convenient. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone traveling with kids to Iceland.

If you go, I'd also recommend a visit to the Tivoli restaurant, just a short distance away from the hotel. Service there was friendly, they had a good kids' menu and the food was really good: lots of Icelandic specialties as well as more "international" fare.

For more on Iceland, check out my other blog posts:

• 10 fun things to do in and around Reykjavik, Iceland
• An Iceland layover

Beach-time with kids: 9 favorite beaches around the world

This is a list of 9 beaches around the world that I love. Some of them I haven't brought my kids to yet, but I would love to bring them to each and every one. Of course, I've been to many other gorgeous beaches that are not on this list, and there are many, many more fabulous beaches that I have not visited... yet. Something to do in the future, right?

1. Makena Beach State Park, aka Big Beach
This is the most gorgeous beach I know in Maui and that's saying something, considering how many beautiful beaches there are on that island. It's a very long, very soft, very sandy stretch of beach, and it can get some very big waves (depending on the season and time of day). The water was definitely too rough for my kids when we went there on our last Maui visit, but I hope that one day, when the kids are a little older, I'll be able to enjoy the beach and the waves with them.

2. DT Fleming Beach Park
Another fantastic beach on Maui: lots of rocks with sea life to explore in the shallows, turtles and fish swimming by if you're snorkelling, nice waves, good sand, and even some shady trees. Just beautiful.

3. Pu'unoa Beach, aka Baby Beach, Maui
The perfect beach in Maui if you're bringing little kids or even babies. Grass and sand to sit on, a reef protecting the shore from big waves, and a fun place to just relax and hang out without worrying too much about your little ones getting tumbled by rough waves. 

4. Meia Praia, Algarve, Portugal
Many years ago I lived and worked for a while on the Algarve coast and Meia Praia was my favorite beach. It's a loooooong stretch of sand with beautiful water for swimming, boating, and windsurfing. I really hope to bring my kids there in the future: haven't been there for so long and would love to re-visit that stretch of sand! 

5. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
This beach is very busy and very crowded, especially certain parts of it, and that kind of stuff usually turns me off. But there are some very good reasons why this particular beach is that crowded: it has beautiful sand and great water for swimming and playing in. My kids loved this place and so did I, once I got over the crowds. Just put your beach towel down away from the worst crush of people, or grab some of those rental sun chairs, and enjoy.

6. Third Beach, Vancouver, Canada
My favorite beach in the Vancouver area (though it's a close call: check out my other local favorites here). Great view of the mountains, lots of ships and boats and planes to look at, and lots of sea-life to explore on the rocks and in the sand. Also, the sand is perfect for playing in, and the water is good for swimming (if a little colder than in Maui!).

7. Spanish Banks, Vancouver, Canada
Another beautiful Vancouver beach. It's very long, the water is shallow, and there are stunning views of the North Shore peaks (where you can go skiing in the winter) as well as of downtown Vancouver (bring a camera if you're so inclined!). There's also a nice path for riding bikes or going for a walk along the beach if the weather isn't good enough for just sitting around in the sun and sand.

8. Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
This is an absolutely stunning beach. There are lots of hiking trails around it, there's rich ocean life to explore, water sports like kayaking and windsurfing are available, and it's just a wonderful place for beach-combing.

9. Tällön, Burvik, Sweden
This tiny stretch of sand outside my parents' summer house in Sweden is heaven for me and the kids when we visit in the summer. Tiny fish play around the dock, the kids swim and splash in the water (even when it's not that warm), and the sand is great for digging and rooting around in. To me, this is a little bit of paradise.

Traveling with kids: important travel documents to bring

International travel of any kind means you have to bring along ID documents and other papers. And of course, international travel with children increases the number of documents and papers you have to carry with you.

These days, some paper documents can be replaced by online documents: for example you often don't need a paper ticket for air travel, but an e-ticket number.

However, carrying "hard copies" of certain papers can be a very good idea, and there are still many documents and pieces of ID that you have to actually carry with you. (One day we'll all be able to travel with a retina scan and a thumb print, right?)

Here is a list of some important papers and documents that you should bring for yourself and your kids:

1. Passports
Depending on your country of origin and where you're going to, you will probably need a passport for most international travel. In some instances, birth certificates and other forms of ID will do the trick, but often passports are what is required if you leave your home country.

Remember to check the expiry dates on your own passport and the passports of your children a few months before travel: getting a passport in a rush is often possible, but usually it's not cheap and it can be extremely stressful.

2. Visas
Again, depending on your country of origin and where you're headed to, you and your children might require special visas or travel permits that you have to apply for ahead of time. A good place to find out about this is the website of your own country's foreign affairs department, or other government agency in charge of issues related to international travel. For example:

• if you're a US citizen, you can check out travel.state.gov
• Canadian citizens heading to the US can check out Canada Border Services Agency or, for international travel to other countries than the US, check travel.gc.ca

3. Consent letter & custody documents
If you're traveling with your children without the other parent present, it is a very good idea to have a consent letter from the other parent, stating that you are allowed to travel with them on your own. You can read more about consent letters in this old blog post. You can also find more information at travel.gc.ca and myfamilytravels.com.

If you are a divorced parent, or if you have custody of a child that you are not the biological parent of, it can also be a good idea to bring custody documents with you on your trip. Adoptive parents are also sometimes advised to bring adoption documents. Usually, you will probably not be asked to show your consent letter or custody documents, but these papers can sure simplify your life if you are asked for them at a border crossing.

4. Tickets or e-tickets
Paper tickets are becoming a thing of the past for air travel (I haven't seen one of those old, multi-page, airplane ticket booklets for ages myself), but a printed copy of your itinerary with your family's e-ticket numbers on it is advisable to bring along. Also, email a copy of that e-ticket to yourself so you can access it that way if you need to. Bring along (and email yourself) reservation numbers for accommodation and rental cars as well.

Don't rely on having everything on your cell-phone: it's handy, but if you lose that phone or if the battery dies and you can't charge it (maybe because you forgot your charger, or because the electrical outlets don't fit your charger), it's nice to have a backup plan.

5. Travel insurance documents
Bring the documents with you and also email yourself the policy numbers. I carry the policy numbers in my wallet: I figure I want to have them very handy if I ever need to use them (hoping I don't!). 

6. Prescriptions or names of medications
If you or your kids are on prescription medications, you will probably bring those medications along. However, it is also a good idea to bring along the prescription itself, or at least write down the name of the medication you are taking. Just in case you lose the medication, or you end up needing a refill.

It's a lot easier to explain to a foreign doctor what you need if you have the actual medical name of a drug: sometimes the names and formulations will be different, but the more information you can give, the better.

7. Contact numbers & credit card information
I always bring my tiny little address book with phone numbers and addresses along on our trips. I also have our family doctor's business card tucked away in my wallet, should I ever need it. Other good numbers to have written down somewhere, are your credit card numbers and the phone numbers for contacting your credit card company if your credit card is lost or stolen.

These days, a lot of this information can be easily found on the internet as well, as long as you have access to an internet connection when you need it!

Traveling with kids: 10 fun things to do in Maui

Pu'unoa beach, near Lahaina.

I've been thinking a lot about Maui lately, and wishing I was there again. Maybe it's the fact that fall has arrived here on the Wet West Coast with a heavy rainfall warning, drizzle and clouds. I loved our trip to Maui with the kids, and I'm hoping we will all get to do it again sometime in the not too distant future!

Here are a list of 10 of my favorite things to do on Maui:

1. Enjoying the sea life at DT Fleming Beach Park - This was definitely one of my favorite beaches in Maui. I swam with a turtle while snorkeling just off the beach, the kids loved playing in the sand in the shade of the rocks and trees, we saw clams and shells and other sea life on the rocks, and the sand was great for digging and playing in. Some nice waves too, but that also made the water a little too rough for younger kids.
2. Having some lazy, safe beach time with the kids at Pu'unoa Beach, aka Baby Beach - The reef protects the beach from rough water and big waves, and the water is perfect for little kids, even babies. The sandy part of the beach isn't that wide, but there's a lot of room in the grass under the palm trees. Nice place to go with little kids and not have to worry about rough water. Also spectacular when the tide is out because you can see coral and other undersea life exposed!
3. Spending the early mornings at any beach - If you're bringing smaller children, mornings are fantastic at most beaches because the water is generally more placid. By the afternoon, the winds and waves are usually up which is fun for adults and bigger kids.
4. Eating dinner at Mala Ocean Tavern - The food is spectacular and the view just can't be beat: if you're seated on the deck the ocean is right next to you (and might even splash you!). Also, there's a very nice kids menu and very friendly staff.
5. Having lunch at the Sea House Restaurant in Napili Bay - Another place serving fantastic food in a beautiful, ocean-view setting. There's a great kids' menu (my kids especially loved the cheese pizza) and I fell in love with the fish tacos. The nearby beach is great too, though the waves can get rough depending on the time of day and the winds.
6. Visiting the Iao Valley - A beautiful spot that shows a different side of Maui than just the sandy beachfront. It's a nice, easy, kid-friendly hike along the river and then up the stairs and paths to the viewpoint where you can see the Iao Needle. Bring a bottle of water along though: any hiking can make you thirsty in Maui-weather!
7. Eating fresh fruit - The fresh fruit is amazing in Maui. Pineapple, mango, papaya, avocado... it all tastes so much more and so much better than it does anywhere else. Let your kids go fruit-crazy. Bring home some of those pineapples too!
8. Having a barbecue and eating out on the lanai - There is lots of beautiful, yummy produce on Maui. The meat, the Maui onions, the fruit, the sea food: throw some on the barbecue and just enjoy an easy dinner with the kids. Of course, first you have to make sure your accommodation has barbecues!
9. Visiting the Maui Tropical Plantation - Take the guided tour on the train and you get to see a lot of tropical plants, and learn about the many things that grow and thrive in Maui. It's fun and educational, and you get to learn how to properly crack open a coconut!
10. Taking a ride on the Sugarcane Train - This is an honest-to-goodness steam train that runs between Lahaina and Kaanapali. It gives you a good view of some areas you probably would never see otherwise, and if you have kids, a steam train ride is hard to beat for entertainment.

Flying with kids: all about kids' meals

This did not happen on a flight. Thankfully.

Airline food can be a real hit and miss affair, for adults and kids. Sometimes you end up with something on your tray table that is surprisingly delicious, and sometimes... not so much.

These days, you're not guaranteed a free meal even on longer flights: many airlines now charge for food. This is good in one way, since it means there will be some kind of menu to order from rather than just a choice between "chicken or pasta?". And if you're lucky, there will be something on that menu that will appeal to your kids.

When I'm traveling with my kids, it is never a sure thing that they will find something they like to eat on board, whether it's a complimentary meal or not. Like many kids, my children have some strong preferences (ie, they're picky eaters, at least in my daughter's case) and don't always take kindly to foods that look or taste even just a little bit different than what they're used to.

Add the fact that it's hard to sit and eat comfortably on board, and that the whole situation of being on an airplane can be enough to make it difficult for kids to focus on eating.

My tips:

• Always ask if there are special kids' meals on board when booking your flight: often you do need to request those meals ahead of time. Also, some airlines that charge for food on board still serve complimentary kids' meals (Iceland Air for example).
• Feed your kids a good meal you know they'll like just before a long flight. Chicken nuggets and fries, pasta and sauce, or even a big cup of milk and yummy muffin does the trick for my kids.
• Bring some non-messy, sure-fire-hit snacks on board. Avoid anything chocolate covered (because that chocolate can get everywhere), or anything that is runny (it might not even make it past security!).
• Go for simple, familiar foods on board if possible: bread, crackers, pretzels, fruit, veggies, simple sandwiches.

Different airlines have different policies when it comes to kids' meals on board. Here are links to and quotes from various airlines about kids' meals.

KLM

Children’s meals

• Babies: on our intercontinental flights, we always have a selection of sterilized meals available for infants and toddlers to 2 years. You don't need to order these meals upfront.
• Children: soft and easy to chew meals, easily identified foods, and healthy choices.

Lufthansa

Meals for children under 12 can be ordered free of charge in advance for all Lufthansa long-haul flights and a number of European flights up to 24 hours before departure. Please order children’s menus when you book your flight or no later than 24 hours before departure from the Lufthansa Service Center. By the way, parents can also ask for the recipes to take away and cook at home.

British Airways

We have created a tasty range of children’s meals that are both healthy and delicious. Our Kids’ Council have advised us what they enjoy eating, and we’ve developed these dishes to satisfy their sense of fun as well as their hunger.
Furthermore, because our children’s meals are nutritionally balanced, you don’t have to worry about what they eat onboard.
And our ‘Feed Kids First’ policy also means that you can make sure that your little ones are happy before enjoying your own meal in peace.

We offer on-board bottle and baby-food warming facilities on our longhaul flights - you may only bring un-opened food in a sealed jar with you.
We carry a limited number of tinned baby food products on our longhaul services, however we recommend that you carry your own baby food and equipment (liquids and sufficient supplies of sterilised bottles) in your hand baggage
We are not able to sterilise bottles or provide sterilised water.

Scandinavian Airlines

SAS offer special baby and child meals on international flights with meal service. Check flight display for meal types. Reservation must be made not later than 24 hours before flight departure.

Baby meal
Baby meals have to be ordered in advance. For infants not occupying a seat, only BBML may be ordered. BBML may only be ordered on flights and classes with meal service.
SAS baby meal is a standard kit containing soya semp or prosobee (contains soya), jars with mashed meat or fish and vegetables and pureed fruit.
Hot water is available on board to heat bottles/jars with baby food.
Child meal Child meal can only be ordered on flights departing from 09.30 LT. No time limit on intercontinental flights. Special meals can be ordered for:

• Business, Economy Extra and Economy on intercontinental flights
• Business and Economy Extra on European flights with more than 70 minutes of flying time
Exceptions
• Special meal service is not available on domestic flights in DK, NO and SE
• Special meal service is not available on intra-Scandinavian flights
• Special meal service is not available within Europe in Economy class as Buy on Board concept applies When booking your tickets online, please call SAS telephone sales and arrange for the infant/child meal.

Delta
Child meals and baby meals are included on the list of special meals.

We offer complimentary meal service on most international flights six hours or more, and on select flights to Alaska and Hawaii. Special meals are also available on flights where complimentary meal service is offered.

Air Canada
The airline offers infant or baby meals as well as kids' meals, as part of their special meals.

Special meals must be ordered at least 19 hours before the first flight in your itinerary.

How to order:

• At time of online booking: On the Who is travelling page, simply select the special meal you require from the Meal Preference drop-down menu when entering passenger information

• If you have already completed your online booking: Contact Air Canada Reservations to request your special meal

• If your itinerary includes a codeshare flight or a flight operated by another airline: Please note that you may not request your special meal online. Please contact Air Canada Reservations so that we may advise the other airline of your special dietary needs.

Iceland Air

Child meal:

It is possible to order yogurt and a banana for infants. Warm water is always available on board in order to warm up milk and baby food. An infant meal needs to be reserved in advance, at least 24 hours before departure or at the time of reservation (1-800-223-5500 ext. 2 ).
All children between the ages of 2 – 11 years of age receive a complimentary meal on all flights.

Japan Airlines
JAL offers two different types of baby meals, depending on your baby's age:

For babies aged up to 8 months
Pack (Spoon / bib / bottled baby food)

For babies aged 9 months or older Europe route meal (sample)

• Entrée: Tomato-flavored fried rice and mixed vegetables in a cream sauce
• Banana
• Jelly
• Bread
• Crackers

• * For children aged between 2 and 12.
• * Children's meal for codeshare flights operated by partner carrier can not be reserved on web.

Please contact our JAL International Reservations for full details of child meal's availability.

From Japan to Guam (departing before 20:00) or Hawaii, the Lunch Box style meal is served. Please click here for details

Air France

On all flights of 2 ½ hours or more, children receive meals adapted to their tastes and needs. In addition, their meat or fish is pre-sliced for an easy-to-eat meal! Beginning at 9 years of age, children are served "like grown-ups". However, they may still opt for the children's menu if they wish. Remember to request the children's menu when booking your trip, purchasing your flight, or at least 24 hours before departure.

Qantas

Special child, toddler and baby meals are available. These must be requested at the time of reservation, otherwise standard meals will be supplied. Let us know your child's age when ordering. If you are travelling with a child or infant aged between 0 and 23 months who has food allergies or special dietary requirements, you must provide their meals.
A wide selection of soft drinks and fruit juices is available for children throughout the flight. Make sure your children drink regularly on longer flights to counteract the dry air on board.

All Qantas aircraft carry a limited quantity, for emergency use, of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles and brushes, cereals and rusks. If your baby prefers a particular brand, it's a good idea to carry enough for the flight. We cannot guarantee that we will have your brand onboard. Also note that Qantas does not provide infant formula.

United Airlines

Children's meals are available for children who are 18 months or older and who occupy a seat. The meals contain soft, easy-to-chew foods and may include finger foods. Foods that may cause choking or are highly seasoned are avoided. Two-percent milk and juices are available onboard the aircraft.

Continental Airlines
Child meals are available as a "special meal":

This meal is provided for children from two to 12 years of age and includes items that are generally appealing to children. The meals planned for Continental follow the Recommended Dietary Allowances for children.

Finnair

On all intercontinental scheduled flights there are a few jars of baby food in reserve for infants under 2 years of age. An infant under 2 will receive a regular meal if the infant has a child ticket which entitles to a reserved seat. A special children's meal is available to order in Business Class and on intercontinental flight also in Economy Class. The meals in Economy Class are, however, suitable for children as well.

American Airlines

If you are traveling with an infant, please be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles and other related items. However, baby bottles can be heated on all flights operated by American Airlines.
American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights are not equipped to heat baby bottles
Special children's meals are not available. For more information on available food and beverage choices, please see our Dining section.

Air New Zealand
Baby/infant and child meals are available as special meals.

You will need to request a special meal at least 24 hours prior to departure by advising your travel agent or Air New Zealand. Special meals can be requested at the time of booking.

Virgin Atlantic

When it comes to mealtimes we’ve come up with a menu just for our younger passengers that includes all of their favourite things like fish fingers, pizza and chocolate, so don’t forget to pre-order.

If you are flying with us soon and have your tickets to hand, you can request a child meal online now. Please note meal requests must be made at least 48 hours before travel.

Air China

Baby meals and child meals are available and have to be reserved at least 24 hours before departure.

Baby meal: This meal contains meat, vegetables or fruits. It may be pulp, minced meat, vegetable puree and dessert.

Child meal: This meal contains foods that children enjoy. It avoids food with too much salt or sugar.

Cathay Pacific

Orders for special meals should be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled flight. Please make your request via Manage My Booking or by contacting your local Cathay Pacific reservations office.

Baby Meal: One junior-strained meat or vegetable dish (savoury dish), one junior dessert and one baby juice.

Child Meal: Food items generally enjoyed by children, such as hamburgers, sausages and fish fingers, served in a specially designed meal box.

Singapore Airlines
Special baby meals and child meals are available as special meals, and have to be requested before departure:

Please place your order at least 24 hours* before the flight departure, through our reservations office or your travel agent. You can also make a Special Meal request when you purchase your tickets online through our website. If you would like to make a Special Meal request, click here to retrieve your booking details.

How to make your kids happy: play and the outdoors

I recently read an article called What really makes our children happy? (I found it because it was linked on Twitter by the wonderful and inspirational @GirlEmpowerment.) It's an article written by Dr Tessa Livingstone, an expert in child psychology, and in it she goes through some recent, in-depth research on the lives of British children.

The article is sombre reading in many ways: kids and families have it tough, the downturn in the economy is taking a toll on parents and children, and buying their children lots of gadgets and presents is becoming something many parents feel is what being a parent is all about.

However, research shows that it's something else that makes children happy. To quote the article:

Our survey uncovered a surprising truth. Children who were alone spent as many concentrated hours playing, usually with video games, but the children who played together usually played outside – and they laughed. Our greatest laughers laughed a whopping 85 times. They weren’t the only ones. A recent survey by the Open University asked hundreds of children across the country what they like to do. The answer was clear. Children are happiest when they play outside with other children. [my emphasis]

This isn't rocket science. Most parents know this to be a fact, though we might not really consciously think about it. Sure, my kids love playing games on the Wii, and on the computer. They like watching movies and TV too. But the time when they truly are fully involved in what they are doing, fully immersed in the real world and their imaginary worlds, and fully happy is often when they are playing outside with friends.

The great outdoors are... great
I've written before on this blog about my belief that the great outdoors is the best place for kids. I know my kids love being outside: beach-combing and kite-flying in Point Roberts, hiking a trail, or maybe just meeting up with friends in the backyard or the playground.

I think one of the best and cheapest activities for kids is just that: a play date with other kids at someone's house or the park. It doesn't have to be fancy, or well-planned (unplanning is your friend!), or involve organized activities. Actually, organized activities should not always be provided (in my opinion). Instead it's better to let the children make up and choose their own games, run around, jump on a trampoline, feed and search for bugs, chase each other, play pretend games, tumble down a slide together, or just sit and talk under a shady tree.

All the parents need is something to sit on. It's cheap, easy, and fun. Three out of three ain't bad.

Letting go, letting them play
There are many parts of life where parents have to direct and guide what children do. For example, when traveling by plane with my kids I often feel like I'm an army officer, keeping the troops in check, making sure no one is left behind. Same thing when we have to get ready for school at a certain time in the morning. But when kids play together in a kid-friendly spot (meaning there is a lot of space, not necessarily a lot of toys but a lot of things to play with such as grass, rocks, and trees), I feel I can just let the leash slip and let them enjoy being who they are and doing what they want to do (unless it involves throwing dirt at each other...).

Children everywhere play together outside when they can do so. And they do it because it is good for them, because they learn from it, and because it they have fun doing it.

On the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon with the kids.

I usually find that being outdoors brings out the best in my own kids. They are less whiny and clingy, they are more imaginative and independent, they have more fun and laugh more.

This Sunday, once the rain stopped and the sun peeked out, my husband and I headed to one of our favorite weekend hangouts: Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver. The kids trudged up stairs, looked for slugs on the trails, shook tree branches to make the gathered rain drops fall on their heads. They watched a woodpecker drill away at a tree. They complained a bit about the last steep stairs up to the parking lot, but they still loved it.

This week, if the weather cooperates, I'm taking them to the playground after school's out to hang with their friends: getting loud, banging their knees, maybe even throwing dirt or bark mulch at each other (darn kids!).

Photos from Lynn Canyon, taken by my wonderful husband.

Flying with kids: all about strollers

When you're traveling with a baby or young child, bringing a stroller can seem like a great idea. It can help out a lot: your child doesn't have to walk, which means you can get from gate A to gate B faster, and they might even fall asleep in the stroller, giving you a bit of a break and them some rest.

However, bringing a stroller on the plane does have some drawbacks. If you have to check your stroller with the luggage, it might get damaged (this is actually quite likely to happen), and you will have to wait for it to come out of the plane at your destination. Sometimes the airline will allow you to check a stroller at the gate, and will also bring it out for you at the gate when you arrive. Even with that help, it still means you have to wait around before heading off to your next flight or the luggage carousel.

When my kids were younger, my husband and I usually brought either a baby-carrier like the Snugli or Baby Bjorn when they were infants, or a back carrier when they were slightly bigger. These were allowed inside the cabin and when we needed to check the back carrier, it was a lot sturdier and less likely to be damaged than a large stroller. 

We did bring a stroller along on one of our long-haul flights. It was a collapsible umbrella stroller, and on some airlines we were allowed to bring it in the cabin and stow it in the overhead bin. On another airline, we had to check it at the gate. We decided it was not worth the trouble after that trip. Too much work and not enough use out of it.

Ultimately of course, deciding whether to bring a stroller or not comes down to both what your needs are and what you preference is.

My tips:

• If you need the stroller to transport your infant or child quickly and comfortably at the airport, do consider the baby carrier option: it leaves your hands free and is a lot easier to handle on board and at the airport.
• If you're bringing the stroller mainly to use at your destination, then consider other options such as renting a stroller when you arrive, or borrowing a stroller from friends and family. It saves you the hassle of dealing with a stroller before and after the flight and at the airport, and you won't risk the stroller getting damaged after it's checked in.
• If you want to bring a stroller, bring the smallest kind of stroller you can get away with. Dealing with a collapsible umbrella stroller is definitely easier than a larger kind of stroller.

The policies and regulations for bringing a stroller on board vary from airline to airline. Here is the information provided by several airlines about bringing strollers on your flight:

KLM
If your child is under 2, you are allowed to bring a stroller on KLM flights:

For a child younger than two years of age who will be travelling on your lap, you are entitled to --- bring a small, completely collapsible baby stroller/pram. If the baby stroller will not fit under the seat or in the overhead baggage compartment, it can be checked into the hold at no extra charge. This baby stroller/pram may have a protective cover but if this protective cover contains any other items, it will be considered to be an extra piece of baggage.

Lufthansa

We offer you the opportunity of taking your baby's push chair right up to the aircraft door. Our flight attendants will then take it from you and hand it back to you immediately after landing.

British Airways
For children 2-11 years of age, BA's policy states that you can bring "one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat", on top of the regular baggage allowance. For infants under age 2, you bring a stroller and car seat, but no other extra checked baggage.

Scandinavian Airlines
The airline counts strollers as "special baggage", and their site has this to say about bringing them on board:

When travelling with an infant (under 2 years old) you are always allowed to bring a stroller/pram free of charge as checked baggage. If possible, please separate the stroller/pram into two pieces. For protection we offer special plastic bags for your stroller/pram at check-in for EUR 5 (Free for  Economy Extra / Business). Keep in mind that no other objects than the stroller may be in the bags. You do not need to register your stroller/pram in your reservation before departure.
If space onboard your flight permits, you may occasionally bring a small “umbrella” stroller free of charge in the cabin. The “umbrella” stroller must not exceed the permitted cabin baggage maximum weight of 8 kg. Please note that this service cannot be guaranteed.
When there is not enough space onboard, we will collect your “umbrella” stroller at check-in, or at the gate, and check it in along with your other baggage. You will receive your “umbrella” stroller together with your other baggage upon arrival.

Delta

Children traveling on an international ticket that is 10% of the adult fare are allowed one checked bag up to 20lbs. (10kg) with a maximum outside dimension (length+width+height) of 45 inches, plus one checked fully collapsible stroller or push-chair.

And further:

Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.

Air Canada

Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers ---
Small strollers
 A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.
Large strollers
Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in and will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.

Iceland Air

Infants not entitled to a seat shall be allowed 10 kg (22 lb) and in addition one checked or carry on fully collapsible stroller/pushchair or infants carrying basket.

Japan Airlines

You may use your baby stroller up to the boarding gate at some airports. Please ask the airport personnel if this is possible when you check-in.

• * Space on board is limited, so checking-in your stroller is strongly encouraged. Checked  strollers will be returned to you as quickly as possible upon arrival.
  Please use the free baby stroller service provided by your departure airport. No reservation  is required. Please note that your request may not always be honored due to supply issues.

* The number is limited.

This service is available at the following airports in Japan and overseas:
Japan: Narita International, Kansai International, Chubu Centrair International and Komatsu.
Overseas: Frankfurt International (Germany), London Heathrow (UK), Indira Gandhi International (New Delhi, India) and Soekarno Hatta International (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Air France

Are you traveling with a child of at least 2 years of age? You can transport a foldable stroller (maximum size: 15 x 30 x 100 cm / 5.9 x 11.8 x 39.4 in.) in addition to your baggage allowance at no extra charge. This type of stroller is accepted in the cabin on long-haul flights*, as long as enough space is available in the overhead compartments.

Qantas

• Domestic Flights
  Children up to 12 years of age, are permitted one car seat and one collapsible pram, stroller or push chair in addition to the checked baggage allowance.
• International Flights
  Children receive the same baggage allowance as adults.

There is also some further information:

For tickets issued prior to 1 December 2010, adults accompanying infants are entitled to check in one additional infant item. This is in addition to the baggage allowance for adults. For tickets issued from 1 December 2010, adults accompanying infants are entitled to check in up to three infant items for each travelling infant. Infant items can include; collapsible stroller or push-chair, collapsible cot or bassinet; or car seat or baby capsule. Charges will apply for any baggage carried in addition to the checked baggage allowance and three infant items.

United Airlines

Strollers may be checked to your final destination without a fee, in addition to your normal baggage allowance.

Children can be transported in their strollers throughout the airport. However, strollers must be checked at the gate. No strollers of any size are permitted as carry-on baggage. Your child's stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door upon request at your connecting city or destination. Large-sized, non-collapsible strollers cannot be checked at the gate. Please see a United representative at the airport check-in counter to check your large-sized, non-collapsible stroller.

Continental Airlines

Continental accepts one stroller or one carseat in addition to a customer's baggage allowance. When checked as baggage, all oversize and overweight charges will apply. First and second bag fees do not apply to either a stroller or a car seat. Continental is not liable for damage to strollers. Excess Valuation may not be purchased for strollers.
Note: If you are traveling with a stroller and a carseat in addition to the baggage allowance, only one of these items is carried free of charge.
Infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare will be granted a free baggage allowance of one stroller or one carseat and one other item (linear dimensions must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) and weight must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg). If the Infant's free baggage allowance is exceeded, the excess will become part of the fare paying adult's baggage allowance and all restrictions and excess charges will apply.

Finnair

Children's pushchairs are generally carried in the hold of the aircraft, along with other checked baggage. Some airports will allow the light, small-wheeled, folding umbrella type pushchairs to be taken to the departure gate, if necessary. At the departure gate, they must be handed over to ground personnel to be carried, preferably, in the hold of the aircraft. It is important to arrive at the departure gate in good time, so that the umbrella pushchair may be loaded into the hold on time. An umbrella pushchair is not automatically accepted for carriage in the cabin, as storage space is limited, especially when the flight is fully booked. At Helsinki Airport, pushchairs provided by Finavia may be borrowed to push children all the way to the departure gate.

American Airlines

If a seat is purchased for a child, the standard carry-on baggage and checked baggage allowance apply.

If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on or checked baggage allowance. However, the following items are allowed over and above the carry-on allowance for the adult traveling with an infant:

• Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child (may also be checked)
• Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child (see details for stroller acceptance below)
• Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child

When traveling internationally, infants without a seat but paying 10% of an adult fare are allowed one piece of checked baggage not to exceed 45in/115cms 50lbs/23kgs.

The most important information is contained in the "details for stroller acceptance" link, where you can read about the different rules for different kinds of strollers.


Air New Zealand

Infants are entitled to the same baggage allowance as the accompanying passenger, including car seats and strollers. Safety requirements mean that strollers must be stowed in the overhead lockers of the aircraft. If your stroller will not fit in an overhead locker, it will need to be checked-in with your other baggage. If the flight you are travelling on is full, airport staff may request that your stroller is checked-in.
On Air New Zealand Link aircraft there is very limited cabin stowage space so your stroller will need to be checked-in.
On Boeing 747, 777, 767, and 737 aircraft, strollers with a completely collapsible frame and seating will fit in the overhead lockers. Other strollers do not fit, including the three-wheeled 'jogger' style and those which do not fold inwards when collapsed.

Virgin Atlantic

Passengers travelling with infants or children can bring a fully collapsible pushchair or car seat, in addition to their free check in luggage allowance.

Infants too young for their own seat on the aircraft (travelling on the lap of a parent or carer) can have one piece of hold baggage weighing up to 23kg, and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 6kg. We’re afraid we can’t allow extra baggage allowance to be purchased for infants.

Air China

Free checked baggage allowance for Infant Fare purchased at 10% of the Adult Fare:

• Each passenger is allowed to check in up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of baggage for free.
• If space permits and approval has been obtained from the chief steward, a collapsible pram or cradle may be permitted to be brought into the cabin.

Cathay Pacific

When you are travelling with a child or an infant, you may carry onboard the following item(s) free of charge:

• an approved car safety seat,
• a small bag of food and nappies (for consumption on the flight),
• an umbrella type collapsible stroller (if cabin stowage is available).

Baby buggies must be checked in as hold baggage.  

Singapore Airlines
According to the airline's website, infants are allowed one piece of luggage, or 10 kg of luggage, depending on your destination. Also:

a fully collapsible stroller or pushchair, carry-cot and infant food items may be  checked in without charge.

Traveling with kids: 5 travel problems & suggested solutions

 
1. Fear of flying
Many kids suffer from this, and so do many adults. Kids usually don't try to deal with it by getting drunk, something I've seen some adults do. Instead they might cry, scream, refuse to sit down, or try to remove their seat belt.

Suggested solutions:

• Read books about airplanes before you go, especially books that explain how planes work, what happens during a flight, and what is making the strange noises you'll hear on board. 
• Talk to your child about the noises and the other things happening on board, before the flight and during the flight. That clunking noise is just the wheels going up or down. That roar is the engines as we rumble down the runway, getting up enough speed to fly. The wing is changing shape to help the plane fly better. And so on.
• Bring comfort items like a blanket or stuffed animal, or you holding their hand or hugging them as best you can as the plane takes off.

More tips in my previous post Fear of flying: How to help an anxious child.

2. Your child won't eat on the plane
If you have a picky eater (I do), this can be a problem on a long flight because a hungry child is rarely a happy child. My daughter is extremely suspicious of any foods she hasn't seen or tasted before (unless it's candy, of course).

My best tip: I bring snacks along that I know she and my son will eat (granola bars, crackers, pretzels, raisins), and on board I do try to get them to eat something, even if it's just a bun, a piece of cheese or some veggies or fruit.

Another tip: Get your child to eat a good meal just before takeoff. You can do this at home, or if you arrive in good time at the airport you can go for a meal you know they'll like before your flight leaves. I let my daughter fill up on chicken nuggets and fries before our latest flight to Sweden: not the most nutritious meal ever, but reasonably filling. And after that at least I know she got some food in her before the plane takes off.

I do often wish the airlines would serve more kid-friendly meals on board. Some of my suggestions are included here: My take on a perfect kids' meal on board.

Taking it easy for a bit during a busy travel day can help kids unwind and avoid tantrums.

3. Travel-tantrums
In spite of what it might feel like at the time, a tantrum doesn't mean you're a bad parent or that you have a "bad" kid. Tired, hungry, bored kids who might also be scared and uncomfortable, or in actual distress from the pressure on board, and who are also in unfamiliar surroundings like airports and airplanes can make for spectacular tantrums.

My tips to avoid, defuse and handle tantrums:

• Try to make for regular snack and drink breaks to make sure your child isn't too hungry or thirsty.
• Also try to help them get to sleep on board, or at least take time for a snuggle: sitting down with a book, watching a movie, or just hugging and talking quietly to your child for a bit can help calm anxiety and head off trouble. 
• Try to keep a sense of humor, for your child and yourself: break things up with silly songs and stories, making faces while waiting at the gate, playing games, bringing out a puppet, or some other activity that might make your child feel like giggling.

More tips in this post: 9 tips on how to handle tantrums on board and at the airport. 

4. Dealing with jet-lag
When I travel to Sweden with my kids, we deal with a 9 hour time difference. This is not always easy or fun, but in a few days the worst symptoms usually do pass and after a week, things are pretty much normal. My main tips are:

• Try to stick to the new regular bedtime in your new time zone, as closely as you can, from the first day you arrive. Try to keep kids entertained if you have to, just to prod them to stay awake.
• Eat before bedtime, or your body might decide that it's time to wake up in the middle of the night because you're just so darn hungry.
• Try to make your bedroom as dark as possible so your kids believe you when you tell them it is the middle of the night, even if their bodies are telling them otherwise.
• Short daytime naps can be your friend and allow kids that woke up really early (mine always do for the first few days) to stay up until it really is bedtime. Longer naps late in the day are more problematic I find, and can mess up the new bedtime routine. Kids are all different though, so I'm sure different strategies might work for other kids.

More tips here: Kids and jet lag, what it's like and 8 tips on how to deal with it.

5. Homesickness
If you're away from home for a long time, your child might really miss their home, their friends, and family members who are far away. Even if they're really enjoying a wonderful trip with you, they might still cry every night because they miss their bed, their best friend, or a stuffed animal they forgot to bring.

I don't think it's possible to completely avoid some homesickness while traveling, but there are some things I've found that can help your child deal with it. There are the usual phone calls, computer chatting and even video chats these days of course. Other things that can help your child process the sadness they might feel are:

• Bringing photos of family and friends to look at and talk about.
• Writing postcards and emails to friends and family.
• Keeping a journal to show friends and family when you get back home: this can be a sort of scrapbook with pictures, photos, drawings, ticket stubs, and written text.
• Talking about home and what daddy/grandma/best friend might be doing right then, and what you'll be doing when you get home.

More tips here: 7 ways to stay in touch and handle separation anxiety.

Flying with infants: all about cots & bassinets

If you're traveling on a long flight with an infant, it's a good idea to ask your airline or travel agent if it's possible to reserve a bassinet on board when booking your tickets. This is essentially a small bed for your baby, and can go by different names: cot, baby basket, carrycot, or cradle for example.

Always ask for this if you are traveling with a very small child, because it is a fantastic perk: your baby gets a place to sleep, and you get your hands (and lap!) free for at least part of the flight. Usually, these cots are free of charge.

Usually a child under the age of 2 travels for free if they sit on your lap. Another alternative is to purchase a seat for your infant and use an approved car seat (check with your airline what seats can be used on board). If your child is over 1 year old, you could also use something like the Child Aviation Restraint System, CARES.

However, if you do qualify for a bassinet, that is your best and cheapest option.

The age, size and weight requirements for bassinets vary between different airlines. Listed below are links for various airlines, and what each airline's website has to say about their policy for bassinets on board.

KLM

Carrycots can be reserved for babies on intercontinental flights. These are suitable for babies no older than 6 months of age who are no longer than 65 cm and weigh no more than 10 kg on the day of the trip.

Lufthansa

On Lufthansa long-haul flights special baby cots are available. Please be aware that the number of seats with cots is limited. The bassinets are suitable for babies up to 14 kg and up to 83 cm in length and are provided free of charge. Night flights are especially suitable for journeys with small children because children can then maintain their usual sleep pattern and get some rest.

British Airways

We can supply specially designed carrycots so that your infant can sleep on board, particularly useful for longhaul flights. We can also supply an on-board infant seat that attaches to the carrycot positions.
The carrycots and infant seats cannot be used when the seat belt signs are on.
We have a limited number of carrycots and infant seats, which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please request them from the cabin crew on board the aircraft.
The infants seats supplied by British Airways are:

• ideal for ages from 6 months to 2 years, but can also be used from birth
• adjustable to a variety of positions from horizontal to vertical
• available for infants who weigh no more than 13kgs (29lbs)
• available on all longhaul flights, except in First Class on Boeing 777 aircraft, where only carrycots are available

Scandinavian Airlines

When flying with us to/from North America or Asia you can book a cradle (bassinet) for babies up to 9 months old. The length of the cradle is 89 cm or 72 cm, depending on aircraft type. Please book it at the same time as your ticket. 

Delta
There is no specific information about any cots or bassinets being available. The airline's site does provide this information:

For both safety and comfort, we recommend purchasing a seat and using an approved child safety seat for children under the age of two.

Air Canada

If you're travelling with an infant in Economy Class, you may request a bassinet in advance of travel by contacting Air Canada Reservations. However, we are unable to confirm availability until the time of your flight's departure.

Important:

• bassinets are assigned on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability at time of flight departure;
• bassinets may be provided in Economy Class only on the following aircraft:
  • Boeing 777-300 (77W)
  • Boeing 777-200 (77L)
  • Airbus 330 (333)
  • Boeing 767-300 (763)
• for safety reasons:
  • bassinets can be used only for infants weighing less than 12kg (25lbs) who are unable to sit upright;
  • the cabin crew is responsible for installing the bassinet once the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Iceland Air
The airline's website does not mention anything about bassinets or cots being available. Instead it has this to say about traveling with an infant:

Passengers traveling with infants may bring on board an approved child seat, provided that there are free seats on the flight in question. Passengers can ensure a seat for a child seat by purchasing the child fare. 

Japan Airlines
Bassinets are available:

Reservations Required.

• * Our bassinettes are ideal for infants weighing up to 10.5kg (age 2).
  Dimensions (length: 77 cms, width: 32.5 cms, and depth: 15 cms).
• * Please note that bassinettes are available in limited numbers and reservation may not always be possible.

Air France
(Updated Jan. 30th 2013) The airline's website has this to say about traveling with an infant:

An infant (under 2 years of age) can travel on your lap at no extra charge on flights within Metropolitan France, and receive a discount on international flights.
For the comfort of both you and your infant, we can provide you with a bassinet (upon request and subject to availability). You can then take advantage of a child fare for your infant.

Qantas

If you require a bassinet onboard, you must notify Qantas at the time of reservation. Bassinets may be requested for infants up to 18 months of age, but the recommended age limit for bassinet use on international flights is eight months. The weight limit is 11kg (25lbs). The bassinet size is 71cm x 31cm (28in x 12in). The depth is approximately 26cm (10.5in). Infants paying 10% of the adult fare who are too large for bassinets are not entitled to a seat and must be nursed. Alternatively, the payment of a child's fare would ensure a seat. Bassinets are subject to availability.

United Airlines

A limited number of bassinets can be reserved for use, free of charge, on international aircraft (Boeing 747, 767 and 777). These bassinets are large enough to hold a child up to approximately six months old. They may not be used for takeoff or landing, or when the seat belt sign is illuminated. To request a bassinet for your flight, please contact United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) within the United States, or call the appropriate worldwide contact. Bassinet reservations are subject to availability. We recommend making your request early, as bassinets may no longer be available for your flight once you are at the airport.

Continental Airlines

On most long-haul flights*, Continental offers bassinets for ticketed infants weighing 22 lbs (10 kg) or less on international flights operated with 777, 767 and 757-200 aircraft.

Along with bassinet requests we will provide accompanying seat assignments for an adult traveling with an infant and up to one travel companion. Bassinets are limited in quantity, and while we recommend they be requested in advance, there is a possibility we may not be able to accommodate all requests. To request a bassinet and an accompanying seat assignment, contact Continental Reservations. There will be no fee for these seat assignments when arranged by Continental Reservations or with a Continental representative at the airport.

Finnair

The baby basket is fastened to the bulkhead of the aircraft during the flight. The child can sleep and lie down in the basket during the flight with the cover zipped up. During take-off, landing and turbulence, the infant sits on the lap of an adult with a separate safety belt fastened. The adult is allowed to have only one infant sitting on his/her lap. The maximum inner length of the baby basket is 70 cm and the infant using the basket may not weigh more than 11 kg or 24 lbs and must not be older than 6 months.

American Airlines
The website does not mention cots or bassinets, but has this information for parents traveling with infants:

Infants under 2 years of age may be held in an adult's lap, however, taxes, fees or fares may apply. For the safety of your child, American recommends purchasing a seat and using an approved child safety seat. Please contact Reservations for further information.

Air New Zealand

On international fights, bassinets may be installed on Air New Zealand Boeing 747, 777 and 767 aircraft. Currently there are no facilities for bassinets on board Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. These bassinets are designed for infants of average size up to 8 months old. The bassinets are made up with sheets, a pillow and blankets.
There are only a limited number of bassinet positions on any aircraft so it is important to request a bassinet seat when making your booking. Please note that because the bassinets are designed for infants up to 8 months old (and weighing a maximum of 11.8kgs/26lbs), pre-allocation of bassinet seats is only available for infants up to that age on a first come, first served basis. If you are travelling with an infant aged between 8 months and 15 months (and weighing a maximum of 11.8kgs/26lbs), a bassinet seat may be allocated to you if one is available at the time you check in on the day of travel.

Virgin Atlantic

We offer three types of in-flight cots, depending on the aircraft and cabin travelled in, which are suitable for young infants. Manufacturer weight and height restrictions apply. --- The in-flight cot must be requested before you fly.

Skycots in Premium Economy and Economy Classes on A340-300 and B747-400:
Max weight of infant: 9,0 kg 19.8 lbs
Max height of infant: 740 mm, 29.0 inches
Skycot dimensions 35cm (width) x 21cm (depth) x 74cm (length)

Bassinets in Upper Class on A340-300, A340-600 and B747-400:
Max weight of infant: 11,0 kg 24.25 lbs
Max height of infant: 750 mm 29.50 inches
Bassinet Dimensions 35cm (width) x 24cm (depth) x 76cm (length)

Infant Cradles in Premium Economy and Economy Classes on A340-600:
Max weight of infant: 11,0 kg 24.25 lbs
Max height of infant: 760 mm, 30 inches
Infant Cradle dimensions 28.63cm (width) x 72.7cm (length)

Air China

Most flights on Air China provide cradles for babies. This can be done through the local business department of Air China.

1. You may apply for infant cradle service on the São Paulo route at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
   
2. On all other routes, you may apply for cradle service at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.This can be done through the local business department of Air China.

Cathay Pacific

• All our aircraft are equipped with special baby bassinets. A bassinet measures 76.20cm (30") x 38.10cm (15") x 20.32cm (8") and can carry up to 12kgs
• Please note however a baby older than 6 months may feel uncomfortable in a bassinet
• A request for a baby bassinet (BSCT) can be made at time of reservation if passenger is travelling with an infant.

Singapore Airlines

While a limited number of bassinets (beds specifically for babies) are available onboard on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend that you request for a bassinet at the time of booking to assure easy travel with your infant.
The dimensions of the bassinet are 768 L x 298 W x 158 H (mm). Bassinets can support a maximum weight of 14kg.

 Image thanks to seeklogo.com

My 9/11

Ten years is a long time. Ten years ago I did not have children. My husband and I were living in an apartment in Richmond, BC, not too far from Vancouver International Airport. We were on the flight path and would see planes every day, though we were not so close that the sound really bothered us. I worked in a book- and gift-shop at the airport.

I remember getting up for work in the morning that day, turning on the TV, and seeing the footage of the towers falling. It had already happened by then, and all the TV-stations were showing the images again and again and again. Like many others, my initial reaction was that I wasn't sure at first if what I was seeing was real. It's one of the few times in my life that I've felt weak in the knees.

Between the towers of the World Trade Center as a cloud passes between them. (Nov. 1998.)

By the time I took the bus to work, I knew that flights were cancelled all over the world. I knew that some planes were being escorted to airports by fighter jets. I sat on the bus, still stunned, wondering what all this meant: for people in NYC, for me, for the world, for my job at the airport, for everything.

There was a German girl with me on the airport bus. She sat there with her luggage: two suitcases and a carry on. She had seen the news too, but was convinced that at least Lufthansa would still be flying. I told her I didn't think they would be taking off, but her faith in that flight leaving on time was unshakable. I stopped trying to convince her otherwise.

The day at the airport was surreal. Inside security there was no one around, except scattered staff like myself. Outside, the tarmac filled up gradually with planes. I saw planes with logos on their tails I'd never seen before. Eventually, the tarmac was crowded with planes, packed in like cars in a parking garage.

The world changed immediately. There was no commercial air travel anywhere in the world. There were stranded passengers everywhere. For many days there were no planes flying above our apartment in Richmond  It was oddly quiet, both at the airport and in our apartment.


On TV that same footage of the twin towers burning, then falling, played over and over and over again until I couldn't stand it anymore. Friends of mine who lived in NYC checked in on the Internet and told stories of traffic mayhem, smoke and dust, fear and death.

Eventually, the stories of the hijackings that lead to the attacks came out, and I wondered how anyone would ever be able to travel on a plane again. Could I ever sit on a plane and trust that I would be OK? What kind of security measures would be put in place to deal with the danger and the fear? What was going to happen to the world now?

10 years later I know some of the answers. I know that airplanes eventually started flying again, even though air travel and airport security have been forever changed.  I know that some of my friends who were closer to the events had their lives profoundly changed by the events on that day. I still don't really know what is going to happen to the world, but then I guess no one ever really knows the answer to that question.

Today, I don't think about 9/11 every time I get on a plane, though I did for a while just afterwards. I can sit on an airplane and feel safe. Is it a false sense of security? Maybe. Has 9/11 faded from my memory? Not really. I think the memory of what happened has become part of me, and has shaped the world in such a profound way that it's something more than a memory.

10 years later I have two children who have not known a world before the events of 9/11. I live in a house that is much farther away from Vancouver International Airport, but we're still on the flight path and I still see the planes fly overhead during the day. My oldest child, born in 2003, loves to watch those planes. When he sees them, he'll often ask me (though he already knows the answer): "Mommy, where is that big plane going?" And I'll answer "To the airport, of course. All planes have to go to the airport to land!"

To all of my friends who were affected so much more personally than I was by 9/11: you are in my thoughts. I wish I could hug each and every one of you. Instead, I might just hug my kids as we see another airplane fly by on its way to Vancouver Airport.

The Vancouver Sun has a story and images from YVR's 9/11.

Image of the WTC by Flickr user Beija, via Wikimedia Commons.