Navigating travel as a new parent is humbling, and many parents jump at any hack or perk that promises to make flying easier. But one travel editor and mother has learned that the seemingly helpful offer of early boarding for families can actually backfire.
Julie Delahaye, a travel editor who has flown at least 10 times with her toddler, both with a partner and solo, initially welcomed the common airline perk that allows families to board first regardless of ticket type. The idea is to give families extra time to settle in, stow bags, and avoid holding up other passengers.
The Reality of Early Boarding
However, the reality was far from dreamy. Being confined to a plane seat for an extra half hour with a hyped-up toddler who wants to run around added unnecessary stress. Delahaye now stubbornly waits at the gate with other passengers, even when staff encourage her to board early.
"What sounded like a blessing has turned out to be a bit of a curse," she says. The extra time in cramped seats with a climbing, jumping child made the journey harder, not easier.
A Smarter Strategy
Delahaye now employs a different tactic when travelling with another adult. She sends her partner to board early with the bags, allowing them to stow luggage, set out toys and snacks, and keep boarding smooth. Meanwhile, she stays at the gate with the toddler, letting them burn off energy until the last minute.
"It just means your kids get more time where they're not being confined to a plane seat, bags get packed, and when you board the toys and snacks are ready to avoid a meltdown," she explains.
Caveats and Considerations
She warns parents to keep passports and boarding passes handy, as the person who boards with the bags often ends up with the documents, leaving the parent with the toddler at the gate in a tricky spot.
Most airlines offer family boarding for free, but some charge for priority or family boarding. Delahaye notes that if a child can sit quietly for hours, early boarding might still work, but for most toddlers, the extra time on the plane is a recipe for meltdowns.
