Flying with TWIN toddlers for the first time----need LOTS of advice.

[Anonymous]

We've never used headphones - the plane seems to drown out the sound just enough so that other passengers aren't disturbed. Buy a back-up battery for the DVD player.

I wouldn't risk renting the car seats, as they aren't guaranteed to be available (and then you'd be screwed.)

We always brought little toys - Matchbox cars, small dinosaurs, a toy airplane, sticker books - and snacks.

You're almost home-free, girlfriend. Once they hit 3, they're so much easier to fly with!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've never used headphones - the plane seems to drown out the sound just enough so that other passengers aren't disturbed. Buy a back-up battery for the DVD player.

I wouldn't risk renting the car seats, as they aren't guaranteed to be available (and then you'd be screwed.)

We always brought little toys - Matchbox cars, small dinosaurs, a toy airplane, sticker books - and snacks.

You're almost home-free, girlfriend. Once they hit 3, they're so much easier to fly with!

I have twins and it would be grossly unfair to be the third person in the row. Bring the most functional stroller even if it's bigger folded and have your family get an air mattress. You do need headphones-sticker books, coloring books, no matchboxes [or anything else that would hurt if they throw them]. Keep electronics as a special surprise to be unveiled once you can use them on the plane so there is no screaming for the movie when you can't use the device.

Best advice: Keep them awake far longer than normal even if they are cranky so they are ready to sleep on the flight. Super tired and the white noise of the plane are a good combination. Then it will be the best possible scenario.

[Anonymous]

If you do decide to check carseats (which i recommend), you do not have to pay to check them...and they don't go against your bag allowance on SW. We lugged them through the airport one time hoping to save on the bag fee, only to learn after the fact that they don't count.

Someone mentioned to keep certain things a surprise (like the lollipop, or juice) so that they don't start begging for it the second you get down. Also agree with not getting the kids on board till the last possible minute (assumign someone else can grab the seats), as its just more time confined. I would definitely go with the smaller stroller. If you do buy a portable bed, buy online and have it shipped directly to your family's house. i have heard great things about those Peapd travel beds (http://www.giggle.com/p/25037/c/557/cl/677/Peapod-Travel-Bed.aspx) ...but i'd be worried my kids would feel 'enclosed'. We have also found that its easier to buy some things on the other end (diapers, wipes, etc.). It does mean you need a trip to the store on day 1, but it saves room in your bags. Obviously you'll need enough to get you through Day1.

Put everything you need under the seat in front of you. Trying to get stuff from the overhead is a challenge, especially since you've got one extra lap and 2 little ones.

Good luck, and remember... the majority of people on that flight have been in your shoes before...or know somone who has. I alwasy get very stressed about whether we are disrupting others...and everyone has always empathized and been very helpful and forgiving . The only caveat...do everything in your power to make sure the kids don't kick the seat in front of them...and don't pull/push the tray. I find this is the hardest part of traveling since kids are drawn to those two things (which makes sense as they are RIGHT in front of them).