If you’re a fan of the history of air travel, I think you’ll enjoy today’s guest post reminding us of some of the outstanding moments in the history of flight.  The next time you step on a plane, think about just how far we’ve come.

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Humanity has long been fascinated with the idea of flying. Early humans created cave paintings depicting flight and told myths such as the tale of Prometheus. Kites were invented thousands of years before that fateful day at Kitty Hawk. It was not until the beginning of the Industrial Age, however, that the dream of flight started inching closer to reality. Of all the major moments in the history of flight, five stand out.

Hang Gliders

Most people consider the Wright brothers’ flight to be the beginning of aviation history but it started decades previously, when a glider built by Sir George Cayley took to the air near Brompton Dale in the U.K. The 1853 flight was the first time a human ever left the surface of the earth. Sadly, the name of the aviator has been lost to history. Gliders continued to be developed over the rest of the nineteenth century, and the Wright brothers drew heavily off the work of Cayley and others like him.

The Wright Brothers

Humanity would take to the skies in a different form fifty years later. By the turn of the century, there were numerous teams and individuals working feverishly to develop a powered heavier-than-air aircraft. The first people to do so were Orville and Wilbur Wright, two mechanics from Ohio who had been working on their plane for many years. The first flight occurred on December 17, 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Orville was at the controls, but Wilbur flew later that day.

Transatlantic Flight

Aircraft developed rapidly in the years after 1903. More inventors moved into the field and airplanes became larger and better-controlled. One of the goals of early aviation was a transatlantic flight between the United States and Europe. The first such flight was accomplished by a Navy aircraft in 1919. The trip took 23 days and only one of the three aircraft which left the U.S. made it to the UK. The most well-known transatlantic flight occurred eight years later when Charles Lindbergh flew The Spirit of St. Louis from New Jersey to Paris. The non-stop flight occurred in May of 1927.

First Airlines

Everyone wanted to fly on an airplane, and thus it was not long before commercial airlines were formed. The first such was founded in 1913 and flew biplane flying boats between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. Though this airline only lasted a year, it was a major step forward. Dozens of other airlines were formed over the next two decades. Four of them, Quanta, KLM, Czech Airlines and Avianca, are still in business today.

Supersonic Flight

The next aviation goal was supersonic flight. The first such flight occurred on October 14, 1947, with Charles Yeager at the controls of an experimental plane dubbed the Bell X-1. More research into supersonic flight led to the development of planes such as the military reconnaissance aircraft known as the Blackbird SR-71 and the civilian passenger aircraft nicknamed the Concord.

Photo credit:  Les Chatfield via flickr

Guest Contributor bio:  Kristin Marcus is an international flight attendant and guest author at BecomeCareer.com, where she contributed the “How Do I Become a Flight Attendant” guide.

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Yes, I’m going to Tokyo and I’m very excited about it.

But I jumped to the end of the story before telling you about how this came to be, why it’s important to me, and how you can help make sure my trip is everything I want it to be.  So let’s rewind just a little bit. . . .

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is launching a new service between Seattle and Tokyo on July 25th, 2012.  The daily flight departs Seattle at 1:15 pm and ten and a half hours later arrive at Narita at 3:45 pm (the next day).  For visitors interested in traveling on to other cities within Japan, or making connections to other destinations in Asia, this arrival neatly coincides with outbound flights. The outbound flight leaves Tokyo at 5:25 pm and arrives in Seattle at 10:55 am that same day.  Yeah, I know all that time change can be crazy, but essentially you lose a day going over and get in back on the return.

Fellow travel blogger and friend Andy Hayes (publisher of Sharing Travel Experiences) and I were asked to be ambassadors for ANA’s Seattle-Narita launch.  Woo hoo!  We haven’t been to Japan, so this was an exciting opportunity to say yes to.  But what does being a launch ambassador really mean?  Well, here’s just a little bit about what we’ll be doing.

Attending a launch party at Boeing where we’ll get to take a peek at the ANA product.  And we got to invite a few friends to join us.  I’m no stranger to inflight service and aircraft configuration, and I’ve heard incredible things about the product that the Asian carriers are putting out, so I’m more than just a little curious to see what they’ll be doing on this route.  And I’m also dying to take a look at the Dreamliner – and to see if it’s all that it’s been touted to be.  (NOTE:  The route will be flown by the Boeing 777 to start with, then change to the 787 Dreamliner when ANA takes delivery of more of those aircraft.)  Have you taken a look at the interior schematic of those things?  Andy and I will be tweeting from the launch party using the hash tag #ANASEA, so follow Andy and me on twitter if you want the real time scoop.

Take a look at this interior.  Isn’t it a thing of beauty (airplane geekness coming out).

And how about these lie-flat seats and private cubicles in business class? That 10 1/2 hour flight will fly by with that kind of comfort. And with staggered seating arrangement, no one will see me drooling while I sleep.

ANA is also sending Andy and I to Tokyo so we can experience the business class hospitality offered.  We’ve haven’t coordinated dates yet, but it will probably be sometime in the early fall.  While I’ve never flown on the Boeing 777, there’s a part of me that hopes we can schedule our trip when the Dreamliner is in service.  We’ll be staying in Tokyo for a few days, again hosted by ANA, and we’re even talking about staying on for a few days longer on our own.  I’ve ordered a couple guidebooks, have started talking to friends who’ve been to Japan, and we’ve started a Tokyo Pinterest board to help with our planning.  Both Andy and I are big at research and planning.

The planning stage is where we need some help.  We’ve never been to Tokyo.  Maybe you have.  And if you have, I know you’re going to have some suggestions for us.  And if you have some suggestions for us, we want to hear them.  Here are just a few of the things that I want to know:

• Attractions and sites worth seeing – I’m big on history and cultural sites, so any recommendations along those lines are sure to be a hit.  Also, what about some quiet spots for a bit of a respite.  Tokyo is a crazy busy city, so is there a park or speciat spot where I can relax for a bit before heading off to the next activity?
• Shopping – Sure, I know Tokyo is expensive, but there must be some place to find gifts to take home and a nice souvenir to remember it by.  I tend to buy a nice gift for myself, something that I can use and enjoy, rather than a bunch of little tsotchkes.  What’s a good gift to myself that will serve as a reminder of Japan.  And, what are the fun markets for people watching, getting a sense of the city, and just having a good time?
• Food – It may be heresy, but I really don’t care for sushi.  What other great food choices can I make?  I love noodle shops and wagyu beef, so that’s a start.  But what else?
• What to wear – I know Tokyo is a major city, much like New York, but what’s the general dress code.  NYC is upscale and hip, is Tokyo the same way?  Can I tour around in casual jeans and a t-shirt or do I need to be more stylishly put together?  What about for going out at night, not the clubs – I’m long past that stage – but for drinks, dinner, or general entertainment.  What am I going to need to pack?
• Internet access – Since we’ll want to tweet and post to Facebook on a regular basis, we’re going to need reliable internet access.  It would be better if it was wireless.  And best if it was free.  Is that possible to find in Tokyo?  Or do we need to just bite the bullet and take a mi-fi with us?  Sharing our real time experiences as two newbies in Tokyo is an important part of the ambassador program, so we need to figure out how to best get access.
• iPhone use – We both have iPhones and we’ll want the best tips you have for avoiding those often exorbitant cell phone charges.  Should we jailbreak our phones and get a sim card?  Would you buy in advance or when we get there?  I’ve always avoided using my phone when traveling abroad, so am really looking for practical tips here.
• What did I miss?  What other tips and helpful recommendations do you have to share?

Let me say it again – I’m going to Tokyo!

Photo credits:  All courtesy of ANA

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I spend an inordinate amount of times in airports.  Some weeks it’s near daily.  I have my favorites (Portland, San Jose, Vancouver BC) and those that I’d just as soon avoid (Atlanta, LAX, San Francisco).  For most travelers, airports are a hot mess of crowds, frustration, and stress.  I see it as an office environment.  Much like the elevator that the office worker must be navigated to get to the cubicle, I see the airport as a means to an end, the route to my office – the airplane.

During the day time, and the busy morning and evening bank of flights, the airport is a crazy place.  But other times of day, the afternoon lull, the very early and late hours, and the middle of the night, you may find that you have it all to yourself.  And that’s true even at very busy airports.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is the third busiest airport in the world (based on takeoffs and landings), right behind Atlanta and Beijing (based on 2010 numbers).  London Heathrow may push it down a notch in the rankings for 2011, but make no doubt about it, O’Hare is a seriously busy airport.  If you’ve traveled internationally, chances are that you’ve passed through O’Hare as it’s the fourth busiest international gateway in the U.S.  The airport has 4 terminals (all numbered) and nine concourses (all lettered), that lay out roughly like this:

• Terminal 1 – Concourse B and C (primarily United Airlines and some partner carriers)
• Terminal 2 – Concourse E and F (US Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Express)
• Terminal 3 – Concourses G, H, K, and L (American Airlines and some partner carriers, American Eagle, and domestic low-cost carriers)
• Terminal 5 – Concourse M.  This is the international terminal for both arrivals and departures.

This photo was taken in the wee hours of the morning, probably around 4 am, as I was walking from concourse K to concourse C.  The walk takes you downstairs to a people mover that helps transport you to the other concourse and terminal.  Only a couple of other travelers were walking about, the neon lights gave off a weird sort of glow, and for the first time ever, I saw the quiet calm of O’Hare.  Of course, an hour or so later it was a crazy bundle of nerves once again, but I’ll always remember the other side of it.

How did the airport come to be called O’Hare?  It was named after Edward O’Hare, the US Navy’s first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.

Do you have a favorite spot at O’Hare?  Share it with others in the comments.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Spring break might be over for some kids, but there are still a lot of families traveling on the planes.  I’m not sure if parents are taking the kids out of school, home schooling, or if perhaps there are schools with a really late spring break.  Most of the families seem to be having a good time, the parents may be tired and the kids a little rambunctious – it’s spring break, after all – but every day it reminds me how families choose to make travel a priority.

Kids are full of questions, whether they’re experienced travelers or first timers, and they’re not afraid to put it all out there.  From questions about flight etiquette to other information, here are some of my favorite questions from spring break – along with a few answers (always slanted to be appropriate for the child’s age).

What makes the plane stay up in the air? Sure I took physics, but there’s no way I can explain the concepts of lift, thrust, speed, and all that other stuff to a 10 year old.  I barely understand it myself, often preferring to think that it’s all just smoke and mirrors.

Why do I have to turn off my iPad, iPod, or whatever other game or music player they have? Kids will just blurt out the question that you know adults are thinking and mumbling about.  There is plenty of debate about whether or not leaving these things on can endanger flight or not.  But that discussion doesn’t really matter when you’re on the plane right now.  A bunch of guys sitting in offices somewhere have decided that they need to be turned off and made it a regulation.  The rest of us have to ensure compliance with that regulation.  At least until such time as another group of guys sitting around in an office somewhere decide to change it.

Why do I have to wear a headset to watch my movie? I realize that you may not need to wear when at home or in the car because your parents want to hear what you’re doing.  But on the airplane there are a hundred or so other people who want peace and quiet.  So everyone has to wear a head set, or turn off the sound, if you’re using something that makes noise.

What’s that? Whether it’s asking about something on the airplane or out the window, I always try to explain it is.  For kids that are fearful travelers, getting answers to questions about the plane can be calming.  We often don’t know what’s out the window as we can’t see out, but we can often call the flight deck to get a question answered.

Do you have any cards? No, we don’t, although sometimes we have color books or paper to draw on.

Can I go up to the cockpit? During flight this is a big NO, but during boarding or deplaning there may be an opportunity.  Depending on time constraints, and what’s going on in the flight deck, many crew members will show a child around, let him put on a captain’s hat and pose for a photo.

When are we going to be there? For kids that can tell time, I tell them the truth – it will be four long , boring hours.  OK, I don’t embellish, but giving them a real time frame usually helps them.  For a child that can’t tell time yet, or doesn’t have a watch, I explain it based on what will happen during the flight – before we land you’ll have time to watch a movie and then have something else to drink.

I want kids to have an enjoyable and safe flight, whether they’re traveling alone or with their family.  I don’t always have the answers to questions, and answering is often a matter of timing, but there’s nothing like watching a child discover the fun of seeing the world.

Does your child have a travel question?  Leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer it.

Photo credit:  author’s collection

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This post is part of the Travel Blog Mob’s salute to Spring.  Read what the other “mobsters” have to say:

Travel Green with Kids! Tips to Make Family Vacations Eco-Friendly from Ciao Bambino

Spring Ahead on Planning Your Summer Trips from BootsnAll

Go Skiing (But Not On Snow) from Spot Cool Stuff

It Might as Well Be Spring from Nerd’s Eye View

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Admission at a US National Park from the Vacation Gals

Spring is Here! Get out Into the World – Or Bring It Home from Wanderinng Educators.

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If you travel places known for outstanding food and wine, you’ve most likely been left figuring out a way to take some of your new favorites.  Most often this doesn’t present a problem – unless your new favorite is wine, olive oil, specialty vinegars, or other liquid items.  In the post 9-11 world, these delicious liquid treats require careful planning if you’re to get them home with you.

Carry on restrictions will make it nearly impossible for you to carry on these liquid items, as most will be larger than the permitted 3 ounces allowed as carry ons.  That mean, you’ll need to plan your items for safe transport in your checked luggage.

Generally speaking, liquids under 24% alcohol are not considered hazardous material, and as such are not subject to a limitation or restriction in your checked luggage.  Even if you are bringing back spirits over 24% in alcohol content, you can bring up to five bottles in your checked luggage provided its packaged in a sealable bottle.  Liquids over 70% in alcohol content, like that 150 proof rum from the islands, cannot be sent in your checked bags at all.  You should note that these limitations are airline regulations.  If you are bringing items into the U.S. from another country, customs restrictions still apply.

I’ve had good luck bringing back liquid items in my checked bags.  If possible, I have the item wrapped for shipping as it gives it a little extra protection.  When that isn’t possible, I put the item inside a plastic bag (from a supermarket purchase, the dry cleaning bag at your hotel, or anything else that you can find), wrapping it up as carefully as possible.  I then wrap this larger bag with soft clothing; t-shirt, pajamas, and sweatshirts are ideal.  Once it’s sort of swaddled in clothes, I position it in my luggage, packing other items around it in such a way that it won’t move about.

It’s always worked for me.

If, however, you’re not willing to take the chance of breakage or spills, there are a few products on the market that will make packing liquids a bit easier:

• Wine Skin Leak Proof Traveler (set of 2)
• WineHug Self-Inflating Protective Pouch
• JetBag Padded Absorbent Bottle Bags (set of 3)
• Wine Diaper Padded Absorbent Bag (set of 3)
• BottleWise Bot’lPak

How do you bring home that special bottle of wine?

Photo credit: SXC

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With meals on flights either non-existent, expensive, and often unhealthy, and airport food not too much better, one way to make your vacation a little more pleasant is to pack some food to take along on your flight.  Or road trip.

If you’re flying you’ll still have to avoid liquids and gels (get those once you pass through security), but packing a few healthy and yummy snacks, can keep hunger and crankiness at bay.  While prepared energy bars can always be packed into a bag, I much prefer to look for real food options.  Here are some of my favorite snacks to take along on my flight:

1. Peanut butter sandwich – Add jelly, honey, or leave it plain, and make sure that it’s wrapped up good and tight because this will make a mess all over if is squishes out.  The sandwich won’t need refrigeration, is tolerant to a little bit of packing abuse, and offers a quick hit of protein when your energy is sagging.  Make it really, really full of peanut butter, and you can use the excess as a bit of a dip for vegetables or spread for crackers.
2. Raw vegetables – A bag of crunchy celery, carrots, broccoli, or other vegetables can be satisfying and healthy, and is easy to slip into a tote or carry on.  My favorites are cucumbers and jicama that have been seasoned with a squeeze of lime and some chili powder.  Choose your favorite and stock up, and these food offer nutritious and healthy alternatives to the junk you’ll find at the airport.
3. Dried fruit – You may be able to pack one piece of fresh fruit, but more than that and you’re just asking for it to get bruised or smashed.  Instead, opt for some dried fruit that will pack easily and last nearly forever.  My favorites are apricots and pineapple, and while they may be too sweet for some, it’s enough sweetness to keep me away from the candy.
4. Nuts – Put together a mixture of your own, or stick to a favorite, and keep a big bag in your carry on so you can grab a handful when you need some energy.  Pair them with dried fruit for a delicious salty-sweet snack.  Lay off the salt and you won’t have to worry about that inflight bloat.  I’m a big fan of raw almonds right now.
5. Cereal – With a cup and some milk, this makes a simple breakfast, and you can always snack on the dry mix for a little crunch. Add some dried fruit and nuts and you’ve got a sort of make shift granola. Not all airlines serve milk, so you may want to pick some up once you’ve passed through security.
6. Cheese – If you know you’ll be eating it within a few hours, a few slices of cheese make a good protein snack.  Much longer than a few hours, though, and you’ll need to worry about refrigeration.  I think hard cheeses travel best, and are least likely to deteriorate in packing.  A wedge of Parmesan is perfect, and string cheese is great for kids. Avoid cheese spreads as they won’t make it through security – they’re considered a gel-like product.
7. Crackers and chips – These are easily crushed, so it’s going to take careful packing to keep them in good condition.  I’d recommend taking them along only if you’ll be eating them fairly soon, as chances are they are not going to stay undamaged for more than a day.  Crackers and chips can be eaten plain, with some cheese or other items on this list, can be crumbled into soup or onto salad or vegetables.  There are healthy choices in this category, and while I typically avoid salt, I am partial to Fritos for travel.
8. Licorice – Sweet, chewy, easy to pack, and low in fat and calories.  Chewing on a red vine is a great way to assuage your sweet tooth, keep your ears popped in changing altitudes, and it’s easily packed.  A little usually goes a long way.
9. Salami – You’ll have to be careful with this, as it will eventually need refrigeration, but you will be good for a few hours.   Paired with some cheese and crackers (or bread) this is the quintessential Italian snack.  Be careful not to bring anything that’s too smelly so you don’t stink up the joint, but if a decent wine is offered onboard this combination could make travel feel downright civilized.  (Well, okay, that’s going to take a vivid imagination.)
10. Hard candies – Great for a sore throat, or just one that’s a little dry, you can find hard candies in sweet and sour flavors to match your taste bud preferences.  Sucking on hard candy can help keep your ears clear when changing altitudes, and as long as you don’t chew on them, can last a long time.  You should be able to find sugar-free, if preferred.

I usually assemble a selection of these favorites and keep them handy in my carry on.  If I’m headed on a road trip, or must back for longer periods of time, I use the Crew Cooler.

What are your favorite travel snacks?

Photo credit: SXC

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Today I have an important guest post that will be of importance to anyone who suffers from ear discomfort while flying.  I’m a sufferer, as a result of allergy and sinus-related issues, so have to take a lot of precautions when I travel.  And that includes not flying when my ears get too bad!

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As a former hospital nurse and now as a nurse consultant in the travel industry, I have found patient/traveler education vital to success when dealing with health issues. Understanding the function of the body greatly increases compliance and personal satisfaction in preventing or treating ailments.

I have found this especially true when reaching out to those who suffer with ear problems associated with flying, scuba diving, allergies, or colds.  Most people are aware that ears can be an issue when flying – and many think of the crying babies on board. However, have you ever noticed a crying adult passenger? The tears may be silent, but the ear pain causing the agony is very real. Unfortunately, this pain, pressure and hearing loss can last long after the flight is over.

What is happening to cause this ear pain? Why won’t the ear “pop”? What is that building pressure?

To understand this, we have to become familiar with a little tube called Eustachian. Named after a 16^th century scientist, the tiny little tube has the big role of regulating ear pressure in the middle ear cavity. Extending from the back of the nose (outside world) to the middle ear, the tube lies closed at rest. It will open about 400 times per day to equalize pressure in the middle ear with air pressure changes outside.

When we fly, the changing air pressure (felt mostly on descent as air pressure increases outside) causes a negative pressure in the middle ear. Normally the little Eustachian tube will open (the “pop” we may hear) and pressure is adjusted. However, if congestion is present around that tube or the plane does a quick descent, it can be difficult for the little tube to do its job.

This is where we often see wide-eyed passengers frantically yawning or swallowing. These actions use the same muscles that open the Eustachian tube. When this does not work, a gentle Valsalva Maneuver may be tried. As the nose is pinched closed and air is forcibly exhaled the little tube may be forced open.

What happens when yawning, swallowing, and the Valsalva Maneuver don’t work? The negative pressure building in the middle ear cavity may cause pressure against the eardrum and pain. This vacuum like pressure then may pull fluid into the middle ear cavity, further applying pressure on the eardrum as well as preventing the little Eustachian tube from opening against the pressure and fluid. Passengers may walk off the plane with ear problems brewing.

Now it is important to understand the role of the eardrum in hearing. The cymbal like eardrum vibrates with sound, sending vibration through the middle ear cavity to the nerves and tiny bony structures in the inner ear that communicate with the brain where sound is processed into what we “hear”.

However, when there is pressure and fluid in the middle ear, the eardrum is unable to vibrate properly and our hearing is affected.

This may be a temporary issue and a few days after a flight, we sigh in relief as the ear finally “pops” open and all is equalized.

The more severe ear issues can last for years as congestion and changes in pressure affect the normal workings of the ear.

That tiny little Eustachian tube plays a very important role in our hearing, ear health and comfort. They key is to help the Eustachian tube open so pressure can be equalized.

When yawning, swallowing, and the Valsalva Maneuver fail to open the little tube, there is a clinically proven device that will naturally and safely open the Eustachian tube with a regulated amount of air. This battery-powered device, appropriately called the EarPopper, has eliminated tears and pain for my family and friends since 2007 (when I discovered the device at a medical conference) when used during flight, driving over Mountain terrain, and after colds and allergies.

My role as a nurse consultant and travel expert has been to find “Products Worth Packing” that address the practical issues we face when traveling. The EarPopper literally turned my then 3-year-old son’s tears into laughter as he learned to use the EarPopper on descent. We can all agree laughter is more pleasant than crying in a shared aircraft cabin!

Colds, allergies, congestion, and rapid descent are a possibility on every flight. If ear issues have ever been a concern, then packing the EarPopper may be something to discuss with your medical care provider.

The EarPopper in our bag has made sure hearing loss and ear pain never become part of our itinerary!

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Anya Clowers is a nurse consultant and travel expert passionately educating travelers of all ages about the importance of travel preparation. She can be found on Twitter @EarPopperNurse @JetWithAnya, @JetWithKids  or at www.EarPopper.com/blog, www.JetWithKids.com www.JetWithKids.com/blog. Her practical travel advice has been praised by the NY Times, MSNBC, ABC News, Rick Steves, and People Magazine. Anya researches travel with her frequent-flier-in-training 6-year-old son, who visited 17 countries on 4 continents before finishing kindergarten.

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Backpacks, once the “luggage” of choice for college-aged travelers, have become mainstream, with travelers of all ages preferring to travel light, with everything they need literally on their back.  It’s simple, avoids checked bag fees and waiting time, and forces travelers to pack light.

When carrying a backpack onto an airplane, however, there are inherent dangers.  After traveling millions of miles, and seeing backpacks in varying sizes and design, I’ve  seen far too many people injured by backpacks.

So, how about we all adopt the following Backpackers Code of Conduct for Air Travel:

• I will walk straight down the airplane aisle, knowing that when I turn from side-to-side someone sitting or standing behind me may inadvertently get thumped by my backpack.
• I will turn my head to look behind me before stepping back, knowing that the person behind me may otherwise have my backpack rammed into his/her face or body.
• If I must turn, I will first remove my backpack, knowing that if I don’t someone may get crunched by it.
• I will refrain from any quick movement, knowing that any loose straps and buckles may whip someone across the face or body causing discomfort or injury.
• If I am carrying my pack by one strap, I will check to see how it hangs off my shoulder, knowing that it might flop off to the side and hit someone.
• When stowing my backpack in the overhead bin I will situate it in such a way as to take up the least amount of space, knowing that the overhead bins are shared space for all passengers on board.

What do you say backpackers?

Photo credit:  Amazon

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I’ve used many a Lonely Planet Guide when researching travel, so when they offered to send me the new edition of their Travel With Children, I was eager to give it a read.  While a non-parent myself, I’ve had occasion to travel with some small fry, and after working for 20+ years as a Flight Attendant (and I’m not telling you how many years that + represents), I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to parenting on the plane.

So I settled in for a good read.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it much past a dozen pages before I began scratching my head.  OK, I remember that Lonely Planet is published in Australia, so maybe things are a bit different down under.  Still, they sell a lot of guides to a lot of people that aren’t in Australia, so there should be a broad perspective.

I kept reading.  OK, they tackle issues about packing, health and medical issues, and school quite nicely.  Pretty good stuff about preparing your little one and yourself for traveling.

But honestly, after that I pulled up short at the Transport Section, specifically by Air.  And the light bulb over my head came on.  AHA!  I know now why so many people on my flights are so ill equipped to travel with children – they must have read this guide and taken all the bad information and advice to heart!  Because this section reads like it was written by someone who hasn’t traveled since the 1970’s, or hasn’t flown on a US airline in the past 15 years.

Here are a few of the inaccurate gems you’ll find:

• Almost all airlines have children’s activity packs on board medium-to-long-haul flights which will complement the toys and activities you’ve brought.
• Plus, many airlines now have good audio and visual entertainment for children so they can plug into the children’s audio channel and also watch the kids’ movies or shows.
• Special children’s meals and activity packs are usually available
• Nappies and baby food are available for infants
• On most long haul flights, airlines will carry emergency supplies of nappies and, upon request, can provide jars of baby food.
• Car seat information that varied from having to buy a seat for it, not being able to use it for take off and landing, and paying a child’s fare for the seat.
• All airlines carry a number of bassinets or sky cots on long-distance flights.
• Some airlines insist that you wear an infant restraint belt to keep your infant in
• Most airlines will heat up bottles and also provide baby food, upon request.

Please note that the above list of advice is simply wrong and not true.  DO NOT follow this advice.

While some international carriers offer a few more amenities than US carriers, with the move to ala carte ticket pricing, the extras have gone away.  That includes things like activity packs and special meals.  On an international flight they might be available on some airlines, but to raise that expectation to the level of almost all or most is a true disservice to a parent.

The same goes for nappies.  At one time we may have had ONE diaper, but it’s long since gone away.  Other Flight Attendant friends say that maybe there will be one, but certainly a parent should count on it.

Baby food and bottle warmers.  I have never had baby food stocked on a flight for the 20+ years that I’ve been flying.  No one else seems to remember it either.  One friend said that she thought Emirates and/or Singapore might carry it, but no one that I talked to has actually seen it.  Ditto for the bottle warmer.  I’ve never seen one.  And we don’t have microwaves either.  If someone needs to warm a bottle, we try to put some hot water into a barf bag along with the bottle and get it to warm up that way.  Maybe some of the Asian or European airlines have these features, but with so much code sharing going on, and with so much of the audience for this book being US-based, the books leads you to conclude things that simply aren’t accurate.

Let me clear up a few other things –

Sky cots are available on some transatlantic and transpacific flights.  Check with the airlines in advance.

Inflight entertainment may be available, but it may or may not be child friendly.  Be prepared to censor.  And pay.

Child’s fares are rarely available any longer, except as part of a package where the hotel and air fare are priced in combination.  If you want a guaranteed seat for a car seat, you’ll need to buy a ticket.  If the plane isn’t full, you will likely be allowed to bring on your car seat and put it in an unoccupied seat at no charge.  This applies for infants under the age of 2.  Infants may be strapped into the car seat for take off and landing, a far safer place for them to be than on a parent’s lap.

I’ve never seen an infant restraint belt, although I hear they exist.  Policies on their use will vary from airline to airline, but a parent should not be surprised if they are not allowed.

I have really tried not to be too ethno-centric about this book.  But when it’s priced for US sales, I expect it to address issues for the US traveler.  And when it comes to air travel, it fails. . . miserably.  Although the remaining sections of the book dealt with specific types of vacation plans, and specific suggestions based on a variety of destinations, the errors in the initial part of the book made me hesitant about how much credibility to give it.

I cannot recommend the Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children based on these errors and/or misinformation.  I give it a 2 star rating, and that’s solely based on the country-specific suggestions that make up the second half of the book.  If you want to give it a read, however, you will find it available for purchase (affiliate link) at Amazon for $13.59 or at your local bookstore.

I’ve recently read another book on traveling with children that was spot on.  Look for that review coming up in the next couple weeks.

Photo credit:  Amazon

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The Visa Waiver Program has been around for over 20 years, although it has reached greater awareness and prominence in the post-911 era of travel.  The program has been modified over the years, with additional countries added to the list and an electronic travel component added, but the underlying purpose of the plan remains the same.

Visitors from specific countries are permitted to travel to the United States for a period of up to 90 days (for business or pleasure travel) without having to get a Visa.  There are specific requirements for countries to get on the waiver list, including security requirements, and the countries are generally considered developed economies.  Individuals from visa waiver countries must apply for travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and meet a variety of additional requirements.

There are currently 35 Visa Waiver Countries:

Europe:  Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Asia:  Brunei, Japan, Singapore, South Korea

Oceania:  Australia, New Zealand

US visitors to those countries also are not required to have a visa, as part of reciprocity agreements, although Australia does require visitors to file an Electronic Travel Authority.

Visitors to the US can learn more about the Visa Waiver Program, its applicability and requirements from the Department of State.  Likewise, US residents wishing to travel abroad should also check regarding visa requirements for countries not on the wavier list.

Photo credit:  SXC

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