Thread: Non-reving with kids contest

Here is mine:

Non-reving with Children.

As a Delta employee with two children, I've been fortunate to see firsthand how travel can enhance a child's education and world view. Making use of our travel benefits is a great way to open that world to them. Of course, it also brings along its own set of challenges. I remember a school trip that my oldest daughter was taking, and even though she had positive space ticket she asked me "Daddy, do you think I'll get on?" It was then I realized my 13 year old was a veteran "non-rever".

Some people will ask. "Is it worth it?". I say "Yes, absolutely". When you take a child to Southern California one year, and Southern Spain the next, it really brings to life how places along the mission trail got their names. Maybe you have a child that is struggling to grasp WWII history lessons. What better way to bring to life a dry text book than a trip to Pearl Harbor or the concentration camp at Dachau. Quite often, this generation spends too much time in front of a TV or the computer, avoiding outdoor activity. If you want to change that try a trip to the Grand Canyon or the Gulf of Mexico! All of these, and more, are available to us thanks to one of the most extensive route structures in the industry.

Whether you are just beginning to non-rev with your own children, or you're a "been there, done that" traveler, those of us holding a "Seat Request Card" can always learn a little more about the system. So here are a few of my tips to you, and just in time for the summer travel season, no less:

- Consider your child's age. This is important for several reasons; children under 6 cannot travel alone or ride up front, if they are under 16 the FAA says they can't sit in an exit row. But on the plus side if they are under 2 they can fly as a "lap child" and won't need a seat. If you are using a ZED fare and your child is under 12 they get a discount. Of course you should always check Travelnet and the Policy & Procedures page for the latest info.
- Don't rule out an overseas trip just because your children are young. Trust me, kids live there too.
- Research the airport you plan on using ahead of time: some have play equipment (DFW) or even libraries (AMS). Our own SKY magazine has had some great tips on this.
- Bring some items to keep your youngsters entertained. A small toy or lap blanket can help to calm their nerves, but don't bring anything they can't bear to lose. One of the best things to occupy a child's time is colored pencils and paper. Unlike crayons, the pencils won't melt in the sunshine.
- Keep a bottle of water and a snack on hand. Children who are hungry or thirsty get cranky very quickly.
- For smaller children who don't need the leg room, choose a carry-on bag that fits under the seat. It will save you the stress of trying to find one more space in the overhead bin.
- Remind your kids to be kind to the gate agents and flight attendants. After all, this is our "Delta family", we need to take care of one another.
- While it is important to have a "Plan B" any time you non-rev, when non-reving with children you must have "Plan C & D" as well. Be flexible!

My kids have crisscrossed the US and been to Europe several times. Each trip makes their world a little smaller and their minds a little more open. The ability to travel the world at such a young age is something very special. You can help your kids make the most of it.

Jim Martin
Dept. 260

The winner:

Seven Tips for Kid Travel Heaven

May 24, 2012

Just when I thought I had nonrevving down pat, a wonderful new complication entered the equation. Our family grew from two to three with the birth of our son. Alex (now 4) has mastered the nonrev game like a pro. Like many airline brats he could fly before he could crawl. Yet even my precocious and normally even-tempered 4 year-old can grow weary of crowded terminals and packed flights. So how do we enjoy our jet-set lifestyle without being absentee parents (and still maintain good relations with grandparents who aren't always eager to be kiddie storage units)? Through trial and error we’ve discovered these seven tips that make the best of our pass travel privileges without losing our sanity. Go early or go home. That’s the saying in our house. It’s better to sacrifice an hour of sleep than two or more hours waiting on the next flight. Earlier flights usually have more availability. Plus, there’s a better chance a revenue passenger will miss their alarm clock freeing up a seat. If possible, we shoot for middle-of-the-week flights vs. the weekend. Tuesdays beat Sundays almost always for lower load factors, and getting cleared together wins in our book any day over flying on “optimal” travel days. Take an extra PPT day – it’s worth it. Steve Jobs is our new best friend. An iPad or other tablet is an investment well-made. Taking the money we would have spent on airfare, we invested in a gadget that entertains our son with movies, games, and stories. It also comes in handy for checking flight availability and checking in. Plus, you can access TravelNet at 30,000 feet on domestic flights for free! Trains, planes, and Matchbox cars. Our son loves trains. I’m not sure where I erred in his upbringing, but he’s crazy about tracks and locomotives. He also loves cars. Packing a few small toys comes in handy for takeoff and landings (when the iPad must be turned off). It’s also a great distraction for airport layovers. Presenting a new toy for trips has become a welcomed surprise for our little traveler. Holding it until the right moment is golden. Peanuts, pretzels and Biscoffs ain't gonna cut it. Unless you've got older kids or have made a burnt offering to the nonrev gods, first class meals are most likely only something you'll see from the back side of the blue curtain. Bringing along a few of our son’s favorite snacks have saved the day and made for a nicer experience both in the gate area and onboard for all those around. “Not the yucky one!” While competition is great for business, sometimes our comrades in those other terminals can really be our friends. We thought it was cute when our then 2-year-old referred to a certain brown plane as “the yucky airline,” until we had to hitch a ride home with them. Fortunately their sense of humor really helped to ease our chagrin. A ZED fare can be a cheap alternative to waiting for the next day. Look up rules on TravelNet and take advantage of OAL travel privileges. Now with eZED ticketing and listing this can be easily accomplished on-the-go using a tablet or laptop. Have a back-up plan or two. No matter how good the availability or weather forecast, sometimes bumps in the road happen. Have a secondary option ready and be prepared to get creative. We don’t let the unexpected get the best of us. We always plan in advance who will stay and who will go and are ready if the gate agent says, “Can you split up?” Know alternative airports beforehand, and don’t be afraid to rent a car and drive. We’ve done this on occasion to get to another Delta city and then flew the rest of the way. Delta employees get discounts at most of the major car rental companies. Most importantly, know when to say “it’s not gonna happen.” Don’t let “got to get home-itis” get the best of you. No matter how much you feel you need to go, know your kids and don’t push too hard. It’s not worth it in the end…no matter how much you loath returning to the in-laws’ house. Or get a hotel. It’s a small price to pay for a happy travel experience and an even happier family. We get discounts at major hotel chains, too, and they are now easy to find on the Delta Perks page of DeltaNet. With a little planning and a little flexibility, you can take full advantage of this great privilege – giving your kids the world! Of course, we’ll be waiting until Alex turns 6 in 2014 for any transoceanic flying. Jerry Fletcher