This past summer, we drove to Minnesota to visit our family up there. Driving from Kentucky to Minnesota is a long trip. With two kids. Under age four.
So, we decided this time around we would fly up there as it would be much quicker and less troublesome.
Oh, how naive we are.
If I may, let me share with you my six stages of airport travel with kids.
STAGE 1
The night before travel. After finally packing everything up at 2:00am, I try fall asleep.
Can't fall asleep. Somewhat worried and apprehensive about traveling tomorrow.
Hope all goes well.
STAGE 2
Everyone is ready to go. Getting ready to pack the car and leave the house.
Receive email saying flight is delayed an hour.
Little frustrated but glad they notified us.
STAGE 3
Getting ready to leave a second time. Receive another email saying delayed another hour.
Starting to get a little hacked but still, glad they told us before we left. Feeling blood pressure become slightly elevated.
Kids are getting antsy.
STAGE 4
With no notification from airline, we head to the airport to check-in.
After our ride takes off, we find out it is delayed another two hours. Was not notified. Feeling angry. Like maybe I would like to punch the airport personnel in their nether regions.
Kids are starting to get fussy. They are tired and want to eat.
Go to airport restaurant.
Hubby and I start drinking.
Spend $1000 on crappy airport food. Kids won't eat any of it.
STAGE 5
Discover the flight is delayed another hour.
Blood is boiling.
Curse Hubby out on group text with his family.
EVERYONE BETTER STAY OUT MY WAY.
Kids are whiny and fussy.
STAGE 6
Dejected.
Hopeless.
We are all sprawled out on the airport floor in front of ticketing counter.
Hoping if we make enough of a spectacle they will try to rebook us and get us the heck out of here.
Kids are licking the carpet.
I don't even care.
CONCLUSION
Finally, they re-booked us to fly out the following day at 6:30am WITH a connection. (Um, that's why we paid extra for a non-stop flight?! Hello?!?!?! Igmos.)
All flights were on time, kids were slightly crabby, and Baby LT stuck his hand in the airport toilet.
All in all, I call it a win.
