Opinion: Have toddler, will travel

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It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled with little ones. But I was reminded of what a true nightmare hauling toddlers cross-country can be when my youngest sister visited our snow-birding parents in Tampa, Fla., and I thought those of you still in the trenches could probably use a good giggle. Enjoy!

The day started badly, with our hero waking up late and arriving at the airport with less than an hour to spare. Not a huge deal if you’re by yourself, but a potential game-ender with a rug rat in tow. To make matters worse, she’d mistakenly booked a single ticket, assuming her 2-year old would ride in her lap. The Southwest agent immediately informed her that because her son was older than 2, she would have to purchase an additional seat for $400 each way. Luckily, my sister works in marketing and was able to charm her way into a reasonably priced companion ticket. With precious minutes lost, they made their way to security.

My nephew has a medical condition, though, that requires a whole slew of equipment. Thus, a short visit with TSA agents was impossible. The next thing my sister heard was her name being paged over the speakers as her gate was closing. Imagine a strung-out mother sprinting through the terminal, dragging several heavy suitcases with one hand and pushing a janky-wheeled stroller with the other.

No sweat for this supermom, and with the help of compassionate attendants who worked some festival-seating magic on a sold-out flight, she and my nephew actually enjoyed an uneventful trip to Florida.

Hope you can’t relate!

Peace out.


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