When traveling by air, your carry-on bag is all you’ll have while in flight. If there are things that are essential to your travel experience, this is where they can be stored. But, with new security measures in place for airline travel, be aware of the allowed and prohibited items lists for carry-on luggage.

It is no longer allowed for passengers to bring whatever they would like on the airplane. Once you could pack for every eventuality; now travelers have to be more practical. When traveling with children, it is even more essential to have what you need.

Passengers are normally limited to two carry-on bags. For women, one can be their handbag. Luggage should be able to fit easily either under your seat or in the overhead compartment. For passengers traveling with children, airlines do allow extra items like strollers and carriers. Depending on the airline, a ticketed child is allowed a carry-on of their own of a certain weight.

A helpful hint for parents is to buy a ticket for their children to guarantee that they have a seat. This is actually the only way that you will be allowed to use your child safety seat on the airplane. Check to see that your child’s safety seat is safe for airline travel and also no more than 16 inches wide, to be able to fit within the confines of an airline seat safely. Many airlines offer discounts for children under the age of two when you buy a seat for them.

 

One of the recommendations is that an extra outfit be placed in your carry-on bag. If your luggage doesn’t arrive for some reason, you won’t have to do without the items you need. Don’t forget extra travel-size toiletries as well.

When traveling with children, their needs are to be considered as well. Pack any medications, toys, formula, food, diapers, wipes and the like in a carry-on for them. Try to choose a bag that is both compact and compartmentalized to make items easy to find. Consider the length of your flight and any layovers that are scheduled. This will help you pack the appropriate amount of items for your child.

Be aware of the travel guidelines concerning children. If you are traveling with an infant, you may carry their formula onboard. Baby bottled formula (or breast milk) is not subject to the 3.4 ounce rule. You may carry what you need and it also doesn’t have to be packaged in a one-ounce Ziploc bag.

Traveling with your child doesn’t have to be a pain. You may feel more at ease during the flight when your carry-on bags contain the essential items to keep your child safe and happy.