Latest BS from BA

British Airways has just announced a fee to assign seats in advance. So, if you want to be assured that your 3-year-old child will be sitting next to you during your flight, a fee ranging from £10 to £60 will apply.

Looking from another angle, this could be an opportunity to have free babysitting on board! Whoever is randomly selected to sit next to your child will take the burden! Note that the fee applies to international flights as well. I can't wait...

Here is BA's version: "Customers frequently request specific seats, but in the past we've only been able to confirm them 24 hours in advance or on the day. We know people want to secure them in advance and have real control over their flying experience. This will allow them to do that."

On BBC News today.

Gate Check Bags

Gate check bags for strollers and car seats can be one of your best tools when boarding a flight with kids.
Having an umbrella stroller through the airport, and at the gate, is very helpful. It holds not only your kid but also some of your bags too. Unfortunately it is necessary to check it at the gate. This is when having a check bag is an important accessory.

Protecting these items from dust, dirt and mold from the airline cargo compartment is a very wise idea. It will also prolong the life of your gear. Airline carriers can be pretty rough on luggage!

Most brands offer bags that fold compactly to fit in a purse or diaper bag. These ones can be found at Amazon and many other retail stores, and are a lot cheaper than branded versions.

Vacation Hangover

Sometimes we need a vacation from a vacation. Not because it was stressful or bad, but simply great and intense! And, if the vacation location was far east or west, the time adjustment definitely adds up to the "hangover".

Besides feeling tired, there is that sense of boredom. Even if the days back to your routine are full and busy, it never compares to the intensity and freshness of being in a different place, experiencing new fun things. Kids feel like that too!

The transition back is physically and psychologically difficult, and the longer the vacation the worse it is. That is the only advantage of short holidays...

From the Streets of Barcelona

Barcelona is a great destination to take kids. It is very stroller friendly, from sidewalks to mass transportation, you can easily take your kids everywhere!
Having a car is totally unnecessary if you are planning to stay in the city. For your airport ride, cabs are allowed to take babies and toddlers in the back seat, without a child seat.

Having a small child with you is actually very useful in public areas such as crowded airports, museums, etc. Adults with small children can enjoy faster waiting time. You can skip most lines, including airport security and airline boarding crowds. Seriously, it can save you hours in the high season!

Just a fair warning, like in most European countries, you won't find convenient diaper change stations in every bathroom. This is when a portable changer is a huge help!

We Wish We Had a Harness....

Our latest international trip with our toddler was a great success. We had everything planned and organized to keep him entertained throughout both 10 hour-flights! Unfortunately we didn't realize that, as a "new walker", he wouldn't be happy confined for a couple of hours in a stroller at airports, parks, etc. We were so jealous when we saw this couple with a toddler in a cute monkey harness. The kid was happy walking around the crowded Charles De Gaulle airport, while we were chasing our little one.

I've just bought a harness, and after a bit of research I realized that although stuffed animal harnesses are cuter, the backpack version is more useful! Lukas now can carry his own Cheerios.