A few weeks back, we left for our first family vacation. The itinerary called for 3 weeks in BC and Colorado with as many flights. I'm happy to say that BabyBear enjoyed her interaction with Air Canada, the worst airline in the developed world. She's also been a champ when on the ground, despite her parents making the occasional questionable judgment call.
We knew that traveling with an infant would be an adventure, but getting on that first plane was more challenging than we had thought. In the evening prior to our departure, Tom was up all night packing and wrapping up his practice obligations. I couldn't sleep, so I printed our boarding passes at 3:30 am, only to find that BabyBear didn't have one. Thankfully, Air Canada schedules some of its best reservation agents in the wee hours and they helped us get sorted out.
Given that we weren't sleeping, we decided to leave for the airport outrageously early. Four hours prior to our flight time seemed like loads of time to manage baby and luggage. We stopped into Tom's office on the way to the airport and had a few bumps there. We parked our car and reached Air Canada's ticket counter, where BabyBear got her ticket and boarding pass. At this point, relief washed over me. With boarding passes in hand and 90 minutes remaining until our flight's departure, I knew that we were in good shape.
All that stood between us and the friendly skies were baggage check and security. Those of you who have flown in recent weeks may already know what's coming. If you've been on the ground lately, please allow me to warn you about the new baggage restrictions.
Although our line up for baggage check was not long, it now takes the average party somewhere in the range of 20 minutes to check their bags. There are weight restrictions. There are limits on the size of one's bag, regardless of weight. You can't send a duffle bag anywhere, unless it contains hockey equipment. No shin pads? Well, you are out of luck.
Our baggage check experience involved a cardboard box, plastic bags, packing tape and excessive use of a tape measure. By the time we reached the gate, they were calling for those traveling with small children.
Fortunately, BabyBear was a dream for the flight. She slept ate and slept for 90% of the trip and whimpered for all of 5 minutes. With the help of some delightfully encouraging and accommodating flight attendants, we pushed our stroller into the Kelowna airport and found our bags in minutes.
Since then, BabyBear has been a trooper, strapped into a Baby Bjorn, buckled into her stroller, and tethered into her car seat. She has dined well, sought adventure on a bear watching tour, and explored wineries, rainforests and tidal pools. If we could just get her to return to her usual sleeping through the night routine, then we'd be golden.
Although this family vacation is ongoing, we are confident that it will end as a success. To ensure just that, we will live by the following lessons:
1. It takes twice as long to get anywhere with an infant.
2. A family can expect pack half as much activity into a day as a couple once did.
3. When a baby is fussy, breastfeeding cures all. If some dude can blend flipflops and a swimsuit with his Relais & Chateaux dining experience, then I can pull out my Hooter Hider without shame.
More updates and some photos to follow. Until then, happy travels to you all.
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