O.k., first of all, curb-side check-in
is a godsend. Keep the children in
the stroller until you get to the
security checkpoint. They will have
to get out then and usually a security
person will take care getting your
stroller through, some airports want
you to fold it and it actually fits on
the security belt. They'll tell you what
to do.
I would check the 4 year old's car
seat but carry-on the seat for the
2 yr old. Car seats have to go in the
window seat so unless you have two
window seats make sure your 4 year
old knows that for security purposes
the two year old gets the window.
When you get to your gate tell
them there that you want to gate-
check the stroller as a previous
poster said. When you come off the
plane don't panic if your stroller isn't
in the jetway yet, sometimes it takes
them a few minutes to get it up there.
If you have a stopover and have to
change planes you'll have your stroller.
You just gate-check it again at your
next gate.
I recommend taking juice cups for
your children. I usually carry an extra
bottle of apple juice, plus I hand the
flight attendants the kid's cups and
they are happy to fill them up with
apple juice. My DS uses "Ear Planes"
the plugs for the ears. He wants them
in on take-offs and landings but takes
them out in-flight. You can get them
at Wal-Mart. He always has ear trouble
but these help him immensely. My DD
has never complained about her ears,
she just drinks her juice.
My kids are fairly frequent flyers,
they are 7 and 4. I have always given
my DS7 benadryl. He usually sleeps on
the plane. My DD gets advil. These are
personal decisions and not advice. It
works for my children, but your children's
pediatrician can give you advice. Also,
as you may know, benadryl has been
known to make some children hyper
and you wouldn't want that on your
first plane ride.
You'll be fine at the airport. When
you get to orlando you can get a
dolly to use for all your luggage.
One last tip, as I'm sure you have
read, is the surprises to hand the
kids on the plane. My children each
have their own "travelling" backpack.
I buy little things to go in them, such
as sticker and activity books. They
are only allowed to use these back-
packs when we are travelling.
Hope I helped at least a little,
Have a wonderful trip!