Summer is almost here and alot of us will be traveling, especially back to the U.S. I've been an international flight attendant for 14 years, having flown out of five countries for two companies, and get alot of questions about flying with kids. My 21-month old has made four transatlantic trips so the following is based on both personal and professional experience.

You can make your journey much easier by paying attention to your routing and connections. Remember that a 'direct' and a 'non-stop' are not always the same thing. Double check, then check again. Try to do all your connections in Europe and then ideally, go non-stop to your final destination in North America. Rushing through a crowded customs hall when your flight in was late isn't fun if you still have another plane to catch. On the return, most transatlantics arrive in the morning so you'll still have most of the day to get back to Strasbourg, for instance, even if you're late.

Avoid transitting the East Coast to get to the West because it adds a few hours to the flight time. Most importantly, avoid going through Charles de Gualle in Paris. Alot of Strasbourg residents have had bad experiences connecting through this ever-expanding, badly designed airport. Our choices are many: Orly, Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxemburg, Zurich and my favorite, Frankfurt, where you catch a bus outside customs instead of trekking through the airport again and looking at another airplane.

Flying off-season is not always possible but a few days forward or back can result in a couple of greatly appreciated open seats. When booking, please tell the agent your children's ages with respect to the meals. Don't depend on standard fare. To respond to complaints about bland airline food, some airlines have gone exotic; so, unless your child is used to sushi, paté and quinoa, order some sort of special meal and mention that you did so at check-in.

A jet soars above the crowded streets of Hong Kong

It's tempting to save money by putting your under-two tot on your lap but it's unsafe and uncomfortable, especially when you're on your own with the baby. Recently a frequent-flyer suggested that it was convenient to take a 'snuggli' carrier when traveling with an infant. While these carriers are convenient for travel, never keep your child in any device for takeoff and landing. This is very dangerous. On any impact, you will crush the child. They must be loose in your lap. Refuse all lap belts. These will not be offered on American carriers as they are banned. Having said that, airline travel is so statistically safe that just being on the plane for the whole family is safer than the drive to the airport.

I'm afraid that the only way to travel safely with an infant is in a carseat approved for air travel. While I don't begrudge parents for saving a buck, given the highly unlikely event of a stop on the runway, fire or other accident, you should be informed before making that choice. Alot of women reading this are living abroad because of their husband's work. You are entirely justified in asking for a seat for every member of your family. You wouldn't be taking that flight if not for your husband's employer, so speak up and travel safely. It's also more comfortable. While my son slept, I could run to the restroom. Eating was easier too. Ask to 'block' that seat if the flight isn't full.

In any case, never use any device that straps the child to your body including those double seatbelts you might see on European carriers. They're dangerous and not allowed by the FAA. The only way to transport your baby safely is in a car seat. U.S. carriers require an FAA approved sticker but regulations are different for Europe, so ask.

When travelling alone with Ronnie, I have used every sort of baby carrier invented; the front pack, back pack, stroller and my favorite - the leash. Trying to keep an active toddler seated nicely in a stroller while waiting in line for check-in is impossible. Some people object to the leash but my baby's security is more important than aesthetics. The packs are useful for deplaning and customs halls. I can't push a stoller and baggage cart at the same time and don't depend on getting help.

Bring lots to entertain older children and plenty of snacks. Please don't let them drink colas which have alot of caffeine for little bodies. A good compromise would be to let them drink it towards the end of the flight. For babies, estimate your door-to-door travel time and count how many diapers, and how much food, and milk, etc., you use in that same period of time (daytime use). Then add at least a third of all supplies. Think delays plus the fact that babies often get stomach-upsets and/or diarrehea while traveling. Breastfeeding mommies are at a big advantage since bottles take up alot of space but they must be sure to drink lots of water since the air is so dry in the plane. Someone advised me to bring a change of clothes for both me and the baby and I was grateful later. Also, outgrown socks are useful for the crawler. Put them over her hands to keep them clean and prevent her from picking up nasty things off the floor.

A Mother Dozing While Her Child Topples a Fish Bowl
Utamaro Kitagawa