The wife and I flew to visit our families for a few weeks with our two month old son, and I’ve got to say that I’d recommend always flying with a baby or child. This is assuming you’re a good parent/guardian and you have a kid that doesn’t generally cry too much. There are quite a few benefits to flying with a child. Here are my top three.

#1: Early Boarding
You get to board early so you are pretty much guaranteed to get room in the overhead storage bin. Plenty of times that overhead area gets full on longer flights. It seems like such a little thing but when you have your normal carry-on bag plus a diaper bag it is nice to not have to cram them all under the seat. Additionally, since no one else is on the plane you don’t have to worry about bumping into anyone or trying to squeeze over people to get to your seat.

#2: People are Nicer
Second, people are much nicer when you have a baby. The airline personnel stop to look at the baby and you can ask for extra snacks or better seats. Not only are the airline personnel especially helpful, but the TSA people at the security checkpoint are helpful in getting stuff back together while you put your shoes back on. Also, they don’t even bother to look at your baggie of liquids to make sure they are all under 3 ounces since they figure they are all for the baby. Also, other passengers are extra helpful as well. We had people offer to take us into the Admirals’ Club so we could wait in there as their guest. Many others stopped to look at the baby and see if we needed anything. Sure these are all minor things, but they add up and make flying a lot easier.

#3: Kids are Fun
Finally, kids are fun on an airplane. Most children are amazed by the idea of flying. As long as you are careful to give them something to chew so their ears do not start hurting flying can be one of the greatest adventures in a kid’s life. Children are still innocent and curious. To them flying is reserved for super heroes in cartoons and movies. They don’t have the understanding of how an airplane works so flying is amazing feat. Watching a kid’s face during take off and landing is hilarious. To see their eyes as they realize they are airborne and then again as they come in for a landing is great. There is an excitement there that fades in adulthood when things like jobs, bills, and responsibilities fill ones thoughts. Take advantage of the time flying to see the innocence of childhood.

So, if you have the option to leave your kid behind or take them when you fly I would recommend taking them. The benefits are well worth the extra luggage and travel costs.