connections in huge airports with little kids - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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My 2 sons and I are flying to Orlando in about 10 days. My hubby and his parents will have already arrived via car and will be picking us up at the airport. We have to change plans in Charlotte and the last time I connected in Charlotte, it took a long time to walk from one gate to another. I'm wondering how I'm going to manage this alone with my kids. They are 2.5 and 4.5. I could bring a stroller for the younger one, but I'm wondering how the older one is going to do. Does anyone have any ideas? We no longer own a double stroller as they exceeded the weight limit. Is it possible to ride in one of those courtesy vehicles from one gate to another or are they only for disabled folks? The good news is that since DH and parents are driving down, I won't be managing luggage, just a carry-on for myself and one for the kids.
I did this at O'Hare and spoke to the gate agent before take-off -- I have an injured knee and didn't think I could manage a long, fast walk. They had a wheelchair waiting for me at the arrival gate in Chicago.
I don't know if they'd do it if there isn't a "medical" reason, but it can't hurt to ask.
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The last time we went through Charlotte, I obsessed about this too. It turned out that the plane landed at a gate that was 2 gates away from the one we had to go to.
There is no reason why the airline should not be able to get you assistance to get to the next gate if it is far. I have seen people traveling alone with only 1 child get help from the airline to manage.
Charlotte isn't that big of an airport, and generally your connecting gate won't be more than a few gates from your arrival gate. I really wouldn't worry about it.
Once you land, if you find out that your connecting gate is in another wing, ask a customer serice agent to get an electric cart to assist you if you feel you can't manage.
That said, it would probably do the 4 year old good to get some walking in and burn off energy between flights.
I always seem to have a connection when I fly. My solution is to take an umbrella stroller and gate check it (sometimes my slightly bigger stroller with a spot to put a bag) and then put my 2yr old in it and let my 4 yr old run off energy by walking to the gate. I also use a fanny pack type leash so that I don't lose her and off we go. I usually have at least 3 carry ons with me as well and this seems to work for us. If they both want to walk then I can put the carry ons in the stroller and it really helps.
I have also been able to get assistance if it is really far with the electric carts and noone has ever said anything.
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I'm certain the airline will offer you assistance if you request it. 
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