Family travel expert - the flight extras I pay for, and those I don't

A family travel expert and mother of two outlines how holiday costs escalate well before departure, largely due to airline add-ons. She explains that some extras genuinely improve the trip by reducing stress and uncertainty, while others can add hundreds to the bill without meaningful value. The article discusses checked luggage, noting it can be unnecessary for short trips if cabin bags suffice, but may be worth it for bulky items like winter clothing. It also emphasizes checking airline policies for free infant and children items. Seat selection is described as a priority with younger children to avoid unpredictable seating and ease management during flights. For early departures, she highlights the potential value of an airport hotel to gain extra sleep and reduce disruption from traffic or roadworks, but the discussion ends mid-thought.