[tobeafamily]

First, check around to see if there are any extended stay hotels or short-term corporate apartments in the area you're staying. Many are less than or comparable to regular hotels AND they have kitchens or kitchen areas.

When you get there explain your situation - Extended Stay America gave us the weekly rate even though we weren't sure how long we were staying because DS was so darn cute and they liked helping an adoptive family out.

Even if you stay in a regular hotel, tell them you're adopting. In many cases they'll give you deals on the room and even help you get laundry, sterilization, etc.

As for airlines, if your child is less than 14 days old when you fly you will need a physician certification that they're OK to travel. This is an FDA regulation. Some airlines require that the infant be even older - AirTran wants minimum 6 weeks of age and almost stopped us from getting on our connecting flight (my comment 'well, he's 2 hours older than he was in Houston'). Call the reservations centers to be sure and to make sure you get all clearances. They may also offer you a deal too.

Southwest offers a 1/2 price ticket for child in carseat too, as do some of the others if you don't want to carry as a lap child.

HTH. BTW In my experience, ICPC is usually 2-3 weeks from relinquishment, though it can be faster.

Regina