Travelling with youg children.
Discussion
As the father of kids aged 9, 6 & 4, the main bit of advice I'd have would be for you to go to them if at all possible!
I don't mind driving long distances with the kids, but the thought of having them in an aircraft for that length of time just doesn't bear thinking about, especially knowing I'd have to do it all again at the end!
I don't mind driving long distances with the kids, but the thought of having them in an aircraft for that length of time just doesn't bear thinking about, especially knowing I'd have to do it all again at the end!
I have 2 kids under 4, in the last few years we have flown backwards and forwards to Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines.
Certain Airlines tend to be very good with Children (we were flying with Asiana in December - to Seol - and their Happy Parents Service meant you were escorted past the queues, which more than made up for the basic movie facilities on board for the Parents) - Air France were good for this too
Ensure they book a Bassinet for there youngest as this will automatically give them Bulk Head Seats.
Try and arrange a flight that leaves Early Evening as this will enable them to sleep for most of it once they have got over the excitement of take off - ensure that Dummy's, Bottles, Sweets to Suck (dependent on Age) are ready for Take Off.
I assume they will come via HKG - My Inlaws have a Resort in the Philippines so we often fly via HKG on the way to visit them, we try and break the journey up by stopping for 24 hours or so and staying in a Hotel on the way
We have a Quinny (I forget which model but it is the one that folds really small and has a little bag with it) which we put my youngest in you can then take it to the Plane door
It is always easier than you think
Certain Airlines tend to be very good with Children (we were flying with Asiana in December - to Seol - and their Happy Parents Service meant you were escorted past the queues, which more than made up for the basic movie facilities on board for the Parents) - Air France were good for this too
Ensure they book a Bassinet for there youngest as this will automatically give them Bulk Head Seats.
Try and arrange a flight that leaves Early Evening as this will enable them to sleep for most of it once they have got over the excitement of take off - ensure that Dummy's, Bottles, Sweets to Suck (dependent on Age) are ready for Take Off.
I assume they will come via HKG - My Inlaws have a Resort in the Philippines so we often fly via HKG on the way to visit them, we try and break the journey up by stopping for 24 hours or so and staying in a Hotel on the way
We have a Quinny (I forget which model but it is the one that folds really small and has a little bag with it) which we put my youngest in you can then take it to the Plane door
It is always easier than you think
Edited by andoverben on Sunday 8th July 11:25
We haven't flown so far (ours are 9 months and 2.5 yrsm maximum 3 hrs), but agree with the evening thing - as the best way for them to spend their time on a plane is asleep!
We have an ipod touch loaded with videos & films and games - this helps a lot for the toddlers and up!
Food, drink, books, anything for distraction is helpful. B ulkhead seats are great for the basinett thing they can install for you - saves you from having a baby on your lap all the way too. Windows seats are good for those interested in what's going on outside.
Make sure you have lots of spare clothes, nappies, wipes and disposal bags etc, a poor kid threw up all over himself five times coming back from Greece.
Also (you'll probably have this anyway), a fairly thick skin to be able to smile sweetly at those who are disturbed by the noise of the children.
We have an ipod touch loaded with videos & films and games - this helps a lot for the toddlers and up!
Food, drink, books, anything for distraction is helpful. B ulkhead seats are great for the basinett thing they can install for you - saves you from having a baby on your lap all the way too. Windows seats are good for those interested in what's going on outside.
Make sure you have lots of spare clothes, nappies, wipes and disposal bags etc, a poor kid threw up all over himself five times coming back from Greece.
Also (you'll probably have this anyway), a fairly thick skin to be able to smile sweetly at those who are disturbed by the noise of the children.
We've been out to see them in NZ twice since they left. They're now suggesting they come to see us, as the children haven't seen their Dad's house - or the UK for that matter. Assuming we pay for them Economy class, it's cheaper than us travelling out there by Business class. 
It's actually planned for this time next year. The ages are what they'll be then. I agree it could be a nightmare for them.
It's actually planned for this time next year. The ages are what they'll be then. I agree it could be a nightmare for them.
Puggit said:
I thought bassinet rules were for under 6 months only?
Bassinet is weight not age based, I am not sure what the Weight was but my daughter slept in one in December at 23 months. I suspect she was a little over because when we were on, the Cabin crew asked if she was below a certain weight and we just looked at each other and said err yes? in reality she was a little cramped but it was fine for sleeping in.I would suggest up to 14 - 18 Months you should be ok
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff