Small children on Long haul flights

I agree with you op. Most young children would be far happier closer to home in a temperate climate with a bucket and spade but people are selfish and put their own needs over their own children and everyone on the plane.

That fractious toddler might have had the time of their life on the holiday. Yes they probably won’t remember it but the affect of having a wonderful time with their family in beautiful surroundings probably had an excellent effect on their ongoing brain development that outweighs a short amount of discomfort on a flight. And the parents probably had a great time too which can only be positive for the whole family, so why the faux indignation and judgement OP? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also there are a few short years in parenting where you can just holiday anytime you find a good deal rather than waiting for the school holidays, so good for those parents for finding that opportunity..

Kids have as much right to be on long haul flights as you do even though they can be really irritating sometimes!

I’m not sure what else there is to think?

I sent my 10 and 12 yr old on a 10 hour flight on their own to visit my brother. Kids are allowed on planes you know.

It broadens their horizons (literally) no end. I’ve travelled loads with DS under the age of 5, and we’ve had SO much fun. He’s now 5 and has such an open mind to different cultures/countries/cuisines, is obsessed with flags and flying and languages, and is extremely comfortable and confident abroad. Sure a toddler might not love an 11 hour flight, but they’re as likely to be just that grouchy on any given day at home so it’s not like it’s a huge disadvantage to anyone.

Because the flight is only part of the holiday which the parents presumably enjoyed on the whole? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Is this a trick question?

I flew solo UK to Tokyo with a 2 year old and the flight was the easiest part - he slept for 7.5 hours on the way there. It wasn't very relaxing when we were there but I never regretted going. Life is short. Imagine if I waited 18 years before going on a long haul trip again.

Who cares if the kids remember it, the parents will, and they matter too.

Just because he was fractious on that flight doesn't mean they should expect it every flight.

if you can't be around normal people and children behaving normally, maybe a private plane going forward.

I think you’ve answered your own question. You found a cheap deal, sounds like they did too.

Heaven forbid parents actually do something for themselves.

I’d pay extra to have adult only flights but wouldn’t judge a young family on there. It’s their choice and the Maldives is worth a day of inconvenience.

We've just come back from 15hr flight. Dd is 6 and is always sick on planes. It's not great but we were away for two weeks ans she loved it. Yes, the flight itself was rubbish for her but she might still be the same when she's 10. Should she never fly?

If you found it to be a cheap holiday then maybe that is why they went also. You havent kids have you op? It was a bit of a bad plane journey it is hardly neglect.

I've done long haul on countless occasions from when they were 9 months old and upwards. No regrets and not anyone else's business.

We went to Mexico last year with a 4 year old and a 20 month old.
Im sure everyone around us on the plane rolled their eyes as they saw us approach the gate and sent up a silent prayer that we wouldn’t be near them!

we went as well prepared as possible for both journeys and whilst they weren’t perfect and we had moments of “what have we done” the memories from that trip will stay with dh and I forever and our now 5 year old asks to go back. The resorts there cater so well for families and include so much more for the money in our experience.

We took my dc, one was 6 and the other 9 months old. Was a fantastic and memorable one. I’m not sure why you would think it’s a waste.

it's 11 hours' flight away and you flew all the way there for just one week?
stunning.
no wonder climate change has now gone past the point of no return, and places like the Maldives won't exist for much longer.

The parents wanted to go there on holiday 🤷‍♀️

All holidays do not need to fit around children

So only childless/those with older kids should travel?

Entitled much?

Because they parents might have dreamed of visiting the Maldives.
Maybe it was meant to be a honeymoon and covid got in the way.

They might have got a good deal, they might be thinking it's now or wait until kids are beyond school age.

Who cares?

I took DS1 to Disney aged 2 because I'd never been. So glad we did it. We are more than a decade down the road and never been back.

I think parents can’t only live their lives in a way that never makes toddlers cry. The younger kid may not remember it but it’s likely they had a lovely time and people like their children being happy even before the point that lasting memories are formed. Besides the parents do remember and so why not enjoy their time.

it’s of course annoying for everyone else on the flight when a child is crying so you have my sympathy there but it is just life. I don’t think a difficult flight is going to traumatise the child.

I have done this, I think not deciding that you shouldn’t do things because there’s children in tow is a good thing. Stops you missing out on experiences and sets a great example to the children.

It's not just about the kids remembering it, it's about the fun you have when you are there.

Just because the children might not have any memories, doesn't mean that it has no benefit to them to going. By that logic you might as well never take your children outside until they're about four because they won't remember it anyway (though I think it's universally accepted that that would harm development). And even if they don't remember it, their parents will.

I get it, I’m sure it was amazing but a flight to somewhere half as far could be just as lovely without the stress.