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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to use the skyflyer solo service for my kids?

57 replies

MajorieDawes · 13/10/2013 22:31

Not really AIBU but really need honest opinions ASAP.

We live in NYC. My mum lives in London and has stage 4 breast cancer. Originally we were told she has 18-24 months. I came for a few days, planning to come back with kids in Christmas.

Just before I came a few days ago my Mum has suddenly started gone downhill so fast, it's scary. We don't think she's going to last more than a couple of weeks if that. She really wants to see the grandchildren (aged nearly 10 and nearly 7). They're in NYC right now. I was going to fly back and get them but my Mum has now said she would rather I didn't go as she wants me to stay. My husband can't bring them as his work is inflexible.

We were thinking of having them fly on a day flight with the BA skyflyer solo service. Flight is about 6.5 hours. DH will wait at airport in case of delays (it's the rule anyway). I will pick them up.

What do you think?

OP posts:
mummytime · 13/10/2013 22:55

I would do it. It's a great service. And with no layovers, there is very little risk of issues.

Even in the worst circumstances your children would be cared for very well. It is Expat 14 year olds etc. that I would worry most about.

My DH frequently uses that flight, and has far less jet lag than if he flies overnight.

5madthings · 13/10/2013 22:56

I would do it, the service is used lots, esp by forces families etc.

Its regulated etc and the children will be very well looked after.

curlew · 13/10/2013 22:57

If they are anything like my children (similar age gap) they would want to be together.

Original poster
MajorieDawes · 13/10/2013 22:58

Mummytime - my children won't sleep on planes! The lure of unlimited TV/computer game time and fizzy drinks (the rule book goes out the window on flights) is simply too exciting for them. Usually they eventually fall asleep an hour before landing... I'd also rather they take a day flight if they're unaccmpanied.

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Original poster
MajorieDawes · 13/10/2013 22:59

Curlew, that's a point as well.

I need to speak to dh and the kids.

Thank you for all your input.

OP posts:
bababababoom · 13/10/2013 23:00

I'd do it, and mine are 6 and 4. They're looked after, they will be together, I really don't see the problem. I'm so sorry about the circumstances though.

Calloh · 13/10/2013 23:02

It's fine, my brother, sister and I used it all the time when we were little (your DCs age).

drinkyourmilk · 13/10/2013 23:06

They will be fine on the plane.
Another option is to hire a nanny to bring them across. I've done it twice for families. I took a night time flight to the destination, waited for the children to arrive, then flew straight back with them.

TidyDancer · 13/10/2013 23:18

Yes in the circumstances I would absolutely do this.

I'm so sorry about what's happened. Thinking of you all. x

MistressDeeCee · 14/10/2013 01:24

I used the service when my DCs were around the same age, after having to fly abroad for emergency and then wanting them to follow me out there the next week. I really, really was nervous. But they were absolutely fine, they werent the only children flying solo they have dedicated child friendly areas for them in airport (games room etc so my DCs were happy!) and on flight, and children flying solo are grouped together and not left unattended at any time..again, designated area. I was pleased with the service and my DCs enjoyed it

CoolStoryBro · 14/10/2013 01:33

I would send them in a heartbeat. They have each other. I just read this to my DH and he said to add that he is flying Wednesday day if he can help in any way.

Good luck and sorry about your Mum x

CoolStoryBro · 14/10/2013 01:34

Admittedly, that reads a little random!!

fuckwittery · 14/10/2013 01:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NatashaBee · 14/10/2013 01:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Want2bSupermum · 14/10/2013 01:50

Sorry about your mum. I flew on that program as a child. It is brilliant. BA flew us back when my uncle was dying. My aunt put us on the plane and my Dad picked us up in Manchester.

I would suggest you go with BA. They were excellent with us as kids and really went the extra mile. We had a 6 hour lay over once and they put us in the lounge.

MidniteScribbler · 14/10/2013 01:55

I'd do it. A direct flight with your husband dropping them at one end and you picking up at the other would be pretty low risk I think.

Alternatively, is there a close friend you would trust to bring your children over? A free flight to NYC in exchange for supervising them on the plane?

ljny · 14/10/2013 02:32

My kids also frequently flew the New York/London route as unmins - the youngest from age 5.

We stayed with BA when they were young as BA has a tradition of caring for unmins. I notice the unmins nowadays when I fly BA, and they're still brilliant. I wouldn't worry at all. So sorry about your mum.

Original poster
MajorieDawes · 14/10/2013 02:40

Thank you all. We decided we're going to book them on the flight unaccompanied. I hope it's the right decision.

OP posts:
cafecito · 14/10/2013 02:49

sorry to hear of the circumstances, but your DCs will definitely be fine flying to London

NadiaWadia · 14/10/2013 03:12

I have sent DD on a flight using this service. They do take excellent care of them, I am sure your DCs will be fine. I think you have made the right decision.

Original poster
MajorieDawes · 14/10/2013 03:18

I hope so. Just called BA in the US to book as I can't sleep. It just made me so sad changing our Christmas flights. I thought we'd all spend a lovely time with my Mum, all of us together, our last Christmas :(

I'll have an anxious few hours while they're flying (visions of planes crashing, getting lost somewhere in heathrow!) but my Mum so wants to see them while she's still functioning mentally and can communicate. I hope they look back when they're older and are glad that they had a chance to say goodbye.

OP posts:
NadiaWadia · 14/10/2013 03:33

Honestly, they'll be fine, I know you will be worrying, as I did myself, but statistically it has been proved planes are actually far safer than trains or cars. I also think it's good they'll be together for company.

So very sorry about your Mum and that this is happening to your family. You are a great daughter.

pixiepotter · 14/10/2013 08:25

I think it depends on how the children feel about it.

WallyBantersJunkBox · 14/10/2013 08:48

Sorry to hear about your mum.

I think it's a good thing that they have each other during the flight. Also long haul are better set up for kids to relax - films, cartoons, game station in the back of the seat, child menu etc rather than short haul where they'd be twiddling their thumbs and getting fidgety.

I've sat infront of kids flying solo on BA and they are treated like VIP's - they were getting all the extra treats and snacks from First Class.

Original poster
MajorieDawes · 28/10/2013 19:25

Just a big thank you for your reassurance. The kids did fly with skyflyer and LOVED every second. In fact they ended up flying back with them because BA wanted $2800 for dh's last minute ticket and he could go with another airline for half the price.

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