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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is just ridiculous (re flights)

27 replies

ShirleyCarter · 31/07/2015 15:09

I am going on holiday in October. Hotel all booked we just need to book flights.

I wanted to book it all together to begin with but was assured we had plenty time and it would work out cheaper to leave the flights until we found a good deal.

It was soon worked out that it was going to cost £1000 per family (2 families of 4 going) to fly from Edinburgh. This was too expensive so I tried other airports.

I have found flights from Manchester on the same day for £350 per couple. Its a 5 hour (maximum) drive from where we are to Manchester, I got a deal for parking for the week and fuel will be £80 ish there and back in our car.

Ive been told this is ridiculous and that they (dp and our friends) have found flights for £550 each and it will be less driving.

They want to fly from Edinburgh to London, hang about in the airport (with 4 kids under 6, youngest a handful of a 2 year old) then fly from London and the same back again.

Not only will it cost £200 more, it's a massive carry on. I pointed out that flights can be delayed, something could happen, it's not even saving money it's a lot more faffing around and the kids would be restless but I've been told I'm ungrateful and it's a much easier way to get there.

Am I missing something here? Surely my way is so much easier than going via London?

Aibu to let them continue booking the holiday with 1 less adult because I really really don't want to go if it's going to involve trying to entertain 4 kids in an airport for several hours between flights? Or am I being ungrateful? Dp is paying for flights, I'm paying for hotel and we split spending money.

OP posts:
UrethraFranklin1 · 31/07/2015 15:12

Why don't you fly your way and they fly theirs and meet up at the other end?

Original poster
ShirleyCarter · 31/07/2015 15:12

That actually a very good idea. See who is less stressed at the other end

OP posts:
KenAdams · 31/07/2015 15:12

Why can't you take your route and they take theirs?

DrElizabethPlimpton · 31/07/2015 15:14

Yep. What PPs have said.

NerrSnerr · 31/07/2015 15:16

One thing to consider is that I'm not sure I would like a 5 hour drive at the end of a holiday when everyone's knackered. I'd rather hang around an airport for a few hours (having a nap).

DadfromUncle · 31/07/2015 15:24

I would do the flights (but maybe you have a nicer car!)

lynniep · 31/07/2015 15:24

I agree. Make your own way there. There's no law saying you have to travel together. I personally would rather do a drive and a flight than two flights - at least I can stick DVDs on for the kids and stop off en-route. (I'm assuming from OP you both have 2 kids per family?)

Also - if their response is 'you're ungrateful' because you disagree with each other plans, I'm not convinced you should be holidaying together...

Artandco · 31/07/2015 15:27

Make own way there

Really though you should always book flights in future before hotel

BeeBawBabbity · 31/07/2015 15:28

I'd rather do it your friend's way! I'd hate a long drive home like that after a flight. And you can get delayed on the M6 as well....

Actually, I'd probably just fork out the extra money to fly from Edinburgh.

FortyCoats · 31/07/2015 15:29

I would go with the majority and start enjoying the holiday from the time the key turns in the ignition. Okay so it's more round about and a long time at the airport but I wouldn't ruin my holiday by being upset about being out voted on the choice of travel.

If you go with the majority, you're automatically going with happy people. Think of three pissed off adults doing it your way? Not a great start to a lovely holiday!

They can compromise by allowing enough time for stops along the way to buy munchies/coffee/stretch your legs etc and during the 6 hour wait, you're in an airport - a fascinating place for young kids. Be a kid with them and watch the planes land and take off. Buy sweets and magazines and crayons or markers and pass and hour colouring. Buy travel games in advance, connect four, hungry hippos etc which are all available in mini sizes, perfect for rucksacks.

Do the DC have DS console thingys or similar? A new game as a 'holiday starter treat'? Have you an iPad you can download a movie to?

A spin on an airport trolley is great craic for the littlies Grin

Try to enjoy the adventure of getting to your destination as well as your holiday and in the return do the same. The day you get home is the day it all goes back to normal and there's alway a bit of a slump but remember, you're making memories to laugh about over dinner someday with your adults children. Enjoy every minute as best you can.

I'll shut up now Grin

Have a brilliant holiday. I'm so jealous Envy
We can't afford one this year.

AgathaF · 31/07/2015 15:35

Each do what suits you, but don't turn it into a competition of who's less knackered at the other end.

emotionsecho · 31/07/2015 15:36

How long is there between the flight arriving at London from Edinburgh and the flight departing from London to wherever you are going?

Will you be "in transit" at London so your luggage will be immediately transferred to the next flight or will you have to collect the luggage and then find the check in for the next flight, check in, go through security, etc.? By the time you've done all that you might not have very long to 'hang around' and could use the time to have something to eat, etc.

Kafri · 31/07/2015 15:37

So your choice is hours hanging around an airport with the kids or hours sat in a car with the kids. I think I'd rather be in the airport where there will be stiff to entertain them. DS (2.5 at the time) loved the airport when we travelled earlier in the year and was kept entertained by watching the planes, a meal, the play area they have and riding on his trunki.
He would absolutely hate to be stuck in his car seat for 5 hours.

Up to you though - whatever journey your kids would fare best with I guess.

whatsagoodusername · 31/07/2015 15:49

What terminal at Heathrow? 5 has a great soft play area.

I think I'd rather do Manchester. Maybe the train from there instead of driving? *I have no idea how easy Manchester's airport is with public transportation so may be a bad idea.

russiandwarf · 31/07/2015 16:08

Would you/they be up for getting the train to Manchester airport and flying from there? We did this instead of driving/flying and the train goes right to the airport, you just come up off the platform and head along a walkway into the terminal.

Rafflesway · 31/07/2015 16:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

haveabreakhaveakitkat · 31/07/2015 16:12

If it's a connecting flight with a short connection time I'd go with the flight everytime. Might be a bit more 'hanging around' but your five hour drive could be a nightmare if there are traffic jams etc

emotionsecho · 31/07/2015 16:16

Rafflesway low cost airlines such as easyjet and Ryanair still don't offer routings on one ticket so, as you pointed out, it is a risk. If the flight from Edinburgh means the trip is all on one ticket it is the option I would go for.

grapejuicerocks · 31/07/2015 16:20

Id' do the manchester route but I'd stay at a hotel the evening before and/or evening after depending on flight times.
Raffles story is too frightening for me to risk missing the interconnecting flight and I've experienced enough delays one from edinburgh to think that it isn't worth the risk. But equally I wouldn't want to be in a traffic jam on a five hour journey. You'd have to build in so much spare time that you would still be hanging around an airport for hours if there were no delays en route.

CordeliaFoxx · 31/07/2015 16:26

Can't you get flights to Manchester rather than driving? You can often get them cheap with Flybe/Easyjet

OldBeanbagz · 31/07/2015 16:26

I'd go with your route any day. London (i assume you mean Heathrow) is a nightmare unless you're flying out of there. I book flights for work all the time and i avoid travelling through Heathrow at all costs.

Your only downside will be the 5 hour drive when you get back from your holiday. Are you flying long haul? In which case you might want to consider a hotel on your return if you have a late flight back.

If you do go with the majority, then i dsuggest a copy of I-Spy at the Airport for the DC!

OldBeanbagz · 31/07/2015 16:27

Oh and make sure they are connecting flights as otherwise your luggage won't be checked through and you'll be liable for any flight delays.

Dollyemi · 31/07/2015 16:30

I'd go from Manchester. If time allows then do an airport hotel either/both ways. You often find they're about the same in price as parking and include 8 days' parking anyway. Check a specialist like holiday extras.

woowoo22 · 31/07/2015 16:32

I would go via London. If the first flight is delayed etc they need to get to your destination. I flew from Siberia to home once and the first flight was late. Airline had to get me home to the scottish highlands asap. 5 hour drive is nuts.

PtolemysNeedle · 31/07/2015 16:48

I'd prefer two flights to a long drive to get to the airport and back, but everyone's different.

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