Long haul flight, just me, toddler and baby. Am I being insane?

[CeilingThomas]

I have family in New Zealand and we're planning a family Christmas out there this year. My parents and other sister and her family have booked their flights, and we're looking into options that would work for us.

I'm likely to have to fly out with my 3.9yr old DS and 8month old DD alone because my husband doesn't have much holiday left so will fly out at a later date and fly back with me and the kids. The reason I'm thinking of going earlier is because it'll be much cheaper. Something we need to think about as I'm on mat leave and not bringing in much money at all.

Anyone have experience travelling alone with two kids of similar age? Is this a really bad idea?

Thanks in advance!

I did this between Singapore and London with 2 kids regularly since dd1 was 3 and dd2 was 3 months. Make the airline aware that you will require assistance and you should be whisked to the front of every line including security. Worked like a dream. Dd1 was more than happy to be allowed free rein of the TV and dd2 was fine with a bassinet. Only issue was having to hold her nearly all the way due to one exceptionally turbulent flight (can't use the bassinet when the seatbelt light is on). Always ask for as much assistance as you can. Worst part was no-one to help in London, had dd2 in a sling, dd1 practically asleep, a backpack full of changes of clothes and nappies and had to haul the suitcases off the carousel and hunt down the buggy - welcome to London - not!

I regularly fly alone with my 3, aged 7, 5 and 1. It is tiring and stressful but totally do-able. Bring iPads and DVD player .

Airline will let you take infant and child (over 2), you just can't take more than one under two on your own generally as have to be on your lap for take off and landing but there are often ways round that

I did a 10 hour flight with a 4 and 1.5 year old. The night flight home was fine, the day flight out a lot harder. I actually found the younger one easier, I expected the 4 year old to be happy with the TV and millions of activities I provided but she got bored and restless. At the 10 hour point, it was getting tough but for a Nz flight, then you'd be getting to equivalent of a night flight so you'd be getting respite. Try and sit by the toilets (parents with children are often located there anyway ) as will be much easier if toddler wants to go and still keeping an eye on the other if asleep.

It will be tough but it's a one off opportunity of a lifetime as I see it to have all of your family together for a lovely Christmas. I think you will regret it if you don't do it

Ugh no do not sit by the toilets. Worst idea ever! Every single time the door opened and closed the DC woke up. It's really bad on night flights with the light. I ended up 6 hours in making a tent with blankets.

As someone who only agreed to take toddler twins on a plane once and that was for a 90 minute flight and only because we were emigrating, the idea sends shivers down my spine. But actually the ages aren't that bad. The younger one will still be sleeping a hell of a lot at that age, and the 3.9yo is old enough to be entertained.

Will you have someone at the other end who can take the kids for a few hours while you get some kip? I think that's what might break you, dealing with the plane journey plus jetlag plus not getting a lie in at the other end.

Being near the toilets worked for me :)

Hmmm, to sit near toilets or not. I can see pros and cons of both. On balance, being within earshot of the toilet but not too close (smells, noise, queues next to us) in case one wakes up when I'm with the other in the loo might be best.

Yes, my sister will be able to meet us, or my parents if they're already out there which will be a great help.

Does Hong Kong have transit hotels does anyone know? If they're outside the airport do I need the right visa documentation to leave the airport for a stop over?

Thanks! Xx

No not near toilets, they will be disturbed sleeping if other passengers queuing use toilet and chatting

I think the ages are ok. I think 18 months'ish is worse. I did lots of long haul flights with my four kids on my own (all 4 were under six for a couple of flights and they always went well. I dreaded them but apart from a bit of vomiting we never had a problem. I found the plane lulled them into a bit of a trance.

I hardly ever let them out their seats so they didn't get too hyped up.

I didn't take many toys but did take activity books and stickers. Fuzzy felt worked well.

I took a pile of sandwiches (Nutella so they lasted - the kids were very impressed) and I'd ask for bottles of water as soon as I boarded.

I took large ziploc bags with a set of clean cloths for each kid (very lightweight polyester type shorts etc so they folded up very small)

My DCs would play game boys by 3 or 4 so I'd let them have free range of them. They were my saviour.

I never bothered with any passenger assist services despite having four kids under 6. I tried them once but they take too long and it was easier to do it myself.

We were lucky in that we nearly always travelled business or first. It helps with space but premium economy is good too.

If you are flying standard then I found that the check in staff would sometimes block seats for us if the flight wasn't full. For example they would give me two rows of three seats for the five of us.

I can't say I ever enjoyed the flights but they were ok.

As a frequent flier I find the parents of kids more irritating than the kids themselves. Some parents seem to have to talk really loudly to their kids even though they are sitting next them.

If you want a bulkhead seat with a cot then you may not have any choice but to sit by the loos.

Morality - you are my hero! 4 under six on your own! I'm fine dealing with sick so would delighted if my trip went as smoothly as yours :)

I've found some good flights where the longest leg is over night so they should sleep for some of it. Long stop over on way back but husband will be with me and we could get a hotel and stretch our legs etc. just need to endure we can have a bassinet. Will ask about reserving surrounding seats if not too busy too - great tip.

I can do this, thanks everyone! (repeat when necessary!) Xx

I'm going to be doing 3 under 5 next summer on my own. We are going with KLM so we can sit everyone up in business. I've come to the conclusion we have it all wrong with air travel. The under 5s should only be allowed in business. Once I put my kids on a flat bed they pass out. They just can't sleep sitting up.