to ask for tips about flying at the weekend?

[Fazackerley]

I have a long haul flight this weekend and I am already losing sleep over it. I get really really nervous. Once I manage to relax I am fine. I am taking three dcs with me, one of whom is a really nervous flyer and she makes me worse

I'd love any tips to help me stay positive and relaxed! I think part of the problem is a kind of claustrophobia.

I would suggest a big glass of wine and a diazepam, but I guess that's off the table if you're travelling with DCs! That's how I get through.

I hate flying and have a 3 leg long haul coming up.

I'd suggest loading up tablets and kindles with things to watch for DC, and taking a blanket each.

My must-haves for my flight bag are:

blanket
travel pillow
eye mask
wet wipes and tissues
clean underwear and socks
muesli bars
water bottles to get the stewards to fill up
ear plugs/headphones
lip balm
sleeping tablets/melatonin/diazepam
toothbrush

I understand that people get nervous, but I always look forward to a long haul flight! Just think of all the films, TV shows and music that there will be - just think of all the kids TV and games they will have access to as well.

The food on most long haul flights these days is usually fairly decent , so that's also something to look forward to, or to make into an event for the children (assuming they're not terribly fussy eaters of course )

How old are your DC? Will you be able to relax a little yourself or do they need to be entertained/supervised by you?

They are old! Youngest is 12. So wine dwffo on the cards. BIWI that's exactly the way I need to look at it.

I find it odd that I find long haul flights feel like they go quicker than the short haul as your not clock waiting so much. Download short programmes and films to your ipad.
For your kids could you take some pencil cases of little treats for the kids and give them every couple of hours.

Double brandy and coke.