UK to USA flight with 2 year old?

[RiceRiceBaby16]

Aibu to think we can manage a trans-Atlantic flight with a 2 yr old? London to New York?

Has anyone done this with a child similar age, how did it go? Or are we setting ourselves up for misery and should wait another year until child is older? Also, if you did this, did you do a day time or night flight.

Also, prices range from £200-400. I've never flown out of Europe, what about the recliner seats so that we could actually sleep and fly overnight- what's the approx cost? I don't know where to even search and which airlines offer this.

Any experiences you can share will be greatly appreciated.

I've flown transatlantically countless times, with my kids at all ages. The personal entertainment screens that they have now are a lifesaver. I remember my child being mystified when I let them watch the same film three times in a row - something they would never normally get to do. Personally I was thrilled that they'd found something to entertain them for an hour and a half straight!

I don't know that there are any overnight flights from the UK to the US, are there? I've certainly never come across one. My preference would be earlyish in the day so that it's not too late when you arrive and have to go through immigration etc., but not early enough that you have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport in the UK.

From the US to the the UK, most flights are overnight. Occasionally there are daytime flights, and I prefer them, because you can go right to bed when you arrive and it's much easier to get back on schedule.

‘Especially not in one of the higher classes - you’ll drive people who’ve paid ££££ to be there bonkers.’

oh get a grip. Can’t stand people who think that they have more right to a seat on a plane than the next person who’s also paid out the same.
I’ve travelled economy, premium, business and first with kids… and I’ve paid just thensame
as everyone else.
I’ve never been bothered by a kid on a flight, but drunken adults or rude adults plenty of times

All trans Atlantic flights have chairs that recline. Use Skyscanner to search all the airlines for the dates and times you want as that will show you the best deals out there but generally Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly to NY regularly.
A 7 hour flight is ok with a 2 year old as you will have to buy them a seat at that age. Bring lots of snacks and lots of new toys and you’ll be fine.

I wasn’t objecting to kids in business per se - I was objecting to kids that are screamers, runners and jumpers being there. Actually, I would object to adults too but they’re much less likely to scream and run about a plane in my experience.

@fitzwilliamdarcy in my experience it’s adults that are the problem, particularly the ones that have had too much to drink. My cabin crew friend agrees.

OP, at that age I preferred premium economy for my kids as you are sat next to each other. Many business class seats are quite “separate”. I flew in BA’s new club world suites last year and they were great for my 8 and 11 year old who amused themselves for the flight - I didn’t hear a peep out of them. However, there was someone with a toddler behind me and the mum and dad had to take turns to sit in the seat with the child. Although the child did have a good nap at one point.

Did it every year (except covid) with 2 kids 2 year age gap. I mostly flew alone with them, except the time when I had a 2 year old and a newborn. That trip I got my PIL to travel with me.

It’s not fun. And it’s very tiring. My kids loved the plane TVs and we took an iPad. Lots of snacks. No screen time at all in airport and try and let them get some energy out before you board.

Depends how old they are, we’ve had success with toddlers with simple sticker books and those water wow books. Also some iPad game where they had to match up shapes.

Take extra clothes. For them and you!

Reading through... thank you all so much for sharing!

We did UK to LA recently...it was pretty brutal tbh, and the jet lag was a bit shit.
What a ray of sunshine I am!

I'm sure you'll be fine if you're prepared - and let your kid use screens 🙊 Go for it!