Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be considering flying alone with 3 kids?

57 replies

Anna34 · 03/06/2023 19:12

Or is it a crazy idea? Anyone has any experience or tips?
We have booked flights for myself, husband and 3 kids to my home country to stay there for 5 weeks during the summer. However looks like my husband's work circumstances are changing and he will need to return to work 2 weeks into our trip. So here is my dilemma, do we all cut it short and return to UK together earlier than planned or do I stay behind with kids and we fly back later. I want to stay all planned 5 weeks but really could do with extra pair of hands when travelling and being so outnumbered by my children. They are aged 11, 7 and 4. Youngest one is a handful, very mischievous and rules don't apply to him. 7 year old has ADHD. 11 year old is fantastic when it comes to help with younger siblings but can also wind them up. I imagine long queues, suitcases, not enough hands, trying to keep an eye on them all at the same time etc and just the thought of it fills me with dread. Or is it completely doable? It's a 3 hour flight.

OP posts:
CharlotteRumpling · 03/06/2023 21:22

Doable. I have flown over 15 hours with 2 under 4 many times. This is only 3 hours.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 03/06/2023 21:48

Bring some screens to occupy them all. Strict rules and the screens will be confiscated (for short time) if they're not following

N1a2m3echange · 03/06/2023 22:07

Go for it. I have travelled alone with my 3 before. Would recommend bribery and offer to pay the older one some pocket money for helping you if needed

Anna34 · 03/06/2023 22:18

Few things to consider I suppose. It's not the flight itself that concerns me. ADHD is manageable. I guess it's the fact that it's 3 of them? 4 year old is a trouble maker, if I don't physically hold his hand he'll be out of my sight within seconds. The other 2 will be bickering. 7 year old is a cryer and gets upset over any wind up. Luggage, transport. Unfortunately my husband would be overseas at the time of our arrival home so pick up from airport is not possible.

OP posts:
quoteoutofcontext · 04/06/2023 08:03

I agree with the majority that while it won't be an easy day it's totally doable and worth it for 3 extra weeks in your home country.

I agree with booking 3 plus 1 seats if it's a 3/3 plane lay out so you can block in the younger 2 and have 11 year old across aisle next to you. If it's a 2 4 2 layout then I would take middle 4 with you and 11 yo on the outside to block.

If you have an ADHD diagnosis or DLA letter you can ask the airline to apply DPNA code to your booking (if his condition is severe enough to mean he cannot comply with normal instructions safely etc) and you can also present yourselves at the special assistance desk at the airport on arrival at the check in (this doesn't need pre booked and is separate to the airline code) . They are always very helpful and will escort you through fast track to the gate, cutting down queues and extra help and understanding at security which is the hardest part.

The other crunch point solo with kids is boarding. If possibly don't fly with a budget airline - but as you say it's 4 hours I guess it could be. Just be aware that they use the worst gates and often the bus transfer to and from plane which my worst experiences of flying with young/SEN kids. Just be prepared for it not to be fun. I've found longer flights short haul with more distractions like meals and entertainment panel far easier than 3-4 hours short no-frills flights. Fully charged tablet/device for each child with headphones is essential IMO - sharing will just cause extra conflict.

Eldest is well old enough for you to spell it out to them that they can have 3 more weeks holiday with family but only if they can step up and be the second grown up for you on the flight no matter how annoying their siblings get. Otherwise you all have to leave with Dad. Bribery is a great idea here too.

Agree with minimal luggage. Backpack each x 4 is plenty and not having a wheelie makes life easier, check in just 1/2 big cases that the oldest can pull.

With a 4 yo I would still be inclined to take a buggy and get it tagged to take to gate which helps in departures if you have delays and they are tired. But be aware they often don't return them at gate and you can have a long walk to arrivals. So minimal luggage means if you have to carry them older 2 can take all the bags.

Like others I've only done it with 2 but one of mine has significant additional needs. Had to do it regularly as we also lived a few hours flight from home country. Won't lie I've had some awful flights but it was always worth it for the time with family. Does ADHD child have ear defenders? They can really help when it's all a bit overwhelming.

Unless you are hundreds of miles from an airport in UK then book a transfer to collect you. They aren't that expensive when you take into account the cost of trains for all of you. I use this platform as they book and confirm for you using local firms. The driver meets you with a sign at arrivals and helps with luggage.
https://city-airport-taxis.com/ in recent years I've found the driver usually texts or WhatsApps you before the flight departs to check.

Good luck. It will be fine, and honestly even if it's not a fun day, you will get home and it's more than worth it to get those 3 weeks.

Pottedpalm · 04/06/2023 08:12

It’s a comparatively short flight so doable I think. 11 year old is old enough to help and time for the four year old to learn that the rules apply!

Twiglets1 · 04/06/2023 08:19

Anna34 · 03/06/2023 20:12

I think flight itself would be ok. We would have to book 2+2 seats. I would sit with youngest one and other two kids together.
My husband would be away at work so nobody collecting us from airport, would have to get home by taxi and train.

Couldn't you book 3 together in a row and the 11 year old in the aisle seat across from your row so you are basically 4 together in one line like seats A, B, C in one row then D in the one across the aisle? That sounds better than an 11 year old being responsible for a 7 year old.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page