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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Small children on Long haul flights

106 replies

Lovetocook49 · 15/04/2025 18:49

Can I ask everyone’s opinions please ?
We have just come back from a
holiday to the Maldives . We found a cheap trip and booked , we have had a great week .

On our return flight , 11 hours long, there was a young family, 2 boys , one a toddler, one a few years older. My husband was chatting to the Dad , and they had gone just for a holiday - family not living there or anything.

The youngest boy had a very fractious journey , parents frazzled trying to keep him happy , minimise crying etc poor poppet was not a happy toddler.

I don’t get it ? The kids are so young they won’t remember the holiday , why put them through such a long flight ?

Just wondering others thoughts 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
SomethingDifferentBloomed · 15/04/2025 18:50

I think it’s not really any of your business…

Devonmaid1844 · 15/04/2025 18:51

Because they had 11 hours of a tough flight but then a lovely holiday I guess

Budgetquery · 15/04/2025 18:51

Because the parents wanted a holiday…

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 15/04/2025 18:51

I guess they wanted a lovely holiday. Maybe they themselves enjoyed it enough to make it worthwhile!

Acc0untant · 15/04/2025 18:52

Because parents are entitled to book holidays if they choose to? They probably feel a bit of a crappy journey is worth it for what I expect was a lovely time for all of them while they were away.

SilverButton · 15/04/2025 18:52

The parents will remember the holiday - and I guess they decided it was worth it. I know what you mean though OP, it wouldn't be my choice with a child of that age!

tryingtobesogood · 15/04/2025 18:52

I get it, I’m sure it was amazing but a flight to somewhere half as far could be just as lovely without the stress.

toastofthetown · 15/04/2025 18:53

Just because the children might not have any memories, doesn't mean that it has no benefit to them to going. By that logic you might as well never take your children outside until they're about four because they won't remember it anyway (though I think it's universally accepted that that would harm development). And even if they don't remember it, their parents will.

Purpleturtle43 · 15/04/2025 18:54

It's not just about the kids remembering it, it's about the fun you have when you are there.

Stickortwigs · 15/04/2025 18:54

I have done this, I think not deciding that you shouldn’t do things because there’s children in tow is a good thing. Stops you missing out on experiences and sets a great example to the children.

Lowren · 15/04/2025 18:56

I think parents can’t only live their lives in a way that never makes toddlers cry. The younger kid may not remember it but it’s likely they had a lovely time and people like their children being happy even before the point that lasting memories are formed. Besides the parents do remember and so why not enjoy their time.

it’s of course annoying for everyone else on the flight when a child is crying so you have my sympathy there but it is just life. I don’t think a difficult flight is going to traumatise the child.

Needspaceforlego · 15/04/2025 18:58

Because they parents might have dreamed of visiting the Maldives.
Maybe it was meant to be a honeymoon and covid got in the way.

They might have got a good deal, they might be thinking it's now or wait until kids are beyond school age.

Who cares?

I took DS1 to Disney aged 2 because I'd never been. So glad we did it. We are more than a decade down the road and never been back.

ReesesCupcake · 15/04/2025 18:58

So only childless/those with older kids should travel?

Entitled much?

Itisjustmyopinion · 15/04/2025 18:59

The parents wanted to go there on holiday 🤷‍♀️

All holidays do not need to fit around children

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 15/04/2025 19:01

it's 11 hours' flight away and you flew all the way there for just one week?
stunning.
no wonder climate change has now gone past the point of no return, and places like the Maldives won't exist for much longer.

ConnieSlow · 15/04/2025 19:08

We took my dc, one was 6 and the other 9 months old. Was a fantastic and memorable one. I’m not sure why you would think it’s a waste.

WingingIt101 · 15/04/2025 19:09

We went to Mexico last year with a 4 year old and a 20 month old.
Im sure everyone around us on the plane rolled their eyes as they saw us approach the gate and sent up a silent prayer that we wouldn’t be near them!

we went as well prepared as possible for both journeys and whilst they weren’t perfect and we had moments of “what have we done” the memories from that trip will stay with dh and I forever and our now 5 year old asks to go back. The resorts there cater so well for families and include so much more for the money in our experience.

Gustavo77 · 15/04/2025 19:13

I've done long haul on countless occasions from when they were 9 months old and upwards. No regrets and not anyone else's business.

Psychoticbreak · 15/04/2025 19:20

If you found it to be a cheap holiday then maybe that is why they went also. You havent kids have you op? It was a bit of a bad plane journey it is hardly neglect.

Heiggeoe · 15/04/2025 19:24

We've just come back from 15hr flight. Dd is 6 and is always sick on planes. It's not great but we were away for two weeks ans she loved it. Yes, the flight itself was rubbish for her but she might still be the same when she's 10. Should she never fly?

Ener · 15/04/2025 19:26

I’d pay extra to have adult only flights but wouldn’t judge a young family on there. It’s their choice and the Maldives is worth a day of inconvenience.

Coali · 15/04/2025 19:27

I think you’ve answered your own question. You found a cheap deal, sounds like they did too.

Heaven forbid parents actually do something for themselves.

Thefunnel · 15/04/2025 19:31

Just because he was fractious on that flight doesn't mean they should expect it every flight.

if you can't be around normal people and children behaving normally, maybe a private plane going forward.

MyUmberSeal · 15/04/2025 19:33

Who cares if the kids remember it, the parents will, and they matter too.

Crapola25 · 15/04/2025 19:34

I flew solo UK to Tokyo with a 2 year old and the flight was the easiest part - he slept for 7.5 hours on the way there. It wasn't very relaxing when we were there but I never regretted going. Life is short. Imagine if I waited 18 years before going on a long haul trip again.