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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to plan a domestic birthday flight for my seven-year-old?

166 replies

Edinburghwomenonamisso8n26 · 06/04/2026 02:41

My ds7 birthday is coming up in June. He has asked to go on a plane ( he's obsessed with them ) Due to his brothers severe disability he hasn't been overseas or on a plane. Life is hard and his brother unfortunately is at the centre of everything we do due to the needs and appointments etc
Despite this ds7 is such a lovely boy who understands more then he should at his age tbh.

Anyway I really want to take him on a plane for the day. I have made peace with the environmental impact as we use public transport and haven't flown in 10ish yrs and won't for a very long time after.

Any ideas where obviously he doesn't have a passport so has to be domestic only. tia

flying from Edinburgh

OP posts:
ainsleysanob · 08/04/2026 08:25

I am so excited for your little boy! I can only imagine his face!

Ninerainbows · 08/04/2026 08:27

ApolloandDaphne · 06/04/2026 06:23

What about Belfast? Belfast City Airport is right in the city so it wouldn't take you long to get into the centre. There would be a feeling of going properly away as you are flying over the water. What else does he like doing?

I was going to suggest Belfast. They have a castle/zoo and it feels like another country due to crossing the sea. Have a lovely time OP!

Anonanonanonagain · 08/04/2026 08:56

Edinburghwomenonamisso8n26 · 07/04/2026 19:55

So we have settled on a Aer Lingus Flight to Belfast city Airport as the times are perfect and he also loves the titanic 😀

The best bit is we are going to surprise him on his birthday which is the day we are going.

I've also booked seats so he can definitely get a window seat.

Thanks everyone ☺️

Aer Lingus is a much nicer plane too than ryanair so delighted you have this booked now for him, little lamb sounds like he deserves it. A cab from the city airport will take under 10 mins to get to the titanic museum but book the tickets asap. Not sure the times of your flights but if you had time the W5 museum is beside Titanic and is great for kids of all ages too. Hope you both have the best time :)

Lemonzz · 08/04/2026 09:01

This sounds so lovely. You don’t have to of course, but it would be wonderful to have an update on how the birthday went!

pruningmybush · 08/04/2026 09:18

I am so excited for him!
Make sure to get to the airport in plenty of time so he can enjoy watching other planes take off and land as well 😊

Jc2001 · 08/04/2026 09:27

Trallers · 06/04/2026 02:56

Was going to suggest Edinburgh until I saw in the last sentence you're flying from there 😂

It's a lovely idea. Does Edinburgh fly to Southampton? I think that would be nicer for a day trip than London.

How on earth can a day in Southampton be a nicer day than a day in London? Unless you just want to look around outlet stores.

hopspot · 09/04/2026 10:15

Edinburghwomenonamisso8n26 · 07/04/2026 19:55

So we have settled on a Aer Lingus Flight to Belfast city Airport as the times are perfect and he also loves the titanic 😀

The best bit is we are going to surprise him on his birthday which is the day we are going.

I've also booked seats so he can definitely get a window seat.

Thanks everyone ☺️

Have a super day!

Idstillratherbepaddleboarding · 09/04/2026 11:08

OMG I’m so excited for you both!

likelysuspect · 09/04/2026 11:11

Its an incredibly expensive present for a 7 year old in my view

Nevertheless, you could also look at local gliding clubs for the same/similar experience.

likelysuspect · 09/04/2026 11:13

I see you've sorted it now so hope he has a lovely day

pruningmybush · 09/04/2026 11:18

likelysuspect · 09/04/2026 11:11

Its an incredibly expensive present for a 7 year old in my view

Nevertheless, you could also look at local gliding clubs for the same/similar experience.

No different from buying them a bike, or a climbing frame or similar

Mumsntfan1 · 09/04/2026 11:20

Livpool · 06/04/2026 10:41

I second this - DS got to sit in the captain’s seat when we flew to Spain. He was thrilled and they were so lovely with him.

Just mention it to the crew

Show quote history

When was this? 1986?

ApolloandDaphne · 09/04/2026 11:25

He will love it especially if he also loves the Titanic. The Titanic experience is fantastic.

MyDucksArentInARow · 09/04/2026 12:04

Not sure if someone has suggested it already - but I assume he's turning 8 - what about an air experience flight in a light aircraft? Get closer to the controls/see the pilot and more personal experience. Albeit doesn't include a day trip afterwards. If you fly commercial down south, then I would try to get to the Fleet Air Arm museum in Yeovil if you can - really great museum and has a concorde. If you go on a weekday, there's a good chance you can view helicopters and jets taking off. https://www.perthairport.co.uk/general-information/airport-webcam#!/60-Minute-Family-Flying-Experience-for-Three/p/403743703/category=120469657

https://www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/fleet-air-arm-museum

View the ACS Aviation Live Perth Airport Webcam

Watch live footage from the Perth Airport webcam — ideal for pilots and enthusiasts checking real-time airport activity.

https://www.perthairport.co.uk/general-information/airport-webcam#!/60-Minute-Family-Flying-Experience-for-Three/p/403743703/category=120469657

MarxistMags · 09/04/2026 13:15

Do please let us know how it goes.
Have a wonderful time.
And Happy Birthday to your son. 🎈

KidsDoBetter · 09/04/2026 20:41

Edinburghwomenonamisso8n26 · 07/04/2026 19:55

So we have settled on a Aer Lingus Flight to Belfast city Airport as the times are perfect and he also loves the titanic 😀

The best bit is we are going to surprise him on his birthday which is the day we are going.

I've also booked seats so he can definitely get a window seat.

Thanks everyone ☺️

If you tweet Aer Lingus and explain the situation (or email their PR team this thread! ) I BET they’d do something nice for your DS. They are so much classier and nicer than Ryanair!

☘️☘️☘️

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