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Original poster

Late evening flight with toddler - any tips?

10 replies

TabithaTwitchet · 26/01/2011 15:24

In a couple of weeks we (Me, DH and 3 yr old) are taking a 2 hour flight to visit family.
The flight doesn't take off until nearly nearly 10pm, so it will be nearly midnight our time when we land.
I want to try to do all I can to make sure things go as quietly as possible and that DD doesn't end up screaming with tiredness the whole flight.
Wondering if anyone who's done this before had any tips or advice to help.

We are planning to have a meal at the airport before checking in (around the time DD's normal meal time, or a bit later), then will put her in PJs and dressing gown and slippers, go to the gate, let her lie down with a blanket and hope she falls asleep before boarding. I have my doubts that she will though.

Unfortunately we don't have a buggy, so can't put her to sleep in there, we are just going to carry her.
There will be a car waiting for us at the other end and it is a short drive to where we are staying - hopefully we can just transfer her, sleeping, from plane to car to bed.

But was wondering if there is anything I haven't thought of that might help.

OP posts:

AttilaTheMeerkat · 26/01/2011 16:04

Flying from which airport/to where?. What time are you considering checking in?.

Take it as read you already have a passport for your DD.

You may need to consider buying a cheap buggy to use; she could feel very heavy to carry.

Take her favourite soft toy/comforter if she has one and don't lose it!. She may well as you say not sleep for the entire journey.

Original poster

TabithaTwitchet · 26/01/2011 19:53

Planning on checking in as soon as it opens - so around 7.30pm. Then straight through security asap, and thence to the gate.

She has flown before but always in the morning - she is normally v well behaved but am just nervous that she will be exhausted and start screaming on the plane.

Doubt she would consent to a buggy now anyway, she says they are "for babies".

Good idea re the soft toy. She doesn't have a favourite but maybe a shopping expedition to choose a special one just for the journey.

OP posts:

jammietart · 26/01/2011 20:00

Just don't expect too much and be ready with things to keep her entertained if she is still awake. So toys, books, snacks etc.

We flew from Gatwick to Nice on a late evening flight with DS at 2.5 and despite not sleeping during the day he didn't nod off until the plane began to land but he was fine.

Good luck!

shazbean · 27/01/2011 09:14

I'm watching this with interest as we'll be doing the same with DD (3.5) soon. Was thinking of taking a portable DVD player (if its allowed haven't flown for ages!!) but any other top tips for in-flight entertainment? Don't mean to hijack .

kreecherlivesupstairs · 27/01/2011 10:16

Portable DVD players are fab. they've saved me and DH from divorce on more than one occassion,
For the OP it may not be worth it though, I would take a new book or some stickers in case the little one wakes up.

spacecadet1 · 27/01/2011 14:27

Have you thought about a trunki? although she wouldnt be able to stay asleep on one, you would be able to pull her around if she's tired (would be handier than having to carry her all the way from the plane & to the car) & she can keep her stuff in there & definitely not babyish! Is there no option for her to have an hour or so sleep while travelling to the airport (or maybe even before boarding)? I know when we travel to MIL caravan, ds1 often sleeps in the car for an hour or so & is then allowed a treat of staying up a bit later when we get there. If you take plenty to occupy her on the flight (dvd a godsend) maybe a few snacks (espec ones she's not normally allowed) then she might stay awake til you get there & be fine (then sleep in the car on arrival).

Original poster

TabithaTwitchet · 28/01/2011 11:05

Will think about the Trunki, although was planning to check everything in apart from v small bag with essentials for the plane.
We have to get the train to the airport, so she is unlikely to sleep on the way (it is usually v busy at that time of day).

I think the way forward is lots of stuff to occupy her if need be. I might get her a mini CD player, that might be a bit more restful than a DVD player as she can shut her eyes. Can you get robust kiddy ones?

OP posts:

somewhatskint · 28/01/2011 12:03

I took a 5 hour late evening flight with 3.5 year old DS recently.

Usually he won't entertain the thought of using a pushchair but I was persuade to take one and it was a godsend. I would suggest you think about borrowing / buying a cheap buggy.

DS was shattered and fell asleep on the way to the airport. The pushchair gave him somewhere to doze while we queued to check in. It was useful to hang hand luggage on (tried to travel light but needed snacks, spare clothes, entertainment etc).

It was especially useful for the return leg of our journey when we were delayed and there was not enough seating in the airport.
I think trunkis look fab but they take up a hand to wheel and a tired toddler may not feel like riding along.

ENormaSnob · 28/01/2011 13:58

Pushchair for dc

wine for you

geordieminx · 28/01/2011 17:20

Does she still nap during the day? If so try putting her down for a nap about 3 for an hour so she isn't too worn out.

DVD players are fab.

Trunki good, as you can also keep all things for entertaining inside it, pencils, sticker book, snacks, etc

I'm sure with all the excitement she'll be exhausted and. Will snuggle down on the plane.

Oh we always take a blanket for ds incase it's cold.

Have fun!

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