Small children on long flights

[pigleychez]

DD's are 2.7 and 4.6 and we are currently planning this years holiday.

We had our first abroad holiday last year to Majorca with a 2.15 ish hour flight. This was fine and the girls enjoyed flying.

Been looking online and of course everything is more expensive now we are stuck to school holidays. Ive seen that a week in Dubia or Dominican republic (for example) are about the same/not much more than some of the all inclusive weeks in Spain!

DH isnt keen on taking the girls too far and I can see his point but then know others that do so its obviously doable.
Last year they had an ipad each and this kept them occupied the whole flight.

If we did venture further then any tips?

I think of Dubai and Dominican Republic as mid-flight places, ie places that are too far for a movie, meal, couple of toilet trips, sticker book (S Europe) but not far enough for a night flight to mean sleep on plane (12 hours - Thailand distance). To me with a toddler they would be the very worst distance and I'd only go if I really wanted to visit that place!

We do long haul over the Christmas Hols sometimes when we're feeling sun-deprived (Thailand/Cambodia a few weeks ago) but always go to Europe in the summer. The weather is great in southern Europe, it's easy to get flights and accommodation separately or as a package if you prefer, there's no jet lag, depending where you go there are fabulous galleries, palaces, beaches, lakes, mountains, tavernas, boat trips whatever you like. You can even drive if you want to make the journey part of the holiday.

Sorry, just reread what you asked and it doesn't really answer your question - top tips for a 7-9 hour flight with a 2.7 year old .... ??!

We have seen an apartment in southern spain we like thats right on the beach so we will probably go there.

Just seems so odd that they can be that much further but in the same price range! I guess the holiday companies/Airlines bank on the fact people dont want to do long flights with kids so bump up the prices. Just checked out flights to Marjorca in August and its over £1000 just for the return flights! Crazy!

Thailand was our Honeymoon destination. Would LOVE to return! -Just not with the kids ;)

Don't forget mid-Summer is very hot in Dubai, that may be the reason for the cheaper prices. Not sure about Caribean though but most friends only go in Spring, so there may be a reason for the cheaper deal.

Better go somewhere where you know you will enjoy the trip instead of huddling in the shade or indoor at the time.

The weather is horrible in Dubai in summer. 50 degrees C 95% humidity grey and muggy. Everyone who lives there pushes off to Europe for 2 months if they can. Even the locals! Flight totally do able though. iPad, inflight movies, snacks, a few trips to the toilets to play with the taps. Once they are old enough to concentrate for a while its easy peasy IMO. 18 months old is the absolute killer.

I found the trunki files (can't do linky on iPad, sorry - but googleable) v useful with a list of apps for kids which I used to great effect on 4 hour flight and airport wait to Lanzarote.

Good point about the temps. I guess that plays a big part. DD's would be mega grumpy in that heat!

About to book a beach front apartment in Costa Del Sol. Maybe next year we might up the flight times slightly getting further afield as they get older.

What time of year are you going?

I don't think those flight times are bad its just those locations are in the bad weather season in the summer , hence the cheap prices