Flight times horrendous - how to cope with 2 asleep

[jsay]

Has anyone got any ideas or any experience that they can offer - I'm travelling abroad next week with DH, DS1 (6) and DS2 (3). We're all very excited BUT...the flight times are v.late night/early morning.

What is the best way to cope with 2 children who will be v.sleepy/asleep & multiple luggage?

Last year, DH carried DS1 and 1 suitcase & hand luggage and I carried DS2 and 1 suitcase - both DH and I ended up with backache, severe fatigue and were pretty grumpy with one another. This year the boys are older and heavier! So what can I do ? Any ideas?

put the youngest in a umbrella fold buggy, and check in as early as possible so you can sit down.
I found the late night flights were best for my girls as they slept right the way through the 9 hour flight. It was the day flight that was horrible with both girls wanting ot sit on my lap and wanting only me.....

hi fuzzywuzzy,
many thanks for the advice - I had thought of possibly using a buggy of some sort but wasn't sure. Oddly it's my youngest who is likely to stay awake and the oldest is the one to sleep as though in a coma. It's been a long time since we used a buggy, do you think a 6 yr old is too big? I also thought possibly of using a double buggy...until I saw the price of them Thanks so much for your input, it's an idea that I think I shall use.

we try to do night flights too. -its so much easier if they sleep. We take umbrella fold to the gate with us too. Generally if poss we put youngest in baby bjorn/ sling and next one up (who would usually walk) takes the buggy. I do these two until we have checked in and lost the cases. we have a 7 and 10 year old and they have to help!!