Long haul advice

[rosieandcharliesparents]

Hi,

We are thinking of going to Florida in April to visit amongst other things the Disney parks, my aunt has a house in Florida so the living their with small children does not worry us but are we mad thinking of bringing two small children on a long haul flight? What works best fewer stop overs or more? We have the option of 1 or 2 stops.

Our kids will be 26 months and 6 months old at the time of travelling, any help would be great

Ali

I've been travelling between Australia and the UK with Ds1 since he was 10mo, and with DS2 as well since he was 6mo (and DS1 was 5) and I have never done a long stopover. We've always gone for minimum journey time, so shortest possibly turnaround at the mid-way stop (usually Bangkok or Singapore). That way, as we never leave the airport, there is no real feeling of breaking the flight, or that we might "be there" - we aren't "there" until we come through an airport and back into the open air.

The 6mo isn't likely to be a problem; but your 2.6mo might be, depending on how active and in need of entertainment he/she is.

Lots of distractions to hand works pretty well - sticker books, colouring, small toys that aren't easily lost, that kind of thing - and snacks.

If you are in the UK then the Florida flight isn't that long , only 9 hours at most I think . I wouldn't consider that long enough for a stopover as you are just prolonging the agony, especially as the first leg with the time difference would be the worst .

flights to FL may already be full if you are thinking of going in April 2014, these usually go on sale about a year in advance.

Would fly direct, do not even contemplate doing any stopovers even though it may work out cheaper in terms of cost because it can and does add hours to the travel time.

You will also need to complete an ESTA for all of you.

Fly direct - the flight is not long - we managed Australia without a proper stopover when DS was 2.

Deffo no stops if flying from the uk.

Agree with everyone else - get a direct flight. We've flown between the US and UK several times from when our DS was 7 months and he's now 18 months.

If you can upgrade then do as the extra room is brilliant. We've only done day flights going from UK to US so we've had lots of stuff to entertain DS with along with plenty of food. We always do a night flight from US to UK and he usually sleeps for most of it albeit it on me.

Have you looked at doing a fly drive with virgin holidays , there quite reasonable for this . No go straight there , loads of little one on these direct flights . Once your on the flight take few little bits they love , try for overnight flight , but them in there pj to fly more comfortable , slipper sock for feet , take there favourite toy to sleep with. It be a busy flight for you both but remember baby milk , snacks to get you though .
Wouldn't worry to much as flight to Orlando are always full of children. Even as young as yours . Just have fun , don't over think it .

Direct only - you really don't want to be bothering with the transfer with young children.

Flights during holiday periods are full of young kids so you'll be in good company.

You might want to get a sedative for the 2 year old. I did a whole family move from Scotland to Singapore when my babies were 22 months and 9 months. That was Scotland to London to Singapore so all together with transfers and check-in's about 20 hours.

I would not advise changing flights. The little ones sleep and with the proper sedative they will sleep for the whole flight and be bright and breezy when you get there :)

I have done a stop over, and it was fine. We did it cos it was cheaper and it did mean the kids could stretch their legs and they then slept on the second flight. I do agree that direct is better though, much easier.

Virgin is good too, we did California with them last year, booked flight, first 3 nights in hotel and car hire as a package. Was very reasonable.

Sookster - sorry thread hijack - what sedative would you recommend for the two year old??? thinking ahead to flight to Florida next month ????

Oh how lovely! You'll be fine travelling, as others say huge baby at that age is portable, easy to feed and not going to runaround.

Only thing is.....he/she will obviously upstage grandma and be star of the show

But I'm sure she won't mind that.

Congratulations