Long haul flight with 18mo tips?

[SnackSnackEatAndCrave]

Bit of an essay but want to explain the circumstances to get the best advice.

Flying to Mauritius in October for PIL vow renewal. They realise it's quite indulgent and we aren't exactly flush, so have very generously booked and paid for our flights and accommodation so that we can be there.

DD will be 18 months old, so she flies free but doesn't get her own seat. Usually under 2s get a bassinet, and FIL has booked this for us. But I've been reading this morning that the bassinet is only suitable for children under 11kg, and DD is already 10.9kg!

So, who has some tips for comfortably flying for 16 hours with a giant toddler? Willing to buy anything that stop it being a disaster. I've seen a mattress that you can hook over the seat belt but the reviews suggest it's for young babies?

that stops... Or to stop... Obviously not sure what I was trying to say there!

Night flight or day flight? Either way hope that they sleep on you a lot, but expect to have to play with them most of the time.

Bassinet seats have more leg room, but we were told we couldn't let the baby lie on the floor (on some blankets), so I'm not sure whether there are any magic solutions. I'm interested to hear if you find one though!

If you can scrape together funds I'd pay for a seat. It's a long way for an 18 month old to be on your knee. Bassinet won't be suitable and because of that I wouldn't sit at the bulkhead as you cannot lift the arm rests between you.

I flew US-UK alone five times with DD before she was 2 as DH was working. I always paid for a seat.

It's going to be a disaster isn't it?!
I've asked FIL about another seat (I'd be happy to pay) but he seems to think as we're all booked up that seats will be allocated and we won't be able to get another seat with the group. Do you think that will have happened already? There's another baby travelling with us who will be fine for the bassinet so in theory we'll be all sitting together near the bulkhead.
It's a night flight so I'm really hoping DD will sleep and if all else fails all the grown ups can have a turn with her sitting on their lap!

At least you won't be on your own Snack, so people can help you. I wanted a seat and car seat because I travelled alone and wanted to be able to strap her in and let her sit up..

The cabin crew were always completely lovely (BA) and sat with DD when I needed the loo, held her for a bit (just being nice) etc., etc..

It was always absolutely fine.

It's not that far! You can stay awake the whole flight. Take turns to have toddler on lap. Also order one of your meals as special. (Like vegetarian, gluten free whatever you fancy). Special meals get served before the rest. Then one of you can eat while the other holds on to the toddler.

The bassinet will be far too small. I have tiny children and at 18mo even if their weight is ok, their legs will be sticking out of the bassinet. They don't allow children on the floor if they are asleep, but if she isn't then she can play on the floor. So reserve the bassinet seat (i.e. pay on the airline website) if you can.

If you book a seat for a child under 12 years they must be sat with an adult so whilst your partner may have to be moved if its not possible they would most likely move asingle passenger near by or make a couple adjustments. I asked about booking our seats due to tge children but was told they can not put them seperate to a parent by law so i may be with both or with one and there dad the other but its extremely likely we will be together without the extra cost according to the airline.

16 hours at night is quite far! The saving grace is that we have other adults with us so if DD isn't asleep at least we can share the entertainment.
I've asked FIL again today about the extra seat but he is adamant we all need to be together and DD will be fine snoozing all the way on my lap.
I'm looking for the seat belt mattress thing on eBay atm. I can give it a try at home and if it's unless I'll just put it straight back on!