Help me be less anxious about travelling alone with DS

[1sttimeunicorn]

I'm wondering if anyone out there can help me feel more confident about taking my DS 18 months on a short haul flight on my own.
We are flying on a budget airline to visit friends. Once we are there, I know we will have a good time. I'm anxious about the journey, as it gets closer.
My main worries are getting DS safely through security, handling the fold up buggy on my own, plus him and my bag too. Then getting him safely on the plane, again I'm worried about the buggy, folding and unfolding it on my own.
I'm not too worried about the flight itself as yes he might scream the place down but at least I got him safely onto the plane.
One further complication is I am newly pg and obviously didn't know that when I booked the flight, so I'm shattered and nauseous to boot.
Can anyone offer me any tips or support?

i can't help on the pregnant score ( i have never flown when pregnant- and congratulations btw!) but here are a few tips:

-use a rucksack. you dont have to worry about holding your bag as you will have hands free

-try to keep your ds in his buggy when in the airport, so you know where he is at all times, and he is contained.

-if you are travelling from gatwick, they have a dedicated family lane so you have more time to get through security and help is available if you need it

-when you are on the plane (i'm not sure how long the journey is) you could wrap small toys up. kids love unwrapping things. it may also be a good idea to buy a small pair of headphones. (these are great- my girls found them easier and comfier to wear than regular headphones) so that you can plug him into some pre downloaded shows.

all the best x

I’ve just done a short haul flight with DD, 22 months. I’d advise

Leaving plenty of time for every stage, try and be relaxed and he will be relaxed too.

Pack as little as possible so you’re not hauling loads around. I would prefer to check a bag in rather than have great loads of hand luggage

Really think in advance about luggage size, liquid containers, changing bag, snacks and books etc. If you feel prepared it makes things easier

If you have a sling, use that to get to the airplane. I find people will usually help you with a buggy down the stairs but it’s easier if he’s not in it. Also helps if the buggy is taken to a baggage carousel on the other side and you need to walk miles.

If you can, make things as easy as possible. Get a taxi to the airport or a lift rather than using public transport.

Don't underestimate how kind and helpful strangers can be. Ask for a helping hand from staff or other passengers if you need one. If I was there and saw you struggling with a buggy on one hand and child in the other, I'd offer to help you!

Once you've done this, you will likely feel a real sense of accomplishment that will help you with other challenges in the future. I say go for it!

Snacks, so many snacks
Surprises (for him, ideally not you)
A tablet with headphones
No early starts/late night flights, that's just daft. If it's early, stay at the airport the night before.
Rucksacks
Anticipate delays.
Maybe a g&t at the airport for you

My first solo trip was with DD aged 11 months to New York and we were fine. Since then we've been to 20 countries together. That's not being goady but once you get in the swing of things, it becomes less scarey and more enjoyable.

Thank you all so much. Yes I have a back pack and will pack it carefully, we will ditch the big bag when we arrive as it has to go into the hold anyway. I really don't know how he would react to headphones. Do you mean the ones that go into the ears? I will definitely get some and try them out tho as I've downloaded a LOT of CBeebies into my iPad for him already.
I will pack books but was also vaguely hoping he would snooze on the flight which is at 2pm ish.
Really hope you're right and this trip gives me a renewed confidence with him. I don't have a sling unfortunately as he's never tolerated one. But thank you so much for taking the time to advise. Hopefully you're all correct about people being kind. I will give myself loads of time.

All of the above, especially the snacks! 2 other tips - our youngest screamed the plane down on descent when she was 18 months old because of ear pressure and wet herself (EasyJet staff weren't very understanding but I might not have been at 25!). On the way back, when the plane started to descend we played gurning games and got through lots of haribo's with really exaggerated big mouth chomping. No screams or tears. But if your DS does cry, try not to get really stressed out. Most people do understand so don't get yourself into a state as well!