PLease help me decide...on holiday to NZ!

[winniewoo]

Ok..we are nearly at the booking stage for a 5 week holiday to see my brother in NZ later on this year.
Two options to fly:
Firstly, my fave would be to fly glasgow, london, singapore, auckland with singapore airlines who I believe are fab. Stopover there for 1 night. Flight times good..two night flights but price 800 more for family of 5 than option 2. Husband is 6.4ft..are the seats a little larger?
Option 2..emirates from glasgow direct to dubai..stop in hotel but just for 7hours then on to Auckalnd. 18hr flight at 10am in the morning..yikes!
I know emirates are good too but should my main priority be the flight times. DS 7, 5 and 2? and a break in singapore or just basically get on with it and get to Auckland.
Thanks all in advance...I have done nothing today..getting very annoyed with myself..need to book then plan!!

no one? bumpty bump

Hi ya

Have been on flight to NZ several times. Once with son and DH when son was 10 mths and again with just son and myself when he was almost 2. Both flights were with Singapore airlines and we only had 3 hours wait in between. I just like to get there and not too fussed about wasting time with stop overs!!
Last time son was 4 1/2 and again it was just him and I and the flights I could get gave us 7 hours in Singapore. I booked - before we went for a hotel room at the airport - it was really cheap(can't remember exactly how much). We had a room and bathroom it was great. My son slept and I had a long relaxing bath. It made life easier all round as son handled next part of flight really well and so did I after having clean clothes on and feeling fresh again.

Whatever you decide to do - it will work. Just have toys for 2 year old especially that are new. Magazines sticker books etc.

You lucky things

Hi winniewoo

Have flown to Sydney via Singapore.

I would go with your option rather than the Dubai stop (Dubai airport is not good besides which the second flight is just way too long to warrant serious consideration). Cheaper is not always cheerful.

Changi airport is a fine place. If you can break the journey up in Singapore (even if its only for one night and if possible both on the outward and return journeys) I'd do so. SA's economy is very good but they do not have a premium economay section.

All flights to Singapore from Heathrow depart around 9pm so that's pretty much normal.

www.airlinequality.com has reviews of airports and airlines. Worth a read before you book.