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Original poster

Waking children up at 1 am to go on flight

65 replies

CookiezndCream · 21/04/2024 07:08

Hi there
Really hope you can help.
I don't do holidays .... and I'm now going abroad on Sunday night.
My partner and his mum booked the plane times - flying at 6 am. Having to get up at 1 am to drive to the airport.

I'm already incredibly out of my comfort zone but this is pushing me over the edge. I did try to say not to book middle of the night flights but unfortunately its just worked out that way with cost / where we're going.

My youngest daughter is autistic and this is what I'm really worried about
Have you got any tips for me / her please?
I'm hoping she will sleep in the car on the way there but even pmxe we're at the airport it'll only be 2.30am . So not sure what we do then?!

I'm worrying so much!!
I know it's only one night but also she's only just started sleeping through about 6 months ago so I'm hoping this won't mess her routine up.

I know I'm probably overthinking but this is such a big thing for me as I don't really get out much!

Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
ClaudiaWinklepanda · 21/04/2024 07:11

Can you afford to stay the night before at a hotel at the airport?

Cadela · 21/04/2024 07:13

Can you book a hotel at the airport? So much easier and although you still have to get up early, it’s a much more reasonable hour.

Oblomov24 · 21/04/2024 07:13

I'm sorry I can't really see the issue. How old is your dd? Is she excited about going on holiday? Have you talked to her and explained in an excited way what will happen?

LittleBearPad · 21/04/2024 07:14

Stay at a hotel near the airport? That’s a hell of a drive in the early hours

Rainyspringflowers · 21/04/2024 07:14

Can’t see the issue? 😂😂 This place is mad sometimes.

I would definitely book a hotel!

Overthebow · 21/04/2024 07:15

At those times I’d stay the night before. I wouldn’t want to wake DC to travel at 1am, those times just aren’t good. Were there no other flight time options?

Debtshame · 21/04/2024 07:16

Put them in their clothes to wear to the airport at bedtime so they are already dressed ready x

Colinswheels · 21/04/2024 07:16

How long is the drive from to the airport? We're only 45 minutes so appreciate a longer journey might make things more difficult and I would probably consider an airport hotel.

We've done this a few times with young DC and it hasn't been that bad. Wake them as late as possible before leaving, quick change and then picnic breakfast in the car. Generally the excitement keeps them going and then if you're lucky they sleep on the plane.

Choice4567 · 21/04/2024 07:17

We had to wake the children at 2am a couple of years ago and hoped they’d sleep on the way to the airport but they didn’t. If there’s anyway to sleep at an airport hotel I’d do it

ASighMadeOfStone · 21/04/2024 07:17

As gently as possible, the holiday itself buggers routines, (new places, food, experiences, noise levels) so try not to think about trying to keep to one more than strictly essential.

I agree that a hotel the night before might be better, but you'd still have only a bit of sleep- though you'd not be worrying about waking up etc.

Otherwise, she'll probably sleep in the car, and on the plane.

By the time you've checked in, gone through security and had a coffee, the time really goes quite quickly at airports. There will definitely be seats free in the waiting areas at that time.

I always book early flights because they're invariably cheaper and I see it as a way of getting "extra" holiday iyswim.

Try to not overthink, and have a lovely time.

ChefsKisser · 21/04/2024 07:19

Do you need to be at the airport at 2:30 for a 6am flight? Usually it’s 2 hours ahead so 4, won’t be busy at that time so leave at 2:30, still bad but maybe better? I’d consider an airport hotel but also prep b
her for the early start and allow for tired behaviour!

PickledPurplePickle · 21/04/2024 07:21

First option would be to book an airport hotel

Secondly, leave a bit later - why are you getting to the airport for 2.30am for a 6am flight? That's too early - get there at 4

Timetochangenow · 21/04/2024 07:21

Definitely book a hotel for the night before.

Bjorkdidit · 21/04/2024 07:21

Sunday night - is this tonight we're talking about or in the future - just wondering about how much time you have to plan.

Depending on options, I'd first wonder if it's possible to change the flights for a fee - or even just buy new ones?

Failing that, the next obvious step would be to book an airport hotel, if you haven't sorted parking yet, you might be able to get a hotel and parking deal that's not much more than the parking anyway.

Also just wondering about what you mean by 'I'm hoping she will sleep in the car on the way there but even pmxe we're at the airport it'll only be 2.30am . So not sure what we do then?!'

Are you saying you're planning to get to the airport at 2.30 am? That really is a bit early for a 6 am flight, especially as check in might not open until 4 am, depending on the airline.

Assuming that you can't change the flights, I'd go for an airport hotel, plan to get up and to the terminal as quickly as possible so you don't actually have to get up until about 3, then hope she'll sleep on the plane so catch up and be OK to get through your first day on holiday. Then if you make it a 'soft start' day and an early night if necessary, hopefully you'll all be fine from day 2 of your holiday.

CelesteCunningham · 21/04/2024 07:24

We had a 6am flight last year, DC were 5 and 3 but no SEN. We spent a lot of time talking about the process with them. They went to bed in their clothes (comfy leggings and t-shirt stuff), then the plan was that 5 would go to the loo and into the car and we'd just lift the 3yo in as she was still in a nappy overnight.

In reality they were super excited so full of beans and I don't think they slept in the car. They were fine in the airport and then 3 slept on the plane. It was surprisingly smooth.

Helpfullright · 21/04/2024 07:27

2:30am is far too early! Check in/security isn’t even open at that time!

we do early with 2 little ones all the time. Deal is sleep on the plane or no disco that night.

Caspianberg · 21/04/2024 07:29

I would stay overnight at airport. We have a 6.20am return flight soon and will stay overnight so up at 4am and walk straight through

But yea definitely don’t get there at 2.30am for 6am flight. If it’s European flight they won’t even open check in before 2 hrs before, international 3hrs. So you will arrive and have to just stand around as nothing open yet, and can’t go through to departure lounge until bags dropped

LittleBearPad · 21/04/2024 07:31

Goodness I missed the fact you’ll get to the airport at 2.30. For a 6am flight that’s madness. You need to get there at 4ish earliest. There’ll be no queues so no need to get there any earlier and you could probably chance 4.30 ish.

tastydiner · 21/04/2024 07:44

I have to agree OP, for a 6 am flight you absolutely do not need to be there at 2.30 am. Security won’t be open, neither will check in. 6 am flight means checkin will likely open at 4 am. At our local airport, security doesn’t open until 4 am. If you go too early you’ll just be hanging around waiting.

turkeymuffin · 21/04/2024 07:44

Airport hotel.

Twilight check in if possible (get rid of your big suitcase the evening before).

Get up at 4am - walk straight through security & head for coffee.

Axx · 21/04/2024 07:48

turkeymuffin · 21/04/2024 07:44

Airport hotel.

Twilight check in if possible (get rid of your big suitcase the evening before).

Get up at 4am - walk straight through security & head for coffee.

This. Keep it as easy as you can.

Redlarge · 21/04/2024 07:50

How far away is airport?

Redlarge · 21/04/2024 07:53

Ive took a 6am flight twice with kids. We got up at 3. Taxi to airport by 4.15. Loads of time. Kids were fine.
On the 4 hour flight we all slept for 2 hours. On the 2 hour flight we stayed awake and we were fine. Just had a nap around 3pm before going out for dinner.

GladysHeeler · 21/04/2024 07:58

1am is too early.

Staying in hotel is the best solution.

Otherwise, get everything ready the night before.
Dress them in half decent pyjamas.
Get up do everything that needs to be done.
Pre warm car, lift her up, hold toilet age children on toilet and say have a wee, then strap them into the cars seats and drive away.

At airport wake them up get them changed if they aren't toddlers and use adrenaline and excitement to power through until bedtime.

greyandbluewool · 21/04/2024 08:00

Same as others. Plan to arrive around 4.
Put them to bed in clothes they are travelling in.
I've done it multiple times with SEN family but admittedly I'm someone who is familiar and comfortable at airports.