Hi all,
I read a few posts prior to travelling with DS, and I thought I would share my own experience and thoughts.
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we used purple parking as our flight was annoyingly out of one and into the other terminal. However the 15 minute bus was an excitement in itself, and it's a drop and go car key affair, which was nice and easy as it only took one of us to check in or out.
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family security lets you take a bottle of milk. I can't confirm or deny if the normal security does too, but family were great with liquids, understanding when you beep and have to stand in the magic machine, and really helpful when kids are running in all directions.
Equally, family passport control will let you all go through together, so you don't have to fight the automated machines.
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Gatwick has a soft play in both terminals. It's not great. And it's not huge. But it's enough to occupy them for 10 minutes so you can neck a cuppa.
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Trunki suitcases are worth their weight in gold. He dragged his toys along on the top, we dragged him around, he pushed it and pulled it and ran all over the place with it. We were delayed at the gate, and that big empty space was perfect to wear him out!
We also had a long wait for check in coming back, and pushing around our 4-wheeled case kept DS occupied for over an hour!!
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don't rush! As long as you pay attention and know how to find your flight id say take your time. We had a great time walking all the way to the gate, looking at the planes and every other type of vehicle at the airport (I'd say there are roughly 8.4 thousand different types)!!
We arrived at the airport with 3 hours so we had time for lunch, and plenty of wees before boarding.
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toys. We took colouring (used while away but too big for plane)
Chunky cars (rolled up and down the aisle. Not sure the stewards would agree but this was great entertainment)
An aeroplane (I mean - no brainer) this actually makes quite a noise so I was worried. But it turns out real planes are much louder so you couldn't even notice it.
The iPad (heaven forbid, but it actually kept him chill for much longer than he ever sits still at home)
I missed having any books, should have taken some touchy feely ones. And I also wish I'd taken a neck cushion for him to sit on so he could reach the tray table.
Also took some non offensive snacks.
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we didn't eat on either plane journey. I took sandwiches for the flight out and we had crisps and dried fruit and biscuits for both journeys. We had a big meal before we boarded, and ate once we arrived at the hotel/home. Lots of water, reusable bottles so we could fill up regularly, and took lots of sips during take off to make sure ears had popped.
Overall the process was much easier and calmer than expected. It was a 4 hour flight in the middle of the day, and DS didn't nap until the coach transfer to hotel at 10pm! 😱 far too excited by the day.
The flight home we all napped, and, although it was an earlier flight, I think everyone was exhausted from the sun ☀️
Sorry for the essay. I hope this helps someone!
And any tips for long haul greatly appreciated - we're doing 14 hours next year! 🙈