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Original poster

To Trunki or not to Trunki and other questions

45 replies

Shellybelly12 · 30/05/2025 22:11

Hi - I am going to Australia in August with my two boys (6&7) and DH. We are flying from London to Sydney with a refuel stop in Singapore.
both my kids are ND, and I’m looking for some advice on travel!
my youngest son gets super tired walking; should I invest in a Trunki for him for airports? Has anyone used these, do they hold enough stuff, are they worth it? He is 21kg so is he small enough for it?
second question is - any tips on managing them on the flight, youngest is sensory seeking by his feet and I’m dreading him potentially kicking the seat in front of him- I’m hoping he won’t but he will move around a lot so he might jostle it a bit - I can’t book seats until 40 days before the trip ( 20 days to go)
so I have no idea what seats I’ll even get! I will contact the airline and ask for the front row but I know they give that for baby’s so not sure…
so any tips/ tricks / ideas please share!

lastly has anyone done this trip in August, any advice on what to pack would be appreciated
thanks in advance! We will be travelling for 24 days in total

OP posts:
madamegazelle1 · 30/05/2025 22:15

I can’t help with some of your questions but I really wouldn’t get a Trunki. We had them for my children for flying and they are so cumbersome, rigid and are really difficult to open/close/store when you’re on the plane. You are much better off with rucksacks in my opinion

Mudlickets · 30/05/2025 22:20

You are brave! I'm an adult and I've never done Australia as it is so far - though gone to Asia lots.

Others will have better tips but chances of getting front row is miniscule- you normally have to pay for these, they are bassinet or card holders get to book before you. Your dc cannot kick the seat, practice etiquette at home.

You will be best in a row of 4 or at the back where some planes narrow go a 2. You can check now what the seat configuration of your plane is for your airline.

SupposesRoses · 30/05/2025 22:20

He’s too old for Trunki.

bettyjane · 30/05/2025 22:23

We used Trunkis once then ditched them, not very spacious, not easy to open to just grab something quickly and really annoying through the airport

Bjorkdidit · 31/05/2025 04:48

If your DC are ND and one struggles to walk far, can you see if airport assistance can be arranged to be driven through the airport on one of those buggy things?

Otherwise you'll just have to allow loads of times so you can do it in stages with rest stops either in cafes or on benches.

justmeandmyselfandi · 31/05/2025 05:08

There was a thread on this last week, do a search

4pmwinetimebebeh · 31/05/2025 05:11

I wouldn’t bother with a trunki id get a rucksack each. If you’re moving through Singapore airport you can get trolleys with a pram at the front (it’s big though my 5 year old fitted) as doing that same journey we had to change terminals (v easy and well sign posted but did involve walking!)
Id try for seats at the front although if it’s by a door they usually don’t allow kids. Otherwise get 2 seats directly in front of the others so he’s only kicking you or your partner rather than a stranger.

Scooby2024 · 31/05/2025 05:15

Personally we used it once and then I sold it on eBay. Hated it, was an utter pain. Hard to open and get stuff put off. We bought DS a small kids suitcase from dunheim that can go on the back or they can pull it. So much better. Maybe see if some airport assistance, my friend did this with her ND son and they were great.

Bluecrumble · 31/05/2025 05:23

Speak to both the airline and the airport special assistance teams. The airline may be able to assign seats with more space or they may just suggest your family sit in two rows one behind the other - we’ve had to do this before. Airport assistance should be able to help get you through the airport quickly.

Bluecrumble · 31/05/2025 05:26

Just to add… I wouldn’t bother with a Trunki. Mine had them when they were toddlers but as others had said they were cumbersome and not overly useful apart from being a bit of a distraction for them. But they quickly outgrew riding on them and by 4 or so they had little wheeled bags

Fourmagpies · 31/05/2025 05:42

My DSIS lives in Sydney so we've done this trip several times, though my DC are NT mainly. My kids loved trunkis. They are rigid and a pain to open, but they loved being able to ride on them. Yours may be too old for them now, see if you can get one secondhand or borrow one to try before buying.

I'd suggest allowing plenty of time for the airport. We packed additional snacks for the journey, and they had kids tablets loaded with games and programmes they liked. We also took some colouring, and little games. Pack a change of clothes for you all, just in case. Some wet wipes. Nobody will mind if they get up and wander around a bit as long as they're not getting in the way. Onne of my mine was happy just listening to music the whole way. They're teens now, but last time I got some Loop earplugs and neck supports to make the journey more comfortable.
Singapore airport is lovely, but big. Check where you need to get to once you're off the plane so you know how much time you have.
Sydney weather is very changeable, and August is their winter. Be prepared for rain, torrential rain!! It doesn't get as cold as our winter but plenty of layers would be good.
And have an amazing time! I love Sydney. I wouldn't be surprised if my eldest DS moved there one day as he also loves it.

Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:08

madamegazelle1 · 30/05/2025 22:15

I can’t help with some of your questions but I really wouldn’t get a Trunki. We had them for my children for flying and they are so cumbersome, rigid and are really difficult to open/close/store when you’re on the plane. You are much better off with rucksacks in my opinion

That’s exactly what I needed to know thanks so much!! Have a great day

OP posts:
Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:19

4pmwinetimebebeh · 31/05/2025 05:11

I wouldn’t bother with a trunki id get a rucksack each. If you’re moving through Singapore airport you can get trolleys with a pram at the front (it’s big though my 5 year old fitted) as doing that same journey we had to change terminals (v easy and well sign posted but did involve walking!)
Id try for seats at the front although if it’s by a door they usually don’t allow kids. Otherwise get 2 seats directly in front of the others so he’s only kicking you or your partner rather than a stranger.

This is my other plan to try get the last two rows of the plane which are two and two, that way IF he kicks it’s only us. He doesn’t kick in the car, but he does move about climbing on me/ dad- so in smaller cinemas he can jostle the seat in front ( so we go to cinemas with big spaces between seats)
we will “practice” but he has very bad / quick impulse challenges- he will have his Amazon fire tablet for the whole trip if needed 🙏
i genuinely care about the peace of other passengers so we will do our best to minimise disruption.

OP posts:
whynotmereally · 31/05/2025 06:23

The trunki is evil. Ramming into peoples legs. Hard to open/find anything , everything spills out. Honestly don’t do it.

Snakeandladder · 31/05/2025 06:24

You can get suitcases with scooters attached but i have no idea if they're any good. Probably heavy and a faff when it comes to it.

Maybe get him some heelys and drag him along at an angle behind you like he is the suitcase!

digiwidgy · 31/05/2025 06:26

Bulk head seats are usually kept for parents with young babies but I think you can actually reserve them if they are available at check in. You may only get one child and one parent together though. Same with babies with one parent and the baby. Worth a look when check in opens or a phone call now. It might also be worth speaking to cabin crew. If the flight is not full, they may be able to move you to a row with an empty seat in front.

Edited to add, don’t bother with the trunki. A complete pain if you need to get into it mid flight. They don’t hold much and are cumbersome.

Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:27

Fourmagpies · 31/05/2025 05:42

My DSIS lives in Sydney so we've done this trip several times, though my DC are NT mainly. My kids loved trunkis. They are rigid and a pain to open, but they loved being able to ride on them. Yours may be too old for them now, see if you can get one secondhand or borrow one to try before buying.

I'd suggest allowing plenty of time for the airport. We packed additional snacks for the journey, and they had kids tablets loaded with games and programmes they liked. We also took some colouring, and little games. Pack a change of clothes for you all, just in case. Some wet wipes. Nobody will mind if they get up and wander around a bit as long as they're not getting in the way. Onne of my mine was happy just listening to music the whole way. They're teens now, but last time I got some Loop earplugs and neck supports to make the journey more comfortable.
Singapore airport is lovely, but big. Check where you need to get to once you're off the plane so you know how much time you have.
Sydney weather is very changeable, and August is their winter. Be prepared for rain, torrential rain!! It doesn't get as cold as our winter but plenty of layers would be good.
And have an amazing time! I love Sydney. I wouldn't be surprised if my eldest DS moved there one day as he also loves it.

Thank you so much! I’ve been to Sydney before and loved it. I have some fantastic family and friends there that I am visiting, and we are super excited. My oldest loves reading so we will some on his tablet and my youngest might watch Blippi for the 23 hours 😂
When I was in Sydney in Nov years ago the rain was awful too 😂 We will bring lots of layers.
we will invest in some good neck supports 🙏

OP posts:
Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:30

Snakeandladder · 31/05/2025 06:24

You can get suitcases with scooters attached but i have no idea if they're any good. Probably heavy and a faff when it comes to it.

Maybe get him some heelys and drag him along at an angle behind you like he is the suitcase!

That’s a brilliant idea- we can get those shoes now and practice. i am actually working out with a PT to build up my strength to be able to carry him if needed, and my husband can also carry him.
I’ll look into airport assistance too! Some fantastic advice here thank you!

OP posts:
DrJump · 31/05/2025 06:34

Singapore is a brilliant airport. It has a butterfly garden in it. There is also a lounge you can buy entry to have a shower. You and your husband could swap between the two of you and each have a shower. Towels and toiletries are supplied. This genuinely makes the second leg easier. Your kids may also like the lounge as it's quite compared to the airport in general.

In terms of the flight you'll need something for your child's feet. What about an inflatable foot cushion? That way he can kneed and pump his feet. I have one for me to help with extra movement for the long flight. Does he like sitting cross legged? That might help.

Games like pick a tissue up with your toes might work on the plane.

In terms of plane screen time it's worth having other things too as it's suck a long time. My ND DS would end up sort of wild with unlimted time.

I'd get child friendly headphones with an airline seat jack so you can use some of the.plane stuff too.

After the dinner meal on the plane, changing into PJs. Headphones on with an audio book for a nap. Could help.

Oh and have chat with the hosts to give you an idea of how long before you land the toilets will be locked. Once you start decent to getting off the plane and locating a toilet can be a long time worth getting the kids to go to the toilet before hand.

Oh and don't early board. It's a con. It just means to you are on the plane for ages. Fine for flying with a baby but not with little kids.

In terms of what to pack where are you going? We have had frost where I live already. August will see quite a few. But a friend is heading north and expecting warm and wet.

Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:38

Thanks everyone- it’s a no for Trunki’s which I’m grateful to know!
I’ll look into airport assistance, that’s so clever !
Im speaking to the travel company today so I’ll see what we can do re seats, I don’t mind paying as much as I need to for other people’s comfort and my peace of mind!
we will have snacks, fire tablets with stuff downloaded, colouring and some games.
@Mudlickets I’m brave or stupid, but I’m taking a break from work and won’t get this time off again, so trying to make the most of it!
appreciate all the advice!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 06:49

DrJump · 31/05/2025 06:34

Singapore is a brilliant airport. It has a butterfly garden in it. There is also a lounge you can buy entry to have a shower. You and your husband could swap between the two of you and each have a shower. Towels and toiletries are supplied. This genuinely makes the second leg easier. Your kids may also like the lounge as it's quite compared to the airport in general.

In terms of the flight you'll need something for your child's feet. What about an inflatable foot cushion? That way he can kneed and pump his feet. I have one for me to help with extra movement for the long flight. Does he like sitting cross legged? That might help.

Games like pick a tissue up with your toes might work on the plane.

In terms of plane screen time it's worth having other things too as it's suck a long time. My ND DS would end up sort of wild with unlimted time.

I'd get child friendly headphones with an airline seat jack so you can use some of the.plane stuff too.

After the dinner meal on the plane, changing into PJs. Headphones on with an audio book for a nap. Could help.

Oh and have chat with the hosts to give you an idea of how long before you land the toilets will be locked. Once you start decent to getting off the plane and locating a toilet can be a long time worth getting the kids to go to the toilet before hand.

Oh and don't early board. It's a con. It just means to you are on the plane for ages. Fine for flying with a baby but not with little kids.

In terms of what to pack where are you going? We have had frost where I live already. August will see quite a few. But a friend is heading north and expecting warm and wet.

That’s a great idea re the inflatable cushion, will look into it. That game sounds fun too!!
We are flying to Sydney and then to Melbourne so planning layers and raincoats?
Not boarding early is genius- the less time on the plane the better. My youngest will have a nappy for the flight as he still wets the bed, but good shout for my older boy 🙏
We are flying all night flights so hoping they sleep from beginning, but will be good to have pj’s and just change to freshen up.
as it’s only 2 hour stop in Singapore I’m not sure we will have time to shower but will definitely look into it.
Do you know if Sydney airport has showers ( I will google it) that would be ideal as we land at 5am Aus time, and my cousin is adamant she is collecting us but check in for our hotel and I’d prefer to be showered before I see her 😂😂
I agree re screen time, my oldest would be so awful after too many hours on screen time-
my youngest tends to say I’m tired and turn it off. My oldest will read books so he will have that to switch it up, and we will have drawing/ Pokémon cards/ small toys too.
All and any advice is welcome thanks for your reply!

OP posts:
Downbadatthegym · 31/05/2025 06:59

If he is under 123cm you could hire a Lenny lamb preschool carrier from a sling library for the journey and pop him on your back?
my kids love their trunkis but are only 2 and 4 and small for their ages.

Original poster
Shellybelly12 · 31/05/2025 07:04

Downbadatthegym · 31/05/2025 06:59

If he is under 123cm you could hire a Lenny lamb preschool carrier from a sling library for the journey and pop him on your back?
my kids love their trunkis but are only 2 and 4 and small for their ages.

I’ll look into that carrier! Thanks so much!

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 31/05/2025 07:07

I’d go with a mountain buggy for youngest. You should be able to get a SEND one second hand. Then you have it while you’re away should you need it.

With regards airport I’ve always contacted the people I’m flying with and said it’s disabled child and carer and they’ve always seated us together without charge at the back so I don’t see why asking for front should be an issue.
I’ve always been offered priority boarding too without having to ask.
Airlines have always been brilliant at making reasonable adjustments and airport assistance is brilliant - get some sunflower lanyards and they’ll whisk you through.

TheMumEdit · 31/05/2025 07:09

I’d say no to Trunki. They’re for toddlers, barely hold anything, and heavy. We looked at a scooter bag for my 5 year old last year but opted out as they are heavy. I’d go with a decent backpack with sections for their stuff.

It will be fine. Some airlines give travel passports for kids that the captain signs - my kids loved them. They loved looking at the on board map as well. It’ll be fine. Have a great time