Flying with Young Children - Help!

[afterwords]

We're due to go to Turkey next month, which is about a 4 hour flight, with dds (5 and 2). I am already getting really stressed about how I will keep the younger one entertained/quiet without really hacking off all the other passengers on board. She's too young for colouring and things that the older one will happily do. I really hate flying anyway and the thought of having to placate a grumpy toddler for all that time in a confined space is making me dread the holiday. Any advice?

Not really.
Just accept it will be shit and if it isn't you will be pleasantly surpised. I used to live in Turkey and did that trip a lot with kids younger than yours and alone. I survived.

I fly all the time with 4 children from baby to 9 years old. Its hard work, but even harder if you let yourself get stressed. My number one good advice is to bring sweets for take-off and landing. This is when you really need them to sit still and strapped in their seats and bribes make it easier. I am sure you will be fine and once you are airborn noone can throw you off so just relax and order a glass of wine!

My only advice would be to take along plenty of toys, books and snacks and give them out sloooowly, rationing them to last throughout the flight. Also if there is something which she considers a "special treat" then stock up on those items and let her have them......just this once! I know its a pain to carry everything but it really seems to make a difference to us. Also, don't worry too much about the other passengers. If they want to get stroppy because a toddler is having a bad time then they need to grow up a bit themselves.