Flying shorthaul with a 1 YO. Any tips?

[thelittlestbadger]

DH, DD and I are off to a wedding in Europe next weekend. It is about a 2 hour flight so DD will be sitting on our knees rather than having a seat to herself. I've got the message about food/toys/trying to keep her entertained but and getting more and more nervous about it. DD has just started walking and loves moving around and it will be a struggle keeping her still. There is also little to no chance of her having her nap on the plane.

I can check in 24 hours before - are there any particular seats I should aim for so that DD might be able to walk around a little? Should I try getting on the plane first or last? Any useful tips on keeping children stillish and happyish without drugs?

TIA

Go for an aisle seat, but maybe phone and check to see if they can offer you front seats too.
Stickers are great - keeps them entertained. The maisie books with the flaps are brilliant time wasters.
I've got to fly back to the UK from Sydney soon, with DD 14m who runs everywhere. Wish it was only 2 hours!
Don't worry - have done quite a lot of flying with DD now and hav found that the vibrations of the plane tendto send her off to sleep anyway. Can you stop her from having a sleep beforehand?Make her really tired..

Phenerghans...

I used calpol night over here but think because its only 2 hrs its not really worth giving DD anything.

Know what you mean though puppy!

Only available on prescription now anyway i think!

Thanks! I had considered phenerghans but we're due to fly at lunchtime so she would probably be knocked out for the whole of the afternoon and then be at her most frisky all night. Think I'd rather have a howling baby all flight although the other passengers may not agree with me! I will try and stop her sleeping earlier, I thought if we get to the airport early that might keep her entertained until we can get on the plane.

Yes - get her running round airport!
try not to worry, they're never as bad as you think they're going to be. And anyway - you won't see any of the other passengers again unless you are unlucky!

Also.... your car keys, obviously! the most entertaining thing on earth for a one-y-o

Perhaps the spare car keys - she tried flushing the real ones last week. At least it has taught DH to put the loo seat down!

Thanks very much for the help and ideas - not feeling quite so anxious now