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Original poster

15 hour stop over in Abu Dhabi with a 4 year old - is this insane?

8 replies

angelene · 09/08/2009 19:31

I have never travelled longhaul before and we are going to Australia next year for BIL's wedding. A flight has come up with a 15 hour stopover in Abu Dhabi. DD will be 4 and a half.

What does one do on a stop over of this length? Are there facilities or do you have to just hang around attempting to entertain a busy child whose favourite current phrase seems to be "It's taking a loooong time"?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

OP posts:
nancy75 · 09/08/2009 19:35

what time is the stop over? book into a hotel and sleep would be my advice.

Original poster
angelene · 09/08/2009 19:43

It says 07.40 - 22.35, not sure whether that's UK time or not.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 09/08/2009 19:48

flight times are usually local time, so you are there during the day , however i would still consider getting room, shutting curtains and trying to sleep, even if you cant sleep your dd probably will. i have never been to abu dhabi airport but i'm willing to bet there wont be enough there to keep a 4 year old entertained for 15 hours!

beaniebaby25 · 09/08/2009 19:57

I've been to Abu Dhabi airport - it's pretty small and only one set of toilets from memory. I think you'd need to sort a hotel...

rosbif · 10/08/2009 06:22

It is a tiny airport, not at all like Dubai, would echo the book a room recommendation...

Original poster
angelene · 10/08/2009 10:59

Thanks all, we'll see what we can do.

It's a difference of more than £600 overall on the flights at the moment so it's significant.

I'm so clueless with it all - never been longhaul and DD has only ever been on a flight to Majorca before. I've got very little idea what to expect!

OP posts:
Starmummy · 10/08/2009 12:56

I would get a beach pass for one of the hotels like Hilton Abu Dhabi. Plenty of sunbeds and shade, relaxation, food, entertainment. Just turn up and pay. AED Arab Emirate Dirhams (about 6 to 1 GBP). Just get the money from the ATM inside the airport.

There is nothing at Abu Dhabi airport at all.

Original poster
angelene · 10/08/2009 15:15

Huge excitement! We've found a flight that's slightly cheaper with just a 2.5 hour stopover, which I think is manageable.

I will no doubt be back next year for tips on how to deal with a 24 hour flight with a four year old....

Thanks again for your help

OP posts:
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