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Flying Longhaul with my little ones- advice please!

7 replies

TinkyTaylor · 25/01/2010 20:09

I'm flying from Bangkok to Australia and back with my 5 month old and a very active 2.5 yr old on my ownsome. Am feeling exceptionally nervous about it and really want tips and advice for coping with it all. One will be a night flight. Am already having nightmares about not being able to go the loo, or getting them to sleep or pipe down...!Also, dealing with waits and lugging luggage at the airport.. Advice please..anything to keep positive thoughts in my head.

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 25/01/2010 20:14

Things is, you are just going to have to go for it!!

My only experience is coming back from Dubai on my own with a 5 month old, and the cabin crew were so helpful if I needed the loo, but that was relatively short haul compared to your trip. Do you have a seat booked for the baby?

TinkyTaylor · 25/01/2010 20:22

I shall book one which will make life easier! And you're right sometimes in life you're faced with a big step and you just have to get on with it, I shall just keep looking at my watch wishing the time to pass!

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ilovemydogandmrobama · 25/01/2010 20:24

Just travelled from UK - California with a 23 month old and a 3 year old, which was, um, interesting...

Are you going alone?

The 5 month old won't be too difficult, as they mainly sleep. Feed (breast or bottle) on ascent and descent as swallowing helps them not build up pressure in ears.

Arrange a bassinet for 5 month old if possible. Not sure about seat configuration, but if there are 3 seats, and presumably your 2 year old has own seat, and someone else is sitting next to you, put 2 year old next to them, so you will have a bit of space for you and the baby.

Ask the airline for help with the baggage at baggage claim. They should arrange this, but if not, then put baby in sling and promise 2 year old chocolate or suitable bribe.

Going to toilet. Depends. If baby is asleep, then ask cabin crew to either keep an eye on baby or take your 2 year old to the toilet. This depends on the airline and how child friendly they are. I tended to take them both to the toilet with me when awake, but flight attendants offered, so I was pleased.

If you have a stop over, find a departure lounge where a flight has just departed and let your 2 year old run around.

Don't pack any sealed juices as they will be taken off you at security, but bottles are fine. I never had to taste anything, but be prepared to do so.

It isn't that bad. Really.

Good luck

RatherBeOnThePiste · 25/01/2010 20:32

Can you prebook seats and get yourselves in a three by the window? Then you can be a bit private.

I went with BA and they helped me to the baggage carousel until I got my buggy back, who are you travelling with? Someone came and met us off the plane.

I have done trips to California too with both of mine, but they are considerably older, even on our first attempt, sort of 5 and 7.

Are you travelling for a happy reason? Because that will be something to keep focussing on through the night!!

TinkyTaylor · 25/01/2010 20:33

Thanks Ilovemydog! Made a few notes as I read through your post!

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TinkyTaylor · 25/01/2010 20:36

Well funny you should mention that Ratherbeonthepiste, we are relocating to Bangkok and so shall be meeting my hubby, who I wouldn't have seen for a while and will be moving into a new house, I won't have seen, in a new country! So lots to keep my mind ticking over!

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RatherBeOnThePiste · 26/01/2010 16:55

TT - that will be a very happy and exciting thought to get you through the hours of darkness!!

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