Anyone flown to Australia with 16m old?

[Species8472]

We're planning to visit my mother in Melbourne in October/November when DD will be about 16m. We've done the journey ourselves a few times, and it's bad enough without a toddler, and am bricking it at the thought of the journey.

Any tips gratefully received. Things to take, or not take for the flight, is it worth buying a seat for DD, or going business class (my very generous step-father is offering to pay this for us!), what food/drink can we expect on-board for a child of DD's age etc. Will probably go with Emirates, as they fly from our local airport and have gone with them many times before but have no idea what they're like with babies/small children.

Thanks!

Hi at the end of the day its one day of travel even if terrible not the end of the world, however travelled to OZ with my three youngest 9 months found little presents on the plane great every now and then. Opening my bag and pulling out a pressie. Books, little pet shop toys, cars colouring books, anything all seemed to work but they did all fall asleep.Have travelled bus with them and obviously this is great but econ is fine too.
I know its awful but try not to get up and let them walk about because once you do thats it!(DVT's I know) honestly once you unleash then they're off!!!! They do offer kids meals beans and sausages etc but most of the time mine prefer the adults, however kids come with extra treats!
Hope you have a great time.

My friends bought a kiddy carseat when they were over here last Christmas and they took it back on a Emirates flight back to nz no problem. Grandma was standing by if there was a problem at check (in case it had to go in the hold) it didn't so they carried it on and sat child in it. Not sure about evolva 123 wouldn't of thought you would be able to strap it in because of the seat belts on the aeroplane and it is heavy. The prince (britax) is very narrow

Thanks Kneenibbler! Yes, it's only one day out of our lives; I'm probably building it up out of all proportion, as I hate long plane journeys at the best of times, and the journey over there just takes foooreveer...

If you want to buy a car seat to use on the flights and also while you are in Australia, check the requirements for car seats in Australia first, as they are different to anywhere in the world. If you buy it in the UK it's highly likely that you wouldn't be able to use it (legally) in Australia.