going through airport with to kids- how bad can it be

[minkembra]

I would really like to take my two kids on holiday fir the first time but my parents keep telling me i Will never cope with the airport alone and him Will i manage abroad etc.

Whereas i think as i manage on my own all the time this won't be that different.

They are 5. They do occasionally wander do are not military well behaved if you know what i mean.

Any stories? Advice?

I could possibly go with a friend but he wants to go somewhere that is a long transfer and also trying to coordinate could just majesty things complicated.

Planning on going to an area i have been to before. reasonably used to travelling but not with kids.

You will be absolutely fine.

If you are worried, you can get id bracelets or ICE necklaces off Amazon really cheap. I have a couple for my twins with my mobile number on just in case they do a runner!

You'll be fine.
Thousands of people do this every day.

I have flown to Australia with my two children by myself twice. People do it all the time. And if you go from an airport other than Heathrow or Gatwick, it's probably easier than getting the train.

I think you'd be fine. Having done airports with other people and my twins, I sometimes wonder if it'd be easier on my own! My DTs are 2, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it I I had the money for the holiday!

With younger kids its difficult at the other end when you don't get the buggy back until baggage reclaim which can be a long walk with overtired toddlers. With 5 year olds you should be fine. Just make sure you have something to occupy them if there are any delays. I traveled on my own with a 2 and 6 year old and it was tiring but worth it.

Firstly once you are airside it is virtually impossible for them escape and nigh on impossible to go off with someone else as they don't have their ticket or passport. Seriously once you have checked in and gone airside it is no more difficult than managing them in a shopping centre (as lets face it that is what airside is).
I always plan to get there with plenty of time, check in, go airside and then eat. A pack of cards is really great to while away the time learn some games like go fish or chase the lady.

Thanks all. Will check out id bracelets.

Mind you I do lose the dts in shops sometimes

but i think if i plan ahead i Will be fine. try to keep them involved in things like checking the departure boards etc.

There is a biff n chip book about going on an aeroplane - I bought that for my DD before we went on our 1st holiday abroad alone. It helped with her understanding of what to expect, and as long as you have magazines/books/games/toys to keep them amused, it'll be fine.

You will be fine! They will love it!! Give them things to find along the way (the next sign etc) and on the plane we find usbourne activity books, puzzle world, and finding books pass the time very quickly. People will help you too if you need help with bags etc but one rucksack for the plane for all three of you is a good idea (not the three trunkies I had for mine when they were 2, 4 and 6. Trunkies are fab but three kids, three trunkies plus my bag, tickets etc was too much for one Mummy!!)

Low cost airline? Go before they are 6, as you get priority boarding. Last time I flew my youngest dd was 6 and we were all on seperate seats.

I have flown with them loads of times and it has been fine, even with relatively wilfull and runaway children. Only problems is expensive food and drink in departure land, and very hot dry air in airport, so coats off and then going outside to board, so coats on. Also security requiring removal of shoes... Make sure they are Velcro.

I took my two to India it was no different than if ex was with us as he did did all anyway. I found it easy cis I just coped as there was no danger that anyone else would do it. We sat on a beach for about four weeks and got to know the locals. They adapted to a lot worse than flying

Thanks that is really helpful. read sosomewhere kids don't get baggage allowances. take utter that is only infants and if you are paying for a ticket they get baggage.

Plan was one big rucksack but carry on luggage for them with their entertainments.

As long as i don't lose them in the airport!

bright coloured identical clothes. Makes them very easy to spot and for them to spot each other.

My older DD is a horror for vapourising, DD2 much less so. Generally if I spotted DD2, DD1 was further away in the same direction.

Top tip!
Between that, id bracelets, writing flight number on their hands plus i have been playing a new game with them called airport mode. so e.g. when are in supermarket i set the timer on my phone to go off. first obey to touch me gets a point. encourages them to stay nearby.

Hopefully it will train them into paying attention.

Random phone.
First one not first obey!

You'll be fine! I've travelled with my dc on our own since the were babies. I find a trundle suitcase is easy to manage and bought both my dc their own wee trundle cases which we filled with things for the journey and spare clothes! Enjoy your holiday!