Flying logistics, need advice

[stevieknicks]

For reasons I can't quite figure out now, I decided to fly to see family in Ireland next week with DS (3yo) and DD (4 mo) ON MY OWN

I need to work out which method of carrying/travelling I take with me from this extensive list! ANy thoughts?

Bugaboo Chameleon carrycot
And base
Baby car seat (needed, but fits on the bugaboo base)
Maclaren
Babybjorn sling (haven't used it since she was tiny, is now a strapping 16lb-er)
Trunki suitcase for DS to sit on

Is 4 months too small for a buggy? Mum has a car seat for DS but no other carrying about equipment. Most worried about DS running off in the airport, and carrying DD from plane to baggage.

DH joining us after a few days so will be fine coming back, but god I am dreading the journey over

Eeek...

Personally (and I don't have two DCs but have recently flown with DD with RyanAir to France); I'd use a sling for your DD and the Trunki for DS so you can also push the trolley with your bags/buggy/cot/carseat on. Enquire whether you can keep the buggy until you get on the plane. We did with RyanAir so I only had to carry DD up the steps.

That way you can pull DS to the check-in gate on his Trunki (maybe get an arm strap for him too, just in case). Plenty of bribery to keep him on it! Once the Trunki is handed over, keep the buggy for him to use until you board. Carry DD in the sling and use a backpack for hand luggage.

Another option is whether your mum could borrow a travel cot from a friend or buy a cheap one out there. Therefore limiting the things you need to bring. We also wrapped our car seat in a plastic dust sheet secured with loads of parcel tape, did the job fine if you can't find a wrapping service.

Have a really lovely trip.

Also, might be worth asking if the company you're flying with provide any assistance to lone travellers with small children. My uncle broke his arm and he had a staff member push his trolley for him so maybe worth asking just in case.

Thanks for the advice - it is a Maclaren Quest so doesn't lie back completely, not sure if she is too small for that still...
WHat about this - check in Bugaboo carrycot, wheel DD to plane on carseat/base, DS on trunki (so not checked in), take sling in carry on bag to use when I get off other end.
Flying with Easyjet who I hope will be marginally more helpful than ryanair!