Long haul travel with a 3 year old

[Seaglass87]

We are planning on flying to Florida next April (2022) all being well, and we not far off booking the tickets. My daughter will be almost 3 and I am already filled with dread. She NEVER stops. She doesn't sit still and if I try to encourage it she screams and screams. I have limited exposure to toddlers so I have no idea on what is normal. Will she calm down in a year as her language improves and development slows? Please tell me it will. I can't understand how people travel with toddlers of her current age. How do they keep them in the seat, or do I just have a bonkers child? Thanks for reading my typed out internal ramblings.

I think the level of understanding is just much higher in a 3 year old than a 2 year old. They communicate better (and by that I mean they don't necessarily talk better, but they know how to say how they feel, tell you exactly what they want, tell you WHY they've done something, etc) and play independantly that much better. I guess they're just a snidge easier, IMO. I think 3 year olds are also more more interested in being a "big kid" than a "baby", and you can "bargain" with them. She'll understand "I will read a book to you in ten minutes”. She'll be happier with TV or a film. Also potty training will be that much more set.
It would really help if you could get an overnight flight. Let her have an afternoon nap so she’s not overtired, but really exhaust her between the nap and getting on the plane. Take onboard with you things that she associates with sleep, like her blanket, comforter, tooth brush, pyjamas, bedtime story etc... I normally try and get some warm frothy milk from one of the cafes at the airport to drink in the departure lounge before getting on the plane. I also take a small bottle of kids sleep spray onboard and use it to spray our complementary travel pillows.

That's a year away. I wouldn't stress about it now. A lot can change

3 is easier than 2 but it won't be relaxing for you. I wouldn't even worry about it, I've flown to Australia and back yearly for 14 years with kids since they were 3 months old and I can only one flight and being a special kind of hell 😀

I live in the US and have flown to the UK several times by myself with little kids. It’s not fun. However it got significantly easier once my DS was 3 (although I then had 1 year old DD who was a nightmare)

Basically once they’re old enough to watch the tv/iPad for long periods and actually understand that they have to sit still and generally are just a bit more able to take instructions and not run off every second, then all is good.

My personal tips are: pack some new little toys/books that you know they’ll like and keep them as a surprise. Space them out. Obviously travel appropriate stuff. Sticker books, water wow books, little figurines etc

All the snacks. Things like lollies are especially useful for their ears and also just shutting down a tantrum before it starts. Also don’t assume they’ll eat the onboard meal so think about proper food too. I try to pack stuff that won’t make a ginormous mess like chocolate.

Limit screen time if possible til the plane. Then iPad time! There’s no screen time limit once you take off. Honestly the best thing ever on a plane. Run and walk around the airport as much as possible to burn off lots of energy and don’t get on the plane first. You could be sat there for an extra half hour while everyone boards

Obvious bring spare clothes for them. Pack 2 sets. And for you too! And wipes. Lots of wipes.

My youngest is now 3 and I’m hoping traveling (when we’re actually allowed to again) will be so much easier now. In my opinion the difference between 2 and 3 is huge