Help 18 month old on lap for 4.5 hr flight!

[Hyperquiet]

So we booked flights for our holiday and there seemed to be loads of seats available. Then we realised that the seats were sold but the actual seating isnt allocated yet!

There are only a few seats left that aren't sold on the way there and only 2 left on the return. At the mo there's no way of knowing if the seat next to us is booked as half the seating hasn't been allocated I'm guessing may be on the day?

We rang the airline to buy my child a seat but they dont let you do that on this flight annoyingly.

How will we cope?

What's the issue? I wouldn't book and have to pay for a seat for an 18 month old. Take turns, walk around a bit when you're allowed to. Hope he sleeps for a bit.

We did 3.5 hours with DC1 at 18 months. Didn't occur to me to think it was a problem.

Buy an additional seat in future. Airlines are charging for using the overhead lockers. They are in it for the money not because they are family friendly. Gambling on an empty seat is madness.

You just need to take it in turns holding your child. It’s what people do.

its fine on your lap - I’ve done 10 hours without issue and before they invented the iPad. Just have distractions they can play with on the table and books to read

We paid for a seat for dc when a baby and attached our car seat to it. It felt safer and meant dc was able to sleep most of the flight, although it was long haul. Next time go for a seat.

I did this exact trip and travelling alone too. They won’t be on your lap, DC will be in the aisle, under someone else’s seat, on someone else’s lap etc. etc. but you will get though it.

It’s really no big deal. Take turns or buy a seat next time

What's the issue? We live in a different country to family and fly back twice a year. I loved it before 2 when DC could be on our knees (much cheaper too). DC was gutted when they had to have their own seat and still moans about it now, 3 years later.

We fly 5+ hours regularly with our toddlers, they just sit on your lap (while you pray to god they fall asleep). You'll be getting up regularly to keep them busy anyway. Flying with toddlers is hard work whatever you do!

I went to Dubai with DS at 8mo solo. One seat (and bassinet but he wasn’t able to stay in it). Also took him solo again at just under 2. I think I got a spare seat then but would have managed if not. You’ll be fine.

Thanks I would have but apparently you cant buy an additional seat anyway for under 2 on this flight which is annoying!

We have done a couple of other trips a few months ago but had an empty seat which was so handy.

If you all think it will be fine either way I will try not to dread it!

Issue is if the seat in our row is occupied it will be someone in the aisle who we wouldn't be able to keep disturbing to get up!

I flew on my own from Oz to the uk with dds aged 2+ and 13mo and we each had a seat. Row of 3 with a bassinet if we needed it.

How long were the flights you took your under 2 lap infant on? Any tips?

Thanks 😅

This is reassuring

Child doesnt like to be held very squirmy and ball of energy! But I guess people manage somehow.

Defo wont sleep on the way there as it is an early evening flight unfortunately

Our flights were about 3 hours.
I was still breastfeeding until past two so we always did that for takeoff and landing - helps to equalise the pressure in the ears and calms them down.
The basically it's just finding things to distract them! Books, toys, etc.
Have loads of different small snacks available to provide interest.
One thing that was really successful for us when DC was around 18 months was when I packed hard boiled eggs as a snack and my child spent about half an hour peeling the shell off. Didn't care about eating the egg but it kept her entertained! (I've later seen posts on MN where people react in horror to taking hardboiled eggs as a snack in public though because of the smell so beware!).
We have never had a tablet but we would download kids videos onto our phones as an emergency, but barely ever had to use them. I will admit my child is easy in that regard though.

Sounds like you got lucky! Thanks for the tips have some videos ready but we dont really do screentime but dont mind as a one off.

It’s only 4.5 hours so while it won’t be fun it won’t last forever. We did it with cramped Ryanair flights just before DD turned 2 and survived. I wouldn’t have flown long haul between 1 and 2 with them on our laps.

I’ve done it on multiple 13 hour flights. It was fine. Just assume all rules on screen time are out the window.

there are a few toddler friendly phone games - the peekaboo series (peekaboo barn, fridge, forest etc) and baby bubble pop which mine loved.

I also wrapped up some of their toys they hadn’t seen for a while to open and get excited about.

I sympathise, it sounds uncomfortable. Take lots of mini activities (sticker book?) and count down the time.

No i am avoiding long haul! I know some do it but i am not that brave.

Oo I will look into games thanks!

What did tou wrap the toys in?