Flying with kids - WWYD

kjgilhoo

I've gone off the deep end and decided that I'm going to fly home with both LO's by myself at the end of August.  My sister will be home and it will be the first time since Dec. of 2011 all three siblings will be together and the last time it will happen for awhile because she's going to Malaysia for a year or so.  My mom will lose her mind when we surprise her

So, would you take the direct 3 hour flight OR take a flight with a stopover that adds an extra 2 hours and 45 minutes to the trip, but will give all of us a break from sitting and allow DD to walk around the airport for a bit, etc.  I won't need to collect baggage or anything so I don't have to worry about handling stuff.

Both flights leave at 6:00a.m. (barf) and the stopover flight is only an extra $34.

Also, for those who have flown with toddlers what did you do to keep them occupied?  Where it's so early and during normal sleep time I'm hoping DD will nap quite a bit.  DS too, for that matter.

MrsCase1

Ugh I would want to get it all over with. Airports can be dirty. There isn't much for a kid to do. Last time we flew, Lincoln was miserable while we waited. I would much rather get it all over with and take a short shot. That is nearly three HOURS to kill in an airport. 

tandb2010

Get it over with. Take the direct flight. Lots of stickers, colours and books, fun new apps on your phone, lots of treats. If possible get the front row seats. There is a few extra inches.
Good luck!

amywalt1684

I would want to break it up with a lay over. Yes I would want to get it over asap... but at least for my kids, they can only handle so much travel time. When we drive up north for the weekend we almost always have to stop about every hour and a half. DD gets out runs around, DS nurses/plays/stretches out. After we stop they are both good for a while longer until the melt downs begin and we made another pit stop.

If your kids tend to travel long distances well in the car than maybe you'll be okay.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

I feel 3 hours isn't THAT long a flight that I would be willing to add another (almost) 3 hours to my trip just to break it up. For me, the worst part of flying solo would be juggling both kids (and the stroller, and the carry-ons, and the diaper bag...) at the airport, so I wouldn't want to have to deal with that more than necessary.

Jelliebean1982

Direct flight no questions about it. You really want to submit your kids to two extra take offs and landings? Then if your original flight is delayed or you miss it do you really want to be trying to catch a connecting flight with two kids in tow? NOPE.

amywalt1684

Jelliebean1982 said:

Direct flight no questions about it. You really want to submit your kids to two extra take offs and landings? Then if your original flight is delayed or you miss it do you really want to be trying to catch a connecting flight with two kids in tow? NOPE.

Yup... GREAT point.

Rachey1082

Jelliebean1982 said:

Direct flight no questions about it. You really want to submit your kids to two extra take offs and landings? Then if your original flight is delayed or you miss it do you really want to be trying to catch a connecting flight with two kids in tow? NOPE.

This, for sure!!!! It's hard enough to travel with small kids, why make it longer with more take offs and landings? Three hours isn't that long, it'll be challenging for sure. Just bring lots of new toys, snacks, and stuff to pop ears. We always gave fruit snacks since they're a treat but chewy enough to keep their ears open.

kjgilhoo

Thanks for chiming in ladies!  I was leaning towards direct as well, for all of those same reasons.  Amy, DD is excellent in the car so fingers crossed she'll be okay without the stop.  

Rachey. good call on the fruit chews.  I am going to stock up on applesauce packs because she'd have to suck on those but some chews won't hurt either.