Drive or fly with a 15 month old

snok83 · March 2014

So we are planning a family reunion this summer. We are trying to decide if we want to fly or drive. If we drive, it is a 11 hr trip and we would leave in the evening and do teh majority of the trip while our DD is sleeping. Then finish up the next day. If we fly, it would be a short flight 1 1/2 hours but then we would still have to rent a car and then drive 3 hours. Anyone travel with their child at this age. Which is easier.

I am leaning more towards driving and my husband would rather fly. I just worry with having to park (then ride a shuttle in), then checking in luggage, waiting for plane, the flight, waiting on luggage, getting a rental car and then the 3 hr drive. And trying to lug the stroller, luggage, carseat around doesn't sound fun. I feel like the prep getting to and from the airport to the destination will be basically the same amount of time. Verus the flexiblity of driving at own pace. Its the 11 hours that turns my husband off. What would you do?

kmc84 · March 2014

Is 11 hours straight driving? If so, it's going to turn into a 16 hour drive easily between eating, stretching, diaper changes, ect.

Flying with a kid in tow is more challenging, but very doable with a bit of planning. The easiest is to put the carseat on top of the stroller and wear your lo. Gate check the stroller, strap dd into her carseat and land in 1.5 hours. Bring some snacks, toys, books. Is it possible to have someone drop you off at the airport so you can avoid parking and shuttles? I would rather fly myself, as long as your finances allow.

Beth.1212 · March 2014

I would usually say fly, but it sounds like it'd be a 6-7 hour trip if you fly (I'm guessing 30 min to airport, one hour at the airport, 1.5 flying, 0.5-1 hour for luggage and rental pickup, 3 hours drive) - and that time will be with LO mostly awake. In this situation, I'd take an additional 4 hours with LO mostly asleep.

jnnfrrose6 · March 2014

I'm usually in the flying camp as well on travel, but with a 3 hour drive after the flight, it definitely makes the decision trickier. I think if you and DH are willing to do the drive overnight and take shifts (so each of you can get some sleep), that might be the route to go. If you're lucky LO will sleep through the majority of the trip and really only be awake for about 3 hours of the drive, which is what you'd have flying too.

ashiscute · March 2014

I would definitely drive. To get them off the plane and then put them in the car for a 3 hour drive! That sounds terrible to me. Honestly, I don't get the need for an extra 5 hours of driving time because you have small children.

We drove about 10 hours this summer and it ended up taking about 11 or so. Really only an extra hour than normal stops. We drove straight through all day on our return and stopped 3 times for long stops. My kids were 2.5 and 11 mos and my 2.5 yo was recently potty trained. It wasn't that bad.

beccalee721 · March 2014

We've done a 16 hour (total drive time, estimated drive was about 15) drive before and left when DD was going to sleep around 7:30 and drove straight through the night just stopping for gas. Then stopped for breakfast when she woke up and had another 3ish hours of driving to do and we just kept her entertained and pushed through. If you're going to drive you will need to rest when you arrive. We've also done crazy driving trips like this before so if you've never driven this far and long before I would suggest driving. It takes a lot out of you.

beccalee721 · March 2014

Sorry.. Wouldn't suggest driving** (couldn't figure out how to edit)

JENandJEH · March 2014

We routinely do 9-11 hour road trips with our kids and they do great. We try to leave around 5pm after we eat an early dinner. We drive for 2 hours, stop for gas and change them into their pajamas. DS2 usually falls asleep around 7:30 and will sleep through until midnight. We stop for gas/potty break, give him something to drink and he'll settle back down and sleep until we get to our destination. DH and I take turns driving/napping. We're lucky that my parents are at the end of these road trips so we can typically get a nap in to get us through the day.

We flew frequently with DS1 when he was a baby and he did fine, but it was always a bit more stressful to me than driving and way more expensive. I prefer to save flying for the trips that we cannot drive or would be 2+ day driving trips. Plus, I would not want to get off of a plan and into a car for an additional 3 hours.

aada0615 · March 2014

I would drive as well, and definitely at night if you two are able to drive through the night. I recently did a 6 hour trip with my 15 month old by myself. We only had to stop once each way (for about a 1/2 hr). I left super early and she slept the first half , stopped, had breakfast/lunch, then she ended up falling asleep for another hour or so after that. Just have books/toys (possibly a couple new ones to keep occupied longer)/snacks/music ready, and you will be good to go, especially if you have DH with you to help! With flying you could run into delays too...

LimaD · March 2014

that sounds like a long time for your LO to be in the car. I'd definitely go for flying, even if you still have a few hours of driving after. At least on the plane your LO won't be confined to a car seat the whole time and can even walk up and down the aisles with you if needed.
We just got back from vacation yesterday and flew with our 15 month old DD. It went amazingly well, and just make sure you have plenty of snacks, books, toys.
As for carrying everything, we had a stroller that we set the car seat on top of, then put the diaper bag in the stroller basket. my DH and I each had a backpack on our back (our "personal items"). One of us would carry DD and push the stroller with the other hand. The other person would be pulling our two carry-on bags with wheels. It was actually way easier than I thought it would be. Still kind of hectic feeling, but worth it in the end!

ETA: our DD doesn't sleep well in the car (or anywhere but her crib for that matter!) So that may be why such a long drive sounds like less of a good idea to me

minervacullen · March 2014

Please don't check the car seat. Your LO needs their own ticketed seat and their car seat on the plane.

LimaD · March 2014

By the way, I wasn't suggesting your kid run around the plane. Walking up and down the aisles a couple times was a suggestion I was given in case LO was freaking out. We didn't end up needing to do that, but I don't see how that's a problem to walk up and down the aisle a couple times when the seat belt sign is off. If that is what would stop my kid from screaming I'd do it, and I'm sure the other passengers would appreciate that too.
GL with your decision

Anoe1113 · March 2014

I've done an 18 hour drive from NY to Florida (we stopped half way over night). We also flew with DS when he was 10 months and 18 months and will fly again when he is 23 months. He was fine with both but I would fly since its such less time. It just takes planning and its fine.

APendola · March 2014

How long will you be staying there? If you are staying for a couple weeks, then driving would be okay because you can take your time. It's also nice to have your own vehicle at your destination and it will probably save you some money. For shorter trips, I would definitely prefer to fly.

By 15 months, my daughter was very active and one had one short nap a day. So sitting in a car for that long would not be something that would work hard well for her. ...and if you drive when your child is sleeping, it's a problem because you will be tired when you get to your destination but your child will be ready to party.

cmt115 · March 2014

fly! driving sounds long and not worth it. i flew with my almost 1 year old over the summer and he did great. short flight and then we had to drive a bit to where we were staying. it sounds stressful and can make you nervous but its easier .. and faster!

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