long flights and young children - any advice?

[Epicurus]

We're on our way to England this coming Saturday, and I'm panicking my ARSE off about the journey. I've never felt this way about a trip before. It's the first time I'll have flown with a toddler.

We have a fairly long flight from Tucson>Chicago, then a 5 hour wait, then a VERY long flight from Chicago>Manchester.

Does anyone have any magic tips for travelling with little 'uns?

She's a really really good kid, but like most of them when she gets tired she gets a bit cranky, and sitting still isn't really her forte. We don't have a seat booked for her, just a ticket, so if they don't have any spare seats she's theoretically supposed to be on my lap for the whole thing.

Loads of people have told me to just dose her up with Benadryl (antihistamine) to make her sleepy, but I don't like the idea of that at all, plus apparently with a minority of youngsters it makes them hyperactive rather than sleepy.

Hi lyra_kitten
I have travelled with young children and babies in the past and you are right to be planning for it.

I always try for direct flights even if they are much more expensive, it just makes things easier for you and other travellers.

My advice for what it is worth would be (depending on how long the first flight is) make the child very tired before the first flight so they sleep on that for just a couple of hours and then on your 5 hour layover keep them busy and awake then maybe they will sleep on the last leg.

Maybe other have said the same I haven’t read through the thread, I’m with you about giving children drugs as they may have a different effect, I think it would depend on the child.

Good luck and I hope you don’t get sat near some miserable people.

 

[Juice Terry]

They don't travel for free (I wish!).

Oh ok, I thought under twos went free.

My point still stands though, if children are going to be allowed to fly, proper provision should be made for them and that will unfortunately cost. Most of the problems I've seen with kids on planes results from there not being enough room for them, causing stress all round.

I was on one long haul flight where the poor flight attendant was being screamed at by a mother who didn't have enough room for the carry cot thing her child was in. All the bulk head seats were already taken by other families and this witch was demanding to be moved to first class

 

[lyra_k]

I was on one long haul flight where the poor flight attendant was being screamed at by a mother who didn't have enough room for the carry cot thing her child was in. All the bulk head seats were already taken by other families and this witch was demanding to be moved to first class

Blimey! I never understand how people get past all the layers of check-in with carry-on luggage which is clearly too big. I've seen so many people on long and short flights with massive bags and boxes, getting pissed off because there's no room for them - why do they let them on the plane with them?

We've been jokingly assuming that we'll get bumped up to an entire row of first class seats, but that kind of thing NEVER happens to me in real life!

 

[lyra_k]

then on your 5 hour layover keep them busy and awake then maybe they will sleep on the last leg.

Hi Epicurus, thanks, that is a very good idea! I'll maybe try changing her into her pajamas too after the layover at the beginning of the longer transatlantic flight, and see if she gets the message that it's time to sleep.

 

[jæd]

I don't blame people for finding a constantly-screaming baby irritating on a long flight, but ya know, that's life - people with children need to travel too, for all kinds of reasons, so suck it up. Finding a happy-but-restless toddler irritating though, or objecting to them running up and down the aisles a bit every once in awhile, well go fuck yourself, and when you have kids and are getting on the plane, just remember that the cat's arse-faced old bat giving you filthy looks used to be YOU!

Hate to point this out to you but some of us aren't likely to ever want to have kids and don't see the big fuss made over them. If you can't control them then don't take them on planes.

 

[lizzieloo]

Control? What like tie down? gaffa tape? There are miserable sods about that would consider kids chatting happily not under control.

 

[jæd]

Control? What like tie down? gaffa tape? There are miserable sods about that would consider kids chatting happily not under control.

Stapling them down would be preferable. Just because its daytime outside doesn't mean everyone else is in the same timezone... Try sleeping when a toddler is happily running up and down the aisle isn't fun.

 

[lyra_k]

Hate to point this out to you but some of us aren't likely to ever want to have kids and don't see the big fuss made over them. If you can't control them then don't take the on planes.

You mean some people don't want kids?! I'm so glad you cleared that up for me.

Doesn't change the fact that a toddler has as much right to stretch their legs a bit as anyone else who's walking up and down the aisle once in awhile to avoid cramps and blood clots. I'm hardly suggesting that I'll just unleash her unsupervised to harrass all the other poor passengers at will.

 

[sheothebudworths]

Fuck me jaed!
Your misery remains in tact (no fucking surprises there), but you forgot your rolleyes!


Wanker!

 

[Mrs Magpie]

Haven't read more than the thread title as I am about to get in the bath but, something to suck for take-off and landing (round lolly on a stick is good or bottle for smaller child) story tapes and walkman, crayons and paper, a favourite toy.

 

[jæd]

Doesn't change the fact that a toddler has as much right to stretch their legs a bit as anyone else who's walking up and down the aisle once in awhile to avoid cramps and blood clots. I'm hardly suggesting that I'll just unleash her unsupervised to harrass all the other poor passengers at will.

So running up and down repeatedly is streching ones legs, is it...?

(Although when I was a toddler apparently I used to run and down the aisle playing "Crashing Airplanes". Weeeeeeeeeee--KABOOM. Not sure why other passengers objected and was told to stop... )

 

[sheothebudworths]

Stapling them down would be preferable. Just because its daytime outside doesn't mean everyone else is in the same timezone... Try sleeping when a toddler is happily running up and down the aisle isn't fun.

Don't be ridiculous - attempting to sleep on a plane is a totally fucking pointless exercise to begin with (unless you're lucky enough to bag a row of five empty seats or whatever).

 

[Juice Terry]

We've been jokingly assuming that we'll get bumped up to an entire row of first class seats, but that kind of thing NEVER happens to me in real life!

I've seen a couple upgraded to first so that parents with a kid could have the bulkhead seat in economy. But they just don't put babies in first class, couldn't take the risk of pissing off the rich folks!
Top tip, if you're on a 747 and can't get a bulkhead the next best option is towards the back where the seat configuration down the side swaps from a row of 3 to a row of 2. You get a load of room beside the window seat here where the plane narrows.

 

[sheothebudworths]

(Although when I was a toddler apparently I used to run and down the aisle playing "Crashing Airplanes". Weeeeeeeeeee--KABOOM. Not sure why other passengers objected and was told to stop... )

So you've been perfecting your voice of doom image for a long time then?

 

[lyra_k]

So running up and down repeatedly is streching ones legs, is it...?

Yep, pretty much. And I'll be right behind her, bumping into people who are trying to sleep on purpose.

 

[moomoo]

I spent most of a flight from Gran Canaria in the queue for the toilet as my little boy (about 3 at the time) became fascinated with them So we had to queue up, go in, have a look, flush, come out and join the queue again and so on!

I had another memorable flight back from Morocco once with a 9 month old with severe diahorrea

Lyra, the trip will be fine The thought of it is always worse than the reality! You have had some good advice here about taking stuff for her to do (has anyone mentioned gift wrapping the new stuff? Makes it more exciting for the baby to open) and it will all be so new and fun for her that she will be kept busy just looking around.

Have a safe journey

 

[sheothebudworths]

<----Jet-lagged

I think she was leaving yesterday...

.....how did it go then lyra?*




*You are effectively on holiday I realise, so I won't expect any immediate answer.....

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

I... (Are we not ALL entitled to travel ffs! )...

And then there's always the flip side of this:

Are we not ALL entitled to peace and quiet when travelling in a cigar tube of a confined space with no escape at 20,000 feet for 12 or 20 hours? FFS?

I just love the whole 'rights' thing. Why do some people assume their 'right' to inflict noisy children on fellow passengers overrides the 'right' of those passengers not travelling with children not to end up with a migraine after listening to their little Johnny screaming non-stop for three hours?

 

[Johnny Canuck3]

And then there's always the flip side of this:

Are we not ALL entitled to peace and quiet when travelling in a cigar tube of a confined space with no escape at 20,000 feet for 12 or 20 hours? FFS?

I just love the whole 'rights' thing. Why do some people assume their 'right' to inflict noisy children on fellow passengers overrides the 'right' of those passengers not travelling with children not to end up with a migraine after listening to their little Johnny screaming non-stop for three hours?

Basically, it's tough shit. They're people too, the airlines let them on. Your rights don't override theirs.

Put on the headphones and listen to some light jazz.

 

[MightyAphrodite]

Put on the headphones and listen to some light jazz.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Basically, it's tough shit. They're people too, the airlines let them on. Your rights don't override theirs.

Put on the headphones and listen to some light jazz.

But seemingly, theirs override mine? Hmmm... that's what baffles me. Instead of coming back with some kind of reasonable, rational, logical argument as to *why*, in a situation whereby two different people's 'rights' are clashing, the presumption is that one of those parties 'rights' trumps that of the others? Why do their rights to travel and be a nuisance, override mine to travel in comfort and relative peace and quiet? Just wondering.

But there's no justification offered, just insults and 'tough sh!ts'.

 

[Johnny Canuck3]

But seemingly, theirs override mine? Hmmm... that's what baffles me. Instead of coming back with some kind of reasonable, rational, logical argument as to *why*, in a situation whereby two different people's 'rights' are clashing, the presumption is that one of those parties 'rights' trumps that of the others? Why do their rights to travel and be a nuisance, override mine to travel in comfort and relative peace and quiet? Just wondering.

But there's no justification offered, just insults and 'tough sh!ts'.

Because life is full of tradeoffs.

Different people have to travel at different times, including infants. Little children cry on airplanes and elsewhere because they're tired, or hungry, or out of sorts, and at that stage in life, crying is often a big part of their limited communication repertoire.

At a later stage in life, i.e. adulthood, we're supposed to have learned that there are times where we might have to endure some limited hardship or discomfort, but that it will be temporary and ultimately, inconsequential, and knowing that, we adults are expected to get through it with equanimity, and not attempt to rival the infant with our bellyaching.

 

[spanglechick]

Because life is full of tradeoffs.

Different people have to travel at different times, including infants. Little children cry on airplanes and elsewhere because they're tired, or hungry, or out of sorts, and at that stage in life, crying is often a big part of their limited communication repertoire.

At a later stage in life, i.e. adulthood, we're supposed to have learned that there are times where we might have to endure some limited hardship or discomfort, but that it will be temporary and ultimately, inconsequential, and knowing that, we adults are expected to get through it with equanimity, and not attempt to rival the infant with our bellyaching.

what he said.

Babies can't help it, and 9 times out of ten the parents can't do much about it. Grown ups know that fact, and since the two parties do have to cross paths in this way, generally accept it too. If there were a harmless / humane way to make the babies need to make noise subservient to the adults need for rest, I'm sure everyone would be in support, especially the parents. There's a host of things on flights that are unpleasant - people who travel with coughs and colds particularly irritate me, but it's a mass transit system, and I've accepted a curtailment in my normal rights and freedoms.

 

[jæd]

But there's no justification offered, just insults and 'tough sh!ts'.

Usual parental response for justifiying their screaming brats. I've noticed most parents go from the "Babies are loud/annoying/crime-against-humanity" to "ooh look at the ickwicle baby-den. Isn't screaming/shitting/puking soooo cute" overnight.

Can never understand why myself.

There should be some kind of "Family-class" where all the families are with kids < 10 should be put. And ideally soundproofed. And in a different plane.

 

[sheothebudworths]

Or just a separate plane for miserable cunts maybe?

 

[indicate]

before boarding, run your child around the airport. let her get all of her energy out before boarding. often times, they allow people with small children to board first, but because you only have one child, you don't need to take them up on this. it can result in a better flight for all if you are among the last to board.

 

[lyra_k]

.....how did it go then lyra?*

Well........fecking awful, truth be told.

And here we are 5 (?) days later and I still can't get my body clock sorted out, hence on Dad's computer at 2:19am.

The first flight from Tucson to Chicago was fine, she stayed awake as expected and behaved beautifully, never left my lap or cried or whined.

Chicago to Manchester was hellish, awful, murder, until the last hour when she finally went to sleep. She wasn't naughty, just totally overtired and thus jittery and couldn't sleep with the lights and everything. She was up and down like a yoyo for almost the entire flight. Then we made a sort of tent with a blanket and laid her on the floor under it, and she fell asleep almost immediately. Luckily we were given a spare seat - I almost lost my sanity, if we'd been squeezed into 2 seats I probably would have.

Then the first night here she didn't sleep either. She's doing fine now, but I'm still on AZ time and haven't slept more than 2 hours since we arrived.