7 hour flight!!!! (solo with 3!)

[iheartdisney]

Hi. I'll be flying solo, woth kids 1, 3, and 4, for 7 hours into Orlando. This is my first flight woth three. I got 2 down to a science, and now I have one more, and one who is potty trained, so it should be interesting!

1) and need to get headphones for the DVD player. Can anyone recommend a good pair? Cheap, hopefully, but good enough the kids can hear amovie on the flight

2) DVD universal extra battery. Am looking at them, wondering if anyone has one and can tell me if it actually works. Reading the info, it just say 2-7 hours- thats a lot of leeway! We have a durabrand DVD player

3) What are the rules now about bringing Juiceboxes for the older and Sippy Cup for the baby?

4) if you have more than 3 kids, do you seat the extra in front of you, behind you, or across the aisle? (southwest, so open seating!)

 

[gottalovethem]

I look forward to hearing about your findings. We do road trips all the time with me and three - DVD player, snacks and seats for all I'm sure are key.

I flew with three by myself, but baby was 6 months. DD and DS each had a backback with books, color wonder books/pens and snacks.

I want to wish you a wonderful trip, happy travels & lots of fun!

 

[blessedby3]

I would definately seat the extra child right across from you. You want the child to be able to see you easily and you would want to be able to see whats going on in with the people sitting with that child. We just flew Allegiant last month and we had 7 (but adults and kids). My DH always sat in the odd seat across from me and we were able to talk the whole time.
I would say that less is better as far as carryon luggage. When we flew in 2005 all three of my kids took a backpack and it was just too much to keep up with- especially in the screening areas. On the plane I spent all of my time helping the kids get things in and out of their backpacks. For our last trip (last month) I said no individual backpacks. I just took one and put a couple of things in it for each kid. Much easier- not so much to lug through the airport and I had my DH with me- not flying solo. I cant imagine having to tote 3 preschool and under kids, stroller, carryon,etc. by myself. Heres pixie dust for that 7 hour solo flight!!!

 

[katiesmom2]

I have no advice for you. I just wanted to say that you are BRAVE!!! I hope the kids make it easy on you!

 

[Dawn414]

I was thinking she was pretty brave too! I did two (3-year olds) by myself, but 3? I don't have that many hands.

My question would be...why did you buy a ticket for the 1 year old? He/she could be considered a lap child? Maybe Southwest is different, but I was under the impression that under 2 you weren't required to buy a ticket. That being said...definitely across from you...Or...you sit across and let them have the row...that way they all get to watch the DVD.

GOOD LUCK!
Dawn

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Good luck! I'd sit the other kiddo across the aisle. I may have to fly solo with my three kiddos next time too. I hope it goes well for you all.

 

[iheartdisney]

I was thinking she was pretty brave too! I did two (3-year olds) by myself, but 3? I don't have that many hands.

My question would be...why did you buy a ticket for the 1 year old? He/she could be considered a lap child? Maybe Southwest is different, but I was under the impression that under 2 you weren't required to buy a ticket. That being said...definitely across from you...Or...you sit across and let them have the row...that way they all get to watch the DVD.

GOOD LUCK!
Dawn

I didn't buy a ticket for the baby, but if the flight is not fully booked, I'll be able to put her in one. (I'm hoping she won't be in my arm for 7 hours!)

 

[ntburns22]

I didn't buy a ticket for the baby, but if the flight is not fully booked, I'll be able to put her in one. (I'm hoping she won't be in my arm for 7 hours!)

I don't want to cause any problems. But the flight attendants don't have to let you use the seat. My sister is a FA and she is told if the seat is not paid for it is not to be used. Too many parents hope for an empty seat for their little one to avoid buying a ticket.

 

[iheartdisney]

I don't want to cause any problems. But the flight attendants don't have to let you use the seat. My sister is a FA and she is told if the seat is not paid for it is not to be used. Too many parents hope for an empty seat for their little one to avoid buying a ticket.

I'm not worried. I have alot of experience flying Southwest with lap children, and they have always been great in the past. I'll be gate-checking her carseat regardless, so if we can't take it on, I'm not worried.

 

[FatElvis]

I feel your pain! I'll be doing the same thing in March with my 3 girls (3 months, 2 and 5). My husband has a conference there and will meet us at the hotel, but I have to get us there. Although my flight is just 3 hours, so a bit less daunting than your plan.

I can't decide seating arrangements either (we're also on SW). The older 2 I figured would watch a movie, plus the 5 yo can hopefully entertain the 2 yo. But I don't want to put them in a row alone in case the 2yo flips out mid-flight or won't stay buckled in or something. We haven't (yet) bought a ticket for the baby either - like you I've always had good luck in the past with the flight attendants letting me use an empty seat.

I plan to bring just my carryon and a diaper bag, and maybe have the oldest bring her backpack with the games and snacks. I'm a terrible overpacker though, so this will be a challenge.

My biggest fear is what if one of the older 2 need to use the bathroom? No way can all 4 of us fit in there, but I can't imagine traipsing off down the aisle leaving the other 2. I guess the flight attendants could help, but that seems a bit presumptuous on my part to ask them to watch my kids, right? Maybe I'll just buy some extra large pull-ups and tell them to deal with it!

Have a good trip - sanity vibes for both of us!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I would seriously consider buying a seat for the 1yo. Its 1/2 price and sooo worth the money. If nothing else, you will get more space for all your stuff. I couldn't imagine having a child on my lap for 7 hours. We always purchased seats for our children - you put them in the infant carrier and the rocking of the plane just sends them off to sleep. Well that and a little Benedryl.