ADVICE NEEDED on how to get kids prepared to wake up at 3am for early morning flight!

[Kristin Weiss]

Help! Lol We as a family of 4 will be taking our FIRST EVER flight to (hopefully) California from Florida in October. We didn’t have much choice in terms of flights offered, so we will have to take the 6:15am flight to Cali. How does everyone prepare their kids to wake up in the middle of the night (3am) for an early flight?? Any advice and suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[Makmak]

Been there (lots)! Depends a lot on age of kid and how you are getting to the airport. If I’m driving to the airport: With little kids I put them to bed in whatever they are wearing on the plane. I put allll the luggage into the car. I put juice boxes and cookies and tablets/gaming device (don’t judge me) in the seat cup holders of each child. THEN when all is ready to go I get them up in order of oldest/who wakes up better (this varies) and straight to potty and shoes on and have them wait at the door. When they’re all at the door I tell them there’s junk food and tablets/gaming devices in the car and we run out and get everyone secured in then drive like mad haha.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I flew the opposite direction (California to Florida and California to NJ) for many years starting when my daughter was 2 1/2. It wasn't so difficult to do or horrible. Sure, tired when first woken up but by the time you get to the airport, it was just another day for her. For me, it was more about being prepared to do very little in the morning, having everything ready to go and get out the door on time. That meant no running around the house checking windows, doors, lights, making sure the stove was turned off (I get a little crazy over that stuff). The night before, earlier bath and dinner than usual. My daughter is 15 now and honestly it's harder to get her up now then it did when she was younger.

 

[Kristin Weiss]

Been there (lots)! Depends a lot on age of kid and how you are getting to the airport. If I’m driving to the airport: With little kids I put them to bed in whatever they are wearing on the plane. I put allll the luggage into the car. I put juice boxes and cookies and tablets/gaming device (don’t judge me) in the seat cup holders of each child. THEN when all is ready to go I get them up in order of oldest/who wakes up better (this varies) and straight to potty and shoes on and have them wait at the door. When they’re all at the door I tell them there’s junk food and tablets/gaming devices in the car and we run out and get everyone secured in then drive like mad haha.

Haha I love it!! Hey, I’m not above the junk food and gaming devices either! Lol Whatever makes it easier! It’s not like it happens everyday. Great advice. Thank you so much!!

 

[Kristin Weiss]

I flew the opposite direction (California to Florida and California to NJ) for many years starting when my daughter was 2 1/2. It wasn't so difficult to do or horrible. Sure, tired when first woken up but by the time you get to the airport, it was just another day for her. For me, it was more about being prepared to do very little in the morning, having everything ready to go and get out the door on time. That meant no running around the house checking windows, doors, lights, making sure the stove was turned off (I get a little crazy over that stuff). The night before, earlier bath and dinner than usual. My daughter is 15 now and honestly it's harder to get her up now then it did when she was younger.

You sound just like me too!! I will definitely be prepared the night before! And so funny about teens being harder to wake- I’m so sure that’s true! Lol Thank you!!

 

[AgentMama]

We often end up with early flights. Like the PP, we make sure there is nothing to do in the morning but get up and get in the car. We also make sure everyone knows we're getting up early and the the expectation is to get out of the house timely. We typically go to bed earlier and either pack breakfast to eat in the car or after we're through security. Not sure what things will look like in October, but there are not a lot of stores/restaurants open in the airports right now, so make sure you have snacks on hand because the lines could either be long or nothing open that early in the morning.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Help! Lol We as a family of 4 will be taking our FIRST EVER flight to (hopefully) California from Florida in October. We didn’t have much choice in terms of flights offered, so we will have to take the 6:15am flight to Cali. How does everyone prepare their kids to wake up in the middle of the night (3am) for an early flight?? Any advice and suggestions would be much appreciated!

How long of drive to airport? when we had a couple hour drive we stayed near the airport night before esp if early morning flight.

 

[Kristin Weiss]

How long of drive to airport? when we had a couple hour drive we stayed near the airport night before esp if early morning flight.

We are only about 25 mins, but that would be a GREAT idea for those farther away! Good call!

 

[Kristin Weiss]

We often end up with early flights. Like the PP, we make sure there is nothing to do in the morning but get up and get in the car. We also make sure everyone knows we're getting up early and the the expectation is to get out of the house timely. We typically go to bed earlier and either pack breakfast to eat in the car or after we're through security. Not sure what things will look like in October, but there are not a lot of stores/restaurants open in the airports right now, so make sure you have snacks on hand because the lines could either be long or nothing open that early in the morning.

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your advice. Good ideas!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Help! Lol We as a family of 4 will be taking our FIRST EVER flight to (hopefully) California from Florida in October. We didn’t have much choice in terms of flights offered, so we will have to take the 6:15am flight to Cali. How does everyone prepare their kids to wake up in the middle of the night (3am) for an early flight?? Any advice and suggestions would be much appreciated!

also remember that October is in fire season out there which means winds that can delay flight arrival time on Calif end

 

[DLgal]

Well, for starters don't get to the airport too early. Most airline counters don't even open until 5am and that early, nothing at the airport will even be open. If the flight is at 6am, get to the airport at 5, no earlier. If it's a 25 minute drive, leave at 4:30. Wake the kids up at 4 and be ready to leave immediately. Pack them something to eat for breakfast (and lunch if this is a nonstop flight to CA) on the plane, otherwise feed them breakfast in the car. Do something fun like donuts and chocolate milk. You can pickup the donuts the day before.

You don't need to do anything to prep them for this ahead of time. YOU are the one who needs to prep and make sure everything will be ready to go in the morning, so minimize your morning routine as much as possible: take out all trash the night before, set the thermostats to turn off or go on vacation mode at a set time, load the car with all the luggage the night before and leave it in the garage except for one carryon where you can throw everyone's pajamas into in the morning and any last minute items you need to use in the morning. Have the kids pack backpacks and such the night before. Make sure any electronics are fully charged and turned OFF and put them along with charging cables in the backpacks in the car. Don't let them play on the ride to the airport. Save it for the plane, or you may end up with half dead batteries before the flight.

Just get the kids to bed early and let them know when you wake them up it will still be dark out so they will be prepared.

And expect to all be EXHAUSTED the day you arrive in CA and for the kids to be ready for bed by like 4 or 5pm. That part is the worst thing about flying to the west coast with little kids.

 

[Kristin Weiss]

Well, for starters don't get to the airport too early. Most airline counters don't even open until 5am and that early, nothing at the airport will even be open. If the flight is at 6am, get to the airport at 5, no earlier. If it's a 25 minute drive, leave at 4:30. Wake the kids up at 4 and be ready to leave immediately. Pack them something to eat for breakfast (and lunch if this is a nonstop flight to CA) on the plane, otherwise feed them breakfast in the car. Do something fun like donuts and chocolate milk. You can pickup the donuts the day before.

You don't need to do anything to prep them for this ahead of time. YOU are the one who needs to prep and make sure everything will be ready to go in the morning, so minimize your morning routine as much as possible: take out all trash the night before, set the thermostats to turn off or go on vacation mode at a set time, load the car with all the luggage the night before and leave it in the garage except for one carryon where you can throw everyone's pajamas into in the morning and any last minute items you need to use in the morning. Have the kids pack backpacks and such the night before. Make sure any electronics are fully charged and turned OFF and put them along with charging cables in the backpacks in the car. Don't let them play on the ride to the airport. Save it for the plane, or you may end up with half dead batteries before the flight.

Just get the kids to bed early and let them know when you wake them up it will still be dark out so they will be prepared.

And expect to all be EXHAUSTED the day you arrive in CA and for the kids to be ready for bed by like 4 or 5pm. That part is the worst thing about flying to the west coast with little kids.

Wow! You definitely gave me a lot to think about, and gave great advice! I hadn’t even thought about what time the airline counters would be open. That’s actually a good thing for us, so thank you!! I also love the advice about packing everything except a small empty bag to throw in all the last min misc stuff in the morning. Life saving hack! Lol Thank you!!!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Wow! You definitely gave me a lot to think about, and gave great advice! I hadn’t even thought about what time the airline counters would be open. That’s actually a good thing for us, so thank you!! I also love the advice about packing everything except a small empty bag to throw in all the last min misc stuff in the morning. Life saving hack! Lol Thank you!!!

also prepare kids that special friends can not be carried thru scanners and to not touch the sides of scanner. if 2 adults send one adult first then send kids one at a time and second adult last. the special friend got my oldest years ago. also very good advice about not turning thins on until on plane. I would have only one thing per child out at airport before boarding. thinking about day before plan on an active day for kids so they will be tired early. one of reasons we liked the hotel night before. we would have an early dinner and a swim in the pool then early bed time

 

[DLgal]

Wow! You definitely gave me a lot to think about, and gave great advice! I hadn’t even thought about what time the airline counters would be open. That’s actually a good thing for us, so thank you!! I also love the advice about packing everything except a small empty bag to throw in all the last min misc stuff in the morning. Life saving hack! Lol Thank you!!!

You're welcome! I've taken my fair share of early morning cross country flights and traveled with 2 autistic kids since they were little, so I've got the routine DOWN, but a lot of it was a learning curve on what to do.

On the subject of the one carryon with all the pajamas, I also include in this bag:
Clean underwear and an outfit for the next day for everyone. I also use this bag for all our medicines and 2 days worth of toiletries and all the toothbrushes. We have had lost baggage before and it usually arrives the NEXT day, but it is invaluable to have pajamas and clean clothes for everyone in the event that it happens. Also, spread your family's clothes out among different suitcases for the same reason. This way if one bag gets lost, you will still have clothing for everyone for a couple days at least. I just take all the piles of clothes and cut them into half or thirds and divide among 2-3 suitcases.

 

[Rory607]

Definitely have the kids sleep in whatever they’re going to wear on the plane. Try to get everyone in bed early. I’ve found my kids are usually excited the night before a trip, especially when it’s a plane ride, so they go to bed willingly! I don’t know how old your kids are, but prep them beforehand for what the airport will be like, especially security.

Do absolutely everything you can the night before. I make myself a list and leave it on the kitchen counter of last minute things we need to grab in the morning: chargers, makeup bag, any medications, kids lovies, etc. The tip someone else mentioned about putting juice boxes and snacks in the car is a great idea!

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I know a few of the airports in Florida like Tampa or Orlando have on-site hotels. Might make sense to get one of those for the night before. That way the kids can sleep in while your husband goes down and checks in the luggage. You could probably let them sleep quite a bit longer if you stay there.

Also, keep in mind the airlines have been making huge schedule changes over the last year or so. Your 6:15am flight time could change. I would "babysit" the reservation to make sure any changes are caught early. If they move the flights enough or connection times get too long or short you should be able to get the airlines to move to different flights at no cost if so desired.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We had a early flight we stayed at the hotel at the airport. .... we only live 35 mins away but it was so worth it.
The hotel charged us parking during the trip but it was half the price of the airport so that was an added bonus. We kept everything packed next to the door woke up went downstairs for a 5 min bus ride right to the door. We left about an hour and half before the flight.

 

[Blondie58]

We did this many times back in the day. We never had issues. Too much excitment for vacation. To bed early, up as necessary, and then sleep on the plane. Depending on airport and distance to drive to get to airport we have often done park and fly. (Our airport drives are one and a half or two and a half hours.)

 

[DeeBee3]

Will be doing an early flight this summer with 2 young kids so this thread is great! Already planned to have them sleep in their clothes, but all the other advice was helpful. I will be the one the most sleepy!

 

[Kristin Weiss]

Will be doing an early flight this summer with 2 young kids so this thread is great! Already planned to have them sleep in their clothes, but all the other advice was helpful. I will be the one the most sleepy!

YAY! Sending pixie dust to you and your family! Good call about already having them dressed! Mine will be 10 years old, but I may still do that