Best time in the day to fly with children

[Cheekster]

Hi there,

It will be a while before we can book our flights (we don't go until Sept 2017) but I wondered if anybody had an opinion on what the best time of day to fly with small children is? They will be 6, 5, 3 and 1 ( I know we are CRAZY ). I'm already dreading them getting jet lagged.

 

[wifey]

Afternoon flights have worked for us when DS was small. Less stress getting up to get ready and get to the airport. Also they don't notice the time go by since they are still having regular meal times. Depending on the time of year they will soon settle and kids adjust well to the time difference too. Just keep this black out curtains firmly closed. They may be tired when you get to the resort and up to the room or villa but they will be keen to see everything once they are fed and dressed.

 

[Elise79]

Well flying to and from Orlando you really don't have much choice. All fights leave the UK within a relatively small window.

We have been taking DD since she was 9 months and will always book whichever VA flight is cheapest and will from LGW or MAN. Although coming home we prefer the later of the flights as it gives more time on the last day.

 

[dixonsontour]

Best tip is to try and stay up first night to try and ward off the waking at 3am scenario. Most flights will get you in late afternoon or evening. Don't plan late nights for the first few days. Early starts are a blessing for the parks, we easily made 7am early entry in October for example.
Then on way home as late as possible out and try and sleep on flight, maybe a waterpark day first to wear them out.
Kids usually bounce back quickly if they go straight into their usual routine.

 

[saintrob]

We've been going since DS was really small and my preference has always been for the later VA flight. We live fairly near to Manchester which means that we can have a lie in on the morning of travel so no grumpy child. We always prefered the early flight out of Orlando when DS was small but now are not too fussed.

 

[Minniesgal]

Kids tend to get a lot less jet lagged than adults do.

Best thing for jet lag is to arrive at resort as close to tea time as possible. Try and make sure you go to bed as close to normal time as possible.

On the way back you have no choice it's an overnight flight.

 

[Jon84]

The earliest flight is the Thomas Cook from MAN which will get you there around 3pm.

We once got off the plane and spend the afternoon in Universal before picking up some friends from the Airport later in the evening