Flight times - what would you do?

[erin1715]

First time mom here. In March we will be going to WDW with our then 14 month old. There are basically only two direct flight options, one is very early and one is very late. On our flight down we’re taking the early flight. However, I don’t know if I want to take the earliest flight back home. So the other options involve a layover. We’re coming from NY so weather can be iffy that time of year too so I prefer one flight. But having to wake up at 5am with child doesn’t sound fun.

What would you all do? Take the early direct flight or later normal houred 1 stop flight?

 

[Marionnette]

First time mom here. In March we will be going to WDW with our then 14 month old. There are basically only two direct flight options, one is very early and one is very late. On our flight down we’re taking the early flight. However, I don’t know if I want to take the earliest flight back home. So the other options involve a layover. We’re coming from NY so weather can be iffy that time of year too so I prefer one flight. But having to wake up at 5am with child doesn’t sound fun.

What would you all do? Take the early direct flight or later normal houred 1 stop flight?

Take offs and landings are the most uncomfortable times for babies. The fewer, the better. It’s also a pain in the neck to gather up all your belongings and move from plane to gate for your connection. Even though it’s an early hour, I would still opt for a nonstop flight over a long travel day with connecting flights that could be delayed or even canceled.

 

[quandrea]

Always early flights. Less chance of a delay. The flights are often not full because people don’t want to fly early. You’re home before you know it, with much of the day ahead of you to get organised.

when our twins were really little, we’d just scoop them out of bed as we headed out, leaving them in pjs. They were fine.

 

[Specter]

DW and I will be traveling as first time parents by plane in March too for our Disney trip and we opted for the early flights. We did this for a few reasons. First, they are direct so no changing planes, no added take-off and landings which we have also been told is the hardest part for little ones. Second, earlier in the day allows for time in case of issues with the plane, and is not as likely to be delayed because of problems with earlier flights. Third, we both get up early for work so DD is used to waking up fairly early. She may have to get up even earlier but it will probably be closer to her normal morning time than if we did a later flight. And finally, arriving early lets us get in an extra park day and leaving early gives us more time to unwind and do all of those little things that need to be done once we arrive at home. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[MNDisneyMommy]

Mom of two, they are now older but when flying with very young kids -

We now pay whatever it costs for a direct flight. (Once debated like a $200 premium per ticket, and we decided to do the direct flight instead of some add-ons at the parks just to keep it).

With little kids, we were die hard team early fliers as well. (Now that the kids are older - we do evening flights). Early flights are just smoother, everyone is fresh, less change of delays, and our kids were way easier when woken up early (still sleepy and took directions) as opposed to staying up late (whiny/crabby/etc).

 

[westie55]

Nonstop beats layover at any hour.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

What airport are you flying from and what airline are you using?

 

[NYCgrrl]

First time mom here. In March we will be going to WDW with our then 14 month old. There are basically only two direct flight options, one is very early and one is very late. On our flight down we’re taking the early flight. However, I don’t know if I want to take the earliest flight back home. So the other options involve a layover. We’re coming from NY so weather can be iffy that time of year too so I prefer one flight. But having to wake up at 5am with child doesn’t sound fun.

What would you all do? Take the early direct flight or later normal houred 1 stop flight?

Normally I preferred to fly at night when my children were little as it followed their normal sleeping habits but in your case I'd choose the non stop flight whatever time of day it is. Less disruptive for all over a shorter period of time.

 

[erin1715]

Thanks all. I’ll keep the early nonstop flights. Flying out of Albany (though it’s a 2 hour drive to the airport) with southwest.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Thanks all. I’ll keep the early nonstop flights. Flying out of Albany (though it’s a 2 hour drive to the airport) with southwest.

For the early return flight we find that staying at the airport the night before works well. Good luck!