Fly with kids layover or no layover

[cadenleesmom]

I have 2 choices in flights one with a layover and arriving at Orlando at 9pm and one without arrive in Orlando at 9:50pm. The layover is 1 1/2 hours in Baltimore.

We will be traveling with 2 kids (4 & 7).

Which would be a better option? I am leaning toward the layover because it gets to Orlando a little bit earlier and the Magical Express will for sure that our luggage. Thus cutting off time to pick up luggage also.

Becky

 

[Annie78]

I don't like layovers because they add so much time and uncertainty (2 flights and two cities' worth of potential delays / luggage loss) so I avoid them unless they are much much cheaper than the non-stop options.
1.5 hours isn't the worst layover - leaves a little bit of buffer in case the first flight is late - but if your second flight is the last one of the day for that airline from that city, missing it could really stink.
I think it also depends on how long the nonstop would be and whether your kids would be better off with some running around in between flights, or better off getting the travel over with quicker.

 

[cadenleesmom]

The non-stop is a short flight 2 1/2 hours. I am just worried that we are going to get to our hotel super late. My friends just took the non-stop flight and didn't get to their hotel until 12:30am. My kids would not handle that to well. I think the hour later and the added hassle of picked up the luggage is what is making me consider the layover.

 

[Brian Noble]

My advice: take the non-stop flight, and book a town car to get you to your resort. That way, you'll have a little help with the luggage, but you avoid the hassle of an extra stop. It will cost a few bucks, but IMO is worth it.

 

[mischief32]

I always book non-stop. I also travel with a soon to be 6yr old and waiting is not her thing. She gets restless just waiting to get on the plane. She loves to fly. Me not so much. 2 hours on a plane appears to be my max for now.

 

[cadenleesmom]

Ok, I am definately going to do the non-stop with the towncar!! I don't know why I didn't think of that!!

Then we can do a quick beer run too since Garden Grocer doesn't deliver anymore!

Whoohoo! Solved 2 of my problems!!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Ok, I am definately going to do the non-stop with the towncar!! I don't know why I didn't think of that!!

Then we can do a quick beer run too since Garden Grocer doesn't deliver anymore!

Whoohoo! Solved 2 of my problems!!

Just came across this post, what do you mean Garden Grocer doesn't deliver anymore. Did they go out of business or they don't deliver beer anymore?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

A non-stop flight versus one with a 1 1/2 hour layover, only difference being the nonstop arrives 50 minutes later? This is a no-brainer!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I'll pay extra for nonstops for flights under 4 hours because my 11yo gets bad ear pain on descent, even with earplanes (its' much worse without but she does still get some pain even with them). If the flight's longer than that, I have to think long and hard about it because my 14yo has trouble coping with staying seated without being able to move around for that long so she could really use a stop to be able to stretch and burn off some energy.

Garden Grocer no longer delivers alcohol. They're working on getting the issue resolved. I believe it's a license issue.