Flying with children

[Sazuburns]

We are flying to Orlando with Virgin at the end of February.

It's the first time we've taken them this far, and I wanted some advice about what to take for the flight.

I know that they have kids packs, but what is in them?

We've booked a seat for our younger ds, although he won't quite be 2 years yet, because I think it will be safer for him and less stressful for me!

I'd like to travel as light as possible, as dh is disabled, so I have to do all the schlepping, and I'd like to keep the hand-luggage down to a minimum too.

Thanks

 

[bustersmum]

How old are your other children?

 

[Sazuburns]

Doh! That's the sort of information which would help isn't it?!

Ds1 is 4 1/2
Ds2 will be almost 2
Dh is 32, but is capable of entertaining himself!

Thanks

 

[RUSHBURY]

Hi

My DS8 was only 3 when we had our 1st trip. He had his own backpack which had a vast amount of stuff - or so I thought at the time - but he insisted that he needed everything and knew he would have to take care of it himself.

In his backpack he had 6 cars which he entertained himself for hours with. Crayons, felts, paper, picture colouring in book, a beanie baby type toy to cuddle, magazines, a story book and a few toy zoo animals.

We also bought duty free on the plane the plane set which he used for the remainder of the journey there and also on the way back.

Luckily he never got bored and has always packed his own stuff to take since then. (I only check it to make sure that there are no pointed pencils etc which aren't allowed on board)

Have a great holiday.

Helen

 

[Ang1e]

The first time we took the children they were 5 & 8. I had a small handluggage sized bag and put some surprises in it and they could 'blindly' pick one thing out every hour. Sounds a bit daft I know, but it DID make the hours go quickly

I bought: sweets, felt-tips, colouring books, travel games, books, magazines etc from what I can remember I didn't spend much but it kept them entertained on the plane and on the first morning in Orlando when DH slept and slept so me and DS & DD went to do some colouring in the hotel lobby at about 5am cos we were soooo excited

Have fun

Ang

 

[TraceyL]

Sticker books were my saviour

My DDs loved them (age 2-7)

 

[jools]

I would request a booster seat.

Virgin provide these for children under 2 who have their own seat. It is the aircraft equivalent of a child car seat and fits on to the normal seat.

You may have to remind them about it at check-in and even when you get on the aircraft, but it is worth it.

I found it to be great for my very excited can't wait to get there ds as the harness kept him sitting nicely in his seat just like travelling in the car.

Where as now he spends most of the flight in and out of his chair and up and down the aircraft. Yes I'm sorry everyone who may have travelled with me!

Jools

 

[SEVANS2208]

The 4 yr old can probably carry a small bag with a couple of little things in for entertainment (sticker books get my vote too) so perhaps a favourite toy or book could be included. Also check out the in-flight entertainment. You might find a programme or film they could watch - ok, they might lose interest after half an hour but at least it's half an hour less for you to entertain them!

Virgin bags have crayons & a small activity book from memory.

In my experience (we travelled with our kids when they were 10 months & 7 yrs and again when they were 3 & 9), the flights not half as bad as we thought it would be! It's broken up with meals & if they've not flown before that in itself is an experience which will keep them occupied for a while (+ normally lots of questions!!).

My guess is, if you've told Virgin about your husbands disability, you'll get nice quiet seats just behind PE - we found this really good last year as the kids don't get quite so noisy when there aren't other noisy kids around (if that makes sense!!).

 

[Sazuburns]

Thanks for all your posts - they have been very helpful!

We have requested a child seat from Virgin, so that should help, and they also know of dh's disability.

Our elder ds usually carries a rucksack to nursery with him, so he will be quite used to having his things, and I'll choose some lightweight toys, books, sticker books etc for him.

I like the idea about a new toy every hour - very clever. I'll have to try that with my younger one.

Thanks again
Sarah