Nine-Hour Flight with a 2-year old!

[SevenWonkas]

Hello, this may be slightly off-topic because I am not traveling to WDW, but with so many people here on these Disboards, I thought this might be a good place to get some feedback!

Next month, we are traveling to Hawaii for two weeks. (One week at the Marriott Vacation Club property on Oahu, and then a week at one of the MVC properties on Kauai. The MVC property on Oahu is just down the beach from DVC's)

Anyway, we live in Ohio and will have a long flight out to Oahu. First to Chicago, then a 9-hour flight to Honolulu. Our son will be 25 months by the time we travel. He is no stranger to flying or traveling... He's flown to Orlando 4 times (2-hour flight), and has been on many many car trips. We've driven to Hilton Head twice with him twice, which have been our longest car trips. (12+ hours with stops)

For those of you who have experienced long plane trips with toddlers, any tips? We have an iPad which will be loaded with movies, shows, and apps for him. We have baby-size headphones for him. We will have lots of snacks for him. We'll have his normal sippy cups. I plan on having toys/books that he has never seen, and will get them out when he needs something new. They will come out no quicker than every hour. He played with some diecast cars/trains last week (on an unfortunate visit to the Children's Hospital ER!), so now we are hoping to find some used diecast toys to bring on the plane too. We have bulkhead seats, so we're hoping that the flight attendants will let DS sit on the ground and play. We'll see.

I know there are opinions on both sides of the fence regarding the use of Benadryl. I've researched both options and we likely will not be doing this.

Our plane does have a changing table (DS is not potty trained -- haven't even started yet), but I imagine he will be too tall/heavy for this? I am going to purchase some diapers that I can pull up, to make diaper changes easier. (I am not very good at changing him standing up with traditional diapers!)

Thanks for all your help!

ETA - Yes, he does have his own seat. He'll be using his normal car seat.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Did you get him a seat? I am hoping so because I can't imagine have a 25 month old on my lap for the entire time.

As for the headphones. Let him play with them at home. I see lots of parents try this for the first time on a plane and it's not always a hit!

While in Chicago keep him moving... if you happen to find an empty gate area let him wander around!

 

[SevenWonkas]

Yes, we definitely got him a seat. lol. I guess I should've clarified that. On his first flight to Orlando (at 5 months old) we held him, and it wasn't fun. We've purchased his own seat every time since then.

Great idea about trying the headphones at home. When he got them several months ago we tried them on him, to make sure it fit, but he didn't keep them on. (they were not connected to anything at the time) We'll have to put a movie on the ipad with the headphones, so he can try it out.

Thanks also for the feedback of letting him move around. That is something we're already planning. On our way back it'll be a 5-hour layover in Chicago (ugh). We could actually drive home in that time period! We think that we'll be able to access United's lounge at Chicago's and Honolulu's airports, which will give me peace of mind. (Due to it not being as crowded as the gate areas)

Thanks!

 

[AK_Christina]

We traveled for over 16 hours once when son was 18 months old. Pick a seat near the rear of the plane. We spent lots of time in the back talking to the flight attendants and letting him get some energy out. We brought lots of treats (suckers, etc) to help settle him when he was getting to the 'I'm so done with this' point. We always take the kids to the Doc for a quick check up before long flights (check their ears!) and get a prescription from the ped for a Benedryl type med that we keep on hand to use as needed during normal sleep time only (naps and normal bed time). We didn't use it at all this last trip with my daughter so I think we are done with that stage.

Good luck amd have fun!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Yes, we definitely got him a seat. lol. I guess I should've clarified that. On his first flight to Orlando (at 5 months old) we held him, and it wasn't fun. We've purchased his own seat every time since then.

Great idea about trying the headphones at home. When he got them several months ago we tried them on him, to make sure it fit, but he didn't keep them on. (they were not connected to anything at the time) We'll have to put a movie on the ipad with the headphones, so he can try it out.

Thanks also for the feedback of letting him move around. That is something we're already planning. On our way back it'll be a 5-hour layover in Chicago (ugh). We could actually drive home in that time period! We think that we'll be able to access United's lounge at Chicago's and Honolulu's airports, which will give me peace of mind. (Due to it not being as crowded as the gate areas)

Thanks!

Fair warning... The other guests in the lounge probably won't be overjoyed and some of them will be downright rude to you if they "think" your child is not what they expect. (I expect these same travelers have brats when they travel and then think "well it's ok when it's MY child" LOL!) Especially in Chicago. I see people giving parents lots of dirty looks in the Delta lounges all the time (they aren't really kid friendly LOL!)

I think you have all the right ideas, it's just going to be a LONG flight both ways. Good Luck!

 

[Karlzmom]

I liked overnight flights when the boys were young [even flew from Europe alone with a 2 yr old!]. The ability to put them in their own seat, strap them in and let them fall asleep on their own schedule is priceless, IMO. I think a seat in back is best, easy access to a bit of space and a quick dodge to the restroom if needed -

Good luck!

 

[SevenWonkas]

We traveled for over 16 hours once when son was 18 months old. Pick a seat near the rear of the plane. We spent lots of time in the back talking to the flight attendants and letting him get some energy out. We brought lots of treats (suckers, etc) to help settle him when he was getting to the 'I'm so done with this' point. We always take the kids to the Doc for a quick check up before long flights (check their ears!) and get a prescription from the ped for a Benedryl type med that we keep on hand to use as needed during normal sleep time only (naps and normal bed time). We didn't use it at all this last trip with my daughter so I think we are done with that stage.

Good luck amd have fun!

What med did you give your kids? Did you use it to help the drowsy process? On our last flight (in May, to Orlando), DS was diagnosed with an ear infection the day before we left. Of course! We are going to get updated dosages for all meds at his check-up next week, but will for sure return before our flight if he is showing any signs of illness! Our goal with the bulkhead seats is that DS can stand, stretch, jump, and get some energy out without being in anyone's way. I'm hoping it works out for us!

I liked overnight flights when the boys were young [even flew from Europe alone with a 2 yr old!]. The ability to put them in their own seat, strap them in and let them fall asleep on their own schedule is priceless, IMO. I think a seat in back is best, easy access to a bit of space and a quick dodge to the restroom if needed -

Good luck!

Our flight back is overnight, luckily! I haven't looked at the layout of our plane in some time, but I believe our seats are right behind the bathrooms. And since it's bulkhead, we're hoping DS can stand and stretch in front of our seats without bothering seats in front of us.

 

[SevenWonkas]

Fair warning... The other guests in the lounge probably won't be overjoyed and some of them will be downright rude to you if they "think" your child is not what they expect. (I expect these same travelers have brats when they travel and then think "well it's ok when it's MY child" LOL!) Especially in Chicago. I see people giving parents lots of dirty looks in the Delta lounges all the time (they aren't really kid friendly LOL!)

I think you have all the right ideas, it's just going to be a LONG flight both ways. Good Luck!

Yeah, we have thought about that also. Not a lot, but know that people may not be very happy to see us. We will see how it goes. If he is being totally horrible, someone will go for a walk with DS while everyone else relaxes in the lounge. I will practice my "return glare" skills before I go. DMIL and DFIL were both teachers (DFIL ran the in-school suspension program at an inner-city school), so I know they will be able to stare people down as well!

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[nono]

Talking to your son in advance about how it is a really long adventure...and sometimes it will get dull...but the way to fix that is to sit and think for a bit, and let Mom or Dad know when you get tired of sitting and thinking. My kids when back and forth to Asia from the East Coast several times around that age...even when they went off it was, "Mom I'm tired of thinking!!!" which while delievred too loudly, sure cracked up our fellow passengers.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

the one problem we have had with bulk head seats is all carryons have to go over head as no seat in front to place things. it is a pain to get to things as nothing could be on floor during take off and landing. also as much as my grandboys love the small cars and trains, they roll off traytable very easy and it was a pickup game. just a couple of thins to rethink about

 

[alaska8]

As a Flight Attendant I often see parents crawling on the floor looking for die cast cars that are so much fun for a little one to roll off the tray table A good idea is to get one of the grocery store cardboard doughnut boxes that fold flat. Put it together on the plane (you can even draw a road etc on the base) and it is a great way to play with cards but not have them slide off the table.
Just my opinion, but Im always horrified when I see kids playing or sleeping on an aircraft floor......do you know how often these get cleaned...shudder.
I taught my child from a very early age that we sit in a seat (like we do in a car) always wear our seatbelts (even if its just on loosly) shoes on for take off and landing (just in case you have to leave "quickly") and we always count the number of rows to and exit (you can make it into a game).
Useful things to take are Clorox wipes...I always wipe down every surface possible (number of times ive seen a baby changed on the table sans changing mat and the next flight a passenger placing food on same tray table) A plastic grocery bag to put on the floor to hold all your trash until it can be picked up (amazing how much trash a small child produces) Also great if child vomits (not easy for anyone to aim successfully into those small paper bags). A non electronic game for the times when no electronics are allowed (I always found that a mom n pop old fashioned toy store had the most amazing non electronic toys that I hadn't ever seen at Toys r us , target etc.
If you are travelling with another adult, have one person board with all the "stuff"then you and child board at the last moment (I always had mine run around the boarding area...yes people stared and looked horrified...some even asked the agent where we were seated so they could be moved....but...without fail kids were always calm and sleepy on the aircraft after expelling all that energy.)
Good luck

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Just curious, from the comments people have made about him having his own seat, how old do children in the USA have to be to have their own seat. In the UK, once they are 2 years old, they have to have their own seat and a car seat is not required.

 

[SamSam]

My 2 1/2 year old twin grandsons loved using the travel size Magna Doodle while on a plane trip with us. They could use it easily, learned to use the erase feature very quickly and just loved playing with theirs. The nice thing is, there are no crayons or pencils to drop, or to mark on something that shouldn't be marked on.

Now we keep them in our car for when we pick them up for a visit, and since we don't let them bring them in the house, they haven't lost interest in them yet.

 

[jsilvers]

Just curious, from the comments people have made about him having his own seat, how old do children in the USA have to be to have their own seat. In the UK, once they are 2 years old, they have to have their own seat and a car seat is not required.

It's the same in the U.S.; once they turn 2, they must have their own seat, based on the FAA regulation 14 C.F.R. § 121.311(b)(1) (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title14-vol3/pdf/CFR-2013-title14-vol3-sec121-311.pdf). Likewise, certain child restraint systems are allowed but are not required.

 

[SevenWonkas]

Talking to your son in advance about how it is a really long adventure...and sometimes it will get dull...but the way to fix that is to sit and think for a bit, and let Mom or Dad know when you get tired of sitting and thinking. My kids when back and forth to Asia from the East Coast several times around that age...even when they went off it was, "Mom I'm tired of thinking!!!" which while delievred too loudly, sure cracked up our fellow passengers.

Good ideas, thanks. We'll give it a shot! I think he's still a little young to comprehend deep discussions like that, but I know he'll change a lot in the next month. He may understand by the time we leave!

the one problem we have had with bulk head seats is all carryons have to go over head as no seat in front to place things. it is a pain to get to things as nothing could be on floor during take off and landing. also as much as my grandboys love the small cars and trains, they roll off traytable very easy and it was a pickup game. just a couple of thins to rethink about

We've flown bulkhead with DS before (and by ourselves many, many times). We'll have a small supply of items available until we're able to get back up from overhead. I'm not as concerned with cars rolling off laps (he won't be able to use the tray anyway), but I think I'll have to consider the possibility of the cars rolling away when they hit the floor! Thanks for the feedback.

As a Flight Attendant I often see parents crawling on the floor looking for die cast cars that are so much fun for a little one to roll off the tray table A good idea is to get one of the grocery store cardboard doughnut boxes that fold flat. Put it together on the plane (you can even draw a road etc on the base) and it is a great way to play with cards but not have them slide off the table.
Just my opinion, but Im always horrified when I see kids playing or sleeping on an aircraft floor......do you know how often these get cleaned...shudder.
I taught my child from a very early age that we sit in a seat (like we do in a car) always wear our seatbelts (even if its just on loosly) shoes on for take off and landing (just in case you have to leave "quickly") and we always count the number of rows to and exit (you can make it into a game).
Useful things to take are Clorox wipes...I always wipe down every surface possible (number of times ive seen a baby changed on the table sans changing mat and the next flight a passenger placing food on same tray table) A plastic grocery bag to put on the floor to hold all your trash until it can be picked up (amazing how much trash a small child produces) Also great if child vomits (not easy for anyone to aim successfully into those small paper bags). A non electronic game for the times when no electronics are allowed (I always found that a mom n pop old fashioned toy store had the most amazing non electronic toys that I hadn't ever seen at Toys r us , target etc.
If you are travelling with another adult, have one person board with all the "stuff"then you and child board at the last moment (I always had mine run around the boarding area...yes people stared and looked horrified...some even asked the agent where we were seated so they could be moved....but...without fail kids were always calm and sleepy on the aircraft after expelling all that energy.)
Good luck

Great feedback, thanks! I didn't explain this initially, but I would put a blanket on the ground if DS played down there. And he would NOT use that same blanket for sleeping, and we will wash it when we get to the resort. Not ideal, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Nine hours is a long time for ME to sit, let alone a toddler. We don't let him get out of his seat on our Orlando flights, but know he will need to do something on these Hawaii flights. Great idea about the Chlorox wipes, non-electronics, and grocery bags! Our friend works at the local Children's Hospital, and they always have hospital barf bags in their cars.... I may try to get some of those too! (for all of us! ) We will have 5 adults total, so we will luckily have plenty of help with boarding. We will let DS run around the gate as much as possible, as long as it is not overloaded with people!

My 2 1/2 year old twin grandsons loved using the travel size Magna Doodle while on a plane trip with us. They could use it easily, learned to use the erase feature very quickly and just loved playing with theirs. The nice thing is, there are no crayons or pencils to drop, or to mark on something that shouldn't be marked on.

Never thought about a magna doodle. GREAT idea! I think we will have to pick one up!

 

[SevenWonkas]

Just curious, from the comments people have made about him having his own seat, how old do children in the USA have to be to have their own seat. In the UK, once they are 2 years old, they have to have their own seat and a car seat is not required.

It's the same in the U.S.; once they turn 2, they must have their own seat, based on the FAA regulation 14 C.F.R. § 121.311(b)(1) (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title14-vol3/pdf/CFR-2013-title14-vol3-sec121-311.pdf). Likewise, certain child restraint systems are allowed but are not required.

Yup, we had to get him his own seat regardless. He's flown 4 times, and we've purchased his own seat every time but one. That was his first flight, when he was 5 months old, and after that we vowed to always get him his own seat. (He actually did fine on the flight, but it was stressful for us. He was a little fussy until he fell asleep, but no one around us seemed to mind)