Hi Vicky,
Firstly, Although I've never flown with them to the USA, Britannia is one of the airlines I very much prefer when flying to Europe. The staff are always helpful and courteous, and the planes are as comfortable as you can expect if you are flying economy.
As to how to keep the rugrats occupied, thats a subject I've had to think about as my partner and I are taking her boys over to Orlando on Boxing Day for their first trip both stateside and to Disneyville. Granted they are both older at 12 and 10, but the youngster especially, like so many kids in this video-game/tv obsessed era, has the attention span of a thing with no attention span !
Our plan for our boys is this : have a decent selection of mags, comics and books for them to read as and when they want. Keep their Gameboys charged up and ready to go. Have playing cards available for the odd game of Rummy, Pontoon, whatever. We've got a few travel-size games to take along too.
For you, it's a bit different obviously. You know far better than I that it's all about keeping them interested in something - what that actually is doesn't really matter !
Check in advance if possible what tv/films are showing on your flight, that way you can whet their appetite and let them know that their will be things to keep them interetsed for the whole flight - I think if they go with the idea that theyare going to be bored, they will be regardless. Nowadays, most airlines give info about their inflight entertainment schedule on their websites.
With so many families travelling to the USA for trips now, the flight crew on planes are well used to families with young children being part of the scene- I'm sure they'll be willing and able to provide ideas and help, along with some playthings and stuff to keep your littl'uns occupied. The crew are their to attend to your needs - use them !
I also try to see the flight as a period of dead time that you can utilise for things you really dont want to waste time on once you are in Orlando and ready to go do ! And very one good way to use that time is to try to sketch out a loose but viable schedule/plan of action. For example, it's a pretty well accepted fact that the various parks seem to be busier on some days than others - try putting a post up abut this here or on the US Theme Parks Attractions & Strategies forum, you'll get advice on what days are recommended for which parks. You might want to look at some places you might want to try to eat at - the dining database here on the DIS is a goldmine of information.
If you have any leaflets/brochures about the places you will be visiting when you get to Orlando, take those on the plane and show the kids all the things they can look forward to once you arrive. Mention things like being able to meet the characters, Mickey, Donald, Scooby Doo and the like, and even get their autographs. Tell them about the place you're staying in, that they'll be able to swim lots because it's so warm in Florida. I've got a folder full of stuff - leflet and info I was sent with our tickets and printed off the interenet - that will be close at hand on the plane !
As far as possible get them involved in planning out what you are going to do and when - not only will it give them the feeling that they are a big part of all that is going to happen, it may well keep their (and even your) minds occupied for enough of the flight to make the difference between it being a long but agreeable flight and a loooonng drawn out day full of tantrums !
Sorry I cant be more specific, but as you know, it's really a case of filling the time as best you can, and that takes a bit of thinking on the fly. The thought to hang onto though, is this : however much you are not looking forward to the flight, what you get to do after that is oh so worthwhile !!
Under 7 days for us now.....
