Red Eye Flight with 18mo?

[tootsiemolly]

I am going to WDW in Dec. We are currently booked on the 10am flight out of Salt Lake. It is a direct flight. We are traveling with my DS8, DD5, and DS 18mo. Has anyone taken a Red Eye flight with a toddler? The flight at 10am is almost full. However, I can take a flight that leaves Salt Lake at 11:53 pm with a stop in Atlanta arriving in Orlando at 7:50am. I want to try it. Are there any experts out their? My baby is a light sleeper. But, I thought if I keep him up he may be really tired and sleep. I am really scared of flying 4.5 hrs with him at 10:30am. The plane on the direct flight is almost full. The red-eye has over 100 seats left. any suggesttions? PS i am going on frequent flyer miles so I can change my plans without any penalties.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I would take the direct flight every time, even though it is almost full. The stopover in Atlanta on the red eye, taking almost eight hours, would not be my choice. It would be easier on the 2 other kids to go directly, arriving around 4:30pm at MCO, getting to the hotel before 5:30pm, and then going out to dinner, wouldn't it?

Dragging everyone around the Altanta airport to change planes just doesn't sound like a great idea. What if the weather in Atlanta is bad or if the flight from SLC would be delayed for any reason? Then you might be stuck for awhile in Atlanta, or you may have to hurry through the concourses with 3 little ones to make the MCO connection. That possibility certainly would be daunting, wouldn't it? If a delay did happen, then you could wind up at WDW with everyone really cranky.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would take the direct flight also. 1. It is easier on all travelers if you don't have to switch planes, 2. On a red eye most people sleep, I cannot imagine them being really excited if your 18 month has a sleepless period or becomes tired and cranky and keeps the entire plane awake 3. what are you going to do with three children on a layover of any extended period?

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We also travel with our kids 6, 4, and almost 2. I would never NOT take a driect flight. Granted our flight is only 2 1/2 hours, but the thought of a connecting flight would not even be considered. I also think the red eye would be tougher on the kids. Your plan may backfire and he could be come over tired and not sleep at all. We have reconsidered our travel patterns until all the kids reach age 6. No flights for us that are not direct or over 4 hours. So for now it appears that DW is our main destination Good luck in your decision.

 

[tootsiemolly]

You are so....lucky to be so close! Our direct flight is still over 4hrs, and that is in good weather. You all are probably right about the red-eye. I would die if my DS18mo. cried the whole way there. However, the thought of being there in the morning instead of late in the afternoon is so appealing. Plus the thought of an empty flight is also appealing. I didn't buy my DS a seat. So, if the direct flight fills up, I might be on the red-eye. The thought of taking a lap child on a 4.5 hr flight would be miserable. I'm not sure what is worse. Both options sound miserable. Thanks for everyones input.

Angee

 

[DemoBri1]

I agree with Momtomootoo's statement that your child could become over-tired and not sleep. In my DD (3) and DS (16 mo) case, when they get over-tired they get wired and act like they are going to bounce off walls.

I would vote down the red-eye as well. If it were a direct flight in, then I'd think about it, but it sounds as though you're going to have a substantial lay-over, and kids in an airport @ 2 or 3 AM doesn't sound too pleasing.

Brian

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would die if my DS18mo. cried the whole way there.

I can imagine and I can also imagine how the other pax would feel if they were trying to sleep.