Whats easier w/small kids...driving or flying?

[Minnie824]

We're planning a trip to Disney later this year...DH, me and DDs ages 5 and 2.5 yrs old. We drove last year (ages 4 and 1.5) from the Chicago area. DDs did great, trip went great. We planned to drive again. Then we started to consider flying. But now, I'm wondering which would be easier. We would need to bring a carseat for 2.5 yr old, and a single stroller, plus our carryon, diapers, snack, backpacks of toys for each. I mean, we had all this on the drive, but all I had to do was pack it in the car and we were set. DH & I didn't mind the drive, and they did do well, so I'm not concerned about that. We just figured it would be quicker to fly...not sure if its easier though. What do you think?

 

[RadioNate]

17 hours in a car or 3 in a plane. I choose plane. Did you drive straight through. I grew up in Chicago and we always stopped. That drive is brutal w/out stopping.

Put car seat in stroller push through airport. Use car seat on plane. Gate check stroller. 2 backpacks for carryon's and you are done.

I fly with DS several times a year and I've never really needed tons of snacks and all that junk. He mostly sleeps on the plane and this is the kid who gave up naps at 18 months and was always a horrible sleeper.

 

[budbeerlady]

We flew with DD (5). It was great, she loved to fly. We gate checked her stroller and it has harder to travel with Dh than Dd. Note to DH: dont leave the airport secure area to smoke when your DW has your boarding pass. Next time DW wont look for you to give it back! We did the back pack carry on and the rolling carryons for DD and I. Coming back went very smoothly!

 

[hpygrll]

Another vote for flying - we flew last May with DS 3 and DS 1 1/2 - that's 2 car seats, a big stroller and an umbrella stroller (we are gluttons for punishment) - It takes some coordination but so easy once on the plane. Portable DVD players are a must in my book!!!

Jenny

 

[MBeds]

Fly = Oh yeah
Drive = No way!

I'm just as bad as my kids - i do not want to be in a car that long...

 

[Servants of Evan]

Fly. It's tough enough to get kids to sit still for three hours versus 20. At least the three in a plane are more interesting... And if you've got any doubt, give them some antihistamine!

 

[Beth76]

Oh fly definitely. My son was exactly 2-1/2 when he went on his first flight and it was great. He was old enough to be excited about going and to behave. I did not use a carseat for him. He just sat in the regular. Fortunately, I was visiting my sister who had an extra seat so I didn't even need to check mine.

I brought his sippy cup, some snacks and some small toys/activities. I had to change his diaper once, during turbulence. It wasn't the easiest diaper change, but we managed.

 

[redshoes]

Flying is easier. I will agree that packing stuff on and off a plane is a hassle. But for us a plane trip is a short amount of pain (kind of like pulling a bandaid off- painful for a short amount of time but easily managed), a car trip can become a never ending amount of torture. Driving to the destination is never a real issue, it's coming home that's hard. My boys are tired from an extended time period of being off their schedules and my DH has had just about enough "family memory making experiences" so he can have a bit of attitude as well (I on the other hand am perfect and never have a bad attitude ). Combine all of these things together and you are in for a very long ride home. It's so much easier to get on a plane and know you'll be home soon. My boys even think that the plane ride is part of the adventure. Have a wonderful trip, no matter what you decide .