Hi
We leave next Wed. for our 3wk 'look-n-see' trip to the UK. I've not flown in 20yrs so a bit naive when it comes to these new rules and regulations, or even flying with children.

Can anyone offer some advise;

can I take medicines in my hand-luggage?
can I take a half-full bottle of perfume in my suitcase?
any tips (considering we're leaving in extremely hot temps, and arriving to extremely cold temps) on how to stay healthy?
any tips on keeping two children (Age 6 & 9) occupied on the flight?
Thanks
Audrey

We couldn't take drinks through the security checkpoint, so we tipped out the juice from Dd's sippy cup and bought more drinks on the other side. I had tiny containers of hand cream, liquid hand sanitiser etc in 1oz bottles and in a small zip top baggie, so they could see them in the hand luggage. It was just enough to get us to UK. I put the big bottles of stuff in the checked luggage.
Have fun

I believe medicines are OK but I wasn't allowed to send my daughter a bottle of perfume for Christmas (she's in the UK). They wouldn't allow it because it was a 'flammable liquid'. You might need to check with your airline.

As far as staying healthy goes, layer clothing is best in the UK. A T Shirt under a shirt, then a jumper and a jacket plus a hat, scarf, gloves and two pairs of socks. If you get too hot, you can remove a layer but if you're cold, it's hard to get warm. You shouldn't feel it too much as most houses are centrally heated and so are the shops. It's only when you're outside you need to rug up.
In Winter, most people top up on a good brand of multi vitamin with extra Vit C to fend of chills and colds.
Won't stop all the bugs on a plane though. That's why you often see Japanese travelling wearing a health and safety mask. They think it will stop them breathing in everyone's germs.

As far as children go, they do show several films on a plane but it's probably best to take activities like games. I used to take moulding clay. My children entertained a whole flight crew by making clay shapes to look like the passengers. It was good interaction for everyone and kept us all amused. Usually they sleep most of the way. I have flown on long haul trips regularly and I have never found children to be a problem.

Thanks for your replies....have bought a good multi-vitamin today, so will make a point of taking that daily.

As far as staying healthy on the plane, I do take Airborne every 3-4 hrs.

I used to lose my voice (probably germs in the cabin that got to me) every time I would fly to Scotland from the US (I'm one of those people who never normally gets sick). Since taking Airborne I have never once lost my voice. Wouldn't fly without it!

And this is from someone who avoids any type of medication like the plague

What is 'Airborne' ...never heard of it?

Oh, it might just be produced in the US. It's herbal tablets that you put in water, then dissolves, and you drink it. Tastes good! Here's the website if you want to look it up:

www.AirborneHealth.com

M.

Medicine should be ok if in original package
yes u an take perfume in case , not in hand lug
for kids...gameboy ,hand held dvd and own films,colouring ,travel games,beading etc if they like making things ,throw away camera to take pics out the window
wear layers,take multi vits,
enjoy ure trip

You state you can't take perfume into the UK in hand luggage...can you please post a link to that rule?

To the OP....check with your departing airport in Oz on the amount of perfume/liquids you can carry in your hand luggage. I entered the UK 2 weeks ago carrying perfume in my handbag. Prescription medications generally should be carried in your hand luggage...in their original packaging showing the pharmacist info. If you put them in your checked bags you run the risk of losing them.

always check with the airport of departure and chosen airline for current rules and regs.

When you're there, take Vitamin D. England doesn't get enough even in summer unless you're working outdoors all day. It's to do with latitude. Only the ones near the equator get enough for people mostly living indoors. In the winter, no way can we get enough. Lack of it has all kinds of health problems, but it also makes us depressed. Of course, coming from Australia you're probably well stocked up-- depending where you're from, I suppose!

Bev

Cant add much to the list that you have already got! Dont be surprised if you do catch a cold when you get there though, it all depends on what other airborne viruses and bacteria the other passengers have boarded with but a multivit is a good idea and drink lots of water on the flight, do your airborne exercises and sleep as much as you can. I wouldnt worry too much about the kids - with the onboard entertainment these days plus the probability that they will be out like a light for much of it, they will find plenty to entertain them.

If you can pick up some thermal underwear in the sales before you go, that would come in very handy as your first layer - those damart vests are worth their weight in gold I reckon but you dont need to wear them on the plane. Otherwise, I certainly go along with the layering premise. Have your fleece or jacket on the top of your luggage so when you pick up your bag you can quickly haul it out. I am a strong believer in travelling light with the hand luggage though because the more you have the more you have to look after and put away in the cabin etc.

I envy you a UK Christmas!!!!

Just one point. Children's ears are very sensitive to pressure. That's why young babies often scream during take off and landing. If your children catch a cold, make sure their poor little ears aren't blocked or that they risk an ear infection. Take some ear drops just in case.

On this one, they'll probably be all right if they suck because the action opens the eustacian (spelling?) tubes. That's why they pass around the boiled sweets for adults. Give them bottle or breast as the plane goes up and come down and they'll likely avoid the horrible pain.

Bev

I don't live in the UK now (I may go back in the New Year) but I have dreadful memories of cold days and overheated houses, shops and public transport. Dress warmly for outdoors and strip off layers inside to avoid being stifled! Anything changed?