Clahal

Just wanted to get people's thoughts/experiences on when is the best time to fly with young children, bearing in mind the time differences/jet lag etc?

We'll be flying from Heathrow to Newark.

We have a 5 year old, 3 year old and 10 month old!

I was thinking of a late afternoon flight so they're tired and may sleep around their usual bedtime.

Also, is there an option to book a seat for the baby and put his car seat on it or anything? Don't fancy having a wriggly, overtired, wanting to crawl everywhere baby on us the whole time!

Thanks 😀

tonrob

Yes, you can book a seat for the baby and then put an approved car seat in it. Expect to pay the regular child price for the seat.

As for time of day - you will know best, depending on your kids' regular bedtimes, and just knowing them I guess. Late in the day sounds sensible on the face of it.

Clahal

Ok thanks, good to know about the seat. How do you secure the car seat though?

Yes you're right, I think wearing them out during the day and then hope they'll sleep for as much of the flight as poss!

loubiblu

I've been flying long haul with my children since they were all infants. Last time the youngest was under 1 (11 years ago now!), we booked a sky cot for him. I've found it made no difference if we flew on an early morning flight or an afternoon one.

Clahal

Ok thanks very much. I'll call and ask about the Sky Cot option.

scrubbedexpat099

I was bribed once to take a young grandchild, with air miles, it was not enough.

DebzinUS

I recently flew from Heathrow to Boston with BA. My flight left at 16:40 arriving in BOS at 1915 local time. There was a family sitting across from me with two young kiddos, (probably both under five) After the first meal was served, the kids slept the whole way. The parents had an awful job waking them up in Boston though!

Clahal

That's the kind of story I like to hear!! Thanks 😀

Jerseygirl

My daughter recently flew to London from Toronto and back with an 11 month old. Night flight there....day flight back...the baby slept through both flights. She paid extra for bulkhead seats and booked a cot. The cot wasn't used as the flight attendant said the baby had to be taken out of the cot for take off, landing and during times of turbulence. She thought it best not to disturb a sleeping baby by lifting her in and out of the cot.

As for the other children...when our daughter was their age we flew night flights and early morning flights across the pond. I always made sure she took books and puzzles...keeping them occupied when not sleeping is the trick. I can't remember having a problem with jet lag...best to adjust to the new time zone from day 1.

Clahal

Thanks..good info about the carrycot for take off/landing etc. I'm going to book one anyway then we've got the option I guess.

We'll definitely take lots of activities x

markonline1

I'm not sure on the other airlines, but with BA, you'll be able to pre book your seats for free with the 10 month old in tow. You should find the bulk head seats with the bassinets still available provided you don't book last minute. BA will then provide either a sky cot or chair for them to sit in. Our daughter had a great time apart from on the descent when her ears gave her a bit of grief.

TimFountain

I'd say when they turn 18 would be the absolute minimum age you should consider travelling with them....

scrubbedexpat099

Then they will not want to travel with you.

sir_eccles

Having flown solo with a 2 year old, I concur.

I don't see the problem.

Clahal

Haha, if only!