Flying long-haul with 18 month old boy - will it be a nightmare?

Question

Thanks so much for the thoughtful and helpful answers so far - really appreciate it.

Answer 1

mayb and mayb not..as your other answer said you will probably need something that will help with his ears in a pressurized environment. I remember my father telling me that he would give me jelly beans or gummy bears n tell me to suck on  them...it would take the pain away....when they were jelly beans he would tell me that they were a special kind of medicine specially for your ears.....also he would try and get me to sleep for a while....he tried to make it as fun as possible and he said before the plane took off, while we were in the boarding gate, he would play with me a lot....to get me tired i guess....that often worked.....and also he would turn on the seat back tv for me and i would watch the kids channel for ages on my own.....

hope this helps!

have fun!

Answer 2

That depends on you, to a large degree.  I've done multiple long-haul flights, and I've seen the best and worst small children can come up with.  The deciding factor in most cases was how prepared the parent(s) were.

First, he will probably have some problems with takeoff & landing, due to the change in air pressure.  There are specific ear plugs called "earplanes" that will help with this, and they do make them in child-size. (see http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight... )  they say they can be used from ages1-11, so your little boy is probably okay.  If you're worried, consult your pediatrician.  (Which is a good idea anyway-- they might have some good advice, too.

Otherwise, the trick is to keep them entertained for God knows how many hours.  The easiest thing, if the child cooperates, is for them to sleep.  I *do not* recommend drugging the child, although I know of some who have done it.  But the conditions inside a pressurized airplane affect the human body very differently than on the ground, and without consulting a Dr., not a good idea.  On the other hand, if there's an opportunity to convienently miss a nap before flying, take it.

But let's assume he'll be awake the whole flight.  So... break out the carry-on bag.  Anything that will keep him relatively quiet & occupied is good. Coloring books, small (quiet!) toys, etc.   He's probably too young to get much out of a portable DVD player, otherwise that can be a good option.

Also, new things are good-- a toy or a new coloring book he hasn't seen before will last you much longer than the same old one he's had at home for a while.

Keep in mind, too, that the airlines don't provide much beyond a seat these days.  If you think you're going to want/need it, bring it.  Yes, there are limits on liquids, but there's an exception for baby food (he's probably close enough to qualify--see http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c... )

One final thing:  He's a toddler being asked to sit still on a very long flight.  He's very likely going to have a fit/tantrum/meltdown/etc. at some point.  The key is how you react.  If he won't calm down, take him to back of the plane (or whereever the galley might be)  and keep trying.  Eventually, he will wear himself out and stop.   Just try, and be a bit sympathetic to your fellow passengers.  Most of them will be understanding if they see you trying.  You might try chatting with the flight attendant(s).  If you come across a friendly one (which I assume you will since it sounds like you're flying international), try half-jokingly asking if they have any secrets to help. ;o)  Believe me, it *never* hurts to have the flight attendants on your side.

Basically, though it comes down to this:

1. be prepared with toys & such, snacks, and any other essentials.

2. Do your best to try to get him to sleep.  But if you can't just roll with the puches and do your best.

3. Accept that he will get fussy at some point, and do your best to change that.  But again, if you can't, you can't.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Maybe not. First, make sure you buy ear plugs for your boy. It will help with the air pressure on ascending and descending. One of the reasons why kids cry on planes. Try to think of 'games' to humor the child in between bouts of sleep. Make him sleep as much as possible but you've got to be creative on this one. :-)