Hi
I do a round the world every three months with my now 3.5 year old for work [Her second year as Platinum / OW Emerald

] in business class.
At 18 months, they’re just passed the stage where walking is novel, but still relatively hyperactive, and, sadly (for flights at least) not yet quite developed enough to sit and digest cartoons / iPads etc. Tricky age. For me, best recommendations are:
- fly A380 with onboard bar / lounge area. This is incredibly important so they can get their energy out and gives them additional entertainment.
- seats: whilst 1-2-1 configurations are wonderful, when travelling with toddlers, I find that the older 2-2-2 configurations a las QF A380/747 actually works much better. You don’t actually have to get up every couple of minutes to attend to your child.
- X-factor: nannies onboard. Etihad has then. IMMENSELY helpful and frees you up. Business class passengers get priority.
- Flight time. Fly at night and increase your chances of little one sleeping
Recommendation: despite considerable additional flying time, taking the overnight flights from Australia to the Middle East, stopping over for 12 hours, then carrying on again gives you two ‘overnight’ flights as it relates to your toddler’s body clock. Go Etihad and benefit from onboard nanny and inflight bar / lounge. This one is a no brainer and don’t be scared by extra flying time. This strategy always pays off for us at least.