Anyone flown Christmas Eve/Day with small kids? Would you do it again?

[flyingsal]

I'm seeking your experiences of flying on Christmas Eve or Day to Europe with 2 small kids. If we went this year, they would be 18mths and 5, but the somewhat sad state of finances mean it is more likely to be the year after.

Have you done it and would you do it again? I'm guessing that there are less people flying on Christmas Eve/Day than immediately before and after? Most importantly, how did you deal with the visit of the fat man in the suit? Did Santa arrive a day early? Did you have a word to a friendly flight attendent and ask them to hide a small stocking? Or did you take advantage of the time difference and have the fat man visit the kids at your final destination?

 

[vertisol]

The airlines tend to make something of the fact it is Christmas and there is a slightly more jovial mood on board is my experience.

The Captain may even let you know if he sees a sleigh off in the distance.

 

[Shelf]

I've flown on Christmas eve for the past 3 years (all Dom flights). The loads have been light to moderate.

 

[amaroo]

We've done Christmas and Good Friday.......easy upgrades (on QF) - if you're in the market!

 

[djfuzz]

I'm seeking your experiences of flying on Christmas Eve or Day to Europe with 2 small kids. If we went this year, they would be 18mths and 5, but the somewhat sad state of finances mean it is more likely to be the year after.

Have you done it and would you do it again? I'm guessing that there are less people flying on Christmas Eve/Day than immediately before and after? Most importantly, how did you deal with the visit of the fat man in the suit? Did Santa arrive a day early? Did you have a word to a friendly flight attendent and ask them to hide a small stocking? Or did you take advantage of the time difference and have the fat man visit the kids at your final destination?

The (relatively) less people has been our experience too - once spent Xmas eve at the MEL FCL and it was completely empty - but of course, YMMV based on other factors. Staff on airlines and at hotels are generally very much in the holiday spirit, and we've often found they tend to provide something small but special on the day (especially where kids are involved). However, not being particularly devoted to the tradition ourselves, the issue of conjuring up a fat man is not something that we could speak to.

 

[docjames]

Domestic travel only - but it's almost the best day of the year to travel.

Lighter loads, and everyone (pax and staff) tend to be in a better mood than normal.

Would definitely travel xmas morning than the night before.