Flying from the UK with toddler.

[downgraded]

Practical suggestions on the "best" airline to fly from the UK with a toddler too large for bassinet please. No frequent flyer status so no allegiance. Y class. I'm sure contributors can evaluate best in different ways...

 

[greenfish]

Practical suggestions on the "best" airline to fly from the UK with a toddler too large for bassinet please. No frequent flyer status so no allegiance. Y class. I'm sure contributors can evaluate best in different ways...

* Does the toddler have a regular sleep pattern? If so, consider an evening flight from the UK (or a flight timed to coincide wth the toddlers sleep pattern at any rate)
* Consider breaking the journey somewhere if possible.
* Consider buying a seat for the toddler unless flying at very offpeak times (assuming toddler is under 2 of course)
* Choose your transit airport carefully. Singapore is good. Hong Kong too. Dubai not bad either.

The above criteria will probably result in the airline choice being obvious...

 

[Denali]

You have to go via LAX & Auckland but I wonder if Air NZ Skycouch would be an option but then again, considering the prices, maybe just buy an extra comfort seat for a more direct route.

 

[Stanley Lambchop]

In my experience of traveling with two toddler Lambchops I'd say EK > QF > BA. Haven't tried CX (although we have a flight with them this Christmas) or SQ.
EK provided a really nice, healthy meal for the kids and a good on board activity pack, far better than those offered up by QF and BA. Crew, as always, can be a bit hit and miss but my two have always been well behaved and so have always received friendly and attentive service whatever carrier we have been on.

 

[Boris spatsky]

I found CX>QF>JL with a toddler. Definitely get them their own seat at a minimum. Inseat IFE very beneficial. Minimise connections. Pick flights that match a toddler's body clock where possible (midnight departures from the Middle East/hong kong are horrible, even with lounge access). Don't rely solely on onboard food options (ours ate the onboard food on one leg only out of 4 long haul to LHR).

 

[Pierre_a]

Hi Downgraded,

This is a subject close to my heart! I actually think the choice of airline is less important than whether the timings, routing and aircraft type meet your requirements. On top of that having a solid plan for entertaining and settling the child is essential.

When we bought our two year old over from the UK last year we flew Malaysian to KL, they were actually very good and have the distinct advantage that their loadings were quite light due to the recent issues that airline had.

It is absolutely essential to buy yourself an extra seat. The extra space it provides is tremendous and allowed us to take a whole group of three seats on the A380 (and four on the a330 from KL because no one would willingly sit next to us!). The additional cost may make you wince at first, but believe me when your settled into your seats you'll consider it the best investment you've made all year.

I would say the choice of timing of your flights depends on your specific child and your tolerance to stress. In our case we went for a midday departure because that allowed our toddler to settle in to the environment and eventually sleep come 'night time'. Keeping her up for a night departure on a previous trip resulted in an overstimulated child who would not/could not sleep and became very challenging to deal with - but every child is different.

I would recommend breaking the trip as well if you can because it is unlikely you will get much sleep on your first leg. KL is great for this as it has the cheapest five star hotels in the world.

One more thing - my wife prepared about thirty little wrapped 'presents' each with a little game in to entertain her. Things like crayons, stickers, poms poms to stuff into bottles - that sort of stuff. Each of those kept her entertained for ten - fifteen minutes unwrapping and then playing with the contents - it all adds up.

Anyway - good luck!