Flight to Oz- June 07- with 2 year old?

mossstar

Hiya

We emigrated here to New Zealand about a year and a half ago when ds2 was 18 months old (selfishly or not! ha ha - indeed partly because we wanted to live in a society that LIKES children instead of complaining about them, but i digress...).

It was HARD WORK (but worth it). Here's what we did.

We flew singapore airlines (fab, the food was great and the kids meals where stupidly glorious with cakes, chocolate, biscuits AS well as all the normal 'nutritional' stuff. This was such an utter treat (we also have ds1 who was 4 at the time) that they couldn't believe it and eating all this usually forbidden grub shut them up at regular intervals!).

We took his buggy for use in singapore, where we stopped for 4 hours and at either end of the flights.

We took his car seat to strap into his aeroplane seat - this was FANTASTIC, especially as we had some crazy turbulence along the way.

I packed a bag with some cheap 'presents' all wrapped up and everything, along with familiar and comforting story books and toys.

If we were to do it over again (not in THIS lifetime! (the flight I mean) :rotfl: ) we'd have a stop over in singapore and NOT do the whole 24hrs in one sitting.

We were still gibbering a week later!

Sorry to be a bit negative, i realise that our experience was slightly more emotional and strange because we were moving rather than just going on holiday!

Good luck - have fun!

xxx

eveyk

Hi mossstar:T

How's life treating you in NZ? As you have read we are off there in 3 weeks.

Where abouts do you live? I'm sure your children love it over there!

My 2 friends have just got back from NZ and Oz and say they much prefer

New Zealand (I'm glad they said that!) They said I will definitely want to

move there! We'll just have to see........

I bet its nice to keep in touch with things through MSE. Any more tips for flying?

E x

kay41_2

You just dont take kids that young on such a long flight, its bad mannered to the poor swines who have to listen to it all the way there and back and not to mention unfair on the kid who I can guarantee wont sit for long after take off, and also tiring on you (I stupidly took Oli to Malta aged 2 - less than a 3h flight and I needed a holiday to get over it)

Sorry if thats harsh but I think its massively selfish to gtake kids that age any further than a 2-3 hour flight. Thats what you give up who you have kids.[/QUOTE]

This is the most ridiculous thing I have read in a long time. My daughter is 6 and has been on 3 long haul flights to USA with us (Last one was California so a LONG flight) and numerous other flights and I have never had a problem with her since she was a baby. You need to be prepared with lots of amusements and a change of clothes for both adults and child. My daughter is very cavalier about flying now. Choose a child friendly airline - the Virgin staff were fab and even let us wander around first class 'cos my daughter was being nosy and wanted to see the stairs. We spent 4 hours at the bar in the end being spoilt rotten 'cos the stewardesses in 1st class were bored! We were very lucky I know!

I don't agree about the bulkhead seats - when we flew AA to the east coast of the USA there was so much room in the bulkhead that my daughter could play on the floor! We always took her car seat a) because then we didn't have to worry about a dodgy one that came with a hire car and b) because you can strap them onto the seat and my one tilted so it was like being in the car for her - a pain to carry but bliss when your kid settles down happily in a familliar seat and nods off! Also the little one could cosy up on the floor on a blanket. Even if you don't book a seat for your little one (we didn't) if the plane isn't full, they should let you bring the seat on the plane. Airlines prioritise families with children 'cos they know if the kids are happy it's an easy flight, if they're not it's hard work for the crew.

Nappy Changing is S**t on a plane - never enough room and the changing table flaps down over the loo!

I always thought people who took kids on long flights were mad (before kids), but now I've done it it's absolutely fine. Yes, you give up a relaxing flight watching films and eating in peace but its hardly any inconvenience at all. I do dream of having a long flight with no interruptions and being able to watch films or read my book...

The last long flight to Calif she was so good it was scary. She worked out how to use the remote control for the seat back telly, chose her own films to watch, played a few games, wandered round the plane a bit, ate some food, and as we flew into San Fran leaned over and said 'Look mummy there's the golden gate bridge' and she was right!

Don't listen to scaremongering as above - some people just find kids hard work. You make your kids adaptable. I probably would break off the journey somewhere, if only to relieve the boredom. I must admit I wouldn't like to do such a long journey, but I would do it given the opportunity. Good luck - it will be fine and if it isn't, at least you'll be in a great place to recover! Ifyou don't take any risks in life it's very dull!

lottee

missk_ensington wrote:

In my opinion I wouldn't go full stop, and dont be surprised if people are rude to you all the way there and all the way back because they happen to be the poor bawastard that got the seat behind the scriking kid for 24 hours cos if it were me (and I have a 3 year old child and regard myself as quite tolerant, knowing forst hand what its like travelling with young ones) I would say something and ask to be moved.

You just dont take kids that young on such a long flight, its bad mannered to the poor swines who have to listen to it all the way there and back and not to mention unfair on the kid who I can guarantee wont sit for long after take off, and also tiring on you (I stupidly took Oli to Malta aged 2 - less than a 3h flight and I needed a holiday to get over it)

Sorry if thats harsh but I think its massively selfish to gtake kids that age any further than a 2-3 hour flight. Thats what you give up who you have kids.

Ok, so if this was the case, my parents would not of met their grandson, as they live in Oz. Come on, get real! :rotfl: We have actually taken him over twice, so far. The first time he was 14 months old, the second time he was just over 2. Hard work both times yes, I won't lie, but I can't see why you should have to give up long haul holidays/flights JUST because you have kids. The 1 week family package to Benidorm for the next god knows how many years, just doesn't appeal to me I'm afraid. Does the same rule apply for long car journeys also in your opinion then? Yeh you do get the odd tantrum/screaming on a long flight, but it also happens on short flights & in supermarkets for that matter. Kids will be kids afterall! As for them not sitting still, would you sit still for a 24 hour flight then? As long as my DS wasn't disturbing anyone that didn't want to be disturbed, I was quite happy for him to walk up & down, talking away to himself & the flight attendants! Actually, on the last flight, a few of the passengers around us offered to read books, & do some colouring with him, I think it made their journey pass a little quicker !

I strongly disagree with all of your comments, a word of warning, we will be going to Oz around June time, I'll pm you all the flight details when it's booked, afterall - I wouldn't want you to be the poor swine who's sat in front of us...

john0612

we're heading to OZ in may, with a 2yr old in tow.

I can't wait, and neither can he.

He sits at the computer and gets me to put up the "big plane" for him and "wows" at it every time, gawd knows what he'll be like actually in it lol.

He tells everyone he is going to "oztrala" as he calls it and he is going to meet our friends see kangaroos, koala bears and go to the beach.

It's an adventure for him too you have to remember.

We've done 4 trips with him already, mostly to the canarys and the like and he was fine, sure you have to entertain them but you have to entertain YOURSELF most of the time lol, so why not amuse each other.

mossstar

eveyk wrote:

Hi mossstar:T

How's life treating you in NZ? As you have read we are off there in 3 weeks. Where abouts do you live? I'm sure your children love it over there! My 2 friends have just got back from NZ and Oz and say they much prefer New Zealand (I'm glad they said that!) They said I will definitely want to
move there! We'll just have to see........

I bet its nice to keep in touch with things through MSE. Any more tips for flying?

E x

MSE is still great! I used it in the UK and I use it here!

We're up at the top of New Zealand in the Northland - not as far as the bay of islands (we're about 1.5 hours north of Auckland) and it's TOO BLOOMING HOT at the moment :rotfl: But wonderful. We've always grown our own veggies, but now we're stuffing ourselves with our own passionfruit, bananas, guava and citrus fruits! So yes, we're pretty much in heaven...

We also live next to the most beautiful, safe beach and my 5 year old is catching waves *grins*. We're very happy.

The climate changes fairly dramatically down the length of New Zealand - we have friends in Christchurch (SI) for example who spend their whole winter snow boarding and skiing! Here the winters are warm during the day, but cold in the early morning and at night (although we didn't get a frost, i'm told that it has been known).

My dp is a teacher, and is as poorly paid here as he was in the UK - hence the need for MSE! ha ha... in fact I'd say that you'll hate NZ if you enjoy having lots of disposable income and consumer goods to spend it on - salaries are lower here and the cost of living is around the same as the uk (with some notable exceptions such as petrol and insurances which are much lower) - so in real terms I find it more expensive to live here and have got used to more of our income going on food and essentials. To balance that we have a four bed detached house surrounded by fields, hills and beaches for around 130k pounds :T

So my tips for moving to NZ are: get grass roots - learn to cook from scratch and be creative, learn to use a woodburner (the most popular form of heating), bring a hot water bottle, shorts, high factor sunscreen, warm socks, a sunhat, your skis, good sunglasses, and a boogie board!!

The main thing for us is the realisation that life is an adventure and that you CAN go out and get what you dream of - you really can!

PM me if I can help at all.

Steph x

eveyk

Well.... we are back from NZ (about 3 weeks now) We loved it!
I really didn't want to go home. I felt like we fitted in even though I know it was a holiday!
Our daughter was great on the flight misscarlet you have nothing to worry about! she was quiet happy to play with the bits we took especially the bits of tea set.
Singapore airlines were great happy to help.
NZ was amazing the scenery is wonderful and we found most of the people really helpful. We have definitley seen more of NZ in 4 and half weeks than in UK in my life!
We would both like to live there but its a big move and we really need to talk about it!!

misscarlet PM me if you want to ask any questions!

mossstar have PM'd you

E x

bylromarha

Flew to NZ in Nov 2005 with my then 15 month old with Air new Zealand. I rang them before we flew so they could "reassure a nervous mum". They let me choose a menu, book seats, and we had priority treatment everywhere (except Heathrow!!!!)

Air NZ couldn't do enough to help. Provided nappies/cream/wipes etc for the trip. Food was great and very child friendly. DS's meals came before everyone else's so we had time to feed him before we fed ourselves.
Staff happy to provide milk, warm our food and would often stop in the aisle to come and play with him.Kids kit kept lad amused for hours. We took a few toys to release one at a time, no annoying tinny noise ones though! Don't forget they'll sleep for some of the flight, plus the seatback TVs can be a godsend!

You may be advised by some well meaning people to dose them up for the flight on piriton to make them sleepy...bad idea!!!! My friend heard this advise, did so, and her child stayed awake and hyper for the entire flight, including stopover times:eek:

Was great in NZ as we hired a campervan to travel round. DS loved it as it meant we could chat together about all the things we saw, and we were high up, so we saw lots! It also meant everything was at hand and I didn't need to worry about DS getting grumpy from lack of food as we could pull up in the most wild spot, open the fridge and cook up some dinner!

I also found out I was pregnant 6 weeks before we flew. I was fine during 1st pregnancy, so wasn't worried about flying, though if you had a sicky pregnancy first time round, it'll be worth taking into consideration. i rang insurance company to let them know and rang NHS direct for their advice (would love to tell you what they said, but that would constitute mediacl advice which is banned! So ring them yourselves for peace of mind that there's no issues at all;))

The thought of the flight is far FAR worse than the reality of it.

And ignore those who tell you you're wrong to take kids that far. Children are only limiting to your travel plans if you let them.

Hal

missscarlet wrote: »

Right, we are looking at going to Oz for a trip in June this year, with my 2 year old son (he will be 2 over there) and looking at cheap flights for all 3 of us, who's best to fly with, should we do a quick stop in Singapore as looking to go to Brisbane, also any tips about taking a child tis young.

Apologies that this might be too late for you if you have already booked flights however the best tip is to fly BA to Sydney in your circumstances. The reason? Because your son will be <2 when you commence your journey but 2 upon your return, if you fly BA you still only need to buy him an infant fare - for the return journey he will have a free seat.

See here for a link to the relevant BA website details as even most of their booking staff do not know this. It says:

From_BA.com wrote:

Children who become 2 years old during travel

Question
My child turns 2 years old during our holiday, does this make any difference to whether they have a seat on the plane ?

Answer
If you are travelling with an infant who reaches the age of two on a date during your journey (i.e. departs under the age of 2 but returns over the age of 2), a separate seat is required for all sectors on and after their birthday.

British Airways will be pleased to ensure that your reservation reflects a booked seat for that portion of your journey.

The fare charged will remain at the infant fare for the entire journey, regardless of the fact that a seat has been booked for some sectors.

If you would like to ensure that your child has a seat after their 2nd birthday, please contact your local British Airways office from the contact details found if you click here.

This policy does not apply for passengers travelling on Qantas flights, on which a child turning 2 years old during travel must either continue to travel sitting on their parent's lap or pay a child fare for their remaining flights after their 2nd birthday.

Please note: Bookings should be made according to the age of the infant/child at the time of travel, not at the time of booking.
Therefore if the infant will be two at the time of travel for the start of the journey then a booking for a child should be made.

As you can see, it does not apply to Qantas flights, so keep the Qantas flight to the relatively cheap and short 2 hour hop from Sydney to Brisbane. (Rather than flying Qantas from Singapore to Brisbane).

I would also encourage you to do a stopover en-route - it does make the journey more bearable. With BA you can go out via Singapore (absolutely terrific zoo and night zoo), and return via Bangkok (absolutely terrific) or vice versa rather than going the same way. Plus you could stopover in Sydney too on both legs which would give you a great chance to see Sydney if you have not been before.

Good luck. :beer: