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Flying solo with 3 little kids -- bad idea?
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amother
OP


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:03 pm
I am thinking about making a trip without DH with our 3 kids to visit family on my side.

The youngest is a very active 1.5 year old in diapers. The older two are in preschool and kindergarten, both well past toilet training and reasonably obedient for their ages.

The trip would be a single direct flight, about 2 hours in the air.

Is this workable? Tips to make it easier? Thanks.
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pesek zman




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:13 pm
Short flight makes it doable in my opinion. I’d nix anything international.
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amother
Pewter


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:23 pm
should be fine

have done it many times and for longer

good luck
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FranticFrummie




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:23 pm
2 hours shouldn't be a problem. Even if it is, just tell yourself it will be over soon.

Bring a new toy for the baby, and ask the other kids to help entertain. They will feel like real "helpers". Praise them a lot for distracting the baby, and tell them what good travelers they are. Have prizes for them when you land.

I started flying internationally on really long trips with DD when she was only 2 1/2. With lots of positive feedback, no negative, and a lot of distraction and redirection, she's turned into an amazing traveler. She loves airplanes, trains, and road trips of any sort, because she associates it with only good things.
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amother
Yellow


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:24 pm
Should be fine w video
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agreer




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:26 pm
How are you sitting? Is one child going to sit by himself? What will you do when you need to change the baby or go to the bathroom on the plane? Or if one kid needs the bathroom...do you all go?

I wouldn't do it because I am super anxious.
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SixOfWands




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:29 pm
pesek zman wrote:
Short flight makes it doable in my opinion. I’d nix anything international.


My concern is that unless she does the baby as a lap baby (and I don't recommend that with an active toddler), one child will not be seated directly with her.

Otherwise, a 2-hour flight should be doable.
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amother
Mustard


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:31 pm
If it's just a 2 hour flight, it shouldn't be that difficult. It's almost like spending a day at the mall...
If you're planning to fly at a busy timing when the airport will be crowded and the lines long, that would be hard & I wouldn't do it. But a 2 hour flight on a slow season doesn't seem so daunting to me.
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dancingqueen




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 1:49 pm
I actually think that does sound difficult. But if it’s the only way to see your family I would probably do it too.
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ceebee




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 2:02 pm
I’ve done this a few times. Slightly older but still with the youngest in diapers. It’s hard but doable.
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amother
OP


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 2:05 pm
Thanks everyone. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who finds the prospect a little daunting.

For bathroom use on the plane, I would take the 1.5 year old with me to escort whichever older kid needed to go, but leave the second older kid in her seat. For bathroom use in the airport, we would all come in together to a handicapped stall or family restroom. Also, id bring devices for the older two to watch a video on the plane.
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amother
Magenta


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 3:19 pm
Remember it's not only the flight, it's the drive to the airport, the for airport security, and the getting luggage and drive from the airport.

Can you drive instead? It may be the same amount of time.
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amother
Dodgerblue


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 3:25 pm
amother [ Magenta ] wrote:
Remember it's not only the flight, it's the drive to the airport, the for airport security, and the getting luggage and drive from the airport.

Can you drive instead? It may be the same amount of time.


I agree. You have a lot more control if you drive. You're not on an imposed schedule. You can stop as needed. You don't have to deal with lines or a luggage carousel at baggage claim.

Compare the door to door time. Even if the drive is a little longer, it's a much more pleasant way to travel.

You'll also save money on flights and have a car at your destination.

If driving is possible, it's the better way to go.
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causemommysaid




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 3:27 pm
a two hour flight means a 10+ hour drive. I wouldnt do that alone with 3 kids. Better to fly
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amother
Black


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 3:34 pm
Quote:

a two hour flight means a 10+ hour drive. I wouldnt do that alone with 3 kids. Better to fly

This. Driving means you are 100% occupied on the road. Can't help your kids for even a second. And if you stop every time a kid needs something, it will add hours onto the trip.

I've flown with three kids, and it was hard but fine. The flight attendants are also usually very nice and helpful as long as you're polite. You can even ask them to keep an eye on a kid while you take the other one to the bathroom. Your goal should be to have the older two as occupied as possible on their own so you can give your energy to the youngest. Bringing something for the kids to watch is best.
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cbg




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 3:58 pm
Please check that the airlines will allow you to travel with 3 little ones. My friend’s daughter tried and my friend had to travel with her.
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flowerpower




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 4:23 pm
I’d do it. Just be very prepared.
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amother
Mint


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 4:27 pm
I've done long road trips, and also flights. Flying is hands down easier for me. As long as you're very organized, it's much more manageable than trying to keep 3 kids occupied while also safely driving and navigating. The actual time strapped in is what's most challenging, and flying cuts that time drastically.
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MimsCH




 
 
    
 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 5:45 pm
I did a 4 hour flight alone a few times with 5 little kids under age of 8 and highly pregnant.
the hardest child is usually the toddler.
just make sure kids are well fed and not overtired.
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amother
Mustard


 

Post Mon, Apr 15 2019, 5:54 pm
Driving 10 hours alone with little kids is a TERRIBLE idea. How would you take care of the kids if you're the only driver? And 10 hours is a long time to drive alone and for kids to be buckled up.
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