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I assume you have never travelled long haul with small children. It's in everyone's interest for children onboard to have access to entertainment, food, diaper
by knz 10y ago
I assume you have never travelled long haul with small children.
It's in everyone's interest for children onboard to have access to entertainment, food, diapers, comfort objects, and clean clothes. That all takes space.
- dagw 10y agoIt doesn't take that much space. Certainly not more space than that you can fit under the seat in front of you.
- philjohn 10y agoOK, let's do a thought experiment. You have an infant, and are (for unfathomable reasons, probably related to masochism) taking them from London to Sydney - a 21.5 hour flight - including layover. How many nappies do you think the average bundle of joy gets through in an almost 24 hour period? You also need their baby food, a changing matt, baby wipes, nappy rash cream, clothing, books and toys to keep them entertained. Last time I travelled there was hardly room for a small bag under the seat in front, there's no way 24 hours of supplies for a baby would fit easily. Now what if you have twins?
- edwhitesell 10y agoI did a 6 hour flight (which was a 14+ hour day) with my son when he was 8 months. It was pretty easy. Every child is different though. If he was a difficult baby/toddler, there's no way I would have attempted it by myself. The twins question is easy. You're only allowed one infant per person. So, if you have twins you and the other adult both have a bag for food, changing mat, wipes, diapers, etc. If you're already thinking it's too much to spend a few extra bucks to improve the experience for everyone, you probably shouldn't be flying anyway.
- knz 10y agoI'm not sure 6 hours counts as long haul in the context of needing supplies! If you are on a 20+ hour itinerary with multiple layovers and the potential for delays then you will have substantially more carry on items. Throw in needing to bring any medical supplies or bottles/formula for the baby and it's even worse.
- edwhitesell 10y agoSure, I wasn't trying to imply that it did count as a long-haul; just giving my own point of reference/opinion. I agree on all of your points. However, if there are other factors involed (as I stated, if my child was more difficult), I simply wouldn't travel. Maybe that's not a decision you can make, but I have.
- knz 10y agoMy response was more for others reading - I agreed with everything you had written. My experience has always been that most kids travel well especially if the parents have prepared.
- lintiness 10y agohahaha, an infant? ANY DAY. try a 2.5 yo.
- PaulHoule 10y agoWhen my son was that age he pushed his way into the front window at a toy store and I picked him up, tucked him under my arm, and carried him sideways out of the store. We sat down and talked about it just a few steps outside. Somebody called the police on us because an officer showed up; the three of us had a good conversation and he left.
- lintiness 10y agoa good idea: let's put our 2.5 yos in the overhead!
- edwhitesell 10y agoYou also get the space under the seat(s) for the small children too. Give them each a small'ish bag they can carry themselves.