International Flight Options

I *always* go with the direct option if available, especially if cost isn't really a problem. I'm a point-A-to-point-B-in-the-quickest-time-possible type of person. Layovers with small children (which I've done many, many times) are a pain and tiring, and, omg, what if your first flight is delayed and you miss your next flight because of it (which has ALSO happened and is a nightmare). Given the choice, direct flight. Always. Just get there and get the traveling over with.

Direct.

Here's the thing-- there is NO way one can control every single factor of a flight. You pack the backpacks with plenty to eat, plenty to do, extra clothes for everyone (because kids do like to get diarrhea on planes, or spill something on themselves, or throw up) ...

... and then you leave it up to fate. Take the direct flight and just remember that nothing is going to be 100% perfect. So, the kids will be cranky that first day there or that first day back. Or both. Traveling can be difficult for kids, period. Even if all the planets align and the planes are on time... over the course of the trip, it will still have the kids out of their element. It happens. Don't overthink it.

Direct. Honestly...

Non-stop. Get it over with.

There are pros and cons to both options.

Years ago, on a flight from Hawaii to New Jersey, I sat next to a two year old & her mom for part of the flight. The family (4 or 5 in total) had been travelling standby & couldn't get seats together. I think it worked out for the best though, and might be something you want to consider. The father was in one section & the mom in the other. The little one was great -- but it's a long daytime (as I recall) flight for anyone, let alone a child. When she got bored with mama, she got passed off to dad. After a while, that got old & she came back. That way, both parents (& people seated near them) got a bit of a break. Both parents were prepared to entertain her (different toys & snacks). She slept some and visited some.

Like I said, I don't think it was planned so much as adapting to what had to be done, but both parents handled it very well & the occasional change seemed to provide some entertainment factor to the child as well. Win all around!

Enjoy your trip!

We always opt for nonstop. It is just simpler because you are not looking at a delayed flight, etc on your stopover.

We started flying with daughter when she was about 4 months old.

I have family in England, with 5 kiddos (ages 1-10, crazy I know) and they always flight directly because it is just easier.

I just want to send you my best wishes for an uneventful experience, either way! I fly coast-to-coast with my kids at least once, usually twice a year. The very worst trips have been when they are in that 10 to 24 month period where they want to be up and walking around and are not yet distracted by handheld games, movies, etc. That age is just rough when it comes to sitting still! I would actually consider breaking up the flight at that age, just to get some time to run around. But if your little one is on a strict schedule and you know she won't get the benefit of the layover, go direct. I usually do red eye flights out and late afternoon flights back, and the red eyes are always harder on everyone. Just keep telling yourself that it will end and it will be worth it!!

Direct. I would prefer to just get there and let the kid sleep in the car (or stroller) than try to navigate another airport with children. My DD did really well sleeping on the plane (overnight to the UK), better than the rest of us. She was not quite 3. She also napped in the car and in her stroller the first day. My SS flew a different flight and it took him forever to get home. We did 7 or 8 hours straight shot. I also prefer not taking little kids off a plane to put them back on again. They don't always understand that the trip will be in pieces, unlike an older child. My DD would have wanted to GO SOMEWHERE, not hang out and go back on a plane. So it's of course up to you, but I prefer straight shot.

If you can afford the direct flight and it is available, I'd jump on that option. Yes, it can be good to move around and be outside of the plane, and yes, your kids might well be sleepless, tired, and grumpy. However, they might be regardless of the flight plan and you should consider the inconvenience of getting everyone and your luggage off the plane, getting to the next gate, waiting to board, getting everyone/ thing back onto the plane, a second flight... Oh, and there's the possibility of cancellations or having luggage not make the transit.

Direct wins hands-down, in my view... Good luck with it, whatever you do and I hope you have a fabulous time!

We always did direct when possible. I like to get there and be done!

We always do a non stop flight if feasible! I even pay more for those tickets. First of all, I am not really a good flyer. I get anxious during take off and landing and I am like the majority of others here, I like to just get there!
Back in 2004 my husbands side of the family went to Disneyworld as a family vacation and we let my SIL book all our tickets.... BIG MISTAKE! We ended up flying all day! It was EXHAUSTING!! Our first flight left at 6am and we got to Orlando at 4pm. We had three plane changes!
Good luck!

I try to fly direct. I hate nothing worse than changing planes after DD has just fallen asleep at the end of the first leg of a 14 hour trip. UGH.

If I were you I'd fly direct and limit the chances of a meltdown. When my daughter was 15 months she didn't sleep at all on a night flight. If you are willing you could give your daughter benadryl on the flight, but it may back fire on you and she won't sleep anyway. I gave my daughter the entire can of puffs (you know the baby puffs) on the flight and let her have at it. It kept her quiet and seated for almost 2 hours. I also bought flashcards. I don't know what it was about the cards, but she loved them and they kept her busy. Kit Kats also were great for my daughter. Every so often I'd give her a stick and she was happy as could be. When it comes to long flights, I never cared what my daughter ate or drank as long as she was good.

Even on a night flight, I took my daughter up and down the aisles for a walk. It kept her quiet and she really didn't bother anyone around her.

I fly direct whenever possible. Do your best to wear them out throughout the day before you get on the plane. It's so much easier than having the stopover and there is no chance (ok, much less chance) of your luggage getting lost.

Don't plan anything for the first day or two that you are there. Arrive at 6:00 and if your kids haven't slept at all, go home and go straight to bed. Get up by 1:00 or so and then have a normal bedtime that night.