Flying intercontinentally with a baby - Germany

Hello everyone,

we're planning on flying to Australia next year which is a 22-hour journey (not including the re-fuelling stop which could be as long as 5-6 hours).

Would anyone have any advice on how to help a baby cope with such a long journey, what we should bring with us. He'll be one by that time. Would it make it easier to do this journey when he's a bit younger?

K.

Buy a ticket for him so that he has his own seat and don't try to do it with him in your lap. Take a car seat with you and a supply of his favorite toys and snacks. Take an airline with individual in seat TVs so he has something to watch to keep him occupied. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Eurovol. Unfortunately, it doesn't fall within our budget to get our little one his own seat.

Has anyone done this journey with a baby?

I have never done a 22 hour flight but travel to Canada with my little one since he was 4 months old. Make sure you have something for them to drink during take off and landing. This helps with the popping of the ears. If they start to cry because their ears hurt pinch their nose closed. It sounds mean but it helps pop their ears. I always flew with him on my lap only because he wouldn't sit alone. He still won't sit in his own chair and he will be three soon.
I also try to skip nap times and start adjusting them to their new time zone beofre we leave, it makes it easier when you arrive

good luck

if all else fails drug them

I agree with hockeywidow re. a drink or pacifier during take-off and landing, and would recommend you keep your child hydrated throughout the flight. Other than that, have a small bag with all the essentials - milk, jars of food, spoons, snacks, nappies, changing mat and wipes, and at least two spare sets of clothing for such a long flight. You should also take his favourite stuffed toy (if he has one) and some other distractions such as books etc.

I've not made such a long trip (only 8 hours) as you are intending, but one friend stopped for a day in the connecting destination on the way to Sydney, and another just prepared herself for a long sleepless journey. Hopefully the airline attendants will be sympathetic and luckily you have your partner travelling with you, and thus another pair of hands.

A number of times I have seen (on transatlantic flights) that there are baby beds
attached to bulkhead in front of parent's seats. This only works in certain rows
but if you have informed the airline that you have a baby then maybe they will allocate
the appropriate seat.

Failing that when you get on board if the plane isnt chock-full the staff may be able
to move you into reasonable seating...

I have also seen people (usually middle-aged women) who are prepared to carry babies around
the cabin on their arms whilst mom & pa get an hour's shuteye...

for the sake of the other passangers, let the airline know you are traveling with a baby, so you and your husband can get a seat by the bulkhead (like mentioned above) so you can use the baby bed.
There is nothing worse as a single women, than taking along flight sitting next to a couple with a baby, and you are squeezed inbetween them, as they thought they could 'get away' with it.

Amen

what are they trying to get away with?

HEM's post is good advice for younger babies, but I fear a one year old will exceed the weight/height limit for a bassinet - I know mine did when he was only 10 months old and he was average with re. to both criteria. You should inform the airlines directly that you are travelling with an infant, and request a front row seat for the extra legroom; however not one by the emergency exit as you'll then not be able to keep your handbaggage under the seat in front of you, only in the overhead locker.

I've not travelled to Australia with a little one, but have done several trips to the US that were sometimes 15, 16 hours with my little guy. At that age, be prepared to do a lot of walking up and down the aisles, especially if the wee one is toddling by then. Also make sure you bring at least two changes of clothes for him, since he's bound to spill something, or have a blow-out diaper, or whatnot. Happened EVERY time I travelled with my little guy.

Also talk to the airline ahead of time and ask for a 'bassinet' seat. All the long haul carriers have these. Then you are seated at the bulkhead, and they will pop a 'bassinet' (read smallish box) onto the wall, and then you won't have to hold him the whole time. Bring a good amount of toys (although you'll make enemies fast if they are noisy ones.)

In my experience, the airlines often book the seats next to people traveling with babies on lap last, so there is a reasonable chance you'll get a free seat next to you, which is handy.

And if you happened to be seated next to someone who seems really uncomfortable about the baby, don't hesitate to talk to the stewardess (and the person) about if they would like to be re-seated somewhere else. I once had a guy seated next to me who willingly took a middle seat in the back rather than sitting next to a baby, which left the seat next to me free, so it worked out for everyone.

Snacks are important for sure.

Hopefully another adult will be travelling with you to help out. Otherwise, I found it much harder.

When you schedule your flight, make sure your layovers are not too tight, as it takes twice as long to get to the next plane (when changing) with a baby, and you don't want to be frantic.

Going through security is also quite a trip with a baby, so build in extra time for that as well.

Take your stroller with you. They will let you take it to the plane, and then 'gate check' it, so when you get off the plane, it will be waiting for you right outside the door. When you check in, make sure to tell the airline rep that you need to 'gate check' a stroller.

Also if you have a Baby Bjorn of something similar, and your little one deals well with it, take it along, so you don't have to carry him non-stop.

Finally, my doctor in the States recommended giving my son some over the counter baby cough syrup to help him sleep on the long haul flight. I only did this once, when my little guy was just crying nonstop, I think from pain in his ears from the pressurization. But that will be up to you and how you feel about 'medicating' a well baby.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Carm - Why would you then not just swap with them and either sit by the window or aisle?

'Gate checking' is possible, but not guaranteed as depends on the airport and carrier; and on occasions the buggy needs to be retreived at the baggage carousel.

I have travelled many times where the hubby takes the aisle seat, the wife the window, and its full plane, and I get stuck inbetween, they thought they would get a 'free' seat for baby.

I still have to sit next to a screaming baby. I would love to see child free flights, I would pay more for it. Travelers with babies forget that its also stressful for the other passangers on the flight, I really don't like listening to screaming babies for a long flight.

That may be the case, but your stress will not be even close to comparable to that of the mother/father. Not only having their child screaming and doing their best to try and alleviate any discomfort, but the added stress of having other passengers glare at them! Try ear plugs or listen/watch the inflight entertainment.

if you are not a baby fan, it is.