Hi Everyone! Thanks for all of the great advice, suggestions and ideas! I knew that coming to Mamasource for the info would be helpful! I enjoyed reading your family's experiences and stories.
We leave for Hawaii in just ONE WEEK and I'm so excited! I've made my packing list for the carry-on (diaper bag backpack-style for easy carrying) and am working on the list for luggage.
So, far here is what I have planned/prepared for the flight.
I will use the stroller/carseat attached at the airport to have my hands free. I plan to check both (carseat/carrier and stroller) at the airplane gate. I will strap James (my son) to me in the Bjorn carrier while boarding the plane. Before boarding, I'm going to ask if the flight is full. If not, I'll ask to be seated by an empty seat (it never hurts to ask) just in case I want to put him down. But, I did not purchase an extra seat for him, because he can barely sit up on his own yet and it would have been a waste of money. Luckily, he isnt' truly mobile yet, so he is perfectly content to sit/stand on my lap and have me entertain him. Also, I'm packing a couple of new toys and some ole favorites, along with Infant Tylenol (for comfort since he is teething) and teething relief tablets, and extra change of clothes for him and for ME. As for his bottles of formula, he drinks Simlilac. So, I will bring on 8 bottles of their Nipple REady, REady to use 8 oz bottles and 8 clean nipples. No mixing, adding water or anything. And, once he's done, I just discard the bottle and keep the nipple for future use. I've gotten through security with those type of bottles twice before, so I'm not expecting it to be a problem now.
Our layover in LAX is only 2 hrs and 20 min. Just enough time to deboard the plane, stretch our legs in the USO club, feed him his baby food, change his clothes (since we leave at 7 am, I'm just going to keep him in his pj's until we land in LAX) and then board our next plane to Hawaii. The plane is a huge jumbo jet, so when I checked the seat availability, there were several rows of seats towards the back of the plane that were empty. THat is where I selected my seats, so hopefully we will have an empty row to ourselves.
James uses a pacifier and takes two long naps during the day, so I hoping to stretching these out to my advantage. He isn't used to falling asleep or sleeping in my arms, so hopefully this will be a treat for him!
As for once we get to Hawaii, I'm having my husband (who will be there two days before us for work) buy his diapers, wipes, formula, bottled water, and baby food there in Hawaii. I'll be packing his Jump and Go (easily disassembles for compact travel) and his Activity Mat. Those should keep him safely occupied some of the time while we are in the hotel room. I'll also be taking his Baby Einstein DVD's to view in the hotel room if they have a TV with VCR/DVD.
Am I leaving anything out or overlooking something?
Thanks for all your input!
Wish us luck!
K.
I have flown twice already with my son and he did great both times. But they were both shorter, direct flights.
I've never done a flight that long. But, I have flew a few times with my daughter. Some people recommend getting a seat up front because there is more leg room. But, I always get a seat in the back. The front seats fill up first. And possibly you'll get an extra seat. Bring a new toy, something exciting, and some books. Maybe even a portable dvd player and some baby einstein dvds. Have fun!
One suggestion for the passengers around you - offer disposable earplugs. You can get them at CVS (or any drugstore) for about $10 per bottle. I fly with my little guy (10 mos) and always offer everyone around me a pair. Not only do some people take them and REALLY appreciate it, some people don't take them and tend to be more sympathetic and willing to help you out if needed.
Good luck and safe travels!
K., I have never traveled with my son that long, however I have traveled alot with him since he was born. (He is now 18 months). You have to gauge what kind of personality/temperment your son has. I would also be very concerned if I had to take such a long trip. I have two suggestions without knowing your son; I am assuming there is no direct flight and that you have to stop. If you have to stop I would try to take a red eye to LAX while the baby is asleep then lay over in LAX as along as you can while both of you get a break then try to time it so that you take the next leg when he is almost tired but not yet asleep (I know this is tricky) the second flight might be harder becasue he may be past the stage of taking real long naps. My second suggestion which is the one I would try first if it were me is to find a late flight and fly to LAX and then get right on a plane to Hawaii. This would be good only if you can find a flight that leaves at 8:00 pm or so and gets you to Hawaii by 8:00 am. This way your son can sleep the whole time(we hope). I know you won't get a break but I would rather be a little bit uncomfortable myself then to have my baby crying the whole flight. Another thing I just thought about is if you know anyone in Los Angelos you could break it up. Take a red eye to LAX while the baby is asleep. Spend all day in LAX (relax, rest, shop, whatever) and then take another red eye to Hawaii (of course the scheduling would have to work for this) Do your best to keep your son busy during the day so that he is tired by the time you have to leave again. If your son is a sleeper the first two suggestions might work. We carry a small DVD player with us for my son but I'm not sure if that would capture your sons attention at his age. My son actually did much better when he was younger; after he turned one he started getting much more restlesss on the long flights. Hope I helped a little.
You might want to check into how you came up with 12 - 15 hours if you fly straight through. My dh and I went to HI for our honeymoon. We had a quick flight to Atlanta. From Atlanta to Hawaii it was only about 8 hours.
At 8 hours, the trip was really long. I couldn't imagine doing it with an infant in my lap. If I were traveling with an infant I'd definately try to break the trip up.
The only thing is I think a 3 - 5 hour layover is too much. If I remember correctly from HI to LAX it's only 4 hours. So by skipping the layover you can be there.
I think the ideal situation would be from here to LAX. Have a 1 - 2 hour layover there. Then on to HI.
Somebody on another board once mentioned that they always ask for a seat that has an empty seat beside it. That way if there's nobody next to you that's extra room for you and the baby.
So I would check your flight schedule options and go from there. I've flown when my kids were infants and found they both went to sleep on flights pretty easily. I swear my sons eyes close as the plane lifts, lol.
Have fun!
L.
i am a flight attendant and my daughter and i have been flying together since she was 2 weeks old. you'de be surprised how much they can love it. try to keep your son awake a long time before the flight. the noise usually puts them to sleep for the first few hours, then make sure you have plenty of toys, food and milk. make sure he he sucking on something(bottle, breast, pacifier) during decent to help his ears clear.
as a flight attendant i know parents can really stress themselves out while traveling. don't!! everyone around you will understand if your child is not acting perfect, or if he is screaming for two hours. if they don't understand they are probably just a jerk so who cares anyway.
good luck and enjoy hawaii.
Hi K.!
I have a three year old daughter and during those years we have been travelling a lot, especially from USA to Europe. Her first time on the plane she was five months and flying to San Francisco from Florida. That went fine but I wasn't alone with her. Second time she was eight months old and that was the best trip ever! She slept for 5 hours which was more than a half of our time on board (eight and a half hours plus one hour during boarding).
It is important to have enough space while sitting so ask for a bulk seat. It will give you room to move a little in your seat and make it easier if baby gets fussy. Before trip buy some new toys, books etc. Wait to get on board before showing them to your little one. It will also give you some quiet time. You will need different snaks like cheerios or fruit puffs as well. That will keep him occupied for a while too.
If he starts crying, do not get frustrated but try singing or talking to him. Do not worry about people on the plane. Everyone tends to forget how it was when their kids were so young :)
I wish you a really good trip! Hopefully you'll want to repeat it :)
Is there any chance you can afford to buy your son a seat? I've flown a lot with my 2 year old over the years and a trip to Hawaii with no place to put the baby, especially in coach, is really too long.
Nice Hawaiian name you have too! My husband is from Hawaii, we went last year right after my daughter turned 1. We tried to do it cheaply, because we sort of had to go because papa was not doing well, and it was our last chance to see him again. So we ended up with three flights, we went for the longer layovers inbetween, thinking we could let her down to crawl/walk around. It was NOT fun! It was 20 hours from the time we left our house until the time we walked into a hotel room. We carried the umbrella stroller up to each gate and they were to bring it to the next destination. They left it at one city so we ended up with another stroller someone had in lost & found. We had damaged luggage and a damaged car seat when we were finished. The time change with the little one was unbearable. She was so upset with the change in her schedule and feeling lost that by the time we got her into a routine there, it was time to turn around and come home and do it all over again. She wouldn't sleep in the pack n play, I think because she was in such unfamiliar waters. My suggestions are to bring a protable DVD player and lots of movies, stickers, snacks. Try not to overpack, especially if you are trying to do this by yourself. If you could afford another seat, its great to be able to put the armrest up and have more room to move around. If not, they usually try to move you around so you have one since you have the baby. I would ask the stewardess right when you get on if she could keep that in mond for you after everyone gets on board. I found that even with the long layovers, it was still a race to get to the other side of the airport in time. Also, they are strict with liquids, twice we had to go outside to dump a bottle of water, and get back in line which took more time. I would dump any water or milk you have before getting to security, and buy a new bottle of water on the other side. I took dish soap to wash ther bottle with so I didn;t have to bring a bunch of bottle, and they gave me a hard time about that, keep liquids under 3oz.
Not as long as you are but 3 hour jumps 4 times during the same 24 hour period. I will recommend giving him some meds for his ears during take off and coming down (1/4th to 1/8 a dose not the full thing). New toys can help too.
Hi! I have flown from Jacksonville to Portland, OR several times with different age children. (I have a 4.5 year old son and a 17 month old son.) The last time I made the trip was with my younger son when he was 10 months old. Couple of tips...try, if possible, to get the bulkhead seat. You'll have more room for yourself and your stuff. Takes lots of little things to distract/entertain your baby. Are you nursing? I nursed my baby on every take-off and every landing (and anytime in between when he started to fuss). It made the trip so easy! I just took my sling and slipped it on and I don't think the person sitting right next to me even knew what was going on! Also, I agree that you aren't going to want such a long layover. Really, what would you be able to do with an infant for that long in an airport? I'd much rather just get the trip over with as soon as possible. At that age your baby will probably sleep alot, anyway.
Good luck and have fun!
Hi,
I too am a SAHM and military wife. I have a 7 year old, 4 year old and a 1 year old. We lived in Hawaii for 5 years and had two children there. We flew home to Alabama twice every year, so I have had experience in this area. Pack sensibly...I would recommend everything in labeled plastic bags to make it easy to pull things out of the baby bag without everything going everywhere. Attach the pacifier..you don't want it on the icky airplane floor! If you are nursing, bring your cover and a small poofy pillow for you and your little one to be more comfortable. Hopefully, your flight is at night, mine always slept for long stretches. If not and it is good condidtions and okay wth the crew...walk the aisle. Don't worry about stares..greet them with smiles. And remember, you are worried about his comfort and yours..not everyone else's. Have a few small table toys to entertain, but not to many things that could end up under your seat or the seat in front of you. Snacks for baby and you are a must...not food on planes these days! If the bulk head seat is not taken, ask for it. There is alot more leg room for both of you. Accept help changing planes and if it is not offered...ask for it! It is a long flight, but you are right not to pass it up! Good luck. Mine always did great.
K.,
I've been through that with my kids by myself too. My husband is military also. Snacks, pacifier, drinks, books, small quiet toys all worked for me. Takeoffs and landings tend to be hard on the ears so the drinking/sucking on something is a must. The most direct route is helpful also. We too lived in Hawaii (Aiea, Oahu) for 3 years. It will always be in our hearts. Good luck on your trip.
Aloha, Jennifer
K.,
I found an adorable onesie/shirt online(can't remember the sight) that made me laugh at the thought of a long flight with my little one. It said, Aren't you lucky you get to sit by me" written inside an airplane...a little humor never hurts.
H.
I like Melissa (flight attendent) response. Right on the head. Also, I learned this from experience, keep an extra set of clothes for you and your child in your carry-on. You never know when the diaper will fail and you won't want to walk around with poop on you or him. Also, plastic zip bags to put the dirty diapers in. It will help keep the smell down and the other passengers will be thankful for it.
Other than that, don't stress. Just prepare yourself first and have a wonderful Hawaiian vacation!
Hi,
I used to travel a lot and long distances, when I had only one boy.... and actually have gone on a trip to Kawaii when mine was 9 months old ..Yes, take a stop over at LAX.... I request for the first row seats so you can have the bassinet (ask the airline .. 8 years ago the airlines on long flight used to have that ..). Mostly, the first row also have more leg room but the trays are in the middle(hand rest, so you can not open them). I believe your son is not walking yet, so he can rest in the bassinet. I made a point of making the baby tired, so they slept in the flight for at least 3 to 4 hours.
Good Luck and Enjoy ...
K.,
I think your plan is an excellent one. I flew from Italy to Atlanta with an 11 month old...not quite as far, but still a long trip. (I'm military too and was flying home for my sister's wedding.) We flew from Venice to Paris, had a 4 hr lay over, and then a straight shot to Atlanta. The break was just what the doctor ordered...I could stretch my legs (and so could he...probably not as much of an issue for you.) If it feels right for your situation, go for it...you'll be glad you did! Good luck!
R.
Hi K.! I am also a SAHM with a 7 month old boy! I live south of you, in Manatee County. I was also a teacher until I had him. I taught in Hillsborough County. Now, I work at home, so I'm not going back.I flew home with him for Christmas and I was really nervous, but he did fine!The flight didn't bother him at all. I only flew a couple hours though and he wasn't crawling yet. it would probably be more difficult now that he's crawling everywhere. Bring along a lot of his favorite toys! Well, good luck, and have a great time in Hawaii!!!
Hello, we just moved here from Hawaii and had to plan effectively to fly with our son who was 10 days old at the time. I am assuming by your name that you are from Hawaii? My husband just separated from the AF and works at McDill as a dod civilian. When we flew over here, our pediatrician suggested that we be feeding him when we landed and took off because the swallowing would help his ears pop and they would not hurt him as much. since you have already flown, that may not be an issue for you guys. Also, we took our boppy to lay him on in our laps because the flight was full and I was recovering from a c-section so I didn't feel like actually "holding" him the entire flight. If the flight is full, something like that may help you guys out a little and make it comfortable for him. Also, things are a little more expensive in Hawaii so you might want to bring baby proof sunscreen and a sun hat and sunglasses for him from here. Just a suggestion. Anyways, have fun and be safe and good luck flying with that baby of yours!!!
Been there. Take your stroller, when you have layovers it will be your best friend. Plenty of everything. Pacifiers, the pressure on the flight will hurt his little ears if he doesn't use a pacifier baby bottle will work make sure he gets plenty of water and juice.
