16 month old and flying

My husband and I want to go on vacation this summer as a 30th birthday/ anniversary celebration. My DD will be 16 months old and we ideally would love to go to Ireland so I can see my family but I am so nervous about flying with her. Has anyone flown internationally with a baby and was it super stressful? We also thought about a possible cruise but not sure how that would work out either... Any other ideas for a vacation with a toddler? TIA

16 month old and flying

I took my dd to the Uk last month by myself to see family. I paid for a seat for her and took her car seat on the plane. I purchased the wheels for the car seat and used it as a stroller in the airport. I'm not going to lie it was stressful and a lot of work. However your dh is going to be with you so it will be much easier. I took lots of snacks and purchased books/ toys she hadn't seen before to keep her entertained on the plane. She had a couple of meltdowns but all in all she was good for being cooped up for seven hours. If my dh was with me it would have been much smoother as it was difficult to set up her carseat and try to stop her from running down the aisle lol.

16 month old and flying

DS is only 9 months and has been to Ireland twice already. He was so good on all flights. Going there they should sleep most of the way especially of you book the later flights around 9.30 or 10pm. Aer Lingus also have a 3.45pm flight coming back and it is great. DS had time to use up some energy before the flight so he sat happily with books and toys. He also napped twice. Book the Bulkhead seats. That way you get a bassinet (box) to put DD in to sleep in so you can get a rest too. Pack plenty of toys and snacks and she will be fine. I am booking my next trip there for the summer with 2 babies!! I don't stress about things though so i am no helo really. But i find it easy to travel with DS.

16 month old and flying

Thank you both so much. I am definetly going to look into going to Ireland.

Re: 16 month old and flying

We have done it a few times to Ireland
1st time ds #1 was 11 months and we didn't get a seat he slept in the cot box aerlingus provided it was great and he had room on the floor to sit as well.

2nd time ds#2 was about 18 months and we didn't get him a seat. They were great on the flight. We had movies and some new toys to keep them occupied. It is fine just have a bottle or drink ready for takeoff and landing for her ears

PS I think there is also a groupon for summer travel to Ireland for a great price so you might want to check that out.

Message edited 1/16/2013 10:23:20 AM.

Re: 16 month old and flying