So anxious ! please do share your experience flying (long flight) with a 2+YO and any tips you might have

I'm leaving with DD on Tuesday, going to visit my family for 2 months. It's a 13 hr flight with 2 layovers . I'm trying ti figure out what to take , what not to take, how to pack and carry ALL the stuff I need for DD on the plane/airport+ my stuff (everything is just SO heavy)
We went with her when she was 12 month old and she did fine, but she was so little, I gave her a bottle and she was happy, plus DH came with us (I came back with her alone) But this time she is older, she doesn't sleep as much and she is a lot more active ...
I don't know what to expect , anxiety is killing me , I was fine until now, but now I'm a nervous wreck :(
I don't know if it will be easier or harder this time around since she is older now. Thank God DH will meet us there and we'll come back together.
What was your experience ? Any tips?

TIA

Re: So anxious ! please do share your experience flying (long flight) with a 2+YO and any tips you might have

I fly to Israel with my girls at least once, if not, twice a year, which is a 12 hour flight, so I feel like I'm a veteran when it comes to this topic.

My advice for travelling long distance with a 2 year old:

- Board the plane LAST. Let your little one exhaust herself running around the airport until the very last moment, and that includes each layover

-Buy a few, small, new toys. Wrap them up in wrapping paper, and bring them out when she starts getting ancy. In addition to a few new toys, bring some crayons, paper, coloring book, etc. There's an awesome travel aquadoodle that's small - worked wonders for us on our last flight.

-Do you have a portable DVD player? If not, buy one. It's worth its weight in gold. Buy a few new movies for her - that should keep her entertained for a few hours!

-Bring plenty of her favorite snacks

-Bring her comfort items - whenever we travel, I always bring a small blanket and her favorite stuffed animal and favorite book, to gear her up for nap/bedtime on the plane. I follow the same exact routine on the plane as I do at home.

-Arrive at the airport early so you can get bulkhead seating - that way she can sleep/nap comfortably on the floor

That's all I can think of for now... good luck!

ETA - I always bring two carryons - one for myself, and a backpack for the kids that holds all of their stuff.

Message edited 4/29/2010 9:48:26 AM.

Re: So anxious ! please do share your experience flying (long flight) with a 2+YO and any tips you might have