A plane ride across one of the longest flight paths in the world is certainly an undertaking, especially with a talkative toddler in tow. My objective was to introduce my son to the paternal side of my family whom I hadn’t seen in over 20 years, leading us to embark on an impressive 18-hour journey from London to Bali. Here are some insights I gathered and things I wish I had known before the trip.
Consider the Duration of Each Leg of Your Flight if You Have a Stopover
Choosing a stopover in Singapore instead of Dubai made sense for us. It allowed us to tackle the bulk of the journey in a 13-hour stretch followed by a manageable three-hour flight from Singapore to Bali. This was particularly beneficial as we began our trip with a night flight, helping my son to maintain his sleep routine, unlike if we had opted for a shorter stop in Dubai after just seven hours.
Think About the Timing and Length of Your Stopover
When planning your trip, consider whether you’d like to use your stopover for a day trip or prefer to minimize travel time. I opted for efficiency, wanting to reach our destination swiftly. We enjoyed a perfect two-hour break to stretch our legs and let my son expend some energy before the final leg of our journey, which I aimed for him to remain awake during.
Plan a Night Flight Around Your Arrival Times
To reduce the impact of jet lag, think about your travel schedule, local time differences, and sleep schedules. I booked a night flight but forgot that we’d arrive at midnight, meaning we would need to sleep again shortly after landing, which could lead to jet lag. Thankfully, we stayed awake for the last leg, and once we landed, our exhaustion meant we settled into sleep quickly.
Research Your Airline
Flying with Singapore Airlines proved advantageous because they are very family-friendly. They offered multiple meal options for my three-year-old son, including baby food, vegetarian, western, and Asian choices, which I could pre-order. They also provided an inflight entertainment pack filled with puzzles and coloring materials, and the crew was particularly attentive to younger passengers. For parents traveling with babies, most airlines will warm expressed milk onboard, and you can ask for a blanket for breastfeeding privacy.
Choose the Best Seats in Advance
Fortunately, I could select my seat at the time of booking, preventing any last-minute chaos seeking the most suitable window seats near the toilets. We were lucky to secure a seat with no one directly behind us, reducing the risk of disturbing other passengers. My son was entertained by the window view during take-off and landing, which helped manage the in-flight entertainment restrictions.
Ensure a Checked Stroller is Included and Permitted Onboard
My Bugaboo Butterfly was accepted with Singapore Airlines; however, on a portion of our trip with Scoot, stroller policies were stricter. They allowed strollers onboard only if space permitted, and sadly, my buggy had to be checked in without a protective cover. Fortunately, it returned intact. For a list of recommended strollers suited for travel, consult guides to the best travel prams.
Invest in a Plane Bed
I chose to utilize a seat extender to convert my son’s seat into a bed. Nonetheless, be aware that airlines have different rules regarding which inflight beds or extenders are allowed, typically restricting their usage to window or middle seats. Options like kid’s suitcases that convert into beds or inflatable mattresses are worth considering. I opted for the ‘Bubba board,’ which provided excellent comfort and saved space. My toddler slept soundly for over 10 hours, making installation a breeze, as it took just a couple of minutes to set up.
Go Hands-Free for Your Carry-On
Maximize your check-in luggage and keep essentials in a travel backpack for efficiency, so your hands remain free during airport navigation. I utilized the Longchamp Le Pliage backpack, which, though not compartmentalized, was spacious, lightweight, and easy to clean. To streamline the experience further, I used a sling bag to keep our documents and passports easily accessible.
Check Out Airport Facilities
Before our flight, I considered booking a spot at the airport lounge but found it too costly. Instead, I explored the airport’s children’s soft play and playground areas, which my son thoroughly enjoyed.
Pack an Entertainment Goodie Bag
Even with the airline’s excellent inflight entertainment, I prepared a special bundle of travel toys, including playdough, paper and pens, snacks, headphones, and an iPad for varied engagement. Additionally, I packed an inflatable cushion and blanket to try to establish a bedtime routine, although the airline provided these amenities, allowing me to save space in our luggage.
