Some of you will have read a version of this post previously. It was removed from the blog as a result of hacking and I am re-posting.
Although I am not a single parent I frequently travel as a lone parent between my home in Cairns and Australia’s southern cities with my two and four year old sons. Organization is the key to successful air travel with young children. Ensuring your pre-travel planning is immaculate is even more important when flying alone with a small child, or in my case with more than one. I am fortunate enough not to have to scrimp and find the cheapest fares available. This means I preference direct flights, flights that interfere minimally with the children’s routine (ideally after nap time has occurred), and flights with airlines that we have frequent flier loyalty. Delays, re-routing or cancellations are particularly trying if travelling alone with a small child and airlines will prioritise your needs if you are one of their frequent fliers or club members.
When flying alone with my boys I am unabashed in asking for assistance from airline staff and fellow passengers if I need it. The practical reality has been that with a baby in my arms it is not always possible to cater to my older son’s needs and demands. Contrary to popular opinion I have found fellow passengers to be warm and helpful if I need assistance. Many passengers have been happy to cuddle my baby while I buckle in my preschooler, deal with spills and messes, and on occasion avert an impending tantrum. Similarly aircrew have also proved willing to help. For example, it is impossible to take the three of us into an airline toilet to change a nappy or facilitate the toilet training process. Aircrew have babysat whichever of my sons were not requiring attention in the toilet. This is probably an appropriate place to voice my praise of the many lovely Virgin Australia air crew who have, un-requested collected my three year old from my care and entertained him at the back of the plane for up to half an hour, just to “give me a break”. Bonus points also go to the Qantas aircrew member who rescued my then three year old from an impending urinary disaster on a flight earlier this year. Master three decided he needed to go to the toilet just as the aircrew were preparing the cabin for landing. My baby was sleeping in my lap at the time. A quick word from me and a steward picked up my son, raced him to the business class toilets at the front of the cabin, watched him through the open door as he relieved himself, and then raced him back to his seat just in time for landing.
A few other quick tips to help those flying alone with small children. Just as the toileting situation is difficult when travelling with multiple little ones alone, so is dining and drinking. I always make sure I am hydrated and fed before boarding the flight so as to avoid mess. Check-in and pick up are perhaps more difficult than the flight. Make sure whoever drives you to the airport accompanies you at least until you have checked-in. Managing bags and a little one trying to do a runner in a long queue is a moment of parental stress to be avoided if possible. Also, it is neither safe nor easy to try and fit a car seat in a rental car at the same time as supervise a small child in a car park. If you cannot be picked up when you arrive by a friend or relative (always ensure they have car restraints fitted), then book a driver. I had previously thought chauffer services were expensive however I have found them to often approximate the cost of a taxi. They will arrive with car seats in place, and help you with your luggage.
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Find other great travel tips at Travel Tips Tuesday over at Suitcases and Sippy Cups and Walking on Travels.
Great tips on how to fly with little ones! I remember flying with my oldest when he was a small toddler. And I was 7 months pregnant with our second boys. The air hostess were amazing – they took him for walks up and down the plane and kept him busy for me.
It was a great flight.
Not tried flying with two little ones by myself, but reckon with help on the check-in and collecting bags on the other end would be ideal.
Love the idea of hiring a chauffer service to pick up and have the car seats already in place.
I know all about this, in my case, we have to fly for 24 hours from Port Douglas to the UK to visit grandma! I have to agree, air crew and fellow passengers have always been great. Now that my children are 8 and 6 we have no problems on these long haul flights, they enjoy it as much as I do, in flight entertainment and endless food are such a luxury. Happy travels!
Hi Alyson. The furthest I have ever flown on my own with my two little boys is to Melbourne, so you are braver than I. I have noticed that my 4 year old is so much better now inflight so maybe I will venture overseas on my own with the kids eventually.
I love reading this, not just because they are great tips, but because it is a reminder that most people will gladly help young families in transit. Thanks for sharing!