https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Jul 2026 22:39:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595273 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:47:09 +0000 tlcbaby 2595273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. It might seem like a loooong 21 hours at the time, but in the grand scheme of things it isn't so bad. And it will be so nice for his grandfather. He may surprise you and love flying. I know there are some good posts here on flying with kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595268 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:44:07 +0000 sunny 2595268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595266 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:43:13 +0000 snowjewelz 2595266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: He will be fine! He may not have the best time ever, but he will forget about it soon enough! And 9 months is still better than 12+ months when he can walk! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595260 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:34:25 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2595260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i would go no matter what it took. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595258 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:29:21 +0000 Iced Tea 2595258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My view is more nuanced. I would try to get more details about the grandfather's condition before planning this big trip. When my mom was in the end stages, she was in so much pain, didn't want visitors, and eventually couldn't recognize most people. Meeting someone new wouldn't have been a meaningful experience to her at that time. I would try to get more information. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595247 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:15:33 +0000 JenGirl 2595247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. It is literally a priceless thing. I think you'd regret not going and not taking the baby.</p> <p>I get the trepidation, but I promise the flight will be harder on you than on the baby and it will probably be not as difficult as you're imagining. And even if it sucks, it's a short period of time, in the long run.</p> <p>Some travel advice: Just get over any guilt about making other people uncomfortable on the flight. I'm not saying you should let your kid hit or bite the people sitting next to you, but you don't sound like the kind of person that would let a kid do that. But, if a kid cries, gets fussy or is just being rambunctious, people will deal. You and your baby have every right to be there, and sometimes that's just how kids are. Most people are very understanding. </p> <p>Make friends with the flight attendants and any nice passengers that you come across. Ask for and accept help. Many people (and most flight attendants) love helping babies. </p> <p>Try to get bulkhead seats - this will give your little guy some space to play in front of you. If that's not an option, get an aisle seat and you can take him to the back to crawl around, or walk the aisles (assuming there's no turbulence). </p> <p>Give yourself a pass about entertainment options. Even if he doesn't usually get to play with an iPad or your phone or whatever, let him. Maybe get some new toys that he'll get just on the plane. And snacks. All the snacks. And budget for a cocktail or two for yourself!</p> <p>You can totally do this. You just have to go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595236 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:52:31 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2595236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. Remember your son has every right to be on the plane. I think you'll find many people around you will be helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595233 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:47:16 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2595233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: Gah! I'm so sorry. I'm sure that is difficult for your family. I'm so sorry about that situation as well. :crying: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595222 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:29:17 +0000 atoz 2595222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I have similar family circumstances in terms of the long distance and difficult, expensive plane flights. I also dread the thought of taking my little one on that 30 hour trip for the first time, but I know that I want her to meet her family before she gets too big. Whenever you get stressed out about the situation while on the plane, just remember the reason that you're doing it. That reason is far more important than the potential temporary discomfort of any other passengers traveling with you. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595206 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:19:07 +0000 erinbaderin 2595206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. It probably won't be as bad as you're imagining and even if it is, it will be two exhausting stressful days (for you. I bet the baby will have a blast) which, in the grand scheme of things, is worth it to get the time together and photos of your son and his grandfather. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595192 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:07:21 +0000 psw27 2595192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like you want to go, so I think you should. Your LO will be fine, it won't be easy and it will probably be harder on you than him/her. Whenever we are traveling, I can get a bit anxious about LOs behavior but I try to just put a calm vibe out there because he totally picks up on my anxiety. If the other passengers are mad about a fussy baby, then so be it. I've learned to ignore the glares and know that I'm doing the best that I can. Also, sit in the very back of the plane - you're more likely to have no one near you and people back there tend to be more relaxed/non-business travel crowd. Good luck, you can do it and I think it will be worth it for DH and your FIL. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595186 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:04:11 +0000 jedeve 2595186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, I've travelled back east with kids (only a two hour time difference, but because of going to and from difficult to get to places, it's been a 24 hour trip a few times before). Mine are WILD but they've done fine. People on the plane usually get a kick out of it when they are in good moods. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595182 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:02:05 +0000 jedeve 2595182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you call the airline directly? I've gotten a discounted ticket for a funeral before and I think I recall something about terminal illness there. They might be able to get you a better rate. </p> <p>Also, are you positive you need a new passport? My cousin travelled with her maiden name on her passport. Might be worth asking? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595178 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:58:15 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2595178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TemperanceBrennan: Unfortunately it's not possible for my family to go. My younger brother suffered a brain injury in an accident a few years ago - he lives at home in a minimally conscious state. He's in a hospital bed with a feeding tube and the whole nine yards. It's extremely difficult and they can't leave. </p> <p> :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595168 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:49:35 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2595168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you will regret it if you don't go. </p> <p>Does your mom and dad (or just one of them) have the financial ability to go as well? Might make it easier to have more people to help with the baby and all the travel arrangements. </p> <p>Sorry you have to go through this, and I hope you FIL gets some relief soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595162 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:46:26 +0000 catlady 2595162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm very sorry about your FIL. I agree with you that it sounds almost impossible, but you should definitely go. Despite the crazy travel, I think that's a memory that you and your DH will want to have in the future. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595160 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:45:56 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2595160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Banana330: That is so sweet. And yes, as a mother I just want my child to be comfortable and safe so I just needed a little bit of reassurance that he won't be permanently affected by 24 hours of tough travel... but the other passengers might! :grin: </p> <p>Thanks again ladies, you are the best. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595157 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:40:51 +0000 Banana330 2595157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: Just to alleviate your fears a bit, travel isn't really tough on the baby. It's tougher on you and your fears of it. Babies are pretty adaptable and in the end it's 24hrs of annoyance/rough time (worst case scenario) for something great. They learn so much in new environments! My DD learned to say hi and wave on the plane cause so many people were stopping to chat to her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595154 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:39:28 +0000 Trailmix 2595154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you know what you need to do. Go. The trip will be difficult but it's temporary. I imagine the guilt you will feel if you don't go would be life-long. 24 hours will pass, even if it feels like an eternity. Bring Benedryl, candy, toys, anything and everything that might help make it easier but go.</p> <p>Also, so so sorry you are in this situation. So sad, so hard :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595153 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:39:16 +0000 peachykeen 2595153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would absolutely go. I've been in this situation recently with 2 very close family members dying of cancer (my mom and my godmother) and I think you might regret it later if you don't go. </p> <p>If it helps, we traveled long-haul with my daughter at 9 months and it went really, really well. She slept on my husband on the way there (your baby might still fit in the bassinet on some airlines, though not all) and was so amused by the people around her on the way back that I don't think she cried even once. </p> <p>Sending :heart: - I can imagine how hard this time is for your family! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595152 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:37:25 +0000 avivoca 2595152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595150 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:35:29 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2595150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks mamas - I feel in my heart that we have to go, it just seems so impossible. We will be able to get some financial help from my family, and I know his family will do anything they can for us once we are there. </p> <p>My parents absolutely love my in-laws and my mother is in full support of us going. My father, who has seen his own father pass from cancer, suggested that just my husband should go because he doesn't want us to put the baby through such difficult travel conditions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595149 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:35:13 +0000 Banana330 2595149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I flew from the east coast to Australia when my DD was 9 months old. The flight there was a bit tough mostly because I had been up all day then we had night flights. Had I napped before the flight it would have been fine. The flight back I did alone with the baby (10.5 months) and it was totally fine. She was great. she loved waving at people and the plastic cups kept her pretty occupied. I wouldn't do it every day but it wasn't that bad. </p> <p>I would go. It seems daunting but it's not nearly as bad as you're imagining it and people do it everyday. I think for your husbands sake it's not much of a sacrifice and it's something you'll massively regret not going to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595148 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:31:20 +0000 snowjewelz 2595148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. One thing that I've been feeling guilty about, is that I haven't taken DD1 to visit her great-grandmother; now it's not feasible since I'm pregnant with DD2. I just pray to God that my grandmother stays relatively healthy until we can take both of them! </p> <p>Like you, financially the trip is pretty much impossible, but I think when it comes to family, esp immediate family, we have to do what we have to do. I wouldn't want you guys to have any regrets! </p> <p>With all that said, I'm def acknowledging that it is a very difficult trip! Would any family be willing to help, financially and maybe physically by going with you guys? </p> <p>So sorry this is happening :crying: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595146 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:28:26 +0000 Mamaof2 2595146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go - </p> <p>It sounds like a huge pain but in the end I think you would deeply regret it if he passed away and he never met his grandson </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595142 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:26:46 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2595142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-in-this-difficult-travel-situation#post-2595140 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:23:58 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2595140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need your advice, Bees! </p> <p>My husband is from the other side of the world and earlier this month his father was diagnosed with a very aggressive extensive-stage cancer that is moving quickly. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy so he's extremely sick and weak. We are not sure, but we are hoping he will feel better once chemo is stopped. </p> <p>We are considering taking an emergency trip next month so his father can meet his 9 month old grandson before he passes. Our baby is very spirited (he's 25+ pounds of mostly muscle, strong as hell, and never, ever stops moving). He is awesome and so much fun but he hates being held, he loves to make noise, and most worrying are the insane screaming tantrums he has when he is overtired or not allowed to move where he wants to. He's kind of a handful and probably not so great on a plane.</p> <p>We are already struggling with money and the plane tickets would cost around $6,000 (First Class is $24,000! I had to check...) plus we'd have to go a couple of weeks without working. The plane ride is absolutely grueling - 21 hours on a plane in economy, split up into two or three flights depending on which route we take. We would also need to apply for expedited passports (one for the baby and a name change one for myself), but that's not much of an obstacle. </p> <p>Traveling there as adults is difficult enough, but trying to picture my crazy-active little angel on this trip is making me sick to my stomach. However, we are close to his family despite the distance, and we love them dearly and are absolutely heartbroken by what's happening. I know how important family is and don't want to make a decision I will regret forever, but I want to do what's right for my baby and our family. And to support my husband!</p> <p>What would you do??? </p>