https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:15:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2160807 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:59:28 +0000 shopaholic 2160807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Flights to Taiwan are usually pretty set in time mostly afternoon or practically MOTN. I usually try to plan flights close to nap time or a little before. Our last flight was about an hour before bedtime and it worked out really well. She was up for take-off, drinks/snacks, etc. And wound down about the same time as everyone else and had to be woken up when the flight ended (5hrs). For TW, just expect to have awake + sleep time. I will say we had a flight ~6pm (we have a late bedtime) and it was awful. With getting to the airport, checking in, security boarding, etc. she skipped her nap. I thought she would sleep better for it, but it was terrible (plus teething &amp; a fever), but it might have been a combination of things. Now all I know is that I like the flights to leave a little bit of wind-down time till the time expected for nap/sleep. I'd even rather a little more awake time than sleep if that's what it means. Otherwise it's difficult. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2160768 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:30:18 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2160768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: That's a good point. I've briefly glanced at flights for when we want to go, and it does seem like flight times are limited to certain time frames.</p> <p>@sunny: I have a feeling that will be J! He likes to be in the middle of all the action.. by the time we fly (in the fall), J will be over 2.5 years old and keeping him preoccupied for longer periods of time should be easier than it is now.</p> <p>@T-Mom: Night terrors? Oh no, poor girl! That's something I didn't even consider.</p> <p>@wheres_c: That's great it worked out so perfectly for you! In my mind, that makes sense to me too - just sleep 8-10 hours overnight, and wake up when we're close to our destination... but I don't know if we'll be that lucky!</p> <p>@aegie: @travelgirl1: @MrsKoala: @looch: @Andrea: Thanks for the feedback - you all gave me a lot to consider! I think if we can get a flight time earlier in the day, that is what we will do. I think it'll be easier to entertain the kids during the day (iPad to the rescue!) than trying to get them to sleep at night on an exciting plane. </p> <p>@HourThyme: I love that perspective, and will keep that in mind from now on! I would never be able to sleep well if I'm constantly thinking about how my kids are doing overnight, and I am much more on top of things during the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2160676 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 09:39:40 +0000 HourThyme 2160676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: This might be a strange response but I would look at it when would would I be at my best to meet their needs? So while I might initially lean toward a night flight so they can sleep I KNOW that if I took a night flight and all of a sudden a little person (no matter how much I love them) wouldnt let me get ANY sleep I would be a MESS during the flight and also the next day. My patience and that of the other passengers would be on "low" and all around personally it's just a recipe for not so very good things. Whereas if it's daytime, I know "what time it is" and am more available to meet the needs of others. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2160577 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:40:55 +0000 Andrea 2160577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went to Hawaii which was a 10.5 hour flight. DD didn't sleep on the red eye at all! But the positive is that she had no jet lag either way because she didn't sleep on the plane. Ha! So I would rather suffer on two plane rides and then have normal sleep both at the destination and upon our return home! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2160526 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:58:17 +0000 looch 2160526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prefer to fly during wake times for my son, as opposed to when he is asleep. We don't often have the choice, as when flying to Europe, so we just plan to take it easy the first few days at our destination. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159822 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:56:18 +0000 MrsKoala 2159822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: We just booked a redeye as I've heard that is easier since they will be flying during their normal sleep period. Hopefully it works! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159801 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:42:20 +0000 travelgirl1 2159801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whenever we fly to England we always do red eye there and daytime back (no choice, that's just how the flights are scheduled) and without doubt the red eye is always easier for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159800 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:42:10 +0000 aegie 2159800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I fly to Korea, I think it's more important to think about time zones. I fly early afternoon/morning because even though the flight may be tougher (they're awake for a long stretch of the ride), you end up arriving early evening in asia. which means after arriving at your destination, washing up and eating, it's time for bed and the kids are so tired at that point, they knock out. Which means adjusting to the new time zone is essentially a non-issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159757 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:25:20 +0000 wheres_c 2159757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hate them when flying solo but redeyes are the best with my 2 year old. He falls asleep upon takeoff and wakes when we get there. It's perfect!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159749 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:21:07 +0000 T-Mom 2159749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Red eye flights were difficult for my DD at age 2 because her sleep would inevitably be interrupted for some reason, and she dealt with it much worse than if a day time nap were interrupted. She even had night terrors on the plane. It was terrible. However, we did survive. It also seemed much harder for her to have a comfortable overnight sleep on a plane... a few times we did the red eyes though (from asia back to US), it was because that was all that was available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159738 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:16:30 +0000 sunny 2159738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 2.5 yr old had a hard time sleeping on the plane. Everything was just too exciting! We recently went on 2 early evening flights and both were awful. LO wanted to play and then got overtired and cranky. I would prefer a morning one for her because I think it would be easier to keep her entertained. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159722 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:09:23 +0000 lamariniere 2159722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on the route, sometimes you don't really have a choice between a day flight and a redeye. Trips from the US to Europe are almost always redeyes. Trips to Asia from the US are usually so long that it doesn't really make much of a difference, but I'm not sure when the typical takeoff times are. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159694 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:59:14 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2159694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: i think he'll eventually pass out and sleep a good chunk, esp if he misses his nap, and it's better to deal with an active toddler during the daytime than at night when they shut off the plane lights and everyone is sleeping!</p> <p>that said asian airlines tend to do a good job of catering to the kids and even provide a gift to them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159676 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:46:28 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2159676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: I was hoping you'd chime in! Noelle's been on a few flights and has no problems being quiet and sitting still so not worried about her at all, but Jaren hasn't been on a flight since he was 3 months old... and now as a toddler he is loud and active! Even when I'm sitting down holding him, he is always trying to climb on me. To say I'm a little worried about him sitting through a 13 hour flight is a bit of an understatement. I'm hoping the more they fly the more they'll get used to it. I definitely want to expose them to it more, so I guess I have to start somewhere! Looks like a daytime flight is making more and more sense, and that is probably what we'll do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159660 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:35:43 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2159660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i prefer flights first thing in the morning when they're in a good mood. we definitely had a redeye flight backfire on us when charlie was 1 and he cried and woke everyone up. being on the plane if it's their first time is also so exciting, they probably won't be able to sleep for a while.</p> <p>now it doesn't matter what flights we take as much since they're seasoned travelers. it also really depends on your lo's personality and how well they fall asleep (charlie not well, olive well). if it were me though, i'd prefer a day flight! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159658 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:34:38 +0000 hilsy85 2159658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I think way better than a tricky overnight! They might be bored and antsy but at least they won't be exhausted but unable to to sleep! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159655 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:32:04 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2159655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Those are the same concerns I have! </p> <p>@PinkElephant: @hilsy85: The more I think about it, the more I think a daytime flight would be better. Maybe even earlier in the day like noon-ish so they'll have a couple hours to get the excitement out of their system, watch a couple shows, take a nap, eat dinner.... and before we know it we'll be at our destination! Easy peasy, right? :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159641 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:25:36 +0000 hilsy85 2159641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: there is no way I would ever do that again!! It was so miserable--granted he was younger (like 16 months) but he slept only for like 2 hour chunks, and it was the middle of the night so I was obviously exhausted too. I would much rather have had a day time flight where he was not overtired, could acclimate to the flight and then take a nap, watch a movie, etc., and I was not so tired. But maybe at 2 it would be better? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159640 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:25:34 +0000 PinkElephant 2159640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prefer not to take red eye flights with kids. Plenty of people are traveling for business, even in coach, and rightfully expect to sleep. I feel stressed if my kids get hyper (hey, being on a plane is exciting for them...or soul-crushingly boring, depending on the day) and disturb others. During the day....oh well! I try my best to have them on their best behavior but feel less guilt if someone bumps a strangers seat or forgets their inside voice or cries because her sister is too close to her. :)</p> <p>My best air travel advice is that a flight is a finite amount of time. No matter how bad it might be (and it usually isn't that bad!) the flight will end eventually. You can do or deal with just about anything for 8-15 hours. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159633 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:22:41 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2159633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: @Truth Bombs: @JCCovi: Thanks for the feedback, your positive experiences are reassuring!</p> <p>@edelweiss: My husband would be coming too. That's a good point about taking in temperament into consideration. I'm glad you survived! :) That is my goal too - to get there, and survive!</p> <p>@hilsy85: I haven't even begun to look at flights, but I just searched Kayak and a lot of redeyes do leave around midnight. I didn't think about that. Ideally, I'd like an 8 pm flight like you mentioned since that will be close to bedtime, but not so late that they're exhausted. Something to consider... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159621 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:11:42 +0000 hilsy85 2159621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What time does the red eye flight leave? We took an overnight flight to Israel (11 hours) and the flight didn't leave til midnight--we had to wake LO up to get him to the airport and then he was so amped up and overtired by the time we got on the plane it was a disaster. I think if our flight had left at 7 or 8 it would have been fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159616 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:09:07 +0000 edelweiss 2159616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i think it kinda depends on your child's personality. i tried flying redeye with my LO when he was 8 months old and it was a disaster. i'm never doing that again. he was so amped to be on the flight, sleep only happened when he passed out from pure exhaustion, and only for 45 minutes. we then flew to korea with him when he was about 19 months old--it's such a long flight that it almost didn't matter what time it was (our flight was at 10 or 11am). </p> <p>is anyone else traveling with you? my parents were also going to korea but unknown to us, took a completely different flight. i was so peeved. our flight was totally exhausting. i brought everything--snacks, new toys, ipad, benadryl, you name it i had it and my 19 month old was an absolute stinker. barely slept.</p> <p>the good news is that we survived. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159605 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:00:47 +0000 JCCovi 2159605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not international but we flew during the day from nc to Hawaii and took the red eye back. Red eye was much better, she slept the whole way. We didn't get a lot of sleep but entertaining her constantly in the way there was rough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159574 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:46:56 +0000 Truth Bombs 2159574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never flown long distance like that but my inclination would also be to go for the red eye. If my daughter is on a plane any time near nap time or bed time she can't resist sleep with the motion and the white noise of the plane working against her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159565 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:41:48 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2159565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I flew 14 hours with my then two year old last fall. We left at night, Korea time, and he slept for 10 hours of the flight! It was amazing. I was so nervous and it ended up being totally fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-booking-an-international-flight-advice-and-tips#post-2159558 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:39:27 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2159558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When is the best time to book when flying with young children? Midday or Redeye? </p> <p>My first instinct is to book a redeye flight, but I'm worried that it will backfire and my kids will be too excited to sleep, and instead keep everyone else up in the middle of the night!</p> <p>My grandma (children's great grandma that they have never met) had open heart surgery last month, so we feel like we need to go see them this year (they're in Taiwan) before it's too late. My grandparents are both alive, but getting so old! We are thinking about going sometime in the fall.</p> <p>Any other tips for flying with a 4 and 2 year old? Not worried at all about my 4 year old. More worried about the 2 year old!! And he is definitely in the throes of his twos... </p>