Air

Practicalities Getting There Air Reader Reports 

Tips Flying to Australia

"Buy a seat, it's worth paying for if the child is walking.

Don't request kiddy meals - they're bad and kids would rather eat what you are eating. Some crews won't give you an adult meal for a child but they will if you kick up a fuss.

I have never seen the point of dragging bags full of toys onto the plane. Children are quite happy to play with a teaspoon and cup. I do have a little box that fits into my handbag but that's all.

Lisa Harriman
London

Flights to Australia

Take a change of clothes for everyone. If someone is sick it may be over another member of the party.

If you are offered an inclusive stopover, not to a hot city but to an airport hotel where you and the children can sleep and then get back on the plane, it's worth considering because it can be a life saver.

If flying over Singapore you may have an hour to hour and a half break. There are marvellous shower facilities. They cost a few pounds - easier if you have some Singapore dollars - but they make you feel human again. You have to seek them out. We found them by accident.

If you have little ones, take a lot more to drink than you think they will need. There comes a point when they stop eating and just want drink. Sachets of formula or pre-measured quantities are easier than a tin or made up bottles which you will run out of.

Once children are 5-plus the on-board films are very useful and have been cleaned up for family viewing.

Fight before you leave to absolutely guarantee that your seats will be where you request them. Airlines often leave empty the seats next to a family in the central bank until the plane is almost full so this can be an option with spare space.

And find out everything you can from the airline about what they allow - so you don't turn up having organised one thing and find out it's not allowed."

Melanie Muir
Muir Marketing

Flying to Australia and New Zealand

With a two-year-old using Singapore and Air New Zealand.

"Window seats are best as they contain the child on one side and they can then only bump/kick/spill on you! Bulkhead seats are very difficult as the arms can't be raised which is essential if the child is to sleep. In addition you are not supposed to leave bags etc on the floor and reaching up to get things from overhead lockers is a real pain. There is also no pocket for books, drinks etc.

Check details at every point, ie booking, reconfirmation and check-in. I missed once and paid for it with a mid-section seat - a nightmare.

Some airlines will bring children special meals first. If the service seems slow (and the child has finished) have their food tray removed before you get yours. Conor had to wait 1 1/2 hours one meal-time before his was taken way with the rest. Staff often don't like it but insist - it benefits everyone.

The transit hotel in Singapore was great, even for just two hours, being somewhere to have a shower and put cabin gear down before going for a run. There is also a pool and nursery available. It is booked through the airline and I would recommend it even if overnighting in Singapore as it is cheaper and takes far less time than transferring into town. (Travel agents probably wouldn't recommend it though as there is no commission in it for them.)

The best snack foods are bagels and carrot sticks because they don't bruise or crush in the bag or stain or dribble when eaten. Bagels aren't too crumbly."

Vivienne Ivory
Maida Vale