Pardon my excitement, but I just had a flight that made me happier than any other possible flight experience, even Etihad’s A380 The Residence or Air France’s 777 La Premiere.
In this post:
Traveling with little kids can be really complicated
Having kids is a joy, but it can (obviously) also be challenging, especially when it comes to travel (well, among many other things). I can tell you that as someone who has flown millions and millions of miles, traveling with little kids is like learning to fly all over again. Forget the concept of traveling with only carry-ons, or of having a relaxing, carefree flight experience.
We have two kids — our older son, Miles is now a little over 3.5 years old, while our younger son, Jet, is around nine months old. While we’ve done a lot of short haul travel with Miles, up until recently we’ve largely avoided taking him on long haul journeys, since it just didn’t seem like it would benefit anyone.
We last traveled long haul with him for his second birthday, in the summer of 2024. We had an absolutely amazing time, but the experience — and particularly the flying — was incredibly challenging. Two year olds aren’t exactly great at following instructions, and can be hard to negotiate with.
I specifically remember on that trip that we flew Lufthansa from Athens (ATH) to Frankfurt (FRA), and Miles was being… well, a two year old. There were some other slightly older kids in the cabin who were so well behaved and didn’t make a peep, and I remember saying to Ford “it’s going to be so nice when flying with Miles is like that.”
Well, around 18 months after this trip, we decided that it was time to take Miles on another long haul trip. He has spring break from his preschool, and he’s at such a great age in terms of him listening to us, wanting to be sweet, and actually absorbing things (he now spends all day asking us about… well, everything).
So we decided to book a ski trip with him, and we flew Air France business class from Miami (MIA) to Paris (CDG) to Geneva (GVA). I was still a little apprehensive about the actual flying portion of the trip, since Miles has become a huge aviation geek, I knew he’d be excited, and he’s just very stubborn when it comes to insisting on not sleeping.
I told myself that everything would go great, though Ford thought I was being a little overly optimistic, which I can totally understand. I wasn’t sure if he’d just pass out and be an angel, or if he wouldn’t sleep a wink, and would be a terror the entire flight.
Our incredible Air France business class transatlantic flight
We decided to book the 11:40PM flight from Miami to Paris. That’s way past Miles’ bedtime, and also certainly way past my bedtime. The plan was that Miles would nap on the day of flight, but as you might have guessed, he decided he wasn’t going to nap, because he was too excited.
In the weeks leading up to the flight, I talked to him constantly about it, explaining how we’d have to sleep on the plane, etc. I also tried to explain to him he’d have to follow the rules around the seatbelt sign, listen to flight attendants, etc.
To drive home that point, we started watching safety videos at home, which he became sort of obsessed with, to the point that it became his new favorite “screen time” activity. “Papa, I want to watch a safety a video.” Mmm, okay! He’s particularly a fan of Starlux’s safety video, by the way…
Anyway, I don’t think the flight could’ve possibly gone any better. As we arrived at the airport, he said “papa and dada, I want to sleep.” The thing to know about Miles is that he never, ever, ever wants to sleep. He’s so opposed to sleeping that at night he makes us tell him that he’s not going to sleep, but instead, he’s just “resting.”
Well, we boarded the Air France flight, put on his favorite airplane pajamas, and he was of course overjoyed to be a plane, as always.
He wanted to play with the map, of course, and see where we were going. He then started asking when we’d be able to put on the oxygen masks (the concept of the safety video being about emergencies is lost on him, and that’s fair enough!).
His excitement quickly shifted to… well, I’ll let you see for yourself.
Before the takeoff roll, he was already sound asleep.
The second we took off, I reclined the seat for him. I was worried that he’d wake up and not be able to fall asleep again, but he didn’t even wake up as I put his seat into bed mode.
I woke up about halfway through the flight, and found he was still sound asleep… while literally standing. Hah, essentially the bottom half of his body had shifted so that his feet were on the ground, while the top half of his body was still in a standard reclined position.
So I moved him back, and to my surprise, he still stayed asleep. He finally woke up around 90 minutes before landing as the crew performed the breakfast service. He enjoyed his breakfast, and before we knew it, we were in Paris!
Air France business class is consistently excellent, and the entire experience couldn’t have been better, from the seats, to the food, to the service. In particular, Isabelle was working our section, and she was just so lovely, especially toward Miles.
Jet lag hasn’t at all been an issue either
I figured a successful flight was only our first battle, and the next challenge would be how he’d handle jet lag. Well, to my surprise, it hasn’t been an issue at all.
I think the fact that we ended up landing in Geneva a little after 4PM was perfect. We played outside a bit, had dinner, and then all went to bed, and he slept for 10 hours. If anything, he actually helped me, because I’m a horrible sleeper when I travel, and jet lag gets the best of me. So when I woke up in the middle of the night, rather than getting up, I of course stayed in bed, to make sure he’d be able to continue sleeping as well.
So far, this trip has gone way better than I could’ve possibly expected, and it’s so cool to have a little kid who is at the age where you can travel with him and feel like it’s a super fun experience. Of course every kid is different, but the first half of three years old was challenging (his “threenager” era), while the second half has been absolutely lovely so far.
Of course knock on wood, because let’s see when the next phase comes. In the meantime, I’m grateful for this new phase of fun travel with a little one!
Bottom line
We just took our son on his first long haul flight in around 18 months, and my goodness, what a difference a little time makes. Our last long haul flight with him was very challenging, while this one was a breeze. I was optimistic, but it went better than I could’ve possibly imagined, and he didn’t have a single meltdown, and jet lag hasn’t been an issue.
Every kid is different, but at least in our situation, I’m taking mental note that 3.5 years old is a turning point for easy kid travel. Here’s to hoping it continues, and to many more adventures with him. And of course as usual, Air France business class impressed, so we couldn’t have chosen a better experience for this journey.
To fellow parents, was there also an age that you felt was a turning point in terms of fun travel with kids?
I flew on Concorde at 6 months old. A record that can't be beaten :)
Falls asleep before takeoff and stays vertical even in business... just like your dad. Love it.
Three years old?
Disappointing. As a travel pro, where were you at 9 months old just post-walking (oh, I have legs!!) phase on a 9 hour flight from east coast US to Hawaii?
Shout out to a now probably retired Continental Stewardess who took over at hour 5 and entertained Ms Melanie in the galley after service was done. Be forever in your debt...
I, too, am curious about the seating arrangement (Adult in window, Miles in aisle, adult in aisle beside miles, all in bulkhead?).
And while I'm sure Ben wouldn't be caught dead in long-haul economy, I think long-haul business class is a little wasted on small kids, since economy with a footrest (some people use a blow-up cushion that fills the footwell) is basically light-flat biz for young kids. I'd be curious to hear from...
I, too, am curious about the seating arrangement (Adult in window, Miles in aisle, adult in aisle beside miles, all in bulkhead?).
And while I'm sure Ben wouldn't be caught dead in long-haul economy, I think long-haul business class is a little wasted on small kids, since economy with a footrest (some people use a blow-up cushion that fills the footwell) is basically light-flat biz for young kids. I'd be curious to hear from others on overnight long-haul flying in economy with young kids, since most of us struggle to book 3+ award tickets in long-haul biz.
I would generalize your comment about timing and say even for short hauls, the key is to try to arrive relatively early in the morning. For long hauls that means leaving on a late red-eye.
But I've found for short (2-3 hrs) flights, it works best to take a super early flight, like 6am. I have a 4 and 2 year old. We pack everything beforehand, and basically just scoop them up from bed...
I would generalize your comment about timing and say even for short hauls, the key is to try to arrive relatively early in the morning. For long hauls that means leaving on a late red-eye.
But I've found for short (2-3 hrs) flights, it works best to take a super early flight, like 6am. I have a 4 and 2 year old. We pack everything beforehand, and basically just scoop them up from bed at 3am while they're still sleeping in their PJs and head out in the Uber. They sleep on the drive to the airport, maybe wake up briefly in the airport, then fall back asleep in the plane as soon as we sit down. They usually finally wake up either at the end of the flight or in the airport, and we'll have packed some light breakfast (toast, fruit, milk, juice) for them to eat.
By the time they're really awake and ready to go, we're at the hotel. Early check-in is great but even without it, our kids are usually well rested and okay with either hanging out at the hotel (like at the pool) or going for a walk around the neighborhood until the room is ready.
In contrast, when we leave in the afternoon, it's more chaotic getting them ready, more traffic to the airport, and they're too amped up to sleep. And then we get to our destination and now they crash but get cranky because the whole day has been off their schedule.
So I'd say the key isn't necessarily when you leave per se, but when you arrive, and morning is best regardless of when that means you have to leave.
I think you should consider doing this in coach like the vast majority of us would need to do with a child and see if it works well, or if there are any tips you could give to parent travellers (ex: departure times coinciding with sleep)
I always laugh when parents tell me how sorry they are that their children are making so much noise. My wife and I explain that a childs noise, their crying is simply music to our ears. Let them babies be babies as long as they can! Scream run, have fun babies as long as you can. Before you become the grumpy old man..
Stupid question looking at the picture of your hotel room Ben: is that an old picture, or does your 3.5 y-o still sleep in a crib?
Miles is so adorable!! Have traveled extensively with my daughter on long haul flights (hey, when you live in Australia, most flights are LONG haul). Forget daytime flights especially when they are young (<5), you won't get any peace at all. A long night flight in J departing night from home city and arriving morning/afternoon in destination city works the best for adults and kids, and everyone has hardly any jetlag. When they are tired...
Miles is so adorable!! Have traveled extensively with my daughter on long haul flights (hey, when you live in Australia, most flights are LONG haul). Forget daytime flights especially when they are young (<5), you won't get any peace at all. A long night flight in J departing night from home city and arriving morning/afternoon in destination city works the best for adults and kids, and everyone has hardly any jetlag. When they are tired enough they will sleep fine on a(n airline) bed.
Miles is so incredibly lucky to experience the world at such a young age .... travel provides the best education. Your young man is fortunate to have you and Ford as such attentive parents.
Ben, maybe you need an airplane-pitched white noise machine at home! He'll become the best sleeper ever lol.
I'm personally fond of the pitch of the A350's engines. Very lulling!
lol naming your baby like that
What’s next
Credit Cards Schlappig
Marriott Star Schlappid?
lol
Lufthansa Schlappig
After we got the kids seasoned flyers, the next big thing for my wife and I was when the 2 kids would entertain themselves at the hotel and we can sit and just watch them from afar or had to be the source of entertainment 24/7. Irony, that sibling love we only see on vacation, not at home
Thanks Ben for sharing a wonderful post.
Six months old, in an Air Canada bulkhead economy class bassinet to Toronto and back, no problem at all. Easy peasy. Same trip at two years old? Never, ever again.
Where are you staying in Courchevel? Hopefully trying the new Rosewood?
I took my first long haul flight Miami to Rio at age 3. Now 4 million plus miles later I’m still at it.
And where was Jet (your youngest) while you were on this trip?
1.5-3.5 are the worst ages in my opinion. Too old to be still and too young to be entertained by movies, etc. Now that my youngest is almost 4- traveling is getting significantly easier!!
To all parents of small children considering herringbone seating for your flight— totally not recommended! Our family has travelled extensively with our toddler in J class and herringbone is the worst set up. When your tray is down, you can’t swivel to the aisle like in reverse herringbone to get to your kid who wants your help opening a bag of goldfish. Then you have to call the FA fto help you with moving your...
To all parents of small children considering herringbone seating for your flight— totally not recommended! Our family has travelled extensively with our toddler in J class and herringbone is the worst set up. When your tray is down, you can’t swivel to the aisle like in reverse herringbone to get to your kid who wants your help opening a bag of goldfish. Then you have to call the FA fto help you with moving your tray just to get out of your seat. Come to think of it, that’s probably only one of many the reasons I dislike AA’s XLR321
We took our 6 month old son on a 10-day trip to Italy and it was an absolute dream. Wasn’t crawling yet so we just took him in the carrier or stroller and did whatever it is we wanted to do. The newness of everything was entertainment enough for him.
Now he’s 2 and you could give me free RT business tickets, all accommodations & food paid for, plus $1,000 on top and I still wouldn’t consider attempting the trip again.
Oh my goodness, kids really are like rubber, aren’t they? That picture of Miles sleeping whilst sitting up with his head at a 45° angle killed me.
If I had fallen asleep like that, I would’ve spent the next week walking around with my head in that exact same position.
All of us seasoned parents who used to globetrot with our kids are nodding and chuckling, "yup!"
Timing is important, but anything can happen while travelling (delays, cancellations, etc) so it's best to be prepared. The absolute most important thing is "distractions" - movies, books, toys, whatever will keep your kid occupied for hours on end. Age 3 or 4 is indeed roughly where attention span is long enough for kids to be either quietly...
All of us seasoned parents who used to globetrot with our kids are nodding and chuckling, "yup!"
Timing is important, but anything can happen while travelling (delays, cancellations, etc) so it's best to be prepared. The absolute most important thing is "distractions" - movies, books, toys, whatever will keep your kid occupied for hours on end. Age 3 or 4 is indeed roughly where attention span is long enough for kids to be either quietly engaged or fast asleep during long-haul flights. Up to about 18 months is also great because they sleep so much; the terrible twos are the worst because of the short attention span. Traveling with our kid was a dream except for one transcon flight where we just could not get her to settle down (she was 2). An absolutely amazing United flight attendant came by, picked her up, walked the aisle with her, and somehow got her to relax.
AF tends to be persnickety about assigning kids in J into the window seats, with an adult companion in the adjacent center seat. Crews are usually OK with swapping around, especially if it places the kid between their adult companions.
We started aggressively traveling again after both our boys were 4 or over. Once they can be entertained with movies, the long hauls became far easier. From 4-12, we had to adjust our schedule once we were wherever we were visiting ... i.e., longer stays in fewer places, slow down during the day, take time to hang out in parks (which was a great way to meet locals w/ kids). Prior to trips, we liked...
We started aggressively traveling again after both our boys were 4 or over. Once they can be entertained with movies, the long hauls became far easier. From 4-12, we had to adjust our schedule once we were wherever we were visiting ... i.e., longer stays in fewer places, slow down during the day, take time to hang out in parks (which was a great way to meet locals w/ kids). Prior to trips, we liked to get buy-in from the kids on what they wanted to do (even if it meant Paris Disneyland). BTW, great call on skiing in Europe. Cheaper than the US, more atmospheric, and better food. We go to Lech, Austria, year after year. Very atmospheric, huge terrain.
At age 5 our kid started getting really mad in his Polaris seat an hour after takeoff returning stateside from Paris. We were bracing for a meltdown. Turns out he thought he was supposed to be asleep because he remembered the red eye flight to Europe. I then showed him the map and how we were chasing the sun and this was a daytime flight and he could watch all the Bluey he wanted. That solved everything. The United sundae cart helped too.
I'll echo what others said - great job with the timing of that flight. Will be curious what your experience is on the daytime flight back. I presume you're in a X | Parent - Child | Parent confliguration?
Love the video! So great.
My 9mo daughter slept a total of 0 minutes from ord to Heathrow when we went for the Olympics in 2012. Crazy! We had an economy row of four (my wife and I and our daughter and then a random older guy). We apologized to him on boarding and he said to my wife “maam I have 4 kids and you don’t have to worry about me one bit. You just look after yourself and I can help when needed”.
Glad it was smooth!
And happy to see you obviously snagged the 3 bulkhead seats on the 777 (if I understand the image correctly) :)
On a side note - your original post about these seats is slightly incorrect, as the middle seats in the first row of the 2nd cabin of the A350 do no offer the same enlarged foothold. On the 777 there are a total of 8 such seats, but on the 350 there are only six.
Amazing! Hope it was a blast.
Did he do okay with the layover and second flight? I assume ideally direct flights would be easier, but sounds like it was okay!
@ Andrew -- Just a quick layover and connection, and it was totally seamless. He didn't watch any TV on the first flight (by design, so he wouldn't be too amped up), but then we let him watch TV on the connecting flight, which was helpful, given his exhaustion.
Fantastic!
Think you did a great job re the timing of your flight. As I’ve gotten older (and my kids too) I feel that this is often a factor that we don’t pay enough attention too. Late late transatlántics are much better. Kids are tired. Give them an hour or two of food and a movie and they’ll go to sleep. And then you land much later and have far less of the day to navigate....
Think you did a great job re the timing of your flight. As I’ve gotten older (and my kids too) I feel that this is often a factor that we don’t pay enough attention too. Late late transatlántics are much better. Kids are tired. Give them an hour or two of food and a movie and they’ll go to sleep. And then you land much later and have far less of the day to navigate.
Similarly from Australia to the west coast of the USA there are a lot of flights at around 10am. You fly for 15 hours and land at 6am right when you’re ready to bed. Then you have 12 hours at least to stay up to avoid jet lag. If you fly the alternative takeoff at 4/5pm you sleep maybe 6-7 hours of average sleep. Land 130pm and it’s morning time at your origin. Stay up until 10pm and you’re already on your way to beating jet lag.
To Asia I always used to take night flights to maximize time on the ground but have now shifted to day flights. Read, watch a movie and doze and land in the late afternoon. Check into hotel. Have dinner. Swim in the pool and sleep. Rather than land at 6am and feeel groggy (business class is great but it’s still a horrible sleep).