Last year I wrote about Flying with Baby, when I took my 10 month old on a trip to LA. Well in this part of 2015 year she is 2 and we took the obligatory Australian family holiday to Fiji, most fortunate were we! I'll talk about the Fiji trip separately, but here is some flight and flying info that may assist you from our experience, though I must admit I almost did not post about this at all as toddlerhood is such an individual stage and I warn you, all or none of this advice may help you!
This time we flew Sydney - Nadi on Fiji Airways economy (the old 'Air Pacific,' now a code-share with QANTAS). Our daughter, being 2 yrs and 1 month old had her own seat, even if she was under 2 I would be highly doubtful of making this trip with her on our lap.
Our daughter is a busy little bean that eats and sleeps well, and attends daycare 2 days a week. Partially toilet trained, she still enjoys the odd cows milk bottle and tantrums are part of daily life (screaming and crying, lying on the ground, refusing to follow simple directions).
We booked our trip as a package through Flight Centre Randwick though if we were to do a repeat trip we would book our own - flights and accommodation separately (service generally underwhelming, a few unnecessary mistakes made and slightly more expensive).
It was a bit of a surprise to discover we were booked on a 6.30am flight, meaning we were up at 3.20am for our cab to the airport. Surprisingly, this was not such a bad idea as we let our daughter sleep to the very last minute, then whisked her off to the airport in her pyjamas and dressing gown.
The benefit of flying this time of morning was check-in and immigration was an absolute breeze. Not taking a stroller, we got hold of a QANTAS courtesy stroller easily at check in and walked quietly and relatively easily to the gate.
Once we got to the gate the first tantrums started so out came the iPad with headphones (and free airport WiFi) for ABC kids. We got our fill because there are no personal entertainment systems on Fiji Air 737 flights (Important! I almost feel like repeating this for emphasis!) We had not really prepared by downloading video onto the iPad so we sort of lost out with that one.
The flight departed on time and was full. It's a 4 hour trip, with a 2 hour time difference between countries - I'm honestly not sure I could do any more than that with a toddler this age. After lulling myself into a false sense of security (she slept for the first half hour of the flight!) the rest of the flight basically pushed our little family to the very edge of frustration - I'd love to say there some magical somethings that made it all easier but deep breaths, deep breaths, cuddles and distraction... that is all!
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| It only lasted half an hour! |
Mealtime kept the little one busy but Fiji Air food (Sydney - Nadi) was probably amongst the worst I have ever had, and no seperate toddler meal - bring your own food if your little one is fussy (our daughter got hooked on the rubber omelette, we were happy to also give her mum and dads).
One thing is you can take comfort in is the plane is packed with fellow families, and kids are playing up all around (sorry honeymooners!). Also, try and use the bathroom / change nappy before you get on the plane, the toilet queue on this flight was the longest and most ridiculous I have possibly ever seen.
One reprieve? At the very time when Carys was melting down under the seat in front of us the mum turned around and offered her a strawberry Chupa Chup. Now, this goes against all of my parenting instincts but I had a silent happy child for the following 20min. I'll be doing that again, no judgement at all!!
Did I medicate? No. I don't feel strongly either way about this, I just didn't have the time before the flight to consider it and make arrangements. If the flight were long haul... I'd be looking in to it!
Arriving at Nadi, it is only a short walk through the terminal to immigration and exit, so no real worry about a stroller. Although hot in the airport, immigration was quick enough, and we quickly changed her out of pyjamas and bare feet into a dress and sandals inside the terminal and onwards we went.
Flying back home Sydney - Nadi with a 6.30pm departure was an excellent choice for traveling with our 2 year old and I'd happily do it again without much worry (but with crossed fingers just the same!) Just over a 4 hour flight, we took off, ate (much better food this time, a Fijian vegetarian curry) then our little one shortly fell asleep for the rest of the flight home.
A quick note that Nadi Airport is undergoing renovation (completion mid 2016) and there is currently very limited food options upon arrival. Also, use the ATM there, it may be the first and last one you see on your trip (and much of Fiji is a cash economy, particularly if you wish to buy crafts from villages).
I hope there is something here that may help you if you are traveling with your toddler, and wishing you the best of luck and the patience of a saint! Most of all, Fiji is absolutely worth it, particularly now the Australian dollar is losing value against the greenback, making Bali trips and similar more expensive. Look into it!
Bula Fiji!
