Are we NUTS?????

We decided to go to Hawaii with Gracie at the end of January to see my SIL and hang in Hawaii . DH said that Gracie can be a lap child, and considering that her ticket would be $800 if we paid for her seat, it looks like that is what we are going to do.

Are we nuts???? HAs anyone done this for a long flight?? Our flight stops in LAX, then we go to Kona, so it is only one stop.

When we go Gracie will be 8.5 months old. TIA

Message edited 9/12/2006 11:29:03 AM.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

my best friend has taken her daUghter to austrailia at 4 months on her lap and is taking her again at 10 months next week back there again (her step dad is ill) - its too much $$$ to buy her own ticket and sadly, the flights are usually so full that she doesn't get a "free" seat nearby but what can she do? (I told her just be positive, hope for the best and remember - after the flight you will prob never see the people again anyway! ) go for it and try to remain as calm as you can since your daughter will feed off any tense-ness or fear you have....and if she makes noise or cries - hey, she a baby and thats what they do! save the $800 and spend it on something that would benefit her more!

eta: also, we saw these vest things for planes that clip into the seatbelt at bbb (i think they are $30) so you can be a little more handsfree with her on your lap if you want too!



heres the link of the vest thing!

Message edited 9/12/2006 11:52:48 AM.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

Those of you who responded to wait, what age would be best to travel with a baby? Would a two year old behave better? Why would you wait? Would you wait until you can afford the $800 for the extra seat?

DH and I can afford the $800, DH just feels like it is so expensive to pay for a seat when she will want to sit on our laps anyway. He also said that $800 could be used in Hawaii (restaurants, doing fun things with Grace, and maybe a hotel for just the two of us one night since we will be staying at my SIL's house).

Re: Are we NUTS?????

I flew to Ireland with DD when she was 5 months and didnt purchase a seat for her. They gave me a bulk head seat with one of those flip down cribs...she slept going over and coming back I just played with her and walked with her when she was cranky - flight time was 6 hrs going over, 7 coming back. I would do it again and probably will when she is less than a year.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

HI, I have a 2 year old dd. We flew with her at 6 months, 18 months and 2 years. I would definately fly with her sooner than later. It was much easier when she was younger and before she could walk. Once she could walk forget it!!!!!!! As far as a seat goes, that is up to you. We held her at 6 months and didn't need a seat. When she was 18 mos and almost 2, I didn't buy her a seat, but the flights were not full, so we got a seat for her-which she didn't sit in much any way!!!!! She laid on the floor, climbed on us and tried to run in the aisle. If you do get her a seat, bring her car seat and kkep her strapped in. If you have time, walk her around the airport between lay overs. It is not an easy flight, even for an adult, so just be prepared- toys, sncks,dvd player. So go in January and have fun!!!

Re: Are we NUTS?????

Thanks for the responses ladies!!!
It helps make this decision easier for us.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

I have taken Noah on 2 long haul flights in my lap and its been no problem! I would do it and have a great time!!!

Re: Are we NUTS?????

I flew with my son when he was 9 months and last week )almost 17 months).

He was an angel when he wasn't walking and I was still Bf'ing.

Last week was another story!
He didn't want to sit and wanted to walk up and down the aisle.
I would rather fly with them when they are too young to escape from the seat!

Re: Are we NUTS?????

i would just have plenty of new toys,.. maybe a portable dvd to watch something. But no, you are not crazy!althouh I would conside getting the seat that way it is the 3 of u in a row and she does not get sick of your lap

Re: Are we NUTS?????

My SIL went to Croatia this summer with my nephew who was 8 months at the time and she didn't purchase a ticket for him. She said he was fine, he slept the entire way their because it was an evening flight and she gave him the pacifer for take off and landing and the flight was about 8 hours then a connecting flight of about 2 hours. I would save your money.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

Here are some options:

-You can try taking a late flight and maybe there will be extra seats.

-Going to Hawaii may not be so bad if she sits on your lap but coming home you can always buy her a seat. You'll be more exhaused coming home than going there.

-Last option, since it is a long flight
you can always spend one night in CA to rest and continue your flight the next day either going there or coming home (I suggest coming home).

That's really funny that you posted this because DH wanted to take a trip to Hawaii with our DS around that same age. We'll see what happens.

Good Luck!!!

Message edited 9/12/2006 4:34:27 PM.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

I would go- we went to Az- 5.5 hours and he was totally fine at 1 yr old. He slept most of the time and ate the rest!! We didnt buy a seat but we brought our carseat anyway- the plane wasnt full so they gave us an extra seat for free!!!!!! They would rather accoomodate you as much as they can when you have children- they know from experience that its best that way for everyone on the flight so they didnt mind- Im so glad I didnt spring for the xtra ticket it would have been such a waste. I love Hawaii and would never pass up on an opportunity to go there.

Message edited 9/12/2006 5:40:20 PM.

Re: Are we NUTS?????

Thanks for all the responses. We went to Hawaii for a babymoon & to visit SIL last January and plan to go every year (God willing). We decided to not buy her a seat and see how it goes. If the flight over is horrible, we will buy her a seat for the way back.

I am so excited we are going back to Hawaii!!!!!

Kona coast, here we come!!!!!!