Fly or Drive?

Question

Should I fly or Drive with my 16 months old son.

The drive is 15 hrs. My son hates to be in the car seat for a long time. If we drive we can of course make stops along the way at the rest stops and he can run around outside, but will be in the car seat for the majority of the 15 hrs. We can also stop and eat but then he is in the highchair.

The other option is to fly. We have to go the airport 2 hrs early (I believe) and then the 1st flight is 2 hrs. There is a 2 hr lay over where we can walk around a little but he really can run around because its not a good place to do that, in an airport. Then the 2nd flight is 2 hrs. We then have a 5 hr. drive to where we are going.

What do you think is the better/easier choice for my 16 months old son.

Thanks for reading and for your opinions

I wanted to add that on the plane he can not get up from my lap at all

I also wanted to add that on the flying option when we get off the plane we are going to stay overnight before the 5 hr. drive

Answer 1

You know it’s a tough one. Flying can be just as hard on little ones, because their ears pops so much and it drives them bonkers, and there is little you can do to soothe them, while up that high, he will still have to sit still as there is no running on the play. If you decided to fly, your doctor could perhaps, recommend something. I hate drugging children, but there are natural alternatives as well, sleepytime tea works wonders and it’s not harmful at all to his little system, also try to give him a nice lavender and Camille bathe to calm him. Make sure you have what I like to call a sensory bag, a bag full of things that will keep him attention.
Driving, well that’s a really hard one as well. I have three special needs children (autistic) so you can only imagine, what a road trip over an hour is like, LOL.
But here are something that helped us recently get through our 24 drive from Chicago and back.
Promising to stop every 2 hours for a restroom break (a lot of stops, but they sat still waiting patiently for the stops). Giving them a disposable camera. Making them each a sensory bag of goodies, Not bring along snacks, as it’s cost more money in the long run, and is very unhealthy as you sit and snack the entire trip, just because, that way you can also stay on schedule of lunch dinner and breakfast. LOL. Playing Classical music (YUCK, but works like a charm to put children to sleep). Mapping out a plan of action helped as well, as they looked forward to different things in the plan along the way… that was just a few of the things we did.
Also you may remember something about driving in a car puts little ones to sleep…sooooooo(smile)
Weight out your pros and cons… Price, delays, and all sorts of things.
Good Luck and have fun with your family on your trip!

Answer 2

I would fly...It goes by fast and when you stay overnight before the drive he can have time to run, play ect.. And in the morning before you drive you could take him to a Mc Donalds play place or something and for the 5 hour drive you could get him some toys or a coloring book or something that would also work while you were in the airport...Hope this helps..Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 3

I would drive..you have more options that way. You can look up some parks that would be on your way stop and let him play for an hour or so..U can stop all u need to at rest areas, U can stop and eat at places like mcdonalds or burger king let him play on the playground, another option is driving over night, leave out right after super and let him sleep during the trip thats what we do...hope this helps

Answer 4

My daughter and I would take a 2 1/2 hour flight instead of a 12 hour drive. It goes by really quick and you will not be totally spent when you get to your destination.

Just be sure to purchase a seat on the plane and take his car seat for him to sit in. It always bothered me that some parents would sit their children on their lap. I never wanted my luggage to be more secure than my child.

Answer 5

if i had the options you had, i would just drive. your flight plan is a bit too much of a hassle. if you had a non-stop flight and a short drive from the airport to your destination, i would say fly. i have a similar situation coming up next summer. i have to drive from michigan to minnesota for a wedding with my, will be, 18 month old. we were looking at flights but it's too expensive.

Answer 6

Thats a good question, and hard to answer. With a child it is even more difficult. Well, boys are a little more restless than girls and can be a little more trouble in the car. If you drove you should probaly think about your stops and think about what time you want to be there. If you flew, well it might be a little easier and less trouble for you. If you still can't decide, have you thought about charter busses our trains?

Answer 7

i would definately drive because you can stop wherever and whenever you want to or need to. I just personally think that is mre convenient that way than being in a stressfull airport all day . i would also feel more free in my own car. plus you still have to drive a whole five hours in the car anyway so i would just drive.

Answer 8

I once took a 10 hour drive with my 2 year old daughter and it was not that bad. I would prefer driving, than lugging a young one around for a layover, baggage, etc.....but I believe it all depends on you and how you know your child will act, good luck!! (Driving saves $ too!)


Just read your additional details, definately drive hon!

Answer 9

I think I would drive that one. You have long lay overs and still a 5 hour drive ahead of you

Answer 10

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