Air Travel with the terrible twos!

If, despite everything, your little guy kicks off and makes a fuss, would you feel worse/self conscious about it more in biz class than if you were in economy? It may be worth it for your sanity to go economy if you don't want to worry so much about everyone else... there does seem to be a bit more of a 'boo hoo' about noisy kids in premium cabins, rightly or not, since people have spent way more money and expect a level of peace (I know, sometimes kids just fuss and it can't be helped) If you are going A380 biz, depending on how many of you are travelling, try to book your seats online early as possible. Quite often if the flight is full you may be split if you just show up for seat selection at the airport. If there are 4 of you (2 adults, 2 kids) then you may want to try opt for 2 lots of E&F seats in J class. They are together (i.e. touching distance) BUT each of these rows is separated by the other seats so they are only every 2 rows (eg 7 EF, 9EF, 11EF) the other option if you prefer to be across from each other is to try for say you and littlest one in a B&D or G&J aisle seats, so you are directly across the aisle, and DH and 6yo in front/behind you in a J(front) and K (behind) so you are sitting near (but not immediately next to) each other.... anyway have a look at seatguru you will see what I mean. Bulkhead seats in biz class usually don't make a difference space wise unless you are using a basinette. Sitting towards the rear means you will be closer to the bathrooms and bar, so you may feel less conscious of noise. Front of cabin is quieter and closer to First class and you won';t be able to use the bathroom at that end since it's for first class cabin. Definitely easier to be near the back (also the crew are mostly coming and going there so will be around and most will stop to say hi to the little guy if they are not busy.) Just a tip- walking around is fine, but please observe the seatbelt sign, it's a real pain but we have to enforce it and I really hate having to chase parents around asking them to take LO back to seat...we hate doing it and they hate us for asking but it has to be done... other than that, go to town! Last week a had a little guy with me in the lounge, sitting on the sofa drawing pictures since he was getting bored with his dad! haha!

If you know its going to miserable do you really want to take him biz class? Just because there is more space, isn't really going to make him quieter if he is generally loud, it may just cheese off all the biz class passengers, who have probably paid to not sit with loud toddlers, sorry not being mean but just think about it from both points of view. I wouldn't choose a night flight either and I try to avoid taking my too unless its the only opition, because you are then dealing with very tired kids who kight not sleep and your knackered because you haven't had any sleep either. I would just try and take lots of distractions to keep him busy, there have been many great suggestions on here in the past if you search the threads. Keeping them busy is the key! Good luck.

The biggest (Thursday ) tip for parents in this situation - get up and walk with the child - yes up and down the aisle, to the toilet, the bulkhead window areas - whatever! They need diversion as opposed to being expected to sit in a seat for x number of hours. I've worn a path around many an aeroplane! Nothing quite like that feeling of dread when the seat belt sign goes on. To the OP, my children aren't great sleepers on flights. I always take day flights when possible as I find it much easier to be entertaining them during the day than trying to keep them quiet when they aren't sleeping at night.

The biggest (Thursday ) tip for parents in this situation - get up and walk with the child - yes up and down the aisle, to the toilet, the bulkhead window areas - whatever! They need diversion as opposed to being expected to sit in a seat for x number of hours.

Emirates are great for Kids. Their in-flight entertainment is the best in the industry, with many kids channels to choose from. They will also provide toys, colouring books etc. Crew are normally great with kids and really help parents out on long flights. If you get J class, depending on where you are flying from, you may be routed on an A380' which has more space in JC to move around and keep him more enclosed so as not to disturb other pax. Also, A380 has a very nice bar area for you to enjoy a cocktail or two to calm your nerves.

I find two year olds behave themselves quite good on planes for some reason. Especially if you talk about it before you go,making them excited. By the time the plane takes off and the adrenaline has worn off they usually pass out. Take a night flight if possible so most of the time goes by sleeping. Choose a bulkhead row seat as it has more legroom. There after you can show him cartoons on the tv,do some playdough and draw pictures. The stress of the anticipation of the flight is often worse than the actual flight.