Is it better to take the long flight or break it up with an extended layover?

Question

So I'm planning this family trip that is stressing me out to no end! I can't decide between going straight across the country (Pacific Northwest U.S. to Florida) on a 5-6 hr flight with a 1 year old or breaking up the trip with a layover in CO for 3 days.
Anyone with experience with an easily bored non-sleeper have advice for which is best?

Answer

To me the hardest part of flying with little ones is never the flight itself, but navigating airports with babies and all the extra baggage. So I’d go for the direct flight, but I would definitely purchase a seat for baby and bring a car seat on the plane    The Cosco Scenera Next is a great seat for travel, it’s super lightweight so easy to carry around and also easy to install in the plane and in any vehicle.

Answer

Thank you all! I decided to go with the longer direct flight rather than a layover for several days. It just sounds like a lot of work to get to and from another airport with a baby.
I also opted for a paid seat rather than a lap child. I think the extra room for such a long flight will really help!

Answer

We didn’t fly but we done a 5hr drive.. I brought a few new toys and didn’t let our little girl have them till we was on the road. Worked out really well as she was entertained by her new toys for them 5hrs.. obviously we had to stop to stretch our legs so you might have to give little one a walk down the plane. 😊 our little girl hates her car seat and never sleep when we in the car either I was worried it would be a nightmare but she was all good.

Answer

I would fly the nonstop. We flew from Chicago to Orlando and my baby was asleep before we even left the runway. Our flight was delayed 3 times out of chicago and I was so thankful that we didn't have a layover or connecting flight to make. The time waiting in the airport was awful because we couldn't let her crawl around and she didn't want to stay in her stroller so trying to juggle her plus all the luggage was awful. The time she was awake on the plane ride back she was entertained by the in flight movie and the toys and snacks we packed.

Answer

Just go straight through and get it over with. I did a 5 hour flight to vegas and 5 hours back and my daughter was surprisingly good. Tire them out and hopefully they will sleep right through

Answer

Don’t break this up. This flight isn’t that long. Just get it over with! I say this having flown a bunch with not one but two babes across oceans. You can do this mama! It won’t be that bad. If you do happen to have one of those criers, just remember that it will end!

Is it better to take the long flight or break it up with an extended layover?

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