Samtraveler -

I have flown BC many times with my kids (again, thanks to my husband's company). Most of the time I have done it alone and I have never had a problem from other passengers. Altho I have had some check-in personnel question me about my BC tickets! Once on the plane, I have had people (usually businessmen) offer to help me stow bags overhead, change seats if we weren't together, etc.

This past summer, the seat assignments were really messed up and on each of the legs, one of my sons had to sit in a separate BC cabin. Altho people offered to change seats, my boys wanted to enjoy that little bit of independence - so I let it go. My kids are now 12 and 14 - another age that people aren't thrilled with - but I got incredibly nice compliments from the people that had to sit with the "solo" son. The were impressed with their behavior, their ability to carry on a pleasant conversation with an adult, and their confidence in taking care of themselves (requesting soft drinks, choosing meals, etc).

On the other hand - the other family with children that was sitting near us (ranging in age from about 3 to 15) were obnoxious - loud talking, jumping around in their seats, hitting empty water bottles against the armrests, etc. Where were the parents??? Asleep with earplugs! They did nothing to keep the kids in control.

The trick is teaching your kids how to behave in such situations. And it's never too early to start that learning process. Also - as silly as it sounds - it never hurts to have them dressed nicely! By the way - kids also need to learn how to behave in the BC lounges.

My children have also gotten spoiled - but I know that wherever we are seated - Economy, BC or (maybe oneday) FC - they will know how to behave.

Good luck - and have fun!

One other question that came to mind. Once we arrive at LHR I'm trying to envision how I'll manage with the kids and all of our massive amounts of luggage--since we'll be there for 3 months I've fully given up on packing light. As my husband will not be able to assist me through customs, are there any helpful services available for someone like me (i.e two kids and 6 pieces of luggage plus carry-ons)? I doubt there's any special service relating to BC, but just general advice on how best to get through this would be appreciated. I've flown into LHR before, but not under these circumstances. Thanks.

Who is handling your travel arrangements?

Sometimes a company like Carson Wagonlit will offer "meet and assist" services. Or you could check with United - they should be able to arrange a porter who could help with your luggage - leaving you to deal with the kids.

We made arrangements through the airlines for my mother-in-law last year when she had to fly home with a broken leg. Of course, the Delta folks dropped the ball and didn't meet her when she arrived at JFK, but fortunately - someone from EgyptAir was still around, took pity on her, and helped her out.

I know it is tempting to bring everything you can think of....but remember - you are in a first world place. You will be able to get almost everything you could possible need. I would focus on special toys for the kids and certain food items the kids CAN'T do without. Clothes, other toys, and most foods can be purchased.

Have you considered having most of your items shipped by air-freight? I don't know the logistics of this - or even if your husband's company would allow it. BUT - then you could focus on packing and taking with you only the most critical items (things you would need immediately), and have everything on the air freight shipment.

Also - will your husband be with you when you leave for London? If not, try to arrange for someone to be with you to help out with the kids while you get checked in. I don't know the setup at LAX, but I always stay WITH my luggage until it has been screened and sent along the mysterious conveyor belt to the back! If they need to open a bag - I'm there to unlock it and make sure it gets re-locked (I have all TSA approved locks). My neighbor's mother just arrived from Alaska and 2 of her bags were rifled through and stuff was taken - she didn't have them locked!

OH - critical item - make sure you have EVERY possible over the counter and Rx medication your children might need - the ones you use frequently. I really can't speak for England, but I know in the Middle East and several places in Europe, I had problems finding medications (simple cold stuff) that were suitable for children. My kids are old enough now to take adult stuff, but it was a real hassle when they were younger. This may sound silly - but just put it in the "better safe than sorry" category!

Again - good luck!

The bottom line is that passengers in any class of travel don't like being seated near people of any age who don't behave themselves.

Here's my "game plan" (and involves neither sedation nor distractions): wake the kids up early the day of your departure, and keep them awake until they're on board.

They will be no trouble to <i>any</i> adults in the compartment (including you!)

As far as your baggage situation is concerned: there are plenty of trolleys for hire in the Baggage Reclaim (why is it <i>RE</i>claim?) that will get you all the way through customs to your ground transport, whatever it may be.

Yeah, get them up early, but plan on distractions and sedative as back-ups.

I think I might check with the airline to see if I can get something arranged to help me at Heathrow. It's going to be enough of a load dealing with two exhausted kids!

Yes, many things can be purchased there, but I can't count on purchasing everything--it would just be too expensive given how weak the dollar is. Additionally given the time of year we're travling things like coats and sweaters just take up lots of space. There's just going to be a lot to bring.

I am taking along some key over-the-counter meds, but I've found no problems finding most things in London before.

Waking the kids early does sound logical, and perhaps this works with many, but with my kids getting them too tired before the flight really backfires.

Just 6 days to go! Thanks for all your tips!

Greetings from London! For those curious, I wanted to report on our flight over. Well, it could not have gone any better. Truly my children were even better than normal. My 6 year-old was a perfect little man and my 2 year-old fussed maybe a total of 12 seconds the entire flight (the flight actually ended up being 11.25 hours due to heavy traffic at Heathrow). The kids were so good that most every single flight attendant came up to us after to comment on how impressed they were. I have to say that I truly believe the added space of BC really helped my kids do so well. Honestly now that I've experienced how &quot;the other half&quot; lives, it's going to be hard to travel in economy ever again on such long haul flights. It was so nice to have so much space to stretch out. And for my kids the significant pitch of the chairs very nearly created a flat bed for them which allowed them to comfortably sleep for about half the flight--there is no way they would have slept that long in coach seats. I didn't experience any obvious sneers, though there could have been some who were hiding their displeasure with sharing BC with potentially fussy children. At first I did feel somewhat out of place, partly because I was so unfamiliar with BC in general, but my kids were certainly the only kids in BC. I'd like to say my preparations of food and toys helped, and I'm sure they did, but I must say the extra space helped a lot and mostly my kids were just good all on their own. I was lucky. So for anyone here who in all truthfulness wouldn't be thrilled to see young kids traveling with you in BC, if you had been on my flight you would have never known! Oh, and by the way I can't possibly see how kids could kick seatbacks in BC--they would have had perform some slick karate move bouncing themselves out of the chairs to even reach the seats ahead of us! Anyway, just wanted to share how it went in case anyone might have been curious!

samtraveler - You're a great parent. That explains it all.

Hi samtraveler, how nice that you reported back. I am glad that you and your little ones had a great journey. You will be causing them to be lifetime travellers I believe! Have a wonderful time and don't forget to take photos..your children will so enjoy looking at them in the years to come.

samtraveler, it's delightful to hear that you had a great trip. And I think rkkwan hit the nail on the head.

Anselm

Samtraveler- I'm so glad you had a good flight. I knew you would. For the return flight, bring even more snacks and little toys because it's more difficult to get the kids to sleep on the daytime flights. They may not sleep for half of the return trip. Hope you're having a great trip.

Welcome to London! Today isn't the best day to see the town, it's wet and dreary, but hope everyone is settling in fine. How did things go with getting your luggage and kids out of Heathrow?

Hi Samtraveler,

Thank you for your flight report. Indeed, I was curious about your BC experience, but never concerned about your children creating a disturbance, so am very happy that it went well for you.

Your other concern was getting through customs with the children and the luggage. How that work out?

Have a great stay in England and a wonderful trip home. I think the children will be fine once again and will probably sleep some of the trip and play with their games, watch movies, etc. the rest of the flight.

Thanks again for letting us know that it was smooth flying.

Thanks for the kind remarks. I honestly do not take much credit for my children’s good behavior. I’m not the world’s worst parent, but I know so many parents who do all the right things and struggle greatly with their children.

The flight, which should have been 10.5 hours, lasted 11.25 hours due to heavy traffic and fog at Heathrow. We spent the last 45 minutes circling Heathrow. I think this must have made my son a bit air sick as he promptly lost his breakfast at the top of the jet-bridge. Notwithstanding that bumpy start to our journey through Heathrow, getting through customs was not so bad. I did call United before I left, only to speak to a gum-chewing, disgruntled agent who offered absolutely no solutions (or sympathy) to my quandary. Taking matters into my own hands I managed to balance all six large checked pieces as well as two medium carry-ons on the trolley—it was quite a sight! I’m a fairly determined person, and I’m sure people watching me thought I was just nuts! I’ve got to hand it to my 6 year-old, though. He was quite a little trooper--after the long flight and loosing his breakfast he managed to be a great help in steering his sister in the stroller the whole way through the airport. When we exited my husband (flowers in hand!) and our driver were ready and waiting for us—I was happy to turn over luggage duties to them!

Yes I am really more concerned about the flight back since we depart mid-morning—that will certainly cut down on sleep time. I’m going to have to restock my surprise toy sack for the flight back. At least this time my husband will be traveling with us!

We’ve had a great first week here. (This is our third time here, including spending the summer here in 02.) I am passionate in my love of travel and it’s thrilling to share this with my family. I really believe my children are learning and growing in ways they would not without travel. Travel with children can really be a joy--it just requires a little adjustment in expectations and getting them interested and involved in what you’re doing. We visited the National Gallery this week. Before we left the states I had little art lessons with my son. I was so impressed with how much he got into our museum visit. He had so much fun hunting down the paintings we had discussed. It was a fun outing for us all. Yesterday the kids even allowed us to enjoy an hour-long, reverent evensong service at Westminster Abbey. I think they actually really enjoyed it—my 2 year-old kept asking where the princess was and thought the clergyman was the king! Our three months here will definitely be well-documented with lots and lots of photos and video clips. My son is also enjoying keeping his own journal. Anyway, we’re having a grand time seeing the sights and enjoying getting acquainted with our new London neighborhood. Thanks for all the well-wishes and support!

While on a return in BC on US Airways from Frankfurt to Charlotte, a couple had their 4 year old and 2 year old in BC with them. I got to watch the 4 year old punch a sleeping passenger in the stomach while he slept. Mom thought the little monster was cute - just playin. Latter the 2 year old spilled about 12 oz's of Coke in the lap of another passenger (7 more hours left in the flight). I gave the couple such dirty looks they kept the kids away from us, but otherwise the kids ran all over the BC cabin. Of course the obligatory shriek that comes from this age group peppered the trip, with blood curdling &quot;I got to potty&quot; and &quot;I've got to pee.&quot; God, do I HATE flying with children. If you are taking the kids in BC, just remember when the kids are acting up you are ruining the other passenger's trip in an expensive part of the airplane. Sedatives for the kids woulld be an act of mercy.

In response to Klaatunc,

Obviously, there is a huge difference in the behaviour of the children you describe and samtraveler's. I've been on many flights with children, coach and business class, and have NEVER witnessed the kind of behaviour you describe. If it was as bad as you say, I wonder why the flight attendants didn't speak to the parents.

Samtraveler, Your return trip will be fine, and it will be good to have your husband to help entertain the children. They are very fortunate to have this opportunity and it's obvious that you've made an effort to prepare and encourage them.

Your son sounds like a great little kid. Reminds me of a similar situation. A woman traveling with an infant and a little boy, 5-6 years old, on a flight to Paris a few years ago. He was quiet, played with his game boy and slept on the flight, then helped his mom with the luggage and stroller when we arrived.

It really annoys me when people expect all children to behave badly. Adults don't, so give the kids a break. They are not all the same.

Nobody wants to fly with wild kids but suggesting sedation for all children is ridiculous.

Samtraveler- You'll be fine on the return trip with your husband along. 2 parents to entertain 2 kids= easy flight. Don't stress about it, instead enjoy your trip.

By the way, our flight was drug free!

Sam, you obviously have very well brought up children, so congratulations.

However - &quot;if you had been on my flight you would have never known!&quot; - even the people behind you who had to step over the vomit ?? :-)

The vomit occurred at the end of the jetbridge (not on the plane). It happened while we were waiting for our gate-checked stroller to be brought up long after all passengers had passed through. The only people who even knew my son threw up were the flight attendants who passed by us on their way out.