Which is better: 8 hours on plane Non Stop in Coach OR 11 Hr plane trip wtih 1 stopover but in 1st Class?
 

Hi, Traveling with hubby & our 6 month old to Europe...Because of scheduling & where we're going, We can either take a NonStop Flight to our destination (8 1/2 hours) in Coach OR take a flight that stops 1 time & has an 8 1/2 hr flight, 2.5 hour layover & 1 hour flight for a total of about (11 1/2) hours but in First Class...

We have never traveled before with baby but these are our only options b/c we want to use our points for the plane trip (as you know using points is not always the easiets)

From people who have traveled to Europe or long flights with baby which would be better? shorter trip or longer trip but more spacious/room?

Thanks!

First class, hands down.

It would help to know what airline(s) you are talking about, but regardless, first is still better than economy.

No offense, and I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but if I was on the same flight(s) in F, I would advize you to stay in coach. (the baby factor). :-D

Does the baby get it's own seat in either option?

If not - defiitely do first class - so you will have a little room to move - otherwise you're going to have to take turns being completely trapped by baby the whole time.

My first thought was that with a 6-month-old, I'd take the non-stop shorter flight. Under any other circumstances I'd opt for the longer travel time in first class.

I'm just thinking about you having to schlep diaper bag, gear, etc, on and off two planes instead of one. Possibly disturb the babe if sleeping.

On the other hand, if this is an exceptionally "good" baby, maybe first class would be the way to go. More room, as you say, better service, nice FC lounge for your layover, etc.

First Class. Absolutely!

Hi joaniejd, I personally would take the longer flight (about 12 hours by my calculations) in first class. I am sure you know how crowded coach is and although I always like nonstop flights in your case I would put up with the stopover for all the extra room etc. in first class. Best wishes to you.

Just curious - - what are the circumstances that provide you this choice - - at exactly the same cost to you? (is that zero? someone else paying the airfare?)

I believe that you can and should ask, in advance for an on-board bassinet. While holding your baby is commonplace, and you may find yourself doing it for quite a bit of the time - - I believe that you can get substantially longer/better sleep with a place to lay your baby down.

I'd also think you will want to talk with your pediatrician about this travel. I won't say what questions you should ask, knowing nothing about you or your baby, but perhaps, the conversation could include questions about the prescribing and use of chloral hydrate.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers, M.D. (Pediatrics/Neonatology)

Hi J,

First class. They are more likely to help you with the baby.

((I))

I am assuming that there is little price difference.

I'd fly for 24 hours longer in 1st class, gladly.. There's no comparison.. Go for it..

First class, no question!!!

For those who missed it, I thought joaniejd made it clear that these two options are possible using FF miles, so that's why there is no price difference, but perhaps a difference in number of miles being used.

Joan doesn't need any more encouragement but I heartily endorse FIRST CLASS!

I've traveled with 6 month old and 3 year old from upstate New York to Aruba, which entailed up to 3 stops. The stops are usually a major hassle, with racing to catch flights, which are occasionally delayed or cancelled, necessitating unscheduled overnights in cities along the way...I've also flown ultra first class to Europe, and nothing compares to the service.

So, you have to balance the hassle of the stops and layovers with the comfort of first class. If your baby has his own seat, and you can snag a row of three in coach, then depending on the plane, you might be better off with no stops or layovers...also more time at your destination...

First Class.

Doh... I can't believe I didn't see that.

That sheds a bit of a new light. Using double, triple or quadruple the number of "points" or "miles" DOES mean a "cost" difference, in my book.

Unless joanie or hubby are accumulating "points" faster than they think they can possibly use them (not just now, but over a decade's span, for example) - - then personally, I might keep them in the "bank".

There could easily come a time - - and you're young now, but it will get there sooner than you realize - - that you might really enjoy the availability of those "points". Later in your life, for example, coach seats might fall readily in the zone of discretionary spending money for you - - yet first (or even business) class would jack that price up threefold, if not sixfold. The availability of "points" to get you upgraded - - once hubby has become "Middle-Age-Man" (I'm sure you, his lovely wife, will never age ;) ) - - might seem priceless.

<<Doh... I can't believe I didn't see that.>>

Clarification: this last post of mine is a reference to the post by Patrick that joanie is using "points" for these seats.

Hi this is Joanie. We actually have an abundance of points so it doesnt matter which option we pick-really I am looking to do what is most comfortable. I really appreciate everyone's feedback. We arent buying a separate seat for the baby-plan on having her on our laps-I will def. ask for the bassinet-although at 6 months not sure if it would fit her? Either way, thanks for the suggestions & would love to hear what other people think as well....

No question. Not even close. First class. The added room and comfort and amenities you get, for not that many extra miles, are miles well spent. (If paying though, I'd say coach because the price difference is preposterous.)

You fly coach, I'll fly in your first seats that you can give me since you wont be needing them and when we get there we can compare :)

Special award to MorganB for making such a generous offer of sacrifice.

(Damn, I wish I had thought of that first.)