I recently took a flight that was truly unforgettable, even more so than my previous experiences in luxurious first class on Etihad or Air France. Flying with young kids can be quite a challenge, and I get that firsthand.
As a parent of two — Miles, who is over three, and Jet, who’s nine months old — I know traveling with little ones often feels like starting from scratch. Long-haul flights, in particular, have been daunting for us until now.
The last time we traveled long-haul was for Miles’ second birthday in 2024. Though we had a fantastic time, the flight was tough. Two-year-olds have their own agenda, making it tricky to keep them settled.
Fast forward 18 months, and we decided it was time for another long journey. With spring break here, Miles is at an age where he listens better and engages more. Excited, we planned a ski trip that would take us from Miami to Paris and then to Geneva, flying Air France in business class. I was hopeful but nervous about the flight itself, especially since Miles is now a mini aviation enthusiast.
We booked a late-night flight, knowing it was after Miles’ bedtime. I prepared him in advance, explaining what to expect. We even watched safety videos together, which he loved. To my astonishment, as soon as we boarded, Miles said he wanted to sleep — a rarity for him.
As we took off, he quickly fell asleep. I reclined his seat into a bed, and he barely stirred. He slept through most of the flight, waking only for breakfast an hour and a half before landing in Paris. The flight went smoothly, far beyond my expectations.
Air France impressed us with their business class. The seats, food, and lovely service from our flight attendant made a big difference.
One concern was jet lag, especially since we landed in Geneva just after 4 PM. But guess what? It wasn’t an issue at all. We played outside, had dinner, and then went to bed. Miles slept for ten hours, which was a relief for me since I often struggle with sleep during travel.
Looking back, this trip feels like a turning point. The difference in Miles’ behavior compared to our last long-haul flight is striking. At 3.5 years, he’s more adaptable, curious, and generally easier to manage. I wonder if other parents have noticed similar shifts around this age.
This trip has reminded me of the joy in family travel. Here’s to many more adventures with my little ones, and to hoping for continued smooth sailing!
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