The Gritty Details of Planning, Packing, and Flying (Part 3)

Flying:

Thinking about flying with our little kids was the most stressful part of planning. Everyone would look past this logistical undertaking and ask us questions about the rest of the trip, but this was the main hurdle. 

Our journey started by driving our family in our own car to the airport, followed by our parents in another car.  We were able to pull right up to the front of the airport, unload (with the grandparent’s help!) and go right inside.  Our parents then left the airport, taking our car with them which will be stored at their house. 

Checking in at the airport went quickly and smoothly.  A short wait later and we were on our first flight.  Our first flight was a couple of hours.  The kids were so thrilled to be on an airplane that we barely had to dip into the travel backpacks.  They mostly stared out the window and smiled.  Our youngest kept shouting throughout the flight, “Come on, guys!  Let’s go! Let’s go on the airplane!” Mom and Dad were able to sit back with an adult beverage (compliments of our amazing flight attendant) and read their books.  We had a short layover in Dallas, where we changed a diaper in an airport restroom, grabbed a disgusting fast food dinner and our 3 year old proceeded to bust his lip open after falling off a stool while washing his hands.  Ahh, yes.  This was more like we’d imagined.  Our layover was short and soon we were back on the plane, fat lip, bloody shirt, and all.  This was the BIG flight.  Eight plus hours.  A family of five does have benefits, one being an entire row of an airplane.  We were able to put the armrests up and spread out more comfortably than if we had strangers sitting next to us.  The plane was packed.  It was a joy for all of us to listen to the various accents.  Each seat came with its own TV screen, which our kids were excited about, however viewing options for kids were very limited.  Movies were available, but none were appropriate for kids.  That’s okay, we are happy with books.  The person in front of me played “Les Miserables” three times back to back, so I do feel like I’ve seen that movie now, although I have yet to hear it.  Eventually on a flight that long, the kids will fall asleep.  They slept a good 4 or 5 hours.  When they woke up, it was about time for our airplane breakfast.  It actually wasn’t too bad; a croissant, yogurt, and orange juice. 

Due to wind and congestion at the airport, our flight in to London ended up being an hour late.  London’s Heathrow airport was the most confusing airport we have ever been in.  It seemed like every 100 ft. we had to go up or down a flight of stairs (not fun with a tired child trying to sleep in the umbrella stroller), go through security, or catch a bus to get to our gate.  Oh, and there is a severe shortage of restrooms.  Please imagine a desperate three year old crying, “I have to go to the bathroom!” while running (literally) through an airport.  We were sure we would miss our next flight, but we made it!

The last leg of this flight brought us in to Marseilles, France’s second largest city and largest commercial port.  Flying in was absolutely beautiful.  The coastline is quite stunning.  The ocean meets high white cliffs and I'm pretty sure we saw a castle.  How awesome is that?!  We passed through customs very easily.  We made it!  Our bags, however, did not.  C’est la vie!