Around 5 months I posted of an issue that we experienced with British Airways canceling our flight from Israel to the US (
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=127565.msg2527108#msg2527108). Dan and the whole “Oilum” were very helpful and Boruch Hashem we were able to get even better tickets directly to the city in which we were headed for at the same price for a ticket to JFK (a savings of $200 a ticket).
After seeing how there’s a whole community in which everyone is looking after the other, since it had been a while since the family had flown and we were now much bigger (Parents + 8 kids, oldest being 12), I thought it would be a good idea to tap into the wisdom of Dan’s Deal’s Forum to prepare properly for the flight (
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=127925.msg2541975#msg2541975).
There was much good advice including, but not limited to;
@AsherO suggested bringing tranquilizers (or at least an Ipad).
@yerushabubby prepares small bags of goodies and writing instruments, meals, and suggests 1 place for all docs. Also talking to kids before to prepare them for security and using melatonin. She along with
@SSLPhD also had good ideas for snacks.
@aygart advised to eat before boarding.
@Yehuda57 suggested Benadryl and to keep different baggies for giving out through the flight.
@dasmo801 warned to make sure (for parents) to keep stress levels down.
@BCL told from experience that 2 rows is better than 1 long one and the advantages of gum during takeoff and landing.
@motec bb ,
@Yehudaa,
@tavster,
@ckmk47,
@Abebee and
@AsherO posted with tips about which car seat and gear to bring for infants
@SuperFlyer‘s idea was to have children be tired before the flight.
Regarding masks,
@dasmo801,
@Yehuda57, and
@AsherO also had what to add.
@sillypainter,
@JMHO ,
@yitzgar,
@E R K and
@moish had some security tips.
Many others also shared their experiences about what to expect from kids on the plane and how they behave.
It was all extremely helpful and informative and I can say that, with much help from Hashem, we managed the trip, both there and back, not forgetting any kids on the way, keeping our sanity, not suffering from hunger or thirst, and only losing a few cheap pieces of clothing and games.
Here is a rough account of how the trip went from beginning to end. The focus is only on the flight and specifically how we managed with our large family.
Before Pesach. Flight is 10am with El-Al landing in England, and then after a 4 hour stopover, a second flight with British to the US, landing at around 8/9pm.
On the way back is a 10pm flight overnight, which arrives In England at 10 in the morning. After a 4 hour stopover, we take a 4 hour flight back to Israel.