Something else, I would like to add, that is very important on long flights with kids. I think this will make a huge difference: Make sure they are kept busy, if they are board they get quetshy and then the wife gets unhappy and a nice trip turns into a pain in the a.. shlep. If they are busy, the parents can also relax on the flights, watch a movie and everyone loves it.
A PSP (playstation portable) doesnt cost alot. Kids, especially boys love it. Now if they can play with it every day its nothing special anymore and after a hour they get board. So I only give it to them for trips and its really special for them and they can be busy with it for 12 hours, np. We do this for long car rides (2 hours+ and flights) We travel to Israel alot. With easyjet its cheap from Switzerland and friends ask how can you do this with your kids, my kids are impossible on flights. The wait in the airport and the flights... For us its really not a issue, because the kids love it, as they know finally another chance to play with the PSP.
Another part, that makes its easier each kid has their own little carry on
http://img.alibaba.com/wsphoto/v0/357857569/HOT-SALE-CARS-Suitcase-Roller-Trolley-Case-Luggage-Bag-Free-shipping.jpgBefore the flight we will fill it with sandwiches, nosh and other goodies. The kids know, this is their personal food that has to last for the flight, so they dont come every 2 minutes to the parents: I am hungrrrrryyyyy
Once again its a small thing, but it makes a big difference
I am not saying all kids are the same, but with mine these 2 things make a 10 hour flight easier then watching them at home for 10 hours :-)