Long Journey down under
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I have travelled to Australia twice. Once with my son who was 6 with Quantus, and the second time with my daughter who was 4. The best airline by far was Singapore. The were fantastic and wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. Singapore airport is lovely too.
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Hi Linzi. In my experience all Airlines seem to have different rules for this kind of thing. Some have limits based on age and others on weight or some based on both age and weight. . I think BA have a limit of 2 years, but as I said earlier, you reallyl need to check with your chosen airline. Virgin I think was 12 mnths last time we flew. Hope this helps Have a great holiday! Airlines really should put some effort into making these things clearer for parents!!
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We returned on Christmas Eve from a trip to Australia. We flew with Virgin in Premium Economy with our 4 year old. The night flight from Heathrow was great as it meant our daughter could wear her pyjamas to 'get ready for sleep' Once in Hong Kong it was only a 1.5 hr turnaround to get back flying. Be warned though you have to clear all your possessions out of the overhead compartments and take them with you through Hong Kong security as the plane is cleaned for the next leg. If you are travlling with kids it would be wise to try not to take too much on the plane. We left our daughters clothes by accident and they were taken but we did manage to get them back! Food and service was very good on the plane with lots of entertainment on offer in the seat back tv's.
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Check out www.seatguru.com for airline information. Some of the most useful things that the site provides are seating plans for each type of aircraft, bassinet details and baby changers. If you ever wondered how to get the most legroom, or which seats are nearest the lavatory, then here is your answer.
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My son and I have made the trip between Australia and the US several times. We've gone Qantas each time and have used the bassinet. The weight limit for the Qantas bassinet is 26lbs. The bassinet was great when my son was smaller but on the last trip his feet and head were touching the sides (he was 7 mos old). He also wanted to sit up and look around so I had to take off the "seat belt" that covers the top of the bassinet when he wasn't sleeping. I'm considering using a car set on our next trip.
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we travelled to singapore several times - when my son was 4mths, 10mths, 14mths, 18mths and 23mths. and have done so with different airlines. often, i had to travel with him by myself as my husband usually has to return to UK sooner than i'd prefer. the cabin crew in singapore are ever so helpful with little ones. and it's true - they are happy to take them away for a little while so that i could go to the toilet and more importantly have my meals in peace. absolutely brilliant. they had nappies and wipes on board. and a few times, the head stewardess allowed me to use the business class toilets as they are roomier and more comfortable for changing fidgety infants. their babycots are also at the right height and hence easier to put the baby into and take out. the infant cooked meals on singapore airlines were simply delicious! (for 12mths plus or as long as baby is taking solid food-my son has his first airline cooked meal at 10mths on singapore airlines) poached salmon, creamed spinach, hearty beef burger, spanish omelettes, etc. on one trip, we went out on BA and returned on Qantas. Qantas' babycots are attached really high and unless you are 5"11, it was impossible to comfortably put the baby in and out. BA - nothing to shout about.
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Emirates ex UK via Dubai to Australia are excellent value and service is brilliant. the kids entertainment system is second to none and there is more leg room than any other economy airline. Gulf air Sky nanny would be good if you could afford 20,000K.Singapore are also good but deparute arrival times ex UK are not family friendly. Malaysian airlines do not have an everyday service for a flight straight thro to australia so a stop over a must but well worth it when you stay at the Meridian just above the trainstation that links the airport. It has the best pool in nearly all asia and a water slide for kids!!! Brilliant. Going via Hong Kong a bit like torture as not a direct route and no cost saving either. I've been doing this for 5 years too long....there is no easy way just grit your teeth and bare it, the sun will shine when you get there and you'll forget all about it!
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