1 hr flight or 5 hr train ride w/10 month old?

[Anonymous]

So we have to go to a wedding in New Haven and I'm trying to decide whether to fly or take the train. I'm convinced that the train is a better idea because it's far cheaper, no security issues, no takeoff/landing/nursing issues, and we'll be able to walk around if we need to. Has anybody been on a 5-hour train ride with an active child around this age? Is it the worst idea ever, as my husband tells me?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Fly. It's such a short flight it'll be over before you even know.

[Anonymous]

Definitely the flight.

[Anonymous]

FLIGHT

[Anonymous]

Really either one is easy, I wouldn't obsess. The flight itself is probably only 40 minutes in the air. Surely the baby can get through 40 minutes without nursing or other issues. And if it can't it wont be long until you get there. 10 mo olds tend to be pretty easy going. The downside of flying is that there aren't very many flights to New Haven. So if there are any problems/cancellations you could be stuck.

The train is also easy. No seat belts, you can walk around, etc.

Maybe it depends on where your end destination is and whether it is closer to the train station or the airport.

[Anonymous]

flight

[Anonymous]

I flew BWI-Hartford with a 10 month old by myself. Totally manageable, even with delays on both ends of the return flight -- an hour sitting at the gate and an hour sitting on the tarmac. For the first delay, they let people walk up and down the gate, so that was nice. The second delay was harder because there was nowhere to go, but I had packed toys, cheerios, water, etc. in the diaper bag so that helped.

Security was easy - in Baltimore they have family lines. I gave myself extra time so I could do a diaper change just before getting on the plane. I also scheduled the flights around his nap times and nursed with no real issues, even with somebody sitting next to me. People know what you're doing and, I think, consciously avert their eyes and don't try to make much conversation. With your husband traveling with you, even if the flight is totally full you could sit next to the window and he could sit in the middle and you'd be pretty much shielded if you're worried about being too exposed.

I checked my bag, even though it was just a weekend trip, so I just had a diaper bag and stroller getting on the plane. Hartford is a tiny airport so things move very quickly there. Like I said, I had big delays getting back to BWI but my husband met me at baggage claim and helped occupy the baby while we waited another hour for my bag to come in.

I had an hour car trip after getting into Hartford. I think it was 4 hours from the time I left home until the time I got to my final destination.

[Anonymous]

PP here...I meant to include that the baby fell asleep nursing on the way up into the air, slept for about 20 minutes while we were cruising, then nursed on the other side as we were descending. It was all very quick once we actually pulled away from the gate.

[Anonymous]

There's no way I'd want to be on a train for 5 hours with a 10 month old!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for all the replies! I think you've all swayed me toward the flight.

[Anonymous]

OP,

From which airport? Then from Bradley, how will you get to the wedding? Will you check bags?

Flying is involved, with getting to the airport early, etc. If the wedding were close to the airport, I'd say fly. But I think New Haven is at least an hour by car from Bradley. Door to door, it might be the same amount of time, especially if there's a flight delay, more likely than an Amtrak delay.

So, it's not so straightforward! My son was great on Amtrak at this age.

[Anonymous]

As a mom of multiples, I have to laugh that you even asked this question.

[Anonymous]

See, you also have to consider the time getting from airport parking to the airport, then through security, then waiting, then getting on the plane, then waiting, then getting off the plane and waiting for your bags, then getting to New Haven from the airport. By the time all is said and done, you're about even, time-wise.

I have flown to New England frequently. The last time I did, we were delayed for 2 hrs leaving. I was prepared, but it wasn't terribly fun, and all we could think of was how if we'd driven, we'd be almost home by now. Flights are often delayed; trains are not. I have taken a train from DC to Kingston CT with a 7 mo and it was awesome, and FAR more relaxing than flying. You can even set up a pack n play on amtrak if you sit in the front seat near the luggage area, I have seen moms on overnight trains doing this! Plus it is far easier to entertain a 10mo on a train when you don't have anyone in front of you (again, get that coveted front seat) and you have space.

So I'd vote for the train.

[Anonymous]

Trains can be delayed, let's not deny that! I take Amtrak to Connecticut three to eight times a year to visit family. It's usually on time, but stuff happens, sometimes it's late in both directions. Not often, but let's not say delays never happen. I'm 18:11 by the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trains can be delayed, let's not deny that! I take Amtrak to Connecticut three to eight times a year to visit family. It's usually on time, but stuff happens, sometimes it's late in both directions. Not often, but let's not say delays never happen. I'm 18:11 by the way.

OP here--thanks for chiming in with the thoughts about added driving travel and delays! My husband actually won't be traveling with us, he'll be driving separately (long story). So he would pick us up, either at the airport or the train station. Glad to hear your baby was great on Amtrak, as I'm still keeping that on the table! The cost difference is huge, and that's an important factor for us.

Also, I have to say, I find posts like 19:38 frustrating. If I'm reading it correctly, it's somewhat condescending and unhelpful. I guess I'll never get used to this sad part of DCUM (though I think there are tons of great folks/good advice to be had, which is what keeps me coming back).