Non-stop flight to Korea worth the extra $600 with kids?

[Anonymous]

A non-stop flight to Korea from DC is about 14-15 hours and $600 more than a layover. Do you think it's worth it for a family of 4 to power through and pay the additional $2400? Kids are young 5 and 7.

[Anonymous]

I used to prefer the trips with layovers with kids that age. They need the opportunity to get up and run around. It was kind of helpful. Of course, they never fell asleep until right before landing for the layover.

If that money could be better spent on tours/activities at your destination, I'd save it for that. If money is no object, then by all means pay the extra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A non-stop flight to Korea from DC is about 14-15 hours and $600 more than a layover. Do you think it's worth it for a family of 4 to power through and pay the additional $2400? Kids are young 5 and 7.

I wouldn't. Not for the money reason but 14-15 hour flights are too hard on kids/parents.

[Anonymous]

To Asia, the time zone thing is going to mess them up anyway and the flight is going to be rough and long regardless. How long is the layover and where? If it is less than 2 hours there's a chance they would either be delayed and miss your connection, or your bags won't make the next leg.

To me, I would save the $600 and do the layover, unless there was some need to do the non-stop like a 5 day only trip or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A non-stop flight to Korea from DC is about 14-15 hours and $600 more than a layover. Do you think it's worth it for a family of 4 to power through and pay the additional $2400? Kids are young 5 and 7.

What is the breakdown of the layover? Where would you fly to first? I don't think I would pay $2400 more to fly non-stop unless the layover is terrible and really long.

[Anonymous]

Wait I just read it's 600 EACH, not 600 total. I would definitely do the layover to save $2400.

[Anonymous]

If it would work, I would save the money. How long are the flights? No way I would spend the extra unless it save lots of time. In fact, I don't think I would pay it anyway.

[Anonymous]

I would save the money in less money is not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Sorry, I should've said that it's an extra $600 EACH person, not total. Money is definitely an issue. Layovers appear to be about 9 hours long in San Francisco or LAX. DH and I did the non-stop flight once ourselves, but we only had a baby coming back at that time (we went to adopt our child). Obviously adding 9 hour layovers add to the already long day, but it's a lot of money to spend and maybe the kids really need time to stretch their legs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry, I should've said that it's an extra $600 EACH person, not total. Money is definitely an issue. Layovers appear to be about 9 hours long in San Francisco or LAX. DH and I did the non-stop flight once ourselves, but we only had a baby coming back at that time (we went to adopt our child). Obviously adding 9 hour layovers add to the already long day, but it's a lot of money to spend and maybe the kids really need time to stretch their legs.

I would do a 2-3-4 hour layover but not a 9 hour in less you had no other choice. Can you go another day?

[Anonymous]

9 hours is a long time, but you could consider leaving the airport and doing something in SF (not a long cab ride from SFO to downtown). That way it's more like two trips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry, I should've said that it's an extra $600 EACH person, not total. Money is definitely an issue. Layovers appear to be about 9 hours long in San Francisco or LAX. DH and I did the non-stop flight once ourselves, but we only had a baby coming back at that time (we went to adopt our child). Obviously adding 9 hour layovers add to the already long day, but it's a lot of money to spend and maybe the kids really need time to stretch their legs.

I'd get an airport hotel with a pool, go swimming, have a nice lunch and rest. It would be worth the $200 or so.

[Anonymous]

Definitely do the layover (especially with the 5 year old). You will need to get out and stretch your legs and allow time to run around.

Depends on your 5 year old, if this is child that will stay still and watch movies and relax - you should be fine. If this is a more hyper child, I would do the layover.

If money is an issue don't waste it on the flight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry, I should've said that it's an extra $600 EACH person, not total. Money is definitely an issue. Layovers appear to be about 9 hours long in San Francisco or LAX. DH and I did the non-stop flight once ourselves, but we only had a baby coming back at that time (we went to adopt our child). Obviously adding 9 hour layovers add to the already long day, but it's a lot of money to spend and maybe the kids really need time to stretch their legs.

I'd get an airport hotel with a pool, go swimming, have a nice lunch and rest. It would be worth the $200 or so.

Excellent idea. Your kids will probably not be interested in being speed-tourists in SF. You'll wait an hour in line just to ride a cable car, and probably have to carry your valuables/electronics/carry-on's with you. Many airport-area hotels also offer day rates.

[Anonymous]

What airline? Whenever I am flying to Asia, I tend to find the best rates on Korean Air and nonstop from Dulles to Incheon is a 13 hour flight (it's long) but usually was priced the same or a little bit less that the itineraries that had me connect via LAX or SFO. Have you played around with dates on the Korean Air website?