I would go. It will likely be unpleasant at times, but it’s just a few hours of pain on either side. I traveled a lot alone with my kids as infants and toddlers, internationally. Think “Singapore to Oklahoma City” type of trips that spanned 24 hours due to connections. It was very painful at times, but it was just a means to an end. Sometimes the end was seeing my in-laws, so we won’t dwell on that.

Anyway, pack a lot of interesting snacks. Since I’m a dinosaur and who traveled before the days of iPads, I used to make my own snuffle mat and drop cheerios, dried fruit, etc in it and make my kid search for their snacks, and I would bring different colors of artist or painter’s tape and let them go to town. Catch the eye of a sympathetic mom who will help you. I always offer to help moms travelling alone with folding strollers, holding a baby for a few minutes etc. I get it. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:The tentative is not seeing your parents, so yes, I would go.

Alternative*

The tentative is not seeing your parents, so yes, I would go.

We flew last holiday with 20 month old as a lap baby. It was across the country with a connection. I was dreading it, but it turned out okay. My tot vomited during the first flight, but was otherwise feeling fine. She slept about 1/2 the outbound trip. The red-eye back she did not sleep at all for 6 hours. At the end of the day, it was fine overall. In general, things are not as good or as bad as we anticipate.

Anonymous wrote:I have three kids. 12-24 months is the absolute worst age to travel. I wouldn't worry about the business, that doesn't matter because it will be hell no matter what.

The key (KEY!!) is to bring a car seat on the plan and keep them contained the whole time. Don't try to walk them around or let them crawl. Just strap them in their seat and bribe with snacks and books.

PP hit the nail on the head!! It absolutely sucks to travel with 12-24 month olds. I also have 3 kids and we've traveled since they were all young. The worst flight was when #3 was 18 months and a lap baby. He wasn't even a really active child, he just did not want to be held.

I would absolutely go but 100% get them their own seat regardless of the cost. They need to be strapped in or you will be miserable.

People who buy plane tickets to Florida already know what they’re getting into. You’ll be fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you all! My parents are in Florida and I won’t be traveling alone with the toddler. Husband will come with.

That is a short, direct flight. With two adults, it's doable. I would go.

+1 Go. No brainer. Short flight, two parents taking turns? Easy. We’ve done that flight several times a year since DC was born (my family lives in FL). The flight around 20 months was the hardest, but it really didn’t matter bc you can survive anything for 2 hours!

Yes go. It's totally fine for your 19month old to be in public spaces.

Do your best, and if your kid is a mess it'll be over in a few hours.

Just traveled 2hr flight with 17 month old - and we did the infant in lap option! It was ok but hard keeping her contained and from now on she will get her own seat with car seat. I’ve heard the car seat is a game changer. But anything long might be tough. 2 hours, maybe 3 is doable.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you all! My parents are in Florida and I won’t be traveling alone with the toddler. Husband will come with.

That is a short, direct flight. With two adults, it's doable. I would go.

OP here. Thank you all! My parents are in Florida and I won’t be traveling alone with the toddler. Husband will come with.

Do it. Just come prepared and know it’s going to suck, but that suckiness is temporary. Also think about what you can do to make grandmas house easier for a toddler. I ordered new toys from target since my mom didn’t have anything. Focus on things that will make your kid happy and comfortable, which doesn’t need to be much, but definitely plan and prepare.

OP I would consider it. If it is horrible, don't do it again. Besides most passengers wear headphones (at least I do!), so babies don't bother them as much.

I flew alone with my DD a fair amount was she was young, say 2-3 times a year.

How far away do your parents live? Is driving an option?

Anonymous wrote:NOOOOO. As the mom of an active child, I regret every flight I made with dc between the ages of 1 and 4. I took dc on a flight at 18 months and it was the worst. Kid was too young to look at screens, as we’d never, ever showed him one before. We made the mistake of putting him on our lap to save money and he just couldn’t sit still. I was so happy that we couldn’t fly during COVID. My youngest is 4, and I’d fly without a second thought these days, but those toddler flights were ROUGH. Have your parents visit you in January.

This is why you put them in a car seat. They're used to sitting in a car seat for long periods.