A few weeks ago we were given the news that our already ludicrously early flight to Preveza had been cancelled by Monarch and we needed to fly on Enter Air (who I know?!?) at 5.45am. To say I was displeased was an understatement. To arrive 2 hours before the flight left would mean getting the kids up at 2.30am in the morning. 2.30am is not the morning; it is quite simply the middle of the night!
So last week we did just that, we got them up at 2.30am and set off. So how did we survive an early morning flight with our pre-schoolers?
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1 We pack everything the night before as it makes the morning less fractious; we literally packed the bags, the hand luggage and put everything in the car. We only had to get in.
2 Pre-book airport car parking, use chauffeur parking if you can. We had a seamless service from APH when they collected our car from us. I called 15 minutes before we got to the airport, we drove up the ramp to departures and gave the man from APH our keys. No trolleys needed, no trying to find a space, no long walk. Just really easy and straightforward! Hoorah.
3 Use speedy security at busy periods; this helped us get through the queues quickly!
4 Take a breakfast picnic; we usually pack cereal bars and apple juice in squeezy bottles not cartons (easier for tired children). This way we don’t have to find food they will eat in a busy airport with very little open. We make coffee for us – this is essential! What coffee equipment do you have at home? I found reviews of various items on this German coffee blog.
5 Pack children’s hand luggage full with activities so if they are stuck in a queue they have something to do;
It wasn’t ideal flying at 5.45am but we survived, and the upside was being in the pool by 1pm that day!
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
What a nightmare having the flight changed like that, although you seemed to sail through! I can barely cope with 7am take-off… but your tips sound just right if you are at an airport that early.
Blimey what a horrific time, glad you survived it , I suppose once you get there nothing else matters x
Wow that’s early and well done you. Super organised amazing lady! Great tips and amazing work! And look at that pool….SO worth it 🙂 Jess xx
Great tips traveling with 3 children is never going to be easy but at that time I take my hat off too you lady xx
Wow, what an early start! Sounds like you were all prepped and ready for any issues. Great tips, love the one about activities for the queues. It does make it easier when you have kids. Loving the pic of the swimming pool, every cloud has a silver lining 🙂