Originally Posted by Eclipsepearl

The problem that really adds flight time. The route is much further north, going into or near Canada, bypassing the East Coast entirely. Stopping in Gander, Newfoundland would be a more logical layover...

When it comes to flying with children, better to just get there. Dragging it out, staying in hotels, etc. just prolongs the agony. I've been flying between Europe and California about twice a year, usually alone with three children since each was 4 months old. Tiring? yeah. Do-able? Yes, we make it. Being organized is key.

Two of my children are very active (and the middle one gets so when she's around the other two). My goal is to keep them quiet and not disturbing others. New toys, walks up and down the aisle, etc. It's parenting in the trenches, long, tedious... but you do, eventually, land...

By the time they get through check-in, boarding, the meal service, etc. most will nod off at some point.

The only time I saw children do badly on overnight flights (which were, almost half my career) were when they were sick. Too bad both directions aren't overnight!