Originally Posted by IAD1k

Congrats on such an important life event! I can tell you from my own experience (which is plenty with a 4 y/o who's flown 100k miles so far and a 2 y/o who's flown roughly half of that mostly in BF on long haul int'l and some F domestic), that although it is not as easy as flying by yourself (duh!), it is not such a hard venture. I've done several of those trips as well with the 2 kids by myself (and being a guy the FAs seem to be extra attentive for some reason, even "customizing" menus for my kids). Everything I’ve read in this forum is true.
some of the must haves/dos for me are 1) get plenty of books, new and favorites as well as manageable toys (don't take anything with too many pieces or too small that might fall under the flat bed), 2) take some snacks and treats (again, manageable, avoid stuff that can get messy like yogurt unless in a pouch, finger foods are great), 3) take a tablet and preload it with games, movies or cartoons that they like (or you guess they might like but don't count on wifi), old and new ones, that will keep them entertained for a while. I have to bend the rules on screen time here, but it's worth it, 4) time zone changes are a b!tch on children, so go to CVS or local pharmacy and get melatonin tablets for kids (good for >2 y/o). These are OTC dissoluble pills, it helps them fall asleep; you give it to them 30 mins prior to their normal nap or bedtime and works like a charm. finally, even though we all want to be considerate to others, you cannot be everything to everyone, and your kids are your priority, so do what's best for them and the rest will follow. I’ve had my share of frowns and bitter faces from other adults in BF, just by walking in and taking my seat with my young kids (once an older woman seating behind us on an 11-hr overnight flt called the FA to ask if children were allowed in BF, in a loud voice and bitter tone, by the next morning she was complimenting me on how well and quite the kids were on the flight). Never let that deter you from flying with your kids in whatever cabin you want (or can afford). My 4 y/o has been to more foreign countries that the average American and I know that’s more enriching than any other local experience or Disneyland trip I could offer.

Originally Posted by BeatCal

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IAD: I agree with you totally. I took my 1.5 yo on a first class (back when they had three classes and the carved prime rib) to Rome with her own seat. Same experience: why does she have a first seat when I could not get one, etc. The FA was great, she replied "they paid for theirs - not upgraded"

Originally Posted by lost*in*cyberspace

I don't think the FA was so great. She had no business telling another passenger how you paid for your seat. I would have been annoyed.

Originally Posted by BeatCal

Didnt give enough info. The passenger was pissed that he did not get an upgrade and had to sit in business while the kid was in first

Originally Posted by lost*in*cyberspace

I figured it was something like that. I just don't think a flight attendant has any business telling a passenger how another passenger paid for a ticket.

Originally Posted by rjque

Not to mention that FA's usually don't even have that information.

Originally Posted by skaya

Are there carriers that restrict bookings for infants in J/F? Either lap, or own seat (mileage)?

Especially looking at One world.

Originally Posted by Redhead

All children >2 must have their own seat. AFAIK, only Malaysia restricts kids in first (or at least on the upper deck?) Malaysia is a member of oneworld.

My two year old is flying first on US and AA on Wednesday

Originally Posted by Goodmorning2U

Our experience flying with our twins in United Business from Hawaii to Tokyo was very good. They shared our lie flat seats and we were all very comfortable. There was one truly violent fellow business passenger which threatened us as our 1.8 month old daughter was trying to fall asleep. She did cry for 5 minutes, but out of a 9 hour flight, I thought was better than most of the other business class travelers.

Originally Posted by Goodmorning2U

Our experience flying with our twins in United Business from Hawaii to Tokyo was very good. They shared our lie flat seats and we were all very comfortable. There was one truly violent fellow business passenger which threatened us as our 1.8 month old daughter was trying to fall asleep. She did cry for 5 minutes, but out of a 9 hour flight, I thought was better than most of the other business class travelers.

Originally Posted by Always Flyin

Other business class travelers were crying?

Originally Posted by AsiaTraveler

No, but I've had them congregate behind my seat on an overnight flight and proceed to talk, not quietly, at length.

In comparison, I would gladly take an infant crying for only five minutes.