We chose Air France because it offers the least number of transits to Aberdeen and having flown with AF/KLM in the past on both economy and business class, we have had nothing but good experiences. We purposely picked a night flight, departing KL International Airport (KLIA) at 23:15 so that our children will be able to sleep for most of the flight.
Excited to see the plane
Keep Calm Kids - It's only a 13 hour flight :P
We flew economy class from KUL, however for some unknown reasons, we couldn't book our seats in advance. Luckily, we were allocated seating together. When flying with children, you can request for kids meal when checking in. They will also be given a kiddies pack - ours contained playing cards, coloring pencils and finger puppets to keep the kids amused.
The kids slept around 6-8 hours, and they were excited with the prospect of being in the plane and busied themselves with the in-flight entertainment. Quite a good selection of cartoon.Before we knew it, we have arrived at Paris airport.
When travelling with kids, it definitely helps to bring their favorite soft toy or even socks that they wear to bed at home (for familiarity) as well as some books and at times like this, the iPad keeps them quite entertained.
Baby D takes his "best friend" on holiday :)
Happy flyers :)
A meal was served after the plane took off, and then breakfast before landing. We did not know that we had to order kids meal before take-off, however kids happily finished off their "adult" meals. The most painful part of our trip was the 4 hour transit in Paris - it was very early in the morning and most shops were not opened yet (though we managed to get Laduree first thing ;)) and it was quite difficult to kill time here (with children) at the airport. We mainly watched planes land and take off.
Sunrise
Playing with her goodie pack
Kiddies pack
Breakfast before we landed
We have arrived at Paris CDG ;) Beautiful sunrise
The smaller E70 aircraft from Paris to Aberdeen
Love them fluffy clouds
Return leg - waiting for our flight in Aberdeen (ABZ) airport
Fortunately for us, we were upgraded to Premium Economy class for our flight back from Paris to Kuala Lumpur. We're thinking that Hubby's frequent flying with AF/KLM made them bump us to Premium Economy. Whatever the reason, we were grateful as Premium Economy comes with much larger legroom, more comfortable seats with adjustable head rests and premium amenities. The children slept almost as soon as we took off all the way to when breakfast is served. I'm a light sleeper on planes, but the comfortable seats definitely makes a difference. Those flying in Premium Economy will also get the choice of champagne (albeit in a plastic cup) as aperitif to their meals.
There are limited number of Premium Economy flights on board, only 3 rows between economy and business class. It offers you 40% more space than in the Economy cabin, 20% more leg room, and 20% wider seats. The price of tickets is about 40% more than an economy class ticket.
Premium Economy Class seats
The kids slept so well! Grateful for the upgrade :)
Pingu watching over him
Champagne... ;)
Dinner served during our flight
Michel Cluizel chocolates
Light breakfast before landing in KUL airport
Enjoying some in-flight entertainment :D
From our experience, here are some tips on travelling with young children:
1. Choose a night flight so this coincides with their bedtime and the kids can sleep easily on the plane.
2. Bring some entertainment (games and iPad) and books.
3. Bring your children's favorite cuddly toy (or a comfort item) to settle them down in the plane and gives them a sense of familiarity.
4. Choose a flight with less (and short) transits.
5. Bring some sweets that they can suck on in case of ear discomfort during flights.
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