Well let me tell you that it is totally possible and whilst there were a few issues (namely Fin deciding to have a dodgy bottom for the flight home), it wasn't half as bad as we thought. Here are a few things we learnt.
This seemed to work quite well as on the way back we had two stops so even though day was night and night was day, as soon as we could the boys were given freedom. By the time we were back on the plane, they were tired out again. So for each 7 hour sector they must have slept for about 4-5 hours on each.
It started off like this. . . .
We had a total of 7 bags and one pushchair plus us. We had already planned who carried what as even though my mum and dad would be with us on he flght there, on the way back it was just us.
1. Baggage.
On our emirates flight we could have 30kg each. Each lap baby gets 10kg each. If you have twins, each baby must have their own bag. You cannot have a 40kg bag with yours and their luggage in. It must be split into the approved denominations. You can take your own handbag plus nappy bag. Each baby gets hand luggage.
We checked in everything we could apart from the buggy which we could take all the way to the door of the plane. So we had marks rucksack, my handbag plus nappy bag.
2. Security and milk.
I had looked for hours about the regulations when flying with infants and the allowances of milk and food. The 100ml rule does not apply to milk but make sure any formula is in small bottles. We had bought 4 large bottles of pre mixed formula which had to be decantered into their bottles. That which wouldn't fit had to be thrown. I also had to taste a but from each bottle. Yuk!
3. Pushchair.
Essential for napping, transporting and also a helpful storage thing. With twins I would seriously only take a collapsible double pushchair. Some airports will not let you take two singles. However you can take them through departures and hand over to ground staff before boarding.
For connecting flghts, most airports have pushchair stations where you can borrow them for the lay over. They are very different depending on the country.
Dubai.
Singapore.
Birmingham.
4. Waiting around.
We tried to make sure that when ever we could, we would let the boys have a crawl around to let off some steam. The more they moved around on the ground, the more tired they would be in the air.
Just checking my bags are on!
Double checking!
5. Sleep.
Now this is a very touchy subject as of those that know me, you know the boys are not great sleepers. Not terrible, but not great. So what happens when you have two sleepy babies on your lap for 24 hours? One word - bulkhead seats! Okay, that's two words. On emirates planes most of the bulkhead seats have connectors for baby bassinetts. These are amazing if you have lap babies because once they are asleep, you can pop them in and have your hands free.
This is exactly what we had.
Unfortunately Sam was the only one that used these. But they were handy storage anyway. On the way back we decided not to use them as the boys preferred sleeping on us. But even if the bassinetts are not used, you get great leg room and are either right by the kitchen or the loos!
6. Food and entertainment.
We took loads of milk and food with us for the boys. Far too much than we needed. The boys mostly had milk on all the flights and were not fussed about eating - far roo much going on. For older children, I would highly recommend loads of snacks. They do serve food on board for babies which you can pre order when booking and the hostesses will heat up bottles for you. You will also get given a blanket and toy plus a really handy little bag with wipes, nappy bag, spoon, toy, bib and baby lotion in. These bags were really useful for the whole trip.
Entertainment wise, my two didn't need any more than the plane seat, seatbelt, cups and remote control! Oh most importantly - Fins donkey and Sams dummy were a must. Do not forget your babies favourite comforter!! For older children you can take little pre wrapped presents to be opened every hour or so. Crayons, paper, new toys will keep boredom at bay.
I think that's covered the main points. Bit I'm sure there will be more things I remember. Just in case, here's a few points to remember and consider. It's never as bad as what you think and what people say. We've done it and would do it again.
1. Calpol!
2. Extra nappies
3. Spare baby clothes in zip lock bags. Great for keeping clean and sealing up dirty ones.
4. Favourite toy.
5. New/interesting toys.
6. Snacks.
7. Lots of dummies.
8. Across the body bag for mum.
9. Baby carrier for hands free isle walking.
10. Wet wipes and Muslins x 1000's!
11. Keep bedtime routine the same.
12. Babies will need their own passports and visas.
13. Priority boarding!
14. Pre book bulk head seats with bassinetts.
15. Baby has to be taken out of carrier/ buggy during security.
16. Forget about all other passengers - babies cry.
17. Often the simplest thing will entertain your child.
18. Let off steam when ever possible.
19. Double collapsible buggy.
20. Chill out. Chilled mum and dad = chilled baby. It's only 24 hours.
X x
