Flying with baby

I'm SUPER excited- we are going to Jordan THIS MONTH!!!  It's been 3 years since we were there and this will be the FIRST TIME I will be there in SUMMER!!!  I won't freeze- yay!

Yummy food in Madaba, Jordan

So, right now we are finishing shopping for everyone (and some stuff for us) and then packing and making a schedule. It makes SUCH a big difference to pack for summer rather than winter!  I'm almost done and it's only 3 bags!  Weight is still an issue- as in, my bags are not bull, but they are at 50 pounds-, but I amazed by the room.  We will probably still do 4 bags though- I need the space for Baby Z's travel high chair.

We are flying Turkish Airways to Jordan this time- this is my first time with them and I have heard great stuff about them!  I'm pretty excited- just look at their food choices!  That's their special needs section- with baby, we will be all set; although I'm still bringing our our food- just in case.  But, it's nice that it's all Halal and it's nice that they have all of the special diet stuff.  Baby Z has some allergies now and we don't want to take any chances!!!

Felafel sandwiches in Amman, Jordan

Otherwise, it looks like their flight entertainment and services are pretty similar to other international airlines (non-U.S. airlines).  Yes, I'm a flight snob, but I really find that non-U.S. airlines, when it comes to in flight entertainment and services and comfort are GREATLY better than the U.S. carriers.  But, I know Delta just updated their fleets, so maybe it's better now.  (last time I flew Delta was direct from Amman to NYC and it was an older plane with the TV screens at the front of the cabin- not cool!  And last long flight (over 8 hours) I did for United was to China and my TV screen - along with some others- were broken going over there; they canceled my flight to Shanghai and didn't tell us until we got to the airport, put me automatically on a flight for the next day, and I had to work with them because I was only going to be in Shanghai for like a day before flying up to Beijing (I did a flight to Beijing --> Shanghai which got me in about 3 hours latter than my original arrival, but they also could have put me through the routes IAD--> Tokyo--> Shanghai; IAD--> SFO--> Shanghai; or IAD--> Atlanta---> Shanghai because ARE YOU REALLY NOT GOING TO WORK WITH SOMEONE DOING A 13 HOUR FLIGHT?  You'd think the dates would be important!!!)  Anyways, I don't think I've flown American Airways overseas- they may be a redeemer because I have liked their U.S. domestic flights.)

*end of U.S. plane rant*

So, the other interesting thing about this flight will be flying with a 15 month old baby.  :)  My biggest worry is that she won't sleep enough.  12 hours would be normal, but - as the flight is only 10.5 hours to Turkey- I don't think that will happen.  I would be happy if she did at least 6 hours straight.  We have a 3-ish hour layover in Istanbul and then go to Jordan where we get in around 9 pm.  Which, will be good in that I can (hopefully) get home and get her into bed by 11 pm or so.  She usually sleeps well, but only sleeps in her bed or her car seat.  I'm hoping we can either lie her down on our laps or the floor to sleep or that she will fall asleep easily with the movement of the plane. 

Ajlun, Jordan

I will be going to her doctor tomorrow to check that she doesn't have any ear infections and to see if they recommend anything to help her sleep (ie, Tylenol or Dimetapp) if she doesn't go down easy.  I figure, worst case, she will cry for about an hour before exhausting herself to sleep.  (Yay, people next to us!)  I've heard of people who bring 'treats' for the people around them; what do you think?  I haven't decided if I should do that or not.

Otherwise, I'm excited for this trip because 1. it's summer 2. we get to see family and everyone can meet baby Z 3. I get to go to more sites that I haven't seen in Jordan.  Like ACTUALLY GOING INTO THE DEAD SEA!  It's funny- I have been to Jordan 2 times now (we try to go every other year, but it's been 3 years since I was pregnant and all) and have gone TO the Dead Sea both times, but only to the hotels to eat and have coffee and hang out.  I'm determined to TOUCH it this time!  The other big tourist thing I haven't done yet is to the go to the Citadel in Amman.  I also want to go see the old train stop; I know, odd request, but I think it's really cool. :)

Yay- Jordan!!!  I'm soooooooooo excited!!