I’ve done several transpacific flights. It’s either going to be pretty good or a nightmare. :smack: Hard to say. If your kids sleep at night, they will probably sleep on the flight.
You might want to consider giving an antihistimine to the older one. Both as a sleep aid and to help with the ear pressure (which really only happens during the descent). You should ask your pediatrician about this. I used to be pretty against it myself, but sorta came around.
More importantly, you need to TEST that the antihistamine actually works. Like a week before. Antihistamine can also make your child wired to the gills, and seems like one day the sleep aid turns into hyperactivity. Seriously TEST a week before the flight if you’re going to try this.
Not sure other people’s experience, but IMHO it’s a lot better to keep the kids on a schedule rather than say “skip the nap so they will sleep on the flight.” Or keep them up until we fly. As much as practical, stay on schedule seems to work better.
finally, carefully pack. If they use soothers, you and your wife should both pack a couple within quick draw reach. Bring too much formula, snacks, clean bottles, etc. If possible a dvd player and a favorite if the 2 year old can’t sleep.
I think you should be fine as long as it’s good for you on the red eye. I mean, if you’re morning worms and conk out with the cows, then don’t take a red eye. You’ve got to be on your game for the kids. IMHO, as long as you do all you can to make it as easy and painless as possible, including for your fellow travellers, then I wouldn’t worry too much about the other passengers for things outside of your control. and that includes if Junior decides to cry for the entire flight. You do your best to prevent that, and deal with it if it happens, and that’s all you can do.
Diosabellissima, I know it can take on religious war overtones about kids on flights. But as long as parents do what they can to minimize any inconvenience, then IMHO the TS rule applies. And I say that as someone that travels pretty frequently and have sat next to kids not my own as they screamed over the pacific in the back of the bus.