A direct flight implies that it flies from A to B without stopping - but this isn’t always the case. In fact the plane may stop and pick up passengers or you may need to change planes (and even terminals) at a mid way point. The flight does retain the one flight number and so it is considered a “direct flight” and not a “connecting flight”. A “non-stop flight” does just that, it doesn’t stop and is the quickest way to get to your destination. Non-stop flights are often more expensive and harder to get on in peak times.

Always check which type of flight yours is when you book your tickets. You don’t want to arrive at the airport to find that you have to change planes mid-way and your travel time will be extended.

I had a rude shock when I flew with my then 13 mth old baby to a wedding in Cairns in 2000. My husband was not able to come with us and so I was facing the trip alone. When I booked the ticket I asked for a direct flight, not realising that direct did not mean non-stop. It was only when I was checking in and the customer service officer gave me two boarding passes (one for Sydney and one for Brisbane) that I realised that not only were we going to be stopping in Brisbane but that I had to change planes.

For anyone who has travelled on a plane with an infant, the most stressful times can be takeoff and landing because the baby needs to sit on your lap. On this particular day my son was not happy - it was mid-evening and past his bedtime and we were on a business person’s flight that was packed to the rafters with a cabin crew who could care less about a mother flying solo. Even though I had an upset baby the cabin attendant handed me two meals at once and I was forced to put one on the floor. As the flight to Brisbane was only an hour and a bit there was little point in getting Loll to sleep as he would need to be awoken for landing. It was one of the more stressful flights that I have taken and made all the worse knowing that I would have to get off and change planes. Luckily Loll fell asleep on the second flight but it was midnight before we arrived in Cairns - if we had been on a non-stop flight we would have arrived at least 2 hours earlier (and probably saner!).

Since that occasion I have always double checked with the airline about whether the flight is non-stop or simply direct.

There are lots of differing opinions on this matter, however I believe that it really depends not only on the age of your child, but also on the sleeping habits of your child.

Generally people say that night flights are the best because your baby will be more likely to sleep. However, if your baby doesn’t sleep (always a possibility, if not a probability!) then this means that YOU won’t get any sleep either. Even if you are able to sleep in shifts with your partner you will probably still arrive tired. It’s also more stressful trying to keep an overtired baby quiet while everyone else is sleeping than if they are awake. People may be annoyed by a crying baby if it’s daytime but they are even more annoyed if they are trying to sleep.

Another problem with night flights is that you arrive early the next morning and then need to stay up all day to combat the effects of jet lag. Also many hotels won’t let you in to your room early unless you pay an extra day charge.

I’ve read a number of articles which suggest that you should pick flights which coincide with your baby’s nap time so that your baby is more likely to sleep. But I think that this very much depends on your child. If your baby needs a quiet, darkened room, no longer falls asleep on a car trip and is easily awakened then chances are that it will be hard for them to sleep on a plane or to stay asleep.

The age of the baby is also a factor. In my experience the younger the baby, the easier it is as younger babies are generally used to two naps or more a day whereas a toddler who can go without a nap (even though they really need one!) is harder to deal with, particularly if they are travelling as a lap infant. A smaller (ie lighter) baby can also go in the bassinette whereas a bigger baby can’t - most have around about 10kg weight restriction.

Of course, the low air pressure, engine noise and dimmed cabin lights may help even the most wide eyed baby to fall asleep. Watch out if you sit near a galley or a bathroom though - the sounds of the cabin crew talking or the bumping of the service trolleys may wake your bub from their slumber.

Naturally, when people talk about choosing the “best time to fly” they are assuming that you will have some choice in the matter. This isn’t always the case - particularly with international flights where you may be restricted by choice of airline, timetables (some airlines don’t fly every route daily for example) and fare price. So the “best time” may not correspond with your travel plans or budget.