My oh my--eight different planes makes our car trips from Minnesota to southern Missouri seem like a picnic. Some other suggestions: Whenever you have layovers, I'd be SURE to figure out some jump and run time--maybe even some "stick your head out some safe door and grab some fresh air" moments. How 'bout a world map that can fold up, draw plane "roads" all over it (particularly your route), invest in a few toy planes, boats, etc that you can spread out in the airport for the kids to play with? You all three can make it before you leave--maybe even glue on some pictures somewhere. I'd consider playdough--they can work with it on the airplane fold out tray. You have my deepest sympathy....I do beleive my parents gave me phenobarbital four or five decades ago when we traveled intercontinentally with the military! At least the first time I saw the stuff in training, it smelled awfully familiar! Trudi