Day 111: Flying from Sharm El Sheikh to London with Baby

Julie

2025-05-20

Day 111: Flying from Sharm El Sheikh to London with Baby

Leaving Egypt and flying to London with our baby. Here’s how we managed a red-eye flight from Sharm El Sheikh, with tips for traveling with a toddler.

Main Journey

After a short but much-needed rest in Sharm El Sheikh, it was time to say goodbye to Egypt and head into the next chapter of our world travel journey: Europe.

Our flight to London was scheduled for 3:30 AM, which meant we had to kill several hours between hotel check-out and boarding. Even though Egypt didn’t fully meet our expectations, leaving still felt a bit bittersweet.

But with check-out complete, our excitement was back—we were finally heading to Europe. And our first stop? London.

We had booked our flights from Korea well in advance, going for the most budget-friendly options. That strategy helped us save money, but it also meant we often had to deal with terrible flight times. This one was no exception. With a departure at 3:30 AM, we had to figure out how to spend those long late-night hours.

After checking out at midnight, we sat in the hotel’s first-floor bar sipping drinks and munching on snacks we had smartly picked up earlier. The bar was quiet, and for a while, it felt like we had all the time in the world.

Eventually, after a couple of hours, we decided it was time to head to the airport. We used a private taxi service from the resort, which cost 170 Egyptian pounds—just over 10,000 KRW. Reasonable and convenient.

Events

Final Hours in Sharm El Sheikh

We spent our last few hours in Sharm El Sheikh relaxing at the hotel bar after check-out. Sweetie kept herself entertained while we tried to conserve energy for the long night ahead. Eventually, we called a taxi and made our way to the airport.

Arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Upon arrival, we noticed that the airport had an unusual layout—almost like a temporary circus structure, bringing back childhood memories. Before we could even reach the check-in counter, we had to go through an initial security screening. It turns out that the airport has been extra cautious since a 2015 terror attack involving a bribe and a tragic security failure. Ever since, security has been significantly tightened.

Waiting at the Airport

Sweetie started off excited—riding the luggage cart and pointing at everything. But soon the excitement wore off, and boredom took over. She tried hanging off poles, called them “monkey bars,” and took turns drawing pictures with me on a notebook. These small things helped us get through the endless wait.

Eventually, she fell asleep for a short nap. Honestly, this is the reality of red-eye flights with a toddler. It’s not ideal, but when you’re long-term traveling on a budget, every decision is about finding the balance between cost and comfort.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Avoid Red-Eye Flights If Possible

While the cost savings can be significant, early morning flights (like 3:30 AM) are tough with a baby. Sweetie was tired, cranky, and restless—and we weren’t much better. It’s manageable, but it does wear you down over time.

Prepare Snacks and Entertainment in Advance

We made the smart move of collecting snacks before check-out. Having a few familiar treats and a quiet space to sit made a big difference. Drawing, sticker books, and small toys helped pass the time.

Use Private Taxis for Convenience

In places like Sharm El Sheikh, finding transportation during late hours can be difficult. Resort taxis might be a bit more expensive, but they’re reliable and safer, especially when traveling with a child.

Local Travel Tips

Airport Security Is Thorough

Due to past security incidents, Sharm El Sheikh Airport has multiple layers of security. Be prepared to go through security checks even before reaching the check-in counter. Arrive early and keep your documents ready.

Airport Layout May Feel Unusual

The airport isn’t very modern, and its tent-like design may feel a bit makeshift. Still, it functions fine, and the extra security is reassuring.

Expect Delays and Slow Processing

Staff might not rush through check-ins or screenings, especially in the middle of the night. Be patient and allow plenty of time for each step.

Travel Reflections

Reflection 1
Saying goodbye to Egypt felt surprisingly emotional. Though it wasn’t everything we expected, it gave us space to rest and reset—and that’s just as valuable.

Reflection 2
Budget flights are part of long-term travel. Choosing cheaper tickets often means sacrificing comfort, especially with a baby. But if we had to choose again, we would probably make the same decision.

Reflection 3
Watching Sweetie adapt, even in tough travel moments, fills us with pride. Travel isn’t always easy, but seeing the world together makes it all worth it. And now, a new chapter begins—Europe awaits.