Kids being separated from parents on plane?

[goofyfigment]

I just flew on may 12th. I checked in 24 hours in advance. On my connecting flight my seat was moved and no reason was given. This was on united.

 

[bumbershoot]

My brother is flying with his two children (aged 5 & 3) on southwest. I know they do not get assigned seating.

Of any airline, if you check in 24 hours in advance (or pay for earlybird when you very first book the tickets), IMO you stand the absolute least chance of being separated from your party. Because when you get on board THAT is when you choose your seats. (not talking the AT/SW hybrid flights) You get on board, find the empty seats that suit your party, and sit.


With any other airline, they can switch things around. It behooves you to check on your reservation every few weeks or so, just to make sure everything is the same. That way you can catch changes early enough to hopefully get it resolved.


And with kids that young, you won't want to book things in a complicated way.

DS was 8 the last time we flew, and an experienced flyer. We booked using DH's miles, and to get the cheapest flight we did a series of 3 flights down the pacific coast to get from Seattle to Anaheim. One of those flights couldn't assign us seats even from the beginning, and I knew this. When we entered the airport 2 hours before our flight, we walked into a madhouse. "Weather" on the EAST coast had thoroughly messed up flights on the West coast, and the United line (probably other airline lines as well, but United is at the far end of the building and it's all we saw that day) was backed up nearly out the door. Our first flight was absolutely cancelled, and the new flight we got on caused us to be changed to a different second flight. They still coudln't help us with the seating on that one flight though.

But because DS is older and has flown often, I was able to talk to him about it all from the moment I booked. When we got on board that second flight, I was able to get him closer to me, thanks to the extreme kindness of strangers. He was one row behind me. He loved it SO MUCH that he always wants to fly that way in the future. It helped that he was seated between two grandmotherly women who were utterly charmed by him.


But if he were 5 or 3 or this was one of his first flights, there's no chance at all I would have booked those flights in that way to begin with.

Always go to your airline's website for definitive information on their policies, including seating assignments. Don't rely on articles in newspapers or magazines or what a friend says.

You really can't expect a person to post their life history in a post - all I did was advise the OP to check her itinerary and make sure her seats don't get reassigned.

The OP is nervous, and wanted specifics. To post a generality with no context isn't hugely helpful. See how I told my whole story above? If I'd just said "we booked this flight, couldn't get seats next to each other, got one row away, worked out fine", that doesn't give any good context for what exactly happened with us and WHY it worked out. Or why I booked it.

The basic idea of checking flights and being prepared is great, but if giving an example to a nervous OP it's nice to give the context of a flight you're talking about.

In my opinion.

 

[tjmw2727]

O

Snip - although excellent so as not to repeat too much!




The OP is nervous, and wanted specifics. To post a generality with no context isn't hugely helpful. See how I told my whole story above? If I'd just said "we booked this flight, couldn't get seats next to each other, got one row away, worked out fine", that doesn't give any good context for what exactly happened with us and WHY it worked out. Or why I booked it.

The basic idea of checking flights and being prepared is great, but if giving an example to a nervous OP it's nice to give the context of a flight you're talking about.

In my opinion.

I think I gave more than enough info to the OP and she responded as such from what I can tell. She didn't book last minute, with a buddy pass or miles so I didn't feel that needed to be addressed. My comment you quoted was to another poster not the OP who seems to want more than what I consider reasonable since he/she seems to be an experienced flier.

It would be impossible to give info as to all the reasons a person may be separated, although your example is a good one: it is one of many.

 

[Martini35]

I flew with my three kids every year by myself to visit grandparents and had seats moved around many times. I assumed this was because we used points or had the cheapest flight.

When ticket agent saw me with the young kids they did their best to get us together.

My son found the best solution accidentally.....he sat down one time, pulled out the barf bag and held it to his face while the plane was loading, I think he was 9yrs. The two people in his row volunteered to change spaces with me before we even asked! He was across the row so wasn't too concerned but I guess they were!

Getting there early is the best option in my opinion. And maybe looking overwhelmed....

 

[davedmaine]

Most of these responses don't apply to the OP because she is talking about SW, which has a completely different seating system than any other airline. Bottom-line, if you want to be guaranteed to sit next to someone on a SW flight, pay the extra $12.50 for early bird seating.

 

[tjmw2727]

Most of these responses don't apply to the OP because she is talking about SW, which has a completely different seating system than any other airline. Bottom-line, if you want to be guaranteed to sit next to someone on a SW flight, pay the extra $12.50 for early bird seating.

The OP is flying Jet Blue but also asked about SWA for her brother.

 

[christinezb]

hello i am fairly new to this board i have concerns about which airline i should choose my husband and I and my two boys ages 10,9 will be flying to florida : :and it will be my kids first time flying. If anyone have any suggestions they can give me to make the plane ride more at ease for me and my kids please do soo,
my younger child has adhd and austisum and loud noise bothers his ears, soo when the plane takes off and lands it may bother him. I have been reading a lot of stories about the new ways of flying that the seats are first come first serve, I haven't been on a plane for about 12 years soo a lot of things changed since i have been on a plane.

What is the best airline to fly that would most likely get seats together
with my family of 4, I can't imagine having my kids sitting next to a stranger on a plane for there first time. I know southwest would not be a good one because they don't asign seats at all i think. Soo if anyone can help me that would be great thank you.

 

[pigletto]

hello i am fairly new to this board i have concerns about which airline i should choose my husband and I and my two boys ages 10,9 will be flying to florida : :and it will be my kids first time flying. If anyone have any suggestions they can give me to make the plane ride more at ease for me and my kids please do soo,
my younger child has adhd and austisum and loud noise bothers his ears, soo when the plane takes off and lands it may bother him. I have been reading a lot of stories about the new ways of flying that the seats are first come first serve, I haven't been on a plane for about 12 years soo a lot of things changed since i have been on a plane.

What is the best airline to fly that would most likely get seats together
with my family of 4, I can't imagine having my kids sitting next to a stranger on a plane for there first time. I know southwest would not be a good one because they don't asign seats at all i think. Soo if anyone can help me that would be great thank you.

Southwest would be fine. With Southwest you either A) buy early bird check in for 12.50 per person each way and they assign your boarding position 36 hours before your flight, or B) wait until exactly the 24 hour mark to check in and you will then be assigned your boarding position. I'd say to be extra sure that I'd pay for the Early Bird Check In. The check in process determines the order in which you board. So a with the A group and high to mid B group you'd all be together. C is cutting it close and may have you sitting 2 and 2.
I am a very anxious flyer, prefer to be near the front of the plane and with my family so I always buy ECBI. In your case you may qualify for early boarding if your son is autistic. I am not positive, but it's worth looking into. If you did, then you would board between the A and B groups which pretty much guarantees seats together as well.

Then there is Jetblue. I prefer Jetblue but they are more expensive from our airport. You will be able to select seats with them.

I believe you also can select seats with any of the other airlines for a fee. How much is dependant on the airline. Some will have some free seats, and charge for premium seats.

 

[sam_gordon]

hello i am fairly new to this board i have concerns about which airline i should choose my husband and I and my two boys ages 10,9 will be flying to florida : :and it will be my kids first time flying. If anyone have any suggestions they can give me to make the plane ride more at ease for me and my kids please do soo,
my younger child has adhd and austisum and loud noise bothers his ears, soo when the plane takes off and lands it may bother him. I have been reading a lot of stories about the new ways of flying that the seats are first come first serve, I haven't been on a plane for about 12 years soo a lot of things changed since i have been on a plane.

What is the best airline to fly that would most likely get seats together
with my family of 4, I can't imagine having my kids sitting next to a stranger on a plane for there first time. I know southwest would not be a good one because they don't asign seats at all i think. Soo if anyone can help me that would be great thank you.

The best airline to fly would be one that serves your "home" (or nearby) and destination airport. I don't say this to be a smart aleck, but if your home airport doesn't have JetBlue, SW, AirTran, or whatever OUR favorite airline is, it doesn't really help you.

All airlines have their good & bad points. With legacy airlines (Delta, US Air, United, etc) where you pick out your seats when you book, keep an eye frequently before your trip to make sure no changes have been made. I'd check no less than 2 times a month until under 3 months than once a week at least.

If you need to pay money to select your seat, take that into consideration. DON'T accept the "select a seat at check in for free" as a valid option.

On SW, definitely pay for the EBCI ($12.50/person/direction). That will check you in 36 hours before your flight and you'll "line up" closer to the front. I don't think a 10 & 9yo would be eligible for getting you into family boarding.

However, no matter what precautions you take, just know going in there is a chance you won't be sitting next to your children. Prepare them for that. If you get separated from the kids, don't throw a fit, try to swap seats with people, but be polite. Don't offer your middle seat in the back of the plane for someone's aisle seat at the front.

 

[christinezb]

thank you everyone for all your help for the poster that asked me what airport im at my airport does have jet blue and southwest and all the other ones that have been mentioned i will be leaving out of hartford connecticut. my husband wanted to fly on southwest but then i told him about the seat problem but now we might stick with southwest or jet blue which is ever cheaper. and pay the extra cash for all seats together. thank you everyone for all your great tips.

does anyone have a tips on how to keep my kids busy on the plane, does chewing gum still help soo your ears don't pop thats what i use to do when i went on the plane. thank you.

 

[maxiesmom]

does anyone have a tips on how to keep my kids busy on the plane, does chewing gum still help soo your ears don't pop thats what i use to do when i went on the plane. thank you.

Chewing gum does still work to help keep your ears from popping.

As far as keeping your kids busy, that should be pretty simple. If they have an mp3 player of any kind, have them load it up with new songs. And any portable game system such as a Nintendo DS will keep most kids occupied for a long time! Just be sure that if your kids do have electronics they also have headphones to wear with them.

 

[pigletto]

thank you everyone for all your help for the poster that asked me what airport im at my airport does have jet blue and southwest and all the other ones that have been mentioned i will be leaving out of hartford connecticut. my husband wanted to fly on southwest but then i told him about the seat problem but now we might stick with southwest or jet blue which is ever cheaper. and pay the extra cash for all seats together. thank you everyone for all your great tips.

does anyone have a tips on how to keep my kids busy on the plane, does chewing gum still help soo your ears don't pop thats what i use to do when i went on the plane. thank you.

We always give chewing gum to the kids or hard candy to suck on. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't but it's worth a try. As far as entertainment.. that's why we love Jetblue. Free tv in the seat back in front of you. Everyone can put on earphones and watch whatever they like. It passes the time quickly!
If on Southwest the kids bring Ipods or we bring tablets/laptops and load movies before we leave. It's easier not to lug that all out of the bag when we take off, and pack it all back up before we land, but isn't a huge deal

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Chewing gum does still work to help keep your ears from popping.

As far as keeping your kids busy, that should be pretty simple. If they have an mp3 player of any kind, have them load it up with new songs. And any portable game system such as a Nintendo DS will keep most kids occupied for a long time! Just be sure that if your kids do have electronics they also have headphones to wear with them.

You also won't be able to use these during taxi, take off and landing. So figure at least a half hour on each end the electronic toys are not going to babysit.

 

[christinezb]

has anyone ever fly on delta with kids i was just looking to see what kind of prices they have and about there seating arrangements and saw a good price but now these days you get what you pay for soo i don't know if its a good airline now, or is southwest or jetblue better for my family and pay the extra fee for the saved seats. thank you

 

[maxiesmom]

has anyone ever fly on delta with kids i was just looking to see what kind of prices they have and about there seating arrangements and saw a good price but now these days you get what you pay for soo i don't know if its a good airline now, or is southwest or jetblue better for my family and pay the extra fee for the saved seats. thank you

I fly delta fairly often. I believe they still let you pick seats free of charge. I have had no issues with delta.

 

[Gracie09]

thank you everyone for all your help for the poster that asked me what airport im at my airport does have jet blue and southwest and all the other ones that have been mentioned i will be leaving out of hartford connecticut. my husband wanted to fly on southwest but then i told him about the seat problem but now we might stick with southwest or jet blue which is ever cheaper. and pay the extra cash for all seats together. thank you everyone for all your great tips.

does anyone have a tips on how to keep my kids busy on the plane, does chewing gum still help soo your ears don't pop thats what i use to do when i went on the plane. thank you.

Just to clarify the bold part - on Jetblue you only have to pay extra for certain seats - extra space, exit row etc. For the regular run of the mill seat you can choose for free.
We pretty much fly exclusively Jetblue because we find the extra room seats economical since DH is 6'7" and doesnt fit in most regular airline seats.

 

[christinezb]

gracie09=== when i meant by paying extra cash for saved seat i meant to say the early bird option to get your asigned seat where you pay the 12.50 fee
soo i can guarentee for my whole family to sit together. More and more i think and read about i think im gonna go with jetblue but im not sure yet, it has to be nonstop soo my kids don't have deal with all this on and off the plane. i am thinking of delta, united they are having good prices but i have think about my kids too soo im not sure yet i still have time.

but thank you for your post.

 

[sam_gordon]

has anyone ever fly on delta with kids i was just looking to see what kind of prices they have and about there seating arrangements and saw a good price but now these days you get what you pay for soo i don't know if its a good airline now, or is southwest or jetblue better for my family and pay the extra fee for the saved seats. thank you

I've used Delta to get my family to/from Mexico and Orlando. Both have involved plane changes in Atlanta.

On our trip to Mexico, because of mechanical problems with the first flight, we missed our connection. Delta put us on the next connecting flight and when I informed the gate agent we were traveling with kids, they made arrangements for four seats in one row and the fifth one row in front.

JetBlue does have in seat entertainment I believe (each seat has its own TV screen).

Delta does have some seats you can pay extra for. But whether you pay extra or not, keep checking your reservation in case Delta (or any airline) makes a change and splits up your family.

 

[DebbieB]

has anyone ever fly on delta with kids i was just looking to see what kind of prices they have and about there seating arrangements and saw a good price but now these days you get what you pay for soo i don't know if its a good airline now, or is southwest or jetblue better for my family and pay the extra fee for the saved seats. thank you

Southwest does not have "saved seats". You can pay extra for an earlier boarding spot (early bird check in) but it does not guarantee seats together. It's open seating when you board.

 

[christinezb]

the tvs on the jetblue are they free or do you have to pay for it thanks