Seat assignments for children on plane

[knovak]

This will be the 1st plane ride for our 2 and 5 year old. I thought it would be best if we sit 2 in front and 2 in back of each other on the plane so each of use is with a child. Our plane however has rows of 3 on each side so another person will be in the aisle seat. My husband thinks we should sit 3 and then him on the the aisle seat across from us. Anyone have suggestions on what would be best. I thought if they both freak out then each of us would be with 1 child and then they both have a window seat and can't fight over that either.

 

[llp479]

I've done it both ways. For us, the all in one row seems to work better. That way you can switch who sits with whom easily without disturbing others. Plus, that way both children can see both mom and dad. Typically, I end up in the middle with a child on either side.

Are you bringing a car seat to use on the plane for the 2 year old? If so, they will insist that the 2 year old have a window seat. Whatever you do, bring plenty of snacks!

 

[Nicolepa]

I find the all in one row better. The kids can play with each other, it's easy to switch parents, the kids can stand in the isle a bit, it's easier to get to the overheads etc. Being in two rows the kids always want to be with whatever parent they aren't with or want the toy thats in the other row ect. Also most airplanes don't have real changing tables so if you are in a row you can do an emergency diaper/clothing change if needed. Strangers don't appreciate you kicking them out of their seat to change a diaper LOL!

 

[seetheworld]

I find the all in one row better. The kids can play with each other, it's easy to switch parents, the kids can stand in the isle a bit, it's easier to get to the overheads etc. Being in two rows the kids always want to be with whatever parent they aren't with or want the toy thats in the other row ect. Also most airplanes don't have real changing tables so if you are in a row you can do an emergency diaper/clothing change if needed. Strangers don't appreciate you kicking them out of their seat to change a diaper LOL!

I agree! We always sit across - much easier!

 

[MCK588]

If you have 2 carseats and will need 2 window seats then you can do all the same row but window/aisle and window/aisle. This takes the chance that someone won't choose a middle seat when the window/aisle is already taken and then that leaves you with 4 people and 6 seats across. Of course, it won't matter if it's an awfully full flight but I've done it before and it works out nicely.

 

[disneychrista]

I think it is best to sit four accross, 3 in one and one accross the aisle. That way everyone can see everyone and converse w/o having to "talk over" another person.

 

[knovak]

Thanks for you advice. My husband orignally thought all in the same row would be best and he travels more than I do. I am going to go with 1 row.

 

[holly32]

We are flying down to Disney World in May. We are taking Jet Blue and the seats
are 3 in a row. So for our seating arrangements it will be my husband & 8 year old sitting in front of me & my 5 year old. This way each of my boys will have a window seat of their own. Plus my youngest son will not be able to bother my oldest son during the flight.

 

[seashoreCM]

Get seat assignments, any seat assignments, at booking if possible. You can request changes later. On some airlines you have a greater chance of being bumped if you had not selected seats.

Try to avoid having a child in the aisle seat. You the parent can better divert objects that may fall from the overhead bins at arrival. (Don't worry if the item falls to the floor, protecting your kid's head is much more important than catching the item)

If the kids don't really care about window seats, a family of four could choose middle aisle aisle middle.

Suggested places for changing diapers:
1. On the toilet seat, your body may protrude from the open door.
2. On a blanket on the floor just inside one of the plane doors.
You should not change a diaper using a seat or a tray table. Period.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Del]

we do all one row!! Del

 

[knovak]

Don't have to worry about diapers. My 2 year old is now potty trained

 

[mommyrom]

We are a family of five (DH, myself, DS 7, DD 3+ and DS 18 months) and we booked five seats in the same row, including a car seat for our youngest, which will be a window seat. We have confirmed seats on Song and we booked back in mid-December. Up to this point, that 6th seat is not yet sold, so hopefully one of the kids will be a bit more comfortable! We lucked out last time and gained an empty seat in our row and it certainly made life alot easier, seeing as I was VERY pregnant during our last trip.

One warning about sitting any children on the aisle...I watched a Dateline or PrimeTime show some time ago and it featured a story about a toddler who sustained serious facial, etc. burns from a pot of hot water falling off the beverage cart while this child was travelling and sitting in the aisle seat....NO WAY are any of my kiddos going in the aisle seats! Just a cautious FYI to pass along...

Also, I read that some of the airlines will allow one parent to board a bit early to install the car seat and leave the other parent inside with the children in the boarding/terminal area until last boarding call...This way the seat installation hopefully will not be a hassle with lots of other people around and the kids can expel more energy inside until the last boarding call, preventing them from potentially getting antsy sitting and waiting on the plane until takeoff. Happy travelling!

 

[imlazar]

This will be the 1st plane ride for our 2 and 5 year old. I thought it would be best if we sit 2 in front and 2 in back of each other on the plane so each of use is with a child. Our plane however has rows of 3 on each side so another person will be in the aisle seat. My husband thinks we should sit 3 and then him on the the aisle seat across from us. Anyone have suggestions on what would be best. I thought if they both freak out then each of us would be with 1 child and then they both have a window seat and can't fight over that either.

We did what you did and our kids are about the same age, this allows each of us to deal with one child. We took the window/middle in each row and put the kids at the window so as not to annoy the person on the aisle. The only issue is if one of the kids has to use the bathroom often.

 

[Sandyincanada]

We always go all in one row as well so we can all talk and not disturb others.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Don't let your hubby so like mine did. One trip, on a crowded flight, we were seperated. Me, with the 2, and 4 Y.O., and him about 5 rows up, sipping at a drink, and chatting with his neighbor!!!. I was trying to entertain both of the girls, while holding onto 2 Y.O. feet, to keep her from kicking the seat in front of her. I needed Valium after that flight.

 

[alecam]

Don't let your hubby so like mine did. One trip, on a crowded flight, we were seperated. Me, with the 2, and 4 Y.O., and him about 5 rows up, sipping at a drink, and chatting with his neighbor!!!. I was trying to entertain both of the girls, while holding onto 2 Y.O. feet, to keep her from kicking the seat in front of her. I needed Valium after that flight.

OMG!!!

I would KILL him!!!!

 

[murcor]

Same situation here 2 children, 2 adults and a plane that is 3 & 3.

Both times we have done the strait across and have been very pleased, cant imagine doing it differently. During the long flight we can put the armrest up and dh can come over and sit with us, assuming we hold 1 child. (Not so hard to do as the youngest this year was 4)

Have a great trip

Angela

 

[knovak]

I am trying it both ways - on the way down we are all in 1 row. On the way back we are 2 and 2. There weren't any open straight across rows on the way home except in the back of the plane - which tends to make me nauseous. So - we'll see how it goes.