seat choice on narrow body planes

[Lolsmum]

We usually do a 3 and 1 deal, with parent with the kids in the middle seat. It generally works better for us. I often fly alone with my 2 and have been known to choose airlines for the seat layout. I will avoid planes where we cannot sit 3 together whenever possible. When travelling all together, we look for airlines where we can sit 4 across.

As for the seat "kicking", I once had someone glare at my daughter and I for practically the whole flight from DFW to London, but there was nothing we could do. The seats were so absurdly close together that the moment he moved his seat back, her feet were pretty much jammed into the back of his seat. Her legs weren't long enough to bend at the knee over the edge of the seat, so unless I moved her behind pretty far away from the back of the seat (not all that safe for her), her feet were in his back as long as his seat was reclined. She was just at the wrong height for that flight.

 

[sam_gordon]

I have seen families sit like this many times and it is a rare exception when the child is not up and down out of their seat and in the aisle like a jack-in-the box. Also Mom and Dad will inevitably be talking to each other across the poor aisle seated person.

Then my family must be one of the exceptions.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Then my family must be one of the exceptions.

Mine too. That type of behavior isn't tolerated in our family. Our kids know how to behave themselves on airplanes. And we've never had the "poor stranger" in the aisle seat complain about our kids...most times, we're complimented on how well they behave. But we also don't sit all in one row...my husband and daughter sit in one row, and my son and I sit behind them. It's easier to talk that way (if we need to) or pass things back and forth. I can't imagine sitting in one row with strangers in the aisle seats between us. That makes no sense.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Sadly, perfection is not the rule.

 

[jsilvers]

Where are you getting your information? I've never seen anywhere the person in the aisle seat is supposed to assist others. I call BS.

It's possible he was thinking of child restraints, which should not be used in aisle seats or any other seats that would block another passenger from reaching the aisle in the event of an emergency. See http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC 120-87B.pdf. But there is no such prohibition on children generally.

 

[sam_gordon]

It's possible he was thinking of child restraints, which should not be used in aisle seats or any other seats that would block another passenger from reaching the aisle in the event of an emergency. See http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC 120-87B.pdf. But there is no such prohibition on children generally.

Yes, that's possible what he's thinking. But you notice he hasn't been back to clarify? He drops a(n incorrect) bomb then disappears.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

Our plan in a couple weeks is window for me (cause I never get up), middle and aisle for child, and wife on aisle on the other side. That gives us the ability to have those inevitable potty runs during the short flight without disturbing a fellow passenger who is sitting in the same row.

AFAIK, the only restrictions on where the child can sit are exit rows, and if in a child seat they should be in the window seat. Otherwise, the rest of the seats are fair game.

I know there's also a C.A.R.E.S. harness that works as a supplemental restraint (gives additional shoulder restraint, but I don't think there's any restrictions no where it can be placed. I would recommend verifying with your airline of choice prior to leaving if you have any questions on seating arrangements as it's truly up to them to expand restrictions.

 

[serenitynow]

Hey, don't laugh. Two years ago we were on a flight where a woman was trying to stuff a child's car seat into the overhead bins. As the flight attendant came over to help, she discovered there was a BABY in the car seat!!!

Needless to say, the lady had to take the baby out of the car seat, check the car seat and the baby sat on her lap during the flight. She did not act embarrassed or anything. Lots of whispering and gawking on that flight, let me tell you!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, that's possible what he's thinking. But you notice he hasn't been back to clarify? He drops a(n incorrect) bomb then disappears.

Perhaps this poster is busy or just doesn't feel the need to check threads where he has posted. No big deal.

 

[auger]

Oy! I quite agree with "lost."
"No, I don't want to play the 'let's pass the _____ across the aisle to your spouse/kid game'."

Agreed! We just had a return flight where we were unfortunate enough to have a family of six sit three beside us and three behind.
Not only did they play the pass the kid game, but at one point, Mom decided she was tired of dealing with baby, so Dad was forced to deal with baby screaming and wanting Mom.
Not only was he annoyed, but so were we and everyone else around us.
I understand Moms needing a break.
However, the time for it is not on an airplane when your child is screaming for you, and you are making everyone else on the plane miserable!

 

[jitterbug]

Thank you all for sharing what works for your family. As the OP, I hadn't thought of all the options (like bag checking the rugrats ), but I'll stick with the 3 + 1, as we will be on a longer flight, and will probably need a potty break, in which case I'd hate to climb over a stranger. Also helps with the kids using our ipad & headphones to watch a movie together.

Happy travels everyone!

 

[goofy4tink]

So, just to be clear here...for anyone who read that post I just deleted......everyone is welcome to post their answers or info..whatever. Is it always correct? Nope. And if there is misinformation given, I am more than sure someone will come along and correct the error.
I am pretty lenient here, but seriously? Naked pictures of moderators? Puleeze. That's pretty laughable. I'm pretty sure someone thinks they are amusing and quick witted. Fine. But when stuff like that is posted, it's taken down...plain and simple. If you don't like the way someone else posts, then put them on ignore.

Ok, back to your discussion.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Where are you getting your information? I've never seen anywhere the person in the aisle seat is supposed to assist others. I call BS.

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles
. . . have seen this about 3-4 times per year
. . . always when car-seats are used
. . . and frequently for approx under-10 kiddies
2) Usually the stewardess asks the parents to exchange with the kiddie.
3) Any adult in a center or window seat can have the kid moved.
4) In an emergency, the kid can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) In fact, I have actually had kids moved from aisle seats.

NOTE: Kiddies are NEVER allowed in Emergency Rows, so this is not an issue.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles
. . . have seen this about 3-4 times per year
. . always when car-seats are used
. . . and frequently for approx under-10 kiddies
2) Usually the stewardess asks the parents to exchange with the kiddie.
3) Any adult in a center or window seat can have the kid moved.
4) In an emergency, the kid can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) In fact, I have actually had kids moved from aisle seats.

NOTE: Kiddies are NEVER allowed in Emergency Rows, so this is not an issue.

You didn't mention the bolded issue in your original statement. Car seats are never allowed in the aisle seat; children are free to sit in aisle seats if they are not in a car seat.

 

[goofy4tink]

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles
. . . have seen this about 3-4 times per year
. . . always when car-seats are used
. . . and frequently for approx under-10 kiddies
2) Usually the stewardess asks the parents to exchange with the kiddie.
3) Any adult in a center or window seat can have the kid moved.
4) In an emergency, the kid can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) In fact, I have actually had kids moved from aisle seats.

NOTE: Kiddies are NEVER allowed in Emergency Rows, so this is not an issue.

There is a huge difference in kids being in the aisle seat vs a child in a car seat in the aisle seat. Have you seen youngsters, sitting (on their behinds) in the aisle seats and subsequently asked to move?
I may not have as many air miles as you, but I have seen many instances of youngsters sitting in aisle seats....on a recent flight, it was a family of 4...dad in C, child in D, mom in E and child in F.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have to disagree based on my personal experience as I have been taking my kids on flights since they were born, domestic and international. Not sure how many air miles we have but we fly at least monthly.

Never, Ever been asked to move a child from the aisle even as young as preschoolers. The only thing an FA ever said was to watch the child's arms and feet when the beverage cart was in the aisle.

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles
. . . have seen this about 3-4 times per year
. . . always when car-seats are used
. . . and frequently for approx under-10 kiddies
2) Usually the stewardess asks the parents to exchange with the kiddie.
3) Any adult in a center or window seat can have the kid moved.
4) In an emergency, the kid can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) In fact, I have actually had kids moved from aisle seats.

NOTE: Kiddies are NEVER allowed in Emergency Rows, so this is not an issue.

 

[Minnesota!]

We used to do son - son - me - aisle - DH.

But, DH has found he has the most room by the window. So, we do DH - son - me - aisle - son. That way, when my kids get up 30 times to use the bathroom, it's only us that has to move. And my older son likes that he feels a bit more independent not sitting "WITH US"..

 

[sam_gordon]

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles
. . . have seen this about 3-4 times per year
. . . always when car-seats are used
. . . and frequently for approx under-10 kiddies
2) Usually the stewardess asks the parents to exchange with the kiddie.
3) Any adult in a center or window seat can have the kid moved.
4) In an emergency, the kid can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) In fact, I have actually had kids moved from aisle seats.

NOTE: Kiddies are NEVER allowed in Emergency Rows, so this is not an issue.

4) In an emergency, ANYONE can be a hindrance for others to get out of the row.
5) Where did you have them moved to? And why? Were you in the window or middle seat and worried the kid would keep you from getting out?

 

[richmo]

1) Been on MANY flights (Delta, Singapore, Virgin) where little kids had to move from aisle seats.
. . . always when car-seats are used

This is true, at least it was several years ago. We had our daughter sit in the car seat on the plane at least one time. I remember a flight attendant telling us not to put the car seat on the aisle seat. (For some reason, I think they may have recommended the middle seat, but I'm not sure on that one)

1)
. . . I have over 4½ Million Airmiles

This is remarkable! I would think (make that hope) that you have so much frequent flyer mileage that you never have to pay again.
Consider the math:
- Suppose you fly 100 round trips a year, which is a lot
- Suppose you fly an average of 1000 miles each round trip (granted, this could be low)
It would take 45 years of flying at that frequency to amass 4.5 million miles.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This is true, at least it was several years ago. We had our daughter sit in the car seat on the plane at least one time. I remember a flight attendant telling us not to put the car seat on the aisle seat. (For some reason, I think they may have recommended the middle seat, but I'm not sure on that one)

This is remarkable! I would think (make that hope) that you have so much frequent flyer mileage that you never have to pay again.
Consider the math:
- Suppose you fly 100 round trips a year, which is a lot
- Suppose you fly an average of 1000 miles each round trip (granted, this could be low)
It would take 45 years of flying at that frequency to amass 4.5 million miles.

No one has disputed the fact that car seats cannot be on the aisle. Children not in car seats are free to sit there.

United Airline's top frequent flyer, Tom Stucker, had flown over 10 million miles on UA alone by 2012. He attained 1K status (flew over 100,000 miles) on UA by January 9th this year. This is 100,000 miles in 9 days! Now that's remarkable!