Sitting across the aisle from your kids on a plane

[FriendofScrump]

I have a bit of a dilemma. I got an amazing rate with JetBlue for our trip. However, in this particular plane, there are only 2 seats on each side of the aisle. I'll be traveling with my 2 sons and no other adults. My sons are 4 and 5, and will be happily (I hope) watching movies for the duration of the 2 hours flight.

However, I'm a little concerned about them sitting together and me sitting across the aisle. Has anyone had this sort of arrangement before? How did it work out?

 

[bigbabyblues]

When my oldest was 5, I probably would have put him across the aisle from me and sat with the youngest myself, however all kids are different. What are your concerns? We haven't flown for a long time, but I think it will be okay, you'll be able to see them and hear them

 

[BLAZEY]

Honestly I would sit in the aisle seat with one child (younger) and have the older child across the aisle from you. This way to have easier access to both children and less chance of arguments. That way they are both beside you, but one has a 18" gap.

 

[FriendofScrump]

When my oldest was 5, I probably would have put him across the aisle from me and sat with the youngest myself, however all kids are different. What are your concerns? We haven't flown for a long time, but I think it will be okay, you'll be able to see them and hear them

My 5-year old is very sensitive about feeling "left out" from me. Like if we're sitting at a table with the two of them on one side and me on the other side, he's insistent about coming over to sit by me. That's a minor example. (I'm working on helping him to feel more comfortable with this, but he's not there yet.) My 4-year old is more independent, but he can feel like the odd-man out too. I'm a single parent and often feel like my focus is pulled toward my older "needier" child at the expense of the younger.

Anyway, I'm concerned that one or both will get upset during the flight, or try to get out of his seat, and I won't be able to easily stop them. Even as I write this, I wonder if I'm worrying over nothing. I tend to evaluate all possible melt-down scenarios in advance so I can try to prevent them.

 

[bigbabyblues]

In their case, maybe the 4-yo would be okay across the aisle from you. Or, maybe put the 5-yo on the aisle seat and sit across from him. That way, he is near you and can touch you if needed, but he can also be a "big boy" and help his brother.

 

[robinb]

My 5-year old is very sensitive about feeling "left out" from me. Like if we're sitting at a table with the two of them on one side and me on the other side, he's insistent about coming over to sit by me. That's a minor example. (I'm working on helping him to feel more comfortable with this, but he's not there yet.) My 4-year old is more independent, but he can feel like the odd-man out too. I'm a single parent and often feel like my focus is pulled toward my older "needier" child at the expense of the younger.

Anyway, I'm concerned that one or both will get upset during the flight, or try to get out of his seat, and I won't be able to easily stop them. Even as I write this, I wonder if I'm worrying over nothing. I tend to evaluate all possible melt-down scenarios in advance so I can try to prevent them.

(1) You can't think of or prevent all the possible "melt downs" so stop expending your energy on that. Think about snacks and toys they can have on the plane to keep them occupied. If the flight is more than a couple of hours many people pack small gifts to give part way through the flight (unwrapped for TSA).
(2) This is not the time to work on the 5 year old's insecurity. Put him at the window seat, you take the aisle and put the 4-year old on the aisle across from you. That way you can dole out snacks and toys at will.

 

[mjkacmom]

You are only about a foot away from them across the aisle, it will be fine.

 

[verleniahall]

I would put them together and put you across the isle and stress that they are both being "Big Boys" on the flight and are able to sit by themselves and make a HUGE deal about it - maybe mention it to your steward/ess and i bet they will make it special for them as well

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I've travelled this way often with my kids as my husband usually meets us on vacation. Your best bet is to put one next to you and the other in the aisle seat. First talk to both kids and let them know that the seat next to you is for both of them to trade halfway through the flight IF they want, otherwise you will put X in the seat the whole time if they don't want to take turns. Needless to say each time I made this an option, they never once had to switch halfway through the flight. They loved the independence and actually ASK for the lonely seat (their name for it) when they know we are flying next.

 

[Ben E N]

I would keep the setup you have. Otherwise, you have either a 4 or 5 year old sitting next to a stranger. My kids would be much happier next to each other and by me than next to only a stranger and across the isle from me.

 

[FriendofScrump]

I bought the tickets (and saved $400 vs. our other options). Thanks, everyone, for your input. I appreciate it!