Sitting with kids on the plane

[mjkacmom]

Take the exit row seats if the website will let you reserve them. That's a WONDERFUL location to be able to offer in a switch request!

I thought of this, too, but I'm guessing the computer system won't let them input tickets for children in this row. Maybe if you call?

 

[scuba]

While I think it's ridiculous to delay a flight twenty minutes so the passengers can all sit with their kids. Especially given there were apparently so many families in the same situation, why not just keep an eye on the kids seated near you?
A twenty minute delay ripples through the ENTIRE flight system on a given day; perhaps even longer if the plane flies overnight. It also affects OTHER flights scheduled to take off at a given time.

With respect, did you just advocate for a stranger, or some "joe" being responsible for a child sitting next to them in the event that that said child's parent is sitting 10 rows behind?

I am a defender in the fact that within the last 10 or so years no other industry could claim fairly stable prices. I spend about $180.00 or so to fly to Orlando and have been for 10 years or so....I cannot even say that for a gallon of milk, With that said, we booked a flight on a major, they combined 2 flights and despite already having seats on our flight they seperated my family from me. They stuck my wife in the back and had me sitting virtually in the front of the plane. I would say that most certainly a child sitting by themselves without a parent close by, and I mean within a few seats are most certainly at more risk and inturn less safe. I have had the misfortune to be aboard a flight with a minor emergency where a nose wheel gave way after landing, pandamonium inside, No way that anyone could get back to their children in that event. I certainly wouldn't expect a stranger sitting next to someone elses child go above or beyond reason to save said child....they have no obligation to them. I would certainly hope that someone would take it upon therselves to make an attempt. However On our peudoemergency there were grown adults trampling children to get off the plane, really rather embarassing for them.
I have flown most of my life being on a plane after being born on a Air Force base in turkey, at 3 months, our daughters have both flown at a very early age and I think they are better people for it, children are much safer with their parents, and "you" are much safe not having to keep an eye on them.

as for our situation, we made arrangements to be at the airport much earlier than expected, over 3 hours earlier and we were well taken care of. I find that in the event I need a favor of someone I approch them with respect and humility. the gate agent was more than happy to take care of the situation. I don't think that the airlines are intentionally causing grief with anyone....just like everyone else they are having to do more witth less.

 

[NHdisneylover]

All I have to say is "good luck" to whomever gets stuck next to our 3 yr old. I guarantee you they'll be begging to trade seats with us....

I don't mean to attack you and I truly hope you are seated with your children when you fly (it is always better when you can be with your kids), but I don't understand this attitude (which I have seen others post, not just you so PLEASE know I am not picking on you--your post just happens to be recent and short enough it is easy to pull the quote out) My kids aren't perfect--far from it--but the attitude I took was always that they needed to behave on planes--no matter who they were seated by. Try to pack entertainment they can handle by themselves--and snacks of the same and go over rules and etiquitte (and safety!) with them first. I admit they were once next to a man (whom I did not ask to change seats, but the FA did--she was worreid about them) who was VERY rude to the FAs on a fligh (cursing at them repeatedly) and THAT time I was secretly hoping they would act up, or spill a drink by accident or something. NO such luck--but I got my revenge in the end anyway

I thought of this, too, but I'm guessing the computer system won't let them input tickets for children in this row. Maybe if you call?

I think the idea is if you cannot get two seats together--go for even one exit row seat. Then ask whoever is seated by your child in teh otehr part of the plane if s/he will trade for an exit row seat (you now have something to barter with). It is also nice to offer to buy a drink for a passenger who changes

 

[bdiddy]

I don't mean to attack you and I truly hope you are seated with your children when you fly (it is always better when you can be with your kids), but I don't understand this attitude (which I have seen others post, not just you so PLEASE know I am not picking on you--your post just happens to be recent and short enough it is easy to pull the quote out) My kids aren't perfect--far from it--but the attitude I took was always that they needed to behave on planes--no matter who they were seated by. Try to pack entertainment they can handle by themselves--and snacks of the same and go over rules and etiquitte (and safety!) with them first. I admit they were once next to a man (whom I did not ask to change seats, but the FA did--she was worreid about them) who was VERY rude to the FAs on a fligh (cursing at them repeatedly) and THAT time I was secretly hoping they would act up, or spill a drink by accident or something. NO such luck--but I got my revenge in the end anyway

I think the idea is if you cannot get two seats together--go for even one exit row seat. Then ask whoever is seated by your child in teh otehr part of the plane if s/he will trade for an exit row seat (you now have something to barter with). It is also nice to offer to buy a drink for a passenger who changes

My son is a very spirited child and has sensory issues and is currently going through therapy for them. He has never flown and does not do well in restricted type environments. It is a short flight and armed with my arsenal of goodies I thought he might be ok BUT if I am not sitting next to him I can see it getting very unpleasant. Of course I have an attitude of they need to behave on planes but if my 3 yr old special needs son is separated from his mother and expected to fend for himself what do you think is going to happen?

 

[NHdisneylover]

My son is a very spirited child and has sensory issues and is currently going through therapy for them. He has never flown and does not do well in restricted type environments. It is a short flight and armed with my arsenal of goodies I thought he might be ok BUT if I am not sitting next to him I can see it getting very unpleasant. Of course I have an attitude of they need to behave on planes but if my 3 yr old special needs son is separated from his mother and expected to fend for himself what do you think is going to happen?

Ah--special needs--you did not mention this previously. Many posters seem to think that any young child cannot behave on a plane. For the most part it is less restrictive than a car seat and there are lots of interesting diversions with drink carts and safety announcements. Add in a few new toys, a few old favourites nd some snacks and do not freak them out with mom or dads own fears and most kids do just fine. Good for you for recognizing your sons needs so early on and getting therapy ASAP I wish we had known when he was three that things like hating loud noises and not being able to stand certain fabrics, tastes, smells, etc (lots of sensory stuff)were indicators of deeper problems. If DS had had therapy then he would probably have much less to struggle with now. For travel though,we are lucky that neither kid has ever had an issue with being in a restrictive enviornment.

 

[scuba]

I don't mean to attack you and I truly hope you are seated with your children when you fly (it is always better when you can be with your kids), but I don't understand this attitude (which I have seen others post, not just you so PLEASE know I am not picking on you--your post just happens to be recent and short enough it is easy to pull the quote out) My kids aren't perfect--far from it--but the attitude I took was always that they needed to behave on planes--no matter who they were seated by. Try to pack entertainment they can handle by themselves--and snacks of the same and go over rules and etiquitte (and safety!) with them first. I admit they were once next to a man (whom I did not ask to change seats, but the FA did--she was worreid about them) who was VERY rude to the FAs on a fligh (cursing at them repeatedly) and THAT time I was secretly hoping they would act up, or spill a drink by accident or something. NO such luck--but I got my revenge in the end anyway

I think the idea is if you cannot get two seats together--go for even one exit row seat. Then ask whoever is seated by your child in teh otehr part of the plane if s/he will trade for an exit row seat (you now have something to barter with). It is also nice to offer to buy a drink for a passenger who changes

Our children are as next to perfect as one could get for a 2 and 4 year old as kids can be on a plane, at this time in their young lives they have been on 2 and 4 cruises respectfully and have flown dozens of times, however they still require support, changing diapers, changing Princess DVDs, handing out goldfish and capri suns. I would never expect anyone else to be responsible for that. So we are at an impass, I certainly don't expect ANY one to change their arrangements or assigned seat so I can sit with my child, I also don't expect someone sitting beside my child to change DVDs or change diapers.......In addition we are frequently reminded about the perils of air travel, increasingly folks are being reminded to sit in their seats and keep their belts fastened, I cannot likely take care of my child sitting even 1 row in front of me with a seatbelt sign on or not.....This is one of those things where the folks complaining about being asked to switch their seats would also complain if sat beside a cild with a parent sitting 10 rows behind....I understand that the burden is with those that have the children but alot of folks here cannot have it both ways.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Our children are as next to perfect as one could get for a 2 and 4 year old as kids can be on a plane, at this time in their young lives they have been on 2 and 4 cruises respectfully and have flown dozens of times, however they still require support, changing diapers, changing Princess DVDs, handing out goldfish and capri suns. I would never expect anyone else to be responsible for that. So we are at an impass, I certainly don't expect ANY one to change their arrangements or assigned seat so I can sit with my child, I also don't expect someone sitting beside my child to change DVDs or change diapers.......In addition we are frequently reminded about the perils of air travel, increasingly folks are being reminded to sit in their seats and keep their belts fastened, I cannot likely take care of my child sitting even 1 row in front of me with a seatbelt sign on or not.....This is one of those things where the folks complaining about being asked to switch their seats would also complain if sat beside a cild with a parent sitting 10 rows behind....I understand that the burden is with those that have the children but alot of folks here cannot have it both ways.

I agree it is BETTER when you are there next to them, but surely at least the four year old can open a box of crackers or drink from a water bottle on her own. She could also be expecetd to play quietly with someting else if the DVD finishes, until you come by to check on her and change it. I agree you are reminded not to wander the cabin (for safety) these days, but you are also reminded to get up and strech to prevent blood clots (also a safety this) so I think a couple of quick trips to check on your kids is okay. As far as diapers go, I really do not understand that point. You have to be up anyway to change a diaper don't you? I assume you do this in the lavetory (I always did anyway)

 

[scuba]

NHDISNEYLOVER, I'm jealous......1987 graduate of Ramstein American High School....then it was WEST Germany. Dad was In the Air Force for 22 years....one of the best times of my life being overseas, wouldn't change a thing. Hopefully your children will one day realize the opportunity they have, we have friends now that have yet to leave the state. If you are indeed a military family, thank you for keeping my DD2 and DD4 safe at night...never under any circumstances should we EVER forget our troops......ME....happy Veterans day everyone!

 

[crashbb]

.I understand that the burden is with those that have the children but alot of folks here cannot have it both ways.

Respectfully, many parents on here want it both ways. They want to be guaranteed a seat beside their children but they don't want to pay the fee that allows them to do that*

*Yes, I understand that things happen even after you've paid for seat selection, but not sitting with your child after paying for your seats is much more rare than it happening when you choose not to select your seats.

 

[Disneyadore]

Take the exit row seats if the website will let you reserve them. That's a WONDERFUL location to be able to offer in a switch request!

Aren't the exit row seats forbidden for children?
I thought they are only for those who can assist at a possible emergency situation.
These seats are the most expensive at least at intercontinental flights.

 

[scuba]

I agree it is BETTER when you are there next to them, but surely at least the four year old can open a box of crackers or drink from a water bottle on her own. She could also be expecetd to play quietly with someting else if the DVD finishes, until you come by to check on her and change it. I agree you are reminded not to wander the cabin (for safety) these days, but you are also reminded to get up and strech to prevent blood clots (also a safety this) so I think a couple of quick trips to check on your kids is okay. As far as diapers go, I really do not understand that point. You have to be up anyway to change a diaper don't you? I assume you do this in the lavetory (I always did anyway)

Sure she can, however it can be iffy at times, I'm am certainly surprised about folks reaction to a minor sitting by themselves on a plane maybe 10 rows away from their responsible parent. this is one of those times where I just say HUH? as for changing diapers, I have never been on a long flight with our children, nothing longer than 2 hours and I suppose I would indeed take them to the bathroom, maybe that was a bad example.
I am an advocate for organizational skills and families knowing ahead of time that you do indeed have to make plans to get seats together. I'm an advocate for that, However in our situation where we were placed in seats after a major canceled our flight apart from one another....with that said, it would have been less offensive to someone for me to have placed my 4 year old in her assigned seat rather than asking a person to switch seats?......I am just falling over myself about this

 

[NHdisneylover]

NHDISNEYLOVER, I'm jealous......1987 graduate of Ramstein American High School....then it was WEST Germany. Dad was In the Air Force for 22 years....one of the best times of my life being overseas, wouldn't change a thing. Hopefully your children will one day realize the opportunity they have, we have friends now that have yet to leave the state. If you are indeed a military family, thank you for keeping my DD2 and DD4 safe at night...never under any circumstances should we EVER forget our troops......ME....happy Veterans day everyone!

Thank you. I would also like to thank any and all troops (current and vets including scubs's dad)here reading today I cannot take any credit. My husband just happens to work for a German company (which eans my kids are getting the FULL experience of going to German public schools and the whole 9 yards--they appreciate it most days)

 

[Swimalie]

MOST child abusers/assaulters/pedophiles/"dangerous" people are NOT strangers. Something like 90% are known to the child/family.

Just because MOST are known to the family doesn't mean the one sitting next to you or your child on a plane isn't one as well.

 

[scuba]

Respectfully, many parents on here want it both ways. They want to be guaranteed a seat beside their children but they don't want to pay the fee that allows them to do that*

*Yes, I understand that things happen even after you've paid for seat selection, but not sitting with your child after paying for your seats is much more rare than it happening when you choose not to select your seats.

I would agree, again careful planning for a trip would indeed reduce the amount of times that folks are having to sit away from their children, but like I said we are at an impass. I would suppose that folks that paid alot of money to have assigned seats would complain about being sat beside a unsupervised child. lastly, I fly whom ever has the best rate, I have never been charged anything for pre choosing my seat...what airlines are doing this? We are booked on Delta again in FEB, we have assigned seats already, booked online and didin't pay anything extra.

 

[Swimalie]

Aren't the exit row seats forbidden for children?
I thought they are only for those who can assist at a possible emergency situation.
These seats are the most expensive at least at intercontinental flights.

You are right. Children can not sit in emergency exit rows.

 

[NHdisneylover]

....with that said, it would have been less offensive to someone for me to have placed my 4 year old in her assigned seat rather than asking a person to switch seats?......I am just falling over myself about this

I don't think it is at all offensive to politely request someone change seats (and maybe explain you had paid to be together beore the weahter/mechanical issue)--especially if you offer the better seat to the person who would change and maybe offer to buy a drink or snack as well. I just don't agree with some posters who think if someone declines to change they are being rude, or should be forced to, etc. As I detailed earlier, we had very extenuating circumstances in 2001. I would have not flown on that flight had someone not been willing to let me sit with my 2 year old with the recent head injury. I did ask the other peron in the row if he would please change with my DD (who was 4, worried sick about her brother and understandably nervous about flying a month after 9/11). He declined (totally his right) I did not push it or hold it against him on the flight. I setteld DD in and checked on her as often as I could. It was not ideal but it was not the end of the world either.

 

[Swimalie]

I don't think it is at all offensive to politely request someone change seats (and maybe explain you had paid to be together beore the weahter/mechanical issue)--especially if you offer the better seat to the person who would change and maybe offer to buy a drink or snack as well. .

I don't think it's offensive, either. We flew from Oregon to VA in May where my son and I were in seats next to each other (we paid for our flight) but my husband was way in the front of the coach section - first row in fact (his employer paid for his so we booked separately). Before take off, we asked the guy in the isle seat if he wouldn't mind switching with my husband. I told him I understood if he said no but if he didn't want to move, I would appreciate if he would let me out to get the dvd player that my husband had. He asked where the seat was (middle seat but no seats in front) and then he said yes. The FA told my husband and as soon as we could, the switch was made. Sadly, it pulled my husband away from sitting next to one of our Oregon Senators where he could have picked his brain. Oh well.

 

[nerdyone]

I amazed at how many people here are clueless about flying as a family. I fly for business typically 3-4 times per month and my family travels on trips about every two months that require flights. I have never had a problem having our seats moved so that we could all sit as a family.

When you get to the gate, politely explain the situation to the gatekeeper and they will make accommodations. On the off chance they you get somebody who is not helpful, explain the situation as you board. The stewards want to keep traffic moving and they will do everything possible to accommodate you and get you seated.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I don't think it's offensive, either. We flew from Oregon to VA in May where my son and I were in seats next to each other (we paid for our flight) but my husband was way in the front of the coach section - first row in fact (his employer paid for his so we booked separately). Before take off, we asked the guy in the isle seat if he wouldn't mind switching with my husband. I told him I understood if he said no but if he didn't want to move, I would appreciate if he would let me out to get the dvd player that my husband had. He asked where the seat was (middle seat but no seats in front) and then he said yes. The FA told my husband and as soon as we could, the switch was made. Sadly, it pulled my husband away from sitting next to one of our Oregon Senators where he could have picked his brain. Oh well.

My tall DH would have happily changed to have the legroom too Oh, and yes we have moved and split up to let families sit together. However, we do not split up ourselves form our kids to let other people sit with theirs (now we might as ours are 10 and 12, but not so much when they were younger). I am just happy if the two kids are together so they can play games

 

[scuba]

Thank you. I would also like to thank any and all troops (current and vets including scubs's dad)here reading today I cannot take any credit. My husband just happens to work for a German company (which eans my kids are getting the FULL experience of going to German public schools and the whole 9 yards--they appreciate it most days)

Well, regardless of your Husband's occupation, Enjoy your time there. My wife works for a German owned company.... she hopes to get a temp. assignment to the German offices, one day she wants to see my old stomping grounds. Don't miss Octoberfest, Bavaria, the BMW plant, and the original Cinderellas castle, Neushwanstein, Rhein river cruises, don't forget the Mozel river and the vinyards, Cologne art museums........as for your childrens experiences in the German school system, Just making your kids well rounded! a true plan for success...good luck...and certainly nice Discussing the topic with ADULT posters....fun