Bringing your kids on vacation with you can be an amazing experience – just think of all the adorable photo ops! But, it can also present a set of unique challenges, especially if you’re flying. From crying babies to little seat kickers, you’ll definitely have your hands full. Luckily enough, there are a few tried and true ways to get the most out of your journey. By simply choosing which part of the plane you should sit ahead of time can make a major difference.
So, before you book your tickets and fasten your seatbelt, read up on our tips on where to sit on a plane when you have little ones in tow, and you’ll be able to fly with your family without breaking too much of a sweat.
Map it Out
Even though many airlines require you to pay an additional cost to choose your seats, it will be worth it to do so when you’re traveling with your kids – especially if you’ve already found cheap flights to help balance out the costs. But, don’t assume that the airline will place you together on the plane. Before you decide where to sit, take a look at the plane’s seat maps — which can be found on the airline’s website or with a service like SeatGuru — to help you to find the best seats for you and your family.
You may also enjoy: 5 Ways to Find Cheap Last Minute Flights
Where to Sit if You Have a Tight Connection
If you know that you’ll have to rush to a connecting flight, it’s a no-brainer to choose seats as close to the front of the plane as possible. You don’t want to have to run through the airport with your kids and all of their gear to catch your next flight. The advantages of sitting in the back don’t compete with seats in the front if you’re stressed about making your connecting flight.
Where to Sit with a Loud Child
There’s no getting around having to deal with meltdowns when traveling with little ones. The good news is, you can improve your air travel experience by choosing seats behind the wings in the back of the plane. Because of the close proximity to the engine, this part of the airplane is usually the loudest, which will help drown out all that loud noise. As a bonus, you’ll boost your chances of having more room to spread out since the back of the plane is usually the last to fill up. If you know that you’re traveling with a kid who can get fidgety and start kicking the seat in front of you, it’s best to place another family member in the seat in front of them when possible.
How to Choose Your Specific Seats in the Row
Once you’ve narrowed down what part of the plane you want to sit in, it’s time to start thinking about which specific seats will provide the best experience for your family. One of the most important parts of choosing your seat is the type of plane that you’ll be flying on and the size of your travel party. For example, if there’s only two of you, you should book the aisle and window seat in a 3-seat row. That way, it will increase your chances to have a whole row to spread out in. And, if somebody happens to be assigned to that seat, they’re usually willing to give it up for a more preferable aisle or window seat.
If you’re traveling with a party of four or more, things can get trickier, but no need to worry! Just think about the individual preferences of each person. A young baby or toddler will likely want to be seated next to mom, while older siblings may prefer to sit next to each other. In this situation, it’s usually best to book three seats together in the aisle and middle across from the walkway. That way, you hopefully won’t have to talk over other passengers.
In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing your seat. Just think about the specific needs of your family, map out everything in advance, and hope for the best!
Where do you like to sit when you fly? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply