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Selecting the optimal seating arrangement for a family can greatly enhance the travel experience.
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Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images
‘ title=”Mother and child on an airplane”>
Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images
Traveling with children can bring a mix of joy and obstacles. The excitement of little ones juxtaposed with the complexities of boarding and settling in can feel like preparing for an event akin to a marathon. Even before stepping foot onto the aircraft, parents face the challenge of determining the most suitable seating arrangements.
A study by AirAdvisor indicates that families often benefit from occupying bulkhead seats. Flight crew members have noted that these areas are particularly advantageous when traveling with infants, as they frequently provide accommodations such as bassinets that secure to the bulkhead wall on international or long-haul flights for convenient care.
However, what if you’re scheduled on a smaller aircraft or your child has outgrown infancy?
The allure of additional legroom might not compensate for having no floor space available for personal items. As emphasized by flight attendant Jasmine Khadija, this spot restricts you from storing belongings beneath your seat, creating difficulties in accessing necessities like toys or diaper supplies during flight. Moreover, it’s essential to verify whether your airline provides bassinet services before booking.
Your bag can be retrieved once airborne and after seatbelt signs turn off; however, all possessions must be stowed again prior to landing—a task that may prove challenging amidst a restless toddler’s fussiness when trying to reach their source of entertainment (which often fits only within adult grasp).
Considerations Beyond Bulkhead Seating
Khadija expresses frustration with bulkhead rows due to fixed armrests that complicate movement—particularly troublesome while managing young children who require assistance getting in and out. Hence, this seating configuration may be best suited for those exclusively traveling with infants.
The Perks of Window and Aisle Seats
If your family occupies an entire row (for instance three passengers), opting for window seats could provide built-in distraction as children gaze outside at passing clouds. Conversely, if there’s mixed rowing or frequent restroom visits anticipated—an aisle seat emerges as more practical. This approach is especially advantageous during potty training stages where proximity to bathrooms proves beneficial.
“I’ve witnessed prevention possibilities regarding bathroom-related incidents simply due to locations,” Khadija explains further while stressing this does not ensure mishaps won’t occur.”
Navigating Air Travel Rules For Families
Younger children under 15 years are prohibited from sitting in exit rows without exception—should such arrangements occur inadvertently upon booking; understand that flight attendants will enforce relocation policies accordingly (which could lead sizable families being divided). Keep in mind: ultimately securing preferred seating hinges upon original ticket procurement rather than reassignment efforts onboard by crew members throughout air travel.
No matter where you elect to sit aboard your flight, it’s crucial ensuring favorable placement beforehand via communications channels like gate agents—with clarifications needing addressed pre-boarding lest passenger placement discrepancies arise along journey segments.” “Flight attendants possess limitations restoring favored placements hence engagement early ensures smooth transitions” concludes Khadija.
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