Picking Airplane Seats with Kids: Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Make flying with kids easier! Discover top tips for choosing the best airplane seats for a stress-free travel experience.

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Are you planning a family trip and wondering how to pick the best airplane seats with kids? Flying with children can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to choosing the right seats.

The good news is that with a little bit of planning and research, you can find the perfect seats that will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

When it comes to picking airplane seats with kids, there are several factors to consider.

• Sit Together: Make sure you book seats that keep your family together.
• Check Seats Early: Confirm your seats a few days before your flight to avoid changes.
• Consider Kids’ Age: For infants, bulkhead seats are great for extra space and bassinets.
• For Toddlers and Older Kids: Middle seats offer more room to move and play.

Understanding Airline Seating Policies

When traveling with kids, choosing the right airline seat can make a big difference in the overall comfort and enjoyment of your flight.

However, understanding airline seating policies can be confusing, especially with the different rules and regulations that vary from one airline to another.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at airline seating policies and what you need to know before booking your next flight.

Airlines and Family Seating Rules

Many airlines have specific rules and guidelines when it comes to seating families with young children.

For example, some airlines allow families to pre-board and choose their seats before other passengers, while others may have designated family seating areas on the plane.

However, it’s important to note that not all airlines have family seating policies, and those that do may not always be able to accommodate every family’s needs.

The Department of Transportation’s Role

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented regulations to help ensure that families with young children are seated together on flights.

According to DOT rules, airlines must allow children under the age of 13 to sit next to an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

However, these regulations only apply to airlines that assign seats in advance, and not to those with open seating policies.

Challenges of Basic Economy Fares

If you’re traveling on a budget, you may be tempted to book a basic economy fare to save money.

However, it’s important to be aware that basic economy fares often come with restrictions, such as limited carry-on baggage and no seat assignments until check-in.

This can make it difficult to ensure that you and your family are seated together on the flight, especially if the plane is full.

Planning Your Flight

When traveling with kids, picking the right airplane seats can make a huge difference in your overall flight experience.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when planning your flight.

Booking Strategies for Families

Booking early is always a good idea when traveling with kids.

This gives you the best chance of securing seats together and can also help ensure that you get the best possible price for your tickets.

Many airlines allow you to choose your seats at the time of booking, so take advantage of this feature to ensure that you get the seats you want.

Another booking strategy to consider is to book directly with the airline.

This can give you more control over your seating arrangements and can also make it easier to make changes or modifications to your booking if needed.

The Best Time to Book Seats

The best time to book your seats will depend on a variety of factors, including the airline you’re flying with, the route you’re taking, and the time of year you’re traveling.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to book your seats as early as possible to ensure that you get the best possible selection.

If you’re traveling during peak travel times, such as holidays or school breaks, it’s especially important to book early.

Seats can fill up quickly during these times, so booking early can help ensure that you get the seats you want.

Utilizing Airline Seat Maps

Many airlines offer seat maps that allow you to see the layout of the plane and choose your seats in advance.

This can be a helpful tool when traveling with kids, as it allows you to choose seats that are close together and avoid seats that may be less desirable, such as those near the bathroom or the galley.

When using airline seat maps, be sure to check the availability of seats before making your selection.

Some seats may already be taken, so it’s important to choose your seats as early as possible to ensure that you get the best selection.

Selecting the Perfect Seats

When traveling with kids, selecting the right airplane seats can make all the difference. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your seats:

Weighing the Benefits of Seat Selection Fees

Many airlines charge a fee for selecting seats in advance.

While it may be tempting to save money and skip the fee, it’s important to consider the benefits of paying for seat selection.

By selecting your seats in advance, you can ensure that your family will be seated together and in the best possible seats.

It also saves you the stress of trying to find seats together at check-in or boarding.

Considering Legroom and Comfort

When selecting seats, it’s important to consider legroom and overall comfort.

This is especially important when traveling with kids who may need extra space to move around or stretch their legs.

Look for seats with extra legroom or consider upgrading to premium economy or business class for added comfort.

The Advantages of Window and Bulkhead Seats

Window seats can be a great option for kids who love to look out the window and watch the world go by.

Additionally, bulkhead seats, which are located at the front of the cabin and have extra legroom, can be a great option for families with young children.

These seats often have a bassinet attachment for infants, providing a comfortable sleeping option for your little one.

At the Airport and Onboard Experience

Checking In and Dealing with Gate Agents

When you arrive at the airport, make sure to check in as soon as possible to secure your seats.

If you haven’t already chosen your seats online, ask the gate agent if there are any available seats together.

Be friendly and polite, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Gate agents are there to assist you, and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.

If you have specific seating requirements, such as a window or aisle seat, let the gate agent know. They may be able to help you find a seat that meets your needs.

If you have a child who needs extra assistance, such as a wheelchair or special seating, make sure to inform the gate agent ahead of time.

Interacting with Flight Attendants for Seating Help

Once you get on the plane, introduce yourself to the flight attendants and let them know that you are traveling with children.

They may be able to help you find seats together or even upgrade you to a better seat.

If you are having trouble finding seats together, ask the flight attendant for help.

They may be able to ask other passengers to switch seats so that you can sit together.

Be polite and understanding, and don’t be upset if they are unable to help you.

Managing Stress and Keeping Kids Comfortable

Flying can be stressful for both parents and children. To make the experience more comfortable,

bring snacks, drinks, and entertainment for your child.

Make sure to pack toys, books, and games that your child enjoys.

If your child has a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, bring it along to provide comfort.

Make sure to take breaks and walk around the plane with your child to stretch your legs and avoid getting restless.

If your child has their own seat, make sure they are comfortable and have enough room to move around.

Use the armrests to provide support and help your child feel more secure.

Airline-Specific Family Seating Tips

When traveling with kids, picking the right airplane seats can make all the difference.

Different airlines have different policies regarding family seating, so it’s important to know what to expect before you book your flights.

Here are some airline-specific family seating tips to help you make the most of your travel experience.

Southwest’s Open Seating Policy

Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, which means that you can choose your own seats when you board the plane.

This can be both a blessing and a curse when traveling with kids.

On the one hand, you have the flexibility to choose the seats that work best for your family. On the other hand, if you don’t board early enough, you may not be able to sit together.

To avoid this, make sure to check in online as early as possible (up to 24 hours in advance) and pay for EarlyBird Check-In, which gives you priority boarding.

American Airlines and Family Priority

American Airlines offers a Family Boarding policy, which allows families with children under the age of 14 to board before general boarding.

This can be a great way to secure seats together and get settled before the rest of the passengers board.

Additionally, American Airlines offers priority boarding to families with car seats or strollers, which can be a big help when traveling with young children.

Delta and United’s Approach to Family Seating

Delta and United Airlines both offer similar policies when it comes to family seating.

They will do their best to seat families with young children together, but this is not guaranteed.

If you want to increase your chances of sitting together, make sure to check in as early as possible (up to 24 hours in advance) and pay for seat assignments.

Delta offers a discounted rate for families traveling with children under the age of 2, while United offers a discount for families traveling with children under the age of 11.

Additional Considerations and Tips

Leveraging Elite Status and Travel Credit Cards

If you have elite status with an airline or a travel credit card that offers perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, make sure to take advantage of them when traveling with kids.

This can help make the boarding process smoother and ensure that you have space to store your carry-on bags.

Additionally, some airlines offer complimentary seat assignments for elite members, which can be helpful when trying to secure seats together.

Navigating Extra Fees and Saver Fares

When booking your flights, be aware of pesky fees that can add up quickly, such as baggage fees and seat selection fees.

Some airlines, like Spirit and Frontier, charge for all seat assignments, so it’s important to factor in these costs when comparing fares.

If you’re booking a saver fare, be prepared to pay extra for seat assignments and baggage.

However, if you’re willing to take the risk and wait until check-in, you may be able to snag free seat assignments.

Understanding Regulations for Unaccompanied Minors

If your child is flying alone, make sure to familiarize yourself with the airline’s regulations for unaccompanied minors.

Each airline has different rules and fees, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time.

Some airlines require a guardian to accompany the child to the gate, while others allow the child to be escorted by an airline employee.

Additionally, some airlines require unaccompanied minors to fly nonstop or only on certain routes.

What happens if you don’t select seats on a flight with kids?

When flying with kids, it’s important to select seats in advance to ensure that your family can sit together. However, what happens if you don’t select seats on a flight with kids?

Most airlines have policies in place to try and seat families together, but it’s not a guarantee.

If you don’t select seats in advance, your family may end up sitting in separate rows or even separate sections of the plane.

This can be stressful for both parents and children, especially if they are young and need assistance during the flight.

Additionally, some airlines charge extra fees for seat selection, which can add up quickly if you’re traveling with multiple children. It’s important to factor in these fees when budgeting for your trip.

If you’re flying with a young child, it’s important to note that federal regulations prohibit children under the age of 15 from sitting in exit rows.

Therefore, if you don’t select seats in advance, you may not be able to sit in these rows even if they are available.

Some airlines do attempt to seat parents and children together, even if seats are not selected in advance.

For example, American Airlines’ policy for families with children two years or older states that “if you don’t choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least one adult they’re traveling with.”

However, this is not a guarantee and may not always be possible depending on the flight’s availability.

Where is best to sit on an airplane with kids?

When you are flying with kids, choosing the right seat can make a big difference in your comfort and convenience.

Here are some tips on where to sit on an airplane with kids:

Consider the Age of Your Child

The best seat for your child will depend on their age.

For infants, the bulkhead row is usually the best place to sit as it provides extra legroom and a bassinet attachment.

Toddlers may prefer to sit in the bulkhead row as well, as it provides more legroom and ample space for them to move around comfortably.

If you have older children, you may want to sit in the middle seats of the plane, where you can spread out and have more room to move around.

Choose Your Seat Based on Your Child’s Needs

If your child is prone to motion sickness, you may want to sit near the front of the plane where there is less turbulence.

If your child is a light sleeper, you may want to sit in a quieter part of the plane, away from the engine noise and other passengers.

If your child is prone to tantrums, you may want to sit in the back of the plane, where there is more noise and activity to distract them.

Take Advantage of the Airline’s Seating Policies

Many airlines offer special seating policies for families with children.

Some airlines allow families to board early, so you can get settled and prepare your child for the flight.

Some airlines also offer special seating arrangements for families, such as the ability to reserve adjacent seats or to sit in a row with extra legroom.

Bring Your Own Entertainment

No matter where you sit on the plane, it’s always a good idea to bring your own entertainment for your child.

This can include books, toys, games, and electronic devices. Make sure to bring enough entertainment to keep your child occupied throughout the flight.

Is it better to sit on the aisle or window with kids?

When picking airplane seats with kids, you may be wondering whether it’s better to sit on the aisle or window. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Aisle Seats

Aisle seats are great for families with young children who need frequent bathroom breaks or who tend to get restless during a flight.

With an aisle seat, you have easy access to the aisle, so you can quickly and easily take your child to the bathroom or walk them up and down the aisle to stretch their legs.

Another advantage of aisle seats is that they offer more legroom than window seats. This can be especially important if you have tall children or if you need to store a lot of carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you.

Window Seats

Window seats are ideal for families with older children who can entertain themselves during the flight.

With a window seat, your child can enjoy the view and have a sense of control over their environment. They can also use the window as a headrest or pillow for sleeping.

Window seats can also be a good option for children who are prone to motion sickness. By looking out the window and focusing on the horizon, they may be able to alleviate their symptoms.

Wrapping Up: Picking Airplane Seats with Kids

Picking airplane seats with kids can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, you can ensure that your entire family has a comfortable and enjoyable flight.

By selecting seats together, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family is safe and secure.

When choosing seats, consider the different options available to you.

Some airlines offer free family seating, while others require you to pay extra for seats together.

It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a decision.

If you’re flying on an airline that doesn’t offer free family seating, consider purchasing seats together in advance.

This will give you the best chance of getting seats together and will also give you peace of mind knowing that your family is seated together.

Remember to check in early and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

This will give you the best chance of securing seats together and will also give you time to relax before your flight.