Tuesday, August 20, 2024 8 Expert Tips for Traveling with Children According to Flight Attendants Traveling with children can be a delightful yet challenging experience. Ensuring that you have the right seats on a plane can greatly impact your journey, keeping your little ones comfortable and entertained. Here are some expert tips from flight attendants on how to choose the best seats for your family.
1. Choose a Bulkhead Row for Infants If you’re traveling with an infant, booking the bulkhead row can be a lifesaver. Many airlines offer bassinets that attach to the bulkhead wall, providing a secure and comfortable sleeping space for your baby.
This setup allows you to relax and enjoy the flight with your hands-free. Be Aware of Storage Limitations in the Bulkhead Row While the bulkhead row is ideal for infants, it may not be the best choice for older children due to limited storage space at your feet. You’ll need to store your bags in the overhead compartment, which can be inconvenient when you need quick access to toys, snacks, or other essentials.
Fixed Armrests Can Be a Hassle Another downside of the bulkhead row is that the armrests are often fixed, making it challenging to get in and out of your seat, especially if you have small children who need assistance. 2. Opt for the Window Seat for Built-In Entertainment If your family occupies an entire row, the window seat can be a great option for keeping your child entertained.
The view outside provides a natural distraction, making the flight more enjoyable for your little one. 3. Choose the Aisle Seat for Easy Access If your child tends to be restless or is in the middle of potty training, an aisle seat might be more practical.
It allows you to get up and move around easily without disturbing other passengers. Plus, it’s more convenient if you need to make frequent trips to the restroom. 4.
Sit Near the Bathroom for Potty-Training Kids For families with potty-training toddlers, sitting near the bathroom is a smart choice. It reduces the chances of accidents by making it easier and quicker to reach the restroom. However, keep in mind that this area can be noisy, which might disturb other passengers who are trying to sleep.
5. Avoid Exit Rows for Younger Children Younger children are not allowed to sit in exit rows due to safety regulations. Even if you’re assigned these seats, flight attendants will move you and your child to different seats.
To avoid any last-minute disruptions to your family’s seating arrangement, plan ahead and steer clear of these rows. 6. Sort Seating Arrangements Before Boarding If your family is split up across the plane, try to sort out your seating arrangements before boarding.
Gate agents can assist with seating changes, while flight attendants may have limited ability to help once you’re on board. 7. Complete All Arrival Forms While On-Board To avoid a stressful arrival, fill out immigration forms on the plane while your children are asleep or distracted.
This will save you time and hassle at the airport. 8. Bring Plenty of Snacks for the Flight Kids can get hungry on long flights, and relying solely on the airline’s food options may not be ideal.
Pack your own snacks to ensure your kids have what they like to eat and to keep them distracted during the flight. Conclusion Traveling with children can be challenging, but with the right planning and seat selection, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you choose the bulkhead for extra legroom and bassinet options, or prefer seats near the bathroom for convenience during potty training, these expert tips can help you create a stress-free flying experience.
Safe travels!.
