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NFT: Seating arrangement on a flight

spike : 12/7/2016 5:35 pm
With two little kids on a 3 seater airplane, should the two parents do 2+2 in consecutive row or 3+1 in the same row?

Need some input from the BBI parents here. Thx
With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
regulator : 12/7/2016 5:38 pm : link
Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!
Is it safe to put the kid  
spike : 12/7/2016 5:40 pm : link
in the aisle?

My older one is a 4 year old
Took 2 flights from hell earlier this year to/ from Disney  
JerebilJ : 12/7/2016 5:45 pm : link
Did 2 diff rows on way down and same row on way back. Same row with aisle in between was way better IMO as it allowed for max flexibility and movement.
We always go window seat and aisle seat on back to back rows.  
Taggart : 12/7/2016 5:59 pm : link
If you get lucky, you get nobody in the middle seat and as result have the entire 3 seat section to yuourselves. If somebody shows up for the middle seat, then you offer that person either the window or aisle. They will always take it. So worst case you end up with 2 middle seats and 2 window/aisle seats back to back. We go back to back so at least two of the 4 dont have to worry about some asshole ramming their seat back the moment the plane starts taxiing. The key is keeping open the oppty to get lucky and have those middle seAts open because going 3 in one section is no joy either as a parent inevitably needs to sit in the middle to keep the two kids separated (and in my family that job would fall on me).
RE: With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
MetsAreBack : 12/7/2016 6:03 pm : link
In comment 13254060 regulator said:
Quote:
Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!


+1

but 2 and 2 a row apart or in same row isnt the end of the world either. At least you're past the <2 yrs old age where they wont sit down or GO THE FUCK TO SLEEP... just give them ipads and the flight will be over in no time.
I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
spike : 12/7/2016 6:08 pm : link
and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.
RE: With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
EricJ : 12/7/2016 6:09 pm : link
In comment 13254060 regulator said:
Quote:
Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!

+1

RE: RE: With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
FranknWeezer : 12/7/2016 6:15 pm : link
In comment 13254087 EricJ said:
Quote:
In comment 13254060 regulator said:


Quote:


Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!


+1


Us, too. REMEMBER TO BRING THEM CHEWING GUM b/c the pressure in the ears can be really tough on little ones.
You want your own row to control  
B in ALB : 12/7/2016 6:19 pm : link
Maybe one of the kids wants to stretch out or one wants the window or mom/dad needs a break. 3+1 is the correct answer.
Wife and I first class  
Giant John : 12/7/2016 6:25 pm : link
2 kids in the back (somewhere).
RE: You want your own row to control  
spike : 12/7/2016 6:26 pm : link
In comment 13254099 B in ALB said:
Quote:
Maybe one of the kids wants to stretch out or one wants the window or mom/dad needs a break. 3+1 is the correct answer.


Thanks guys.. I've been wrestling with this life altering decision for a while.
RE: Wife and I first class  
MetsAreBack : 12/7/2016 6:49 pm : link
In comment 13254107 Giant John said:
Quote:
2 kids in the back (somewhere).


I laughed.
I vote for 2 + 2  
ron mexico : 12/7/2016 7:00 pm : link
Gotta split the kids up so they don't fight, at least my kids
RE: Wife and I first class  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 12/7/2016 7:01 pm : link
In comment 13254107 Giant John said:
Quote:
2 kids in the back (somewhere).


LOL.
RE: We always go window seat and aisle seat on back to back rows.  
ErichBarnes102 : 12/7/2016 7:29 pm : link
In comment 13254078 Taggart said:
Quote:
If you get lucky, you get nobody in the middle seat and as result have the entire 3 seat section to yuourselves. If somebody shows up for the middle seat, then you offer that person either the window or aisle. They will always take it. So worst case you end up with 2 middle seats and 2 window/aisle seats back to back. We go back to back so at least two of the 4 dont have to worry about some asshole ramming their seat back the moment the plane starts taxiing. The key is keeping open the oppty to get lucky and have those middle seAts open because going 3 in one section is no joy either as a parent inevitably needs to sit in the middle to keep the two kids separated (and in my family that job would fall on me).


I can't remember the last time I was on a flight that wasn't full :(
RE: Wife and I first class  
pjcas18 : 12/7/2016 7:33 pm : link
In comment 13254107 Giant John said:
Quote:
2 kids in the back (somewhere).


these glasses are real crystal. Put them in your purse.

RE: With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
Justlurking : 12/7/2016 7:54 pm : link
In comment 13254060 regulator said:
Quote:
Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!


this is what we do and it works best.
RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
mattlawson : 12/7/2016 10:24 pm : link
In comment 13254086 spike said:
Quote:
and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.


We did a similar trip last year. Two kids next to eachother we're fine. iPads work well. You'll be totally fine
RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
MetsAreBack : 12/7/2016 10:37 pm : link
In comment 13254086 spike said:
Quote:
and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.



Just saw this ? Why do you need 4 seats then? The 1 yr old can on a lap and be free. Take 3 seats
RE: RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
JayBinQueens : 12/7/2016 10:43 pm : link
In comment 13254285 MetsAreBack said:
Quote:
In comment 13254086 spike said:


Quote:


and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.




Just saw this ? Why do you need 4 seats then? The 1 yr old can on a lap and be free. Take 3 seats


This. Also look into getting children tickets at a reduced rate
3 and 1  
Shirk130 : 12/7/2016 11:25 pm : link
Mom between the kids, Dad on the opposite aisle fast asleep.
RE: RE: RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
spike : 12/7/2016 11:43 pm : link
In comment 13254293 JayBinQueens said:
Quote:
In comment 13254285 MetsAreBack said:


Quote:


In comment 13254086 spike said:


Quote:


and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.




Just saw this ? Why do you need 4 seats then? The 1 yr old can on a lap and be free. Take 3 seats



This. Also look into getting children tickets at a reduced rate


No reduced rate available on Delta. We don't want to hold onto a toddler who won't sit still for 5 hours.
RE: I vote for 2 + 2  
giants#1 : 12/8/2016 7:32 am : link
In comment 13254144 ron mexico said:
Quote:
Gotta split the kids up so they don't fight, at least my kids


Who's a 1 yr old going to fight with?

3+1 for a lot of reasons:
- You (parents) won't feel guilty the whole flight if/when the kids don't sit still. Easier to avoid kicking the seat in front then the person next to you. Plus, with the tight space, even reaching into your bag for food/games can annoy the person next to you.
- Multiple bathroom breaks. And if you need to go, the +1 makes it easier to watch the 2 kids
- One parent can get a little break
- Room to spread out: baby in arms, 4 year old asleep across the other seats

That said, if a kid is 1, most airlines let you carry him/her on for free provided she sits on your lap. Car seats and strollers can be checked for free either at the baggage counter or at the gate.
RE: RE: RE: RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
giants#1 : 12/8/2016 7:34 am : link
In comment 13254323 spike said:
Quote:



No reduced rate available on Delta. We don't want to hold onto a toddler who won't sit still for 5 hours.


Give the toddler a little benadryl (perfectly safe) and he'll sleep the whole flight. If not, even with 3 seats you'll have plenty of room for a 1 yr old to move around.
Try for the bulkhead  
armstead98 : 12/8/2016 7:44 am : link
I don't have kids but fly every week. Bulkhead gives you a wall in front of you and maximum room.

Those seats are desirable though so unless you book well in advance probably can't get a whole row but worth looking.
To each their own  
MetsAreBack : 12/8/2016 8:30 am : link
but 3 seats where the two little ones can share a seat or the 1-yr old can walk safely in front of the two adults (with one adult in the aisle seat to make sure she/he doesnt escape) - would work fine. I'd save the money, but God bless if you've got that kind of coin.

Where are you staying in Aruba by the way? I recommend Hyatt.
RE: RE: With a 3+3 configuration, we always did  
Stu11 : 12/8/2016 8:48 am : link
In comment 13254087 EricJ said:
Quote:
In comment 13254060 regulator said:


Quote:


Mom between the kids in the three seat section, with Dad on the adjacent aisle. Sometimes you need a buffer...!


+1

+2 we've done both configurations and 4 across works best. We got to the in-laws in Fla every Dec. and doing it again this month.
Be fair to the other passengers  
fbdad : 12/8/2016 10:11 am : link
Buy all the seats in three adjacent rows and then spread your family out in the middle one, using the two empty rows as noise buffers
Aruba isn't a quick flight  
B in ALB : 12/8/2016 10:21 am : link
So the suggestion to keep your 1-year old in your lap and only purchase three seats is madness to me. That sounds like a nightmare.

And the bulkhead won't work, imo because you can't store anything there - there is no seat in front of you to put bags, toys, diapers, supplies, snacks, etc. You'll have to get out of your seat to retrieve anything you need. Plus, there's usually only one bulkhead in a single-aisle jet (unless you're in a 757-300 which is highly unlikely) right behind 1st class. If either of your kids make noise or basically act like kids there's always the chance that some asshole will make a stink. Not only that, there's always one jerk who has a problem with people in economy using the first class lav. So what are you supposed to do? Walk all the way to the back of the plane.

I'd opt for something close to the wings - a bit smoother ride - again, 3+1.
RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
Paulie Walnuts : 12/8/2016 1:22 pm : link
In comment 13254086 spike said:
Quote:
and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.
I am sure the other passengers will be thrilled
RE: RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
B in ALB : 12/8/2016 1:33 pm : link
In comment 13255212 Paulie Walnuts said:
Quote:
In comment 13254086 spike said:


Quote:


and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.

I am sure the other passengers will be thrilled


What a smarmy, shitty post - so typical of Slapnuts. I'm sure people are just clamoring in the jetway to sit next to you and be regaled with your tales of Special Forces activity in Poland.
RE: Aruba isn't a quick flight  
giants#1 : 12/8/2016 1:43 pm : link
In comment 13254651 B in ALB said:
Quote:
So the suggestion to keep your 1-year old in your lap and only purchase three seats is madness to me. That sounds like a nightmare.

And the bulkhead won't work, imo because you can't store anything there - there is no seat in front of you to put bags, toys, diapers, supplies, snacks, etc. You'll have to get out of your seat to retrieve anything you need. Plus, there's usually only one bulkhead in a single-aisle jet (unless you're in a 757-300 which is highly unlikely) right behind 1st class. If either of your kids make noise or basically act like kids there's always the chance that some asshole will make a stink. Not only that, there's always one jerk who has a problem with people in economy using the first class lav. So what are you supposed to do? Walk all the way to the back of the plane.

I'd opt for something close to the wings - a bit smoother ride - again, 3+1.


Sitting towards the back is a good idea. Closer to bathroom (pain for everyone if their serving snacks when your kid needs to go) and more engine noise (muffles any unavoidable crying).
RE: RE: RE: I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old  
Paulie Walnuts : 12/8/2016 2:31 pm : link
In comment 13255242 B in ALB said:
Quote:
In comment 13255212 Paulie Walnuts said:


Quote:


In comment 13254086 spike said:


Quote:


and we are going to Aruba in February, so it is very likely the plane will be packed.

I am sure the other passengers will be thrilled



What a smarmy, shitty post - so typical of Slapnuts. I'm sure people are just clamoring in the jetway to sit next to you and be regaled with your tales of Special Forces activity in Poland.


I fly every week buddy... and I use noise cancelling headphones for the above reason. I use flights to catch up on my sleep

if you think people love seeing families of little kids come down the aisles of a plane, for a 4+ hour flight ,you are deluded.
Ohhhhhhhhhh "I fly every week" - Mr. Big Shot  
B in ALB : 12/8/2016 2:37 pm : link
1974 War of Poland Hero.

You know what pal?

I love seeing families with kids coming down the aisle. Because they're in awe, excited and cute as hell - sometimes flying for the first time. And above all, they're happy - unlike you, ya miserable weirdo.

As far as kids making noise and just being kids - I have kids too - so I don't get upset. Instead, I have some compassion for the parents who more often than not are worried that their kids are causing other passengers discomfort.

But be sure to sit there with your headphones firmly planted on top of that balding liver-spotted dome of yours. Talk to no one, give families the stink eye and continue to marinate in that lousy world of yours.
"Balding, liver spotted dome of yours"  
BigBlueShock : 12/8/2016 2:49 pm : link
Damn B, you are classic. Cracks me up every time I read your work. Don't ever change, my friend.
eh, I'm too harsh Shock  
B in ALB : 12/8/2016 2:55 pm : link
just pisses me the f off when someone refuses to be cordial and compassionate to fellow travelers - especially parents who are having a rough go of it.
RE: Aruba isn't a quick flight  
Matt M. : 12/8/2016 2:58 pm : link
In comment 13254651 B in ALB said:
Quote:
So the suggestion to keep your 1-year old in your lap and only purchase three seats is madness to me. That sounds like a nightmare.

And the bulkhead won't work, imo because you can't store anything there - there is no seat in front of you to put bags, toys, diapers, supplies, snacks, etc. You'll have to get out of your seat to retrieve anything you need. Plus, there's usually only one bulkhead in a single-aisle jet (unless you're in a 757-300 which is highly unlikely) right behind 1st class. If either of your kids make noise or basically act like kids there's always the chance that some asshole will make a stink. Not only that, there's always one jerk who has a problem with people in economy using the first class lav. So what are you supposed to do? Walk all the way to the back of the plane.

I'd opt for something close to the wings - a bit smoother ride - again, 3+1.
We did this with my daughter when she was 2 and had 2 siblings and when my younger son was 2 and 1 sibling. They were nursing, so they ate and slept just about the whole time = no crying! But, we were lucky.

I second the Bendryl suggestion. That worked this last year with all 3 in their own seats. 2 of the 3 slept and my oldest was 12 and fine just sitting and watching a movie or reading.

I also second the 3+1 configuration if you aren't going to get a toddler ticket. Children 2 and under aren't free, per se. They do require a ticket. There isn't a fare, but there are ticketing fees that usually run about $100-$125.
RE: eh, I'm too harsh Shock  
Paulie Walnuts : 12/8/2016 4:03 pm : link
In comment 13255430 B in ALB said:
Quote:
just pisses me the f off when someone refuses to be cordial and compassionate to fellow travelers - especially parents who are having a rough go of it.


you don't know me, you just think you do...
RE: RE: Aruba isn't a quick flight  
Paulie Walnuts : 12/8/2016 4:06 pm : link
In comment 13255435 Matt M. said:
Quote:
In comment 13254651 B in ALB said:


Quote:


So the suggestion to keep your 1-year old in your lap and only purchase three seats is madness to me. That sounds like a nightmare.

And the bulkhead won't work, imo because you can't store anything there - there is no seat in front of you to put bags, toys, diapers, supplies, snacks, etc. You'll have to get out of your seat to retrieve anything you need. Plus, there's usually only one bulkhead in a single-aisle jet (unless you're in a 757-300 which is highly unlikely) right behind 1st class. If either of your kids make noise or basically act like kids there's always the chance that some asshole will make a stink. Not only that, there's always one jerk who has a problem with people in economy using the first class lav. So what are you supposed to do? Walk all the way to the back of the plane.

I'd opt for something close to the wings - a bit smoother ride - again, 3+1.

We did this with my daughter when she was 2 and had 2 siblings and when my younger son was 2 and 1 sibling. They were nursing, so they ate and slept just about the whole time = no crying! But, we were lucky.

I second the Bendryl suggestion. That worked this last year with all 3 in their own seats. 2 of the 3 slept and my oldest was 12 and fine just sitting and watching a movie or reading.

I also second the 3+1 configuration if you aren't going to get a toddler ticket. Children 2 and under aren't free, per se. They do require a ticket. There isn't a fare, but there are ticketing fees that usually run about $100-$125.


agree about the Bendryl..

shit the adults are far worst than kiddies, you know they are gonna cry. they cant help themselves, the adults , putting their bare feet on the trays, guys will dreads that hang over the back of the seat, etc.. selfish pricks
RE: RE: Aruba isn't a quick flight  
giants#1 : 12/8/2016 4:10 pm : link
In comment 13255435 Matt M. said:
Quote:

We did this with my daughter when she was 2 and had 2 siblings and when my younger son was 2 and 1 sibling. They were nursing, so they ate and slept just about the whole time = no crying! But, we were lucky.

I second the Bendryl suggestion. That worked this last year with all 3 in their own seats. 2 of the 3 slept and my oldest was 12 and fine just sitting and watching a movie or reading.

I also second the 3+1 configuration if you aren't going to get a toddler ticket. Children 2 and under aren't free, per se. They do require a ticket. There isn't a fare, but there are ticketing fees that usually run about $100-$125.


You're right about the fees since it's international (some type of custom's crap). But domestic flights for "infant in arms" (i.e. < 2 yrs) are free, at least on Delta.
RE: RE: eh, I'm too harsh Shock  
B in ALB : 12/8/2016 4:12 pm : link
In comment 13255577 Paulie Walnuts said:
Quote:
In comment 13255430 B in ALB said:


Quote:


just pisses me the f off when someone refuses to be cordial and compassionate to fellow travelers - especially parents who are having a rough go of it.



you don't know me, you just think you do...


I don't want to know you, Slapnuts.
RE: RE: RE: eh, I'm too harsh Shock  
Paulie Walnuts : 12/8/2016 4:35 pm : link
In comment 13255590 B in ALB said:
Quote:
In comment 13255577 Paulie Walnuts said:


Quote:


In comment 13255430 B in ALB said:


Quote:


just pisses me the f off when someone refuses to be cordial and compassionate to fellow travelers - especially parents who are having a rough go of it.



you don't know me, you just think you do...



I don't want to know you, Slapnuts.


I'm sad for you... you only know the caricature created in your own mind...


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