Sitting with kids on the plane

[NHdisneylover]

Yes, I had explained that in an earlier post--my son was on the aisle. I had an aisle seat further forward in the plane. I had asked the man at the window (and the person across the aisle from my son) to trade so that I could at least be in the same row as my son. I explained to each and every person that I spoke with about trading that my son had medical concerns that would likely need to be attended to and that I would try to compensate them for the trade. No one was willing to move. Everyone on Delta gets an assigned seat when they buy the ticket--there is no additional cost to have an assigned seat--it is given to you when you purchase, so there isn't an "extra" or "above and beyond" fee to have an assigned seat prior to boarding.

Sorry, I missed that explanation. Amazing that with both of you having aisle seats no one from either row would trade their middle seat for one of your aisles You probably started off thinking you had pretty easy to barter with seats. It must have been a highly stressful day for you. Personally I would have deplaned without telling someone else to handle my child's medical issues though. Eitehr way I am glad you and your son made it home safe and sound

 

[NHdisneylover]

I'm not sure you read the question that I was answering. I was asked if I would have felt comfortable at that point leaving my son in that row. I said yes because this man had stepped in to offer help and because we had an actual conversation earlier. I was explaining why I was OK with leaving my son there, not why I was OK with him staying in his seat. Of course if that lady wanted her center seat in the back of the plane she was allowed to keep it--that wasn't the information my post was about.

I think maxiesmom was trying to get back to the point of my question--you were telling the woman, who had already been rude to you (by answering h*** no, which was uncalled for), what to do to take care of your son. Had the man not jumped in and said he would do it--had it jsut been the woman would you have left your son there? If not then what was the reason for telling her, other than to get her to "give in" and move?

 

[acpalmer]

Sorry, I missed that explanation. Amazing that with both of you having aisle seats no one from either row would trade their middle seat for one of your aisles You probably started off thinking you had pretty easy to barter with seats. It must have been a highly stressful day for you. Personally I would have deplaned without telling someone else to handle my child's medical issues though. Eitehr way I am glad you and your son made it home safe and sound

I really needed to get him home to his doctor who knows his history and needs and out of the weather situation that was developing in that part of the country, which was a huge part of the medical problem. That, and the flight attendant said it was too late for anyone to get off the plane.

And that was my point way back on page 4 or 5 when I first posted--everyone to that point had said how people would be willing to trade and flight attendants will help and the airlines don't let young children be seated alone. No, people aren't always willing to trade, no flight attendants won't always help, and yes, airlines will without hesitation let young kids be seated alone.

 

[crashbb]

And that was my point way back on page 4 or 5 when I first posted--everyone to that point had said how people would be willing to trade and flight attendants will help and the airlines don't let young children be seated alone. No, people aren't always willing to trade, no flight attendants won't always help, and yes, airlines will without hesitation let young kids be seated alone.

Actually, many of us were saying the exact opposite - if you decide not to pay to select your seats, prepare to sit apart. Do not expect GA/FA to help or expect that people will be willing to trade.

 

[NHdisneylover]

And that was my point way back on page 4 or 5 when I first posted--everyone to that point had said how people would be willing to trade and flight attendants will help and the airlines don't let young children be seated alone. No, people aren't always willing to trade, no flight attendants won't always help, and yes, airlines will without hesitation let young kids be seated alone.

We are totally on the same page here! I have tried to make that same point several times (as have others) just so that people are not caught unaware and do know it can happen and can try to plan accordingly. LOTS of us on this thread have tried to make that point.

 

[acpalmer]

I think maxiesmom was trying to get back to the point of my question--you were telling the woman, who had already been rude to you (by answering h*** no, which was uncalled for), what to do to take care of your son. Had the man not jumped in and said he would do it--had it jsut been the woman would you have left your son there? If not then what was the reason for telling her, other than to get her to "give in" and move?

Truly, I don't know. It was over two years ago and I cannot honestly say what I would have for sure done in the situation. Likely cried. The FA were unwilling to help, they said it was too late for anyone to get off the plane. What would I have done? Had a breakdown is probably the most honest answer I can give you.

I guess I still like to think that she, rude as she had been previously, would have done something rather than watch him pass out and stop breathing right beside her. I like to think humans are more caring than that.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Truly, I don't know. It was over two years ago and I cannot honestly say what I would have for sure done in the situation. Likely cried. The FA were unwilling to help, they said it was too late for anyone to get off the plane. What would I have done? Had a breakdown is probably the most honest answer I can give you.

I guess I still like to think that she, rude as she had been previously, would have done something rather than watch him pass out and stop breathing right beside her. I like to think humans are more caring than that.

I think I would have been crying long before that

 

[acpalmer]

I think I would have been crying long before that

Oh believe me, I wanted to. But I needed my son not to freak out and my crying wouldn't have done much to keep him calm.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The flight attendant is the one who told me that the lady would be the one who would have to help.

Frankly, I find that to be sexist and presumptuous on the part of the Flight Attendant - that apparently the FA decided, based on nothing but gender, that the woman rather than the man should be assigned responsibility for any child. But that's a topic that deserves its own thread...

 

[NHdisneylover]

Frankly, I find that to be sexist and presumptuous on the part of the Flight Attendant - that apparently the FA decided, based on nothing but gender, that the woman rather than the man should be assigned responsibility for any child. But that's a topic that deserves its own thread...

I think it was because the woman was whose seat was adjacent to the child (based on the further description posted later on). However, I find it really surprising the FA actually said that anyone should take care of the child (other than the mother, obviously). I would think the FA would simply say something along the lines of "I am sorry, I cannot be responsible for yoru child" and leave it at that.

 

[duffy]

I think it was because the woman was whose seat was adjacent to the child (based on the further description posted later on). However, I find it really surprising the FA actually said that anyone should take care of the child (other than the mother, obviously). I would think the FA would simply say something along the lines of "I am sorry, I cannot be responsible for yoru child" and leave it at that.

And, putting myself in position of the anonymous woman who was sitting next to the child, I would have responded to the flight attendant: "YOU don't want to be responsible for her child, and you expect ME to be?? No way."

 

[Disney_Tall_Mommy]

I booked my flights for Disney with AAA. The agent did not tell me I had to pay extra to pay for seats together. I only discovered this after accidentally finding a post on this. Luckily I was able to call the agent and get our seats together for the extra charge.
My daughter is 4 and I just can't imagine one of us not being able to sit with her. She is shy and would probably not ask a stranger to help her with her seatbelt, show her to the bathroom, ask for a drink, etc. The airlines have just gone too far with this one. They should allow at least one parent to sit with a child without an additional fee.

 

[disfan07]

Here's my take on the situation:

1)If the airline lets EVERYONE choose their seats for free, then parents and children should be guaranteed to sit toegther IF the seats they had chosen were together no matter what (ex: if tehy change planes adn teh seat configuration changes, you should still be sittign next to your child)
BUT, if you book and there are no two seats together, they shouldnt have to accomadate you. On almost all airlines I think you can see teh seat map before you pay. If tehre are no seats together, choose another flight.

2)If the airline CHARGES for choosing seats, they should not have to accomodate you UNLESS you paid for the seats to be together. If you chose not to pay when you bought the seats or you did not pay for teh seats at all, they should not have to accomadate you. You should pay for the seats rigth away. If you cannot get teh seats together, choose another flight...same as #1

3)If its an airline with no seat assignemtns (aka SW) you shoul dbe guaranteed a seat with your child ebcause NO ONE had the opportunity to choose seats early.

JMO

 

[teine]

Wow, I read this post on Friday and had a really crummy weekend thinking about it...

We are flying Delta out of Bangor in about three weeks and I can tell you, this has become the most stressful part of the trip for me! When I check our flight itinerary it indicates that seats will be assigned at check in. Does this mean we will get the left overs or EVERYONE will be assigned seats at check in?

I have two young children (2 and 6) and would loose my mind if they didn't each have a parent with them on our flights. Who wants a potentially 'creepy' stranger beside their child? Not to mention my 6 year old would have a panic attack sitting by himself.

As a child I remember getting Disney kits on the plane, hearing mickey on the loud speaker and getting to visit the pilot....

Times sure have changed when you have to pay $$ on top of an already pricey flight just to choose your seat!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You don't pay extra on Delta to choose your seats. Plus, your "pricy" flight is actually less expensive, when adjusted for inflation, than what was paid for your seat as a child.

"Seats will be assigned at check-in" generally means that, especially since not all seats are available for preselection (so they're available if elite-equivalent or full-fare passengers book at the last minute) seats not previously available will be when you check in. Just take advantage of online check-in at exactly 24 hours, to ensure the largest availability. While it probably won't be possible to get four seats together, getting two-and-two shouldn't be a problem.

I have to admit, I resent the implication that the passenger in the next seat may be 'creepy'.

Because Delta is no longer the official airline of Walt Disney World (is there even one, any longer?), combined with the fact that despite percieved "pricy" fares the airlines are losing money, no, they won't be providing Disney kits or, really, any distraction. The passenger is expected to take care of that on their own.

 

[Hannathy]

Wow, I read this post on Friday and had a really crummy weekend thinking about it...

We are flying Delta out of Bangor in about three weeks and I can tell you, this has become the most stressful part of the trip for me! When I check our flight itinerary it indicates that seats will be assigned at check in. Does this mean we will get the left overs or EVERYONE will be assigned seats at check in?

I have two young children (2 and 6) and would loose my mind if they didn't each have a parent with them on our flights. Who wants a potentially 'creepy' stranger beside their child? Not to mention my 6 year old would have a panic attack sitting by himself.

As a child I remember getting Disney kits on the plane, hearing mickey on the loud speaker and getting to visit the pilot....

Times sure have changed when you have to pay $$ on top of an already pricey flight just to choose your seat!

Well I'd get started working on having your 6 yr old avoid a panic attack unless you are willing to get off the plane and wait on another flight if something happens. Kids generally deal with things fine unless they have been lead to believe they can't.
I don't want to panic you but things happen and seats get rearranged or there is "weather" as the airlines like to call it or equipment changes and sometimes there aren't 2 seats together. You are then left with deal with it or get off and try another flight.

I also don't like being called creepy.

 

[crashbb]

Likely, there were no seats available for pre-selection when you bought your tickets. Airlines hold back up to a third of their seats.

In the past, I provided a step-by-step guide about what to do, to increase your chance of sitting together. If the search function ever comes back, you can look for it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I booked my flights for Disney with AAA. The agent did not tell me I had to pay extra to pay for seats together. I only discovered this after accidentally finding a post on this. Luckily I was able to call the agent and get our seats together for the extra charge.
My daughter is 4 and I just can't imagine one of us not being able to sit with her. She is shy and would probably not ask a stranger to help her with her seatbelt, show her to the bathroom, ask for a drink, etc. The airlines have just gone too far with this one. They should allow at least one parent to sit with a child without an additional fee.

FWIW here is how I handled it when mine sat alone at ages 3-5:

First, this is the one situation in which I do board as early as possible. Once or twice when both kids were sitting seperatly and alone at young ages I asked if I could board with the very first preboarding group so I would have time to settle them in and make sure they knew the drill without disrupting other passengers. Since I was not being demanding about changing seats and I was polite in my request and clear that this was to help speed the boarding process, both times my request was granted.

I boarded the plane with the kids and showed them where my seat was. I made sure they knew the route from my seat to their seat. Then I would take them to their seat, adjust the seatbelt to the correct size and have them show me that they could buckle and unbuckle it. Once I was sure they had that down I would have them demonstrate taking the tray table down and up (and remind them not to do so in excess or bang on it, etc.) and how to take their bag in and out from under the seat. I would show them the button to push if they needed help (FA call button). I showed them the seat belt sign and told them any time the picute was not lit up they could get up and come to see me if they wanted/needed and also they could come get me and I would take them to the restroom.

I always packed things they could handle themselves for snacks and entertainment and reminded them about basic safety and courtesy.

I kept an eye out for the drink cart and, if it came to me first I would tell the FA the seat numbers of the kids and what they would like (I would write it down so the FA did not have to remember). If the cart was going to get to the kids first i would breidfly getup when I saw it getting close and stand back and see if the kids managed tehir order on their own (they usually did fine) but if they needed help I was there to step in. Of course I also got up to check on them during the flight when possible. We never had any issues.

Well I'd get started working on having your 6 yr old avoid a panic attack unless you are willing to get off the plane and wait on another flight if something happens. Kids generally deal with things fine unless they have been lead to believe they can't.
I don't want to panic you but things happen and seats get rearranged or there is "weather" as the airlines like to call it or equipment changes and sometimes there aren't 2 seats together. You are then left with deal with it or get off and try another flight.

I also don't like being called creepy.

I have to agree with this sentiment. Both sentiments actually, I don't like the assumption that the person on the plane is likely to be creepy either. Anyway, your DD is not likely to panic at all unless you give her reason to believe she should. Just treat it like it is totally normal to sit by other people on the plane and she will too. Otherwise see the advice above if you are seperated, or take the advice of the PPs and be prepared to deplane if you are.

 

[bavaria]

Add me as another adult who resents that being a single flyer somehow implicates one as being 'creepy'.

Times sure have changed when you have to pay $$ on top of an already pricey flight just to choose your seat!

And I turn that around to 'times sure have changed when the American public pays less and less and less for flights, to the point where fares are not viable, and expects and demands more and more and more service, yet is unwilling to pay'

I fly every week, usually booking 0-3 days in advance. I choose my airlines and my flights largely based on seat availability. There are many times when I am on a carrier on which I have no status, or have used all my upgrades, and pay out of my own pocket for an upgrade or for a seat which meets my needs. And sometimes I simply deplane because there is no seat which meets my needs.

Very few readers here seem to be willing to do the same.

Why does having a child put one at the very top of a priority list? What about people with disabilities? What about the fearful flyers? What about older people?

This is the only place where simply having a child seems to trump all else. Most of us have compassion and understanding, but is sorely tested on this website by parents who seem to think that their needs overrule everyone else's needs.

I often talk about flying in the parallel universe, where there isn't this drama and upset. Or DISworld vs REALworld...

Millions of people fly every year without drama and without fuss. The best thing to do is to be prepared and anticipate the worst, but hope for the best. If you behave appropriately, most people will respond in kind. Bully, shout, demand, or expect special treatment, and you may be disappointed.

 

[bavaria]

Because Delta is no longer the official airline of Walt Disney World (is there even one, any longer?), combined with the fact that despite percieved "pricy" fares the airlines are losing money, no, they won't be providing Disney kits or, really, any distraction. The passenger is expected to take care of that on their own.

I don't believe that Cathay is the official carrier of HKDL, but they DO offer Disney themed childrens kits (at least in business and first class) on flights to Hong Kong.

Of course, most people here wouldn't pay the fares that we pay on international flights, and thus cannot expect to receive the same level of service.