Flying with young children has the reputation of being difficult. Tantrums, travel sickness, and glares from other passengers might put you off bringing your little one on your next trip.
Choosing the most suitable seats for your family can hugely improve the flying experience. A comfortable seat will help your toddler sleep for the whole journey, allowing them to wake up refreshed and ready to explore! Well, a parent can dream, right?
Picking the best location on the plane really does help your child feel more safe, relaxed, and happy. Having enough space, the right amount of stimulation, and you by their side can make all the difference.
But with so many different seat options, plane types, and upgrades available, it can be hard to know where your family will be most comfortable.
Here, we focus on the key things to consider when choosing seats with your toddler:
- Why is it important to pick the right airplane seat?
- Types of airplane seating for families
- Pros and cons of plane seat types
- What to consider when choosing airplane seats for toddlers?
1. Why is it important to pick the right airplane seat?
- Toddler comfort
- Parent comfort
- Convenience
- Safety
- Cost
Let’s talk a bit more about each of these factors to give you an idea of why location is so important.
Toddler comfort
Does your child get queasy on moving transport? Your flight will be more pleasant for everyone if you sit in an area of the plane with less movement. A seat near the bathroom with unpleasant smells may end in disaster.
Has your little one got sensitive ears? A quieter area of the plane not only reduces distracting noises, but also limits the effects of changing pressure.
Perhaps your toddler struggles to sit still for more than 5 minutes? Being trapped against a window, with the only exit past a disgruntled stranger, could lead to a seriously long flight. An aisle seat with quick walkway access lets you easily stretch their legs.
Whilst most airlines allow children up to 2 years to stay on a parent’s lap, consider whether this is the most comfortable option for your toddler. Purchasing an extra individual seat may be better, but may mean selecting seats in a different area of the plane.
Parent comfort
It’s not just your child that needs to be comfortable on the flight. Extra legroom can help you stretch out and give you more space to settle your little one on your lap. It may even be worth paying extra for an individual seat.
Leaning your seat back on a long-haul flight can really improve your sleep quality: you may regret choosing that seat at the back of the plane. Paying more for padded seats and extra space might be worth it if you arrive at your destination in better shape.
Convenience
Easy toilet access and somewhere to keep snacks and toys can make your life easier. Space for your children to play on the floor, or to use a bassinet, can also help the journey to go more quickly.
Sitting near the flight attendant station can be helpful if travelling with toddlers alone or if you require assistance.
Safety
Turbulence is not only scary, but it also comes with a risk of injury. Choosing a seat over the wings or near the front of the aircraft can reduce turbulence as you are closer to the centre of gravity.
Whilst flying is a statistically very safe form of transport, it may put your mind at ease to choose a seat close to an emergency exit. Families with young children are prevented from sitting in exit seats with many airlines, but sitting nearby could give you extra peace of mind. Seats in the middle and back of the plane are safer in the rare event of an emergency landing.
Using a child aviation safety device or car seat may be important to you. However, some airlines have specific rules about these devices. If you can only use your device in a window seat, this will limit your choice.
Cost
Whilst it may be nice to splurge on the most luxurious seat option, most families are on a tight budget. With the right knowledge, you can strike the balance between comfort and cost, giving you more to spend on enjoying your trip.
2. Types of airplane seating for families with toddlers
Whilst specifics vary between models and airlines, we have tried to give an overview of the standard types of airplane seats that are good for parents and toddlers.
For more specific information, we suggest looking on your airline’s website. Alternatively, visit seat maestro and input your flight details to get flight-specific seat reviews and tips to help plan your air travel with toddlers.
Bulkhead
Bulkhead seats are found at the front of the cabin, behind the wall dividing different sections. This may be between first class and economy, to separate the galley from the cabin, or behind the toilets.
The space in front of the seat varies, as does whether there are storage pockets. Tray tables are usually stored in the seat arm rests, making the arms difficult or impossible to move. Bulkhead seats are reserved for families with some airlines, and are often the best seats for flying with toddlers.
Aisle
Next to the aisle, you can quickly access the overhead lockers and toilets. You may be able to stretch your legs in the aisle when it’s not in use, providing more legroom.
If your family doesn’t take up the whole row, you’ll have to move to accommodate other passengers’ movements. However, this can be one of the best seats for toddlers as you can move freely.
Window
With views throughout the flight, additional privacy, and no one next to you to disturb you, the window seat can be a popular option. Controlling the shutter can help with jet lag and sleep, and looking outside can help combat travel sickness.
Booking window seats for toddlers reduces the risk something will be spilled on them as a tray is passed over and avoids someone pushing past to the toilet when you’ve (finally) got them off to sleep.
Rear of the plane
Seats at the back of the plane are often deemed less desirable, meaning they are less likely to be full- you may end up getting a row to yourselves for no extra cost. No one sitting behind you means no one to kick you or pull on your seat, but the limited space may also stop you reclining.
Being right next to the toilets makes it easy for nappy changes, emergency clean-ups, and when your toddler suddenly needs to go. It also makes it easy for bathroom smells to travel.
Bassinet seats
Either designated seats with built in bassinets, or bulkhead seats with the option to attach a bassinet, these seats are reserved for parents with a child under 2 years old. Infants can sleep comfortably without needing to be held; this can make the flight better for everyone.
Please note that bassinets commonly cannot be used during take-off, landing, and turbulence. Weight limits must be adhered to, and many airlines do not offer bassinets. Usually, these seats cost more, and other members of your family may not be allowed to sit in the row with you.
3. Pros and cons of plane seat types for families with toddlers
With so many different seat types, we’ve tried to summarise the best and worst parts of each to help you have a toddler-friendly flight.
Bulkhead seats for toddlers
Pros of bulkhead seats for toddlers:
- Extra legroom- This will help both of you have a more pleasant flight.
- Extra floor space- Your toddler can play in front of you on the floor, letting them stretch their legs and keeping them occupied.
- Located near the front of the plane- This not only makes boarding easier and faster but allows for a quicker exit to catch your connecting flight or catch the last train home.
- No one in front of you- There’s no need to worry about disturbing anyone in front, or them reclining back into your space.
Cons of bulkhead seats for toddlers:
- Static armrests – Generally, armrests don’t come up as they contain the tray table. This might make it more difficult to get comfortable or stretch out.
- No space for hand luggage- This is particularly inconvenient for accessing nappies, drinks and toys. It must go overhead during take-off/landing, and there may be no storage pocket.
- More expensive
- Close to the restrooms- Whilst this can be a positive if you need to use them a lot, it can be noisy and smelly.
- Small tray tables- Foldaway tables are also less sturdy, making it more difficult to eat and use for other things.
- Poor in-flight entertainment- There may be no screen provided, or it could be smaller or difficult to access.
Window seats for toddlers
Pros of window seats for toddlers:
- Keeps your toddler distracted- Especially during take-off and landing.
- May help with nausea- Sitting in a window seat can help reduce travel sickness, both for you and your toddler.
- Privacy- With no one sitting next to you or passing by, it’s easier to relax. No one will disturb you to use the bathroom either.
- Control of the blind- This can help you get more sleep or help distract your little one.
- Space- More space can make a big difference when it is already limited.
Cons of window seats for toddlers:
- Difficult to access- Getting up takes longer and involves disturbing your neighbour.
- Temperature- The window seat tends to get cold, both from the outside and other people’s air vents.
Aisle seats for toddlers
Pros of aisle seats for toddlers:
- Access- You are free to come and go as you please- this is great for entertaining a little one, or repeated toilet trips.
- Overhead lockers- Easy access to bags, jumpers, nappies and more that are stored overhead.
Cons of aisle seats for toddlers:
- Noisy and less private- Stewards and other passengers will pass by throughout the flight.
- Food/beverage cart- Not only will it repeatedly go past, possibly bumping into you, you will have to pass food and drink over to your neighbours. This could be difficult with a toddler on your lap.
- Limited window views
Rear seats for toddlers
Pros of rear seats for toddlers:
- Less desirable- Avoid the “side-eye” from cranky frequent flyers that usually sit up front.
- Less crowded- You may end up next to an empty seat, or with a whole row to yourself, for no extra cost.
- Smaller rows- Some of the last rows on bigger planes only have two seats, giving you extra privacy for your family for no extra cost.
Cons of rear seats for toddlers:
- No reclining- Seats right at the back might not recline, making the journey more uncomfortable.
- Loud engine- whilst this is good if your toddler likes white noise or is noisy, it can disturb you and hurt your infant’s ears.
- Close to the restroom- Again, this can be a benefit if you need to use it a lot but can also be noisy and smelly.
- End of food service- Food service often starts at the front. You may be left with limited options and have to eat something you don’t like if you haven’t pre-ordered.
Basinet seats for toddlers
Pros of basinet seats for toddlers:
- Comfort- Your toddler may well be more comfortable and sleep better. You will also be more comfortable without a child on your lap.
- Extra legroom and floor space- As they are often bulkhead seats, seats may come with more space and are likely to be near the front of the plane.
- You won’t disturb others- Usually there is no one in front to worry about disturbing. As they are designated child seats, passengers nearby should be aware of this and less likely to get annoyed about noise.
Cons of basinet seats for toddlers:
- Noise- As these are designated for infants, it’s likely you’ll be seated next to other, often younger, infants who may disturb your child.
- Family separation- If you’re travelling with other family members that aren’t infants, it’s likely they will have to sit in another row.
- Extra cost- It’s usually more expensive to sit in these seats.
- Arm rests- Usually the arm rests are static in these seats as they contain the tray table or bassinet mechanism.
- Entertainment- These seats may come without an entertainment screen, or the screen may be blocked by the basinet.
4. What to consider when choosing airplane seats for toddlers
Whilst there are many factors to consider before your family travels by plane, we have highlighted some of the most important.
How old is your toddler?
With most airlines, children over two years old require their own seat. Below this age, it is up to you whether you want to purchase another seat for your toddler. Despite having their own seat, airlines may require you to have them on your lap during take-off, landing, and any turbulence.
A smaller, younger toddler may fit more comfortably in a bassinet. However, it’s important to check the weight and age requirements for your airline.
Which airline are you travelling with?
Seats vary between airlines and plane models, so check the specifics before booking seats. Use one of the tools mentioned above to check you haven’t booked the window seat without the window, or to make the most of the row with only two seats at the back.
Airlines also have different rules about bassinet seats, child car seats, and more, that may impact your seat choice.
Booking in advance
This is the best option to make sure that your family isn’t separated. Whilst there have been recent campaigns to prevent families being split up on flights, some airlines still require extra fees to guarantee this. Book early to avoid this.
Safety
The European Aviation Safety Agency strongly recommends the use of car seats when travelling with young children. If you prefer not to, the use of a toddler seat belt is recommended below 24 months, and an adult seat belt above 24 months. CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) can be another safe way of securing your infant in case of an emergency.
It’s important to consider any child safety device you will be using when booking seats, as they may only be permitted in certain locations. It’s also important to note young children are usually not permitted to sit in exit rows due to safety.
Equipment
Will you be bringing an inflatable footrest to help your toddler sleep better? A bassinet cover to help block out the cabin lights? Or maybe you’re bringing their car seat? These things may only be allowed in certain seats- check this before booking.
So what is the best airplane seat for your toddler?
We recommend bulkhead seats as the best seat option for your toddler. They usually have the most space for your children to play, the option to use a bassinet, and you can choose a bulkhead window seat with the added benefit of a view and extra privacy.
Check the airline-specific details using a seat comparison website to avoid any nasty surprises, contact your airline with any questions, and book early. The most desirable seats are often the first to be snapped up.
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You may also like to read our posts about proven strategies to combat toddler motion sickness, fatigue, and jet lag, and 7 must-have items you should pack in your toddler’s backpack for the airplane journey.
