Typically, airlines will allow parents with children and people with disabilities to board the plane prior to other passenger to help with flow. This way, you have adequate time to get the baby’s items in the overhead while getting the child and you settled into the seats. Now, when you leave the plane, I recommend you be patient and allow the other passengers to exit first. Although you might be excited to reach your destination, it will save you frustration, as well as the other passengers.
When booking a flight, the location of where you want to sit in the plane will depend largely on available but also the age of the children in the family. Some parents will actually choose to sit in different parts of the plane. For instance, one parent can stay with the children during the first half of the trip and the other parent can take over watchdog for the second half of the trip, giving each parent a break. This type of situation works exceptionally well, especially for longer flights.
In addition, if your child is in a carrier, then you might need to be directly behind first class or in first class for extra room. Otherwise, you would need to purchase a second seat for the child. If you can get in the bulkhead location, you will have plenty of room to place the baby on a blanket on the floor for changing diapers, feeding, or playing. If not, then you definitely want the window and middle seat (for three-seat across planes). The reason is that smaller children are usually fascinated by other passengers, reaching and tugging at whatever walks by. Putting you and the child away from the aisle helps lessen the temptation.
Sometimes, you are fortunate enough to have someone near or next to you, someone that has children and a lot of patience. In this case, just be aware the person’s level of attention. If you notice he or she begins to read a magazine or work on the computer, take this as a subtle hint that playtime with your child is over. However, if you sit down near or next to someone that has no interest in paying attention to your child, respect that and do all you can to keep the child occupied. Remember, boarding the plane with a dry diaper, full belly, and ready for a nap or well rested gives you the best chance for a good flight.
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