I cringe when I hear people advise parents to sit in the bulkhead with children.
1. Bulkhead seats are for those who need the extra leg room or have a special need. Little legs of small children do not belong there.
2. A bulkhead seat does not allow parents to have the “tools” they need in the convenient seat back area. Instead all belongings must be stowed underneath the seat in front of you or overhead during take-off and landing.
3. Tray tables are stored in the armrest. Pinched fingers are common when taking the tray table out in confined space. Little pinched fingers are just not a good idea.
4. For safety, passengers should be restrained at all times during flights. Yes, this is an inconvenience and not reality due to calls of nature and DVT (blood clot) prevention. However, wide open spaces directly in front of kids is unfair to them. They see it as a space they should be able to play in and parents may be tempted to allow them to even nap there. NOT A GOOD IDEA- EVER. Unexpected turbulence does happen. Treat the airplane like a car and respect physics. Flying IS extra work with kids – but extra work does not mean an excuse for unsafe conditions.
So where is the best location for family travelers to sit on an airplane in regards to keeping parents, kids, and fellow passengers happy?
The very last rows of the airplane.
My 6 year old son has visited 17 countries in 6 years. That took a lot of flying as an infant, toddler, preschooler and kindergartener (and that’s not even counting the monthly domestic flights!)
We sat almost EVERY flight in the last row.
Why?
I believe a kids section on planes is a fabulous idea. Mutual respect for others means allowing a business traveler to get some work done. It means allowing the couple who finally have a honeymoon away from their kids some time to enjoy a nice conversation without interruption. But actually, a kids only section is best for parents and kids.
Think about it. Who is most understanding of what it takes to travel successfully with kids?
First to board and have time to get situated, last to get off the plane (remember never to book short layovers with kids!), and no audience staring at you from rows behind when your child acts out.
Yes, you will find me sitting in the last row or nearby. Does it stink-literally? Yes, but I have found solutions to deal with odor issues on planes.
However, that does not mean kids kicking seatbacks or unruly children are ok.
Basic respect for others needs to be for everyone - consider that a mother may be trying to get a little one to sleep. Consider that a child may be overtired, overstimulated, or ill.
Staying one step ahead of our kids at all times is important- do they need to eat, sleep, poop, need a new activity? Have them wear headphones when watching videos (please!).
It takes a lot of work to fly with kids successfully. Keeping everyone happy through mutual respect is the foundation of a successful flight for all. As a nurse, I will tell you those bulkhead seats need to be reserved for those who require extra space due to height, weight, disability (sometimes not visible), or injury.
So next time someone tells you to reserve the bulkhead seat, remind them small children have absolutely no need for bulk-head type of extra space on an airplane. Plus, that bulkhead seat will now cost more to reserve anyway.
Thanks Jason Cochran, your post on bulkhead seats and kicked seat backs. It motivated me to write this post today!
I do understand your post. However, it’s important to not slam all families. Not all little travelers will be allowed to kick a seat. A few “un-parenting parents” often ruin it for many.
My “frequent-flier-in-training” son knows how to fly better than many adults. I realize most kids haven’t traveled as much as he has, but many kids (and parents) do great on flights – they just don’t get noticed!
(Notice I don’t slam all college kids because of the few who swore loudly conversing throughout our flight. I don’t slam all business travelers for a few who need training on basic respect for flight attendants or other passengers. I don’t slam the non-Depends wearing elderly for the wet seats. Everyone has issues to deal with when flying under inconvenient conditions, it’s important to recognize those who ruin it for others are a minority of travelers.)
Additional Resources:
Tips for Entertaining Kids on Planes
Basic Respect for All on Planes
Tip for Not Kicking Seatback? Watch my recommendation on Good Morning America’s “Good Stuff” video
Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to receive FREE updates!
Comments on this entry are closed.