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Johanna
Citizen
Username: Johanna
Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 8:52 am: | 
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I will be flying to Minnesota with my now 20-month old for the first time in mid-July. It will be just the two of us, and our first time trying air travel. Any tips? I did buy her a seat - she will be window and I will be the middle in a row of three. |
Petal
Citizen
Username: Petal
Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 9:23 am: |
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a portable dvd player and lots and lots of snacks! if your child uses a pacifier, i would have him/her suck on that for take off and landing to help with air pressure....sometimes that seems to help other times not. i also find that the in flight phones provide LOTS of entertainment.
try to not let your kid get too much sleep before the flight to increase the chances of a nice long nap during the journey.
pay absolutely no attention to the other passengers who may get annoyed with any potential tantrums or crying or even the sight of your child. chances are they haven't had kids, or forgot what life is like with a toddler!
the flight attendants are also a great resourse. i find many times they have secret toys/surprises for the little ones. don't hesitate to use them for help/ideas. |
Boomie
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 365
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 9:31 am: |
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Request a bulkhead seat. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 613
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 10:21 am: |
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Bring little stuff to play (dolls, matchbook cars, whatever) and crayons/paper if she likes that.
Bring books and read to her.
Bring snacks.
Buy her her own little carry-on to pack all her precious stuff. Put a few little new things in it that are special for the plane trip.
Save the drinks for take off and landing.
Get up and walk the aisles a few times to help ease restlessness.
Be calm and cool so your kid is calm and cool too.
We didn't do well with the "no nap" advice. That just bought us a grouchy kid who couldn't go to sleep on the plane.
We never had trouble, but we have a pretty calm kid, even when he was little.
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wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 425
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 11:16 am: |
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Buying the seat was key. Well done on that one, you won't regret it, especially with the way they're packing flights full these days. Money well spent.
Be aware and prepared that at the security checkpoint, you carry the child through the detector but the kid can't be in a stroller or strapped to you. You're best off with a cheap umbrella stroller that folds & unfolds easily. It will have to go through the machine. Remember you need to take your shoes off too, so have yourself prepared to do that stuff easily. Take your shoes off while the kid is still in the stroller and you're still in the line. If you sit through that whole line then get to your turn and you suddenly find you have to completely undo everything and you weren't prepared, it can be very frustrating. Stepping up to the plate, your shoes are off, you're holding the kid, the foldup stroller is folded up, you have your backpack on your back but it's easy to slip off once you have put the stroller on the belt.
The backpack? Yes, because you should CHECK OR SHIP EVERYTHING YOU DON'T NEED ON THE FLIGHT. The converse of this is TAKE EVERYTHING YOU MAY NEED ON THE FLIGHT. Carrying stuff through the airport and on the crowded plane sucks, so only carry the stuff you really need. Do not take anything on that flight that is not directly associated with being on the flight and getting through the flight. A good midsize BACKPACK makes the best "diaper bag" for travel because it keeps both hands free. I use my laptop computer backpack, sans the computer. The portable DVD player fits in there nicely and is well padded. Do NOT plan on putting anything in the overhead bin. That backpack of yours should fit under the seat and that's where you should put it. Sticking it under the seat in front of the child will keep your legroom (what little of it the airline gives you) while keeping that bag always accessible. Make sure when you pack it, that the most necessary items are near the top so you can get to them without pulling the whole bag out. What are the most necessary items? You really need to mix it up. A small thing of cookies, a book, a magna-doodle... if you just have only snacks, say, at the top... and you need a book for distraction, well you're just going to have to dig. And if something's in the overhead bin, honestly, you might as well have checked it or shipped it, it's doing you no good at all, it might as well be on the moon, especially during takeoff and landing, or turbulence.
I mentioned the magna-doodle... they have a small travel version and it is a GREAT toy that can provide a long amount of distraction. My kids love to draw themselves or tell me what to draw for them, or I'll draw things and they "guess" what they are, etc etc. Add 3 or 4 favorite books... reading together can be much more effective that sticking a video in front of the kid. On the other hand a portable DVD player with some favorite videos can really help (certainly don't rely on the in-flight entertainment to entertain you OR your child). I use it as the last resort rather than first line of action. Crayons and a coloring book can be great unless your kid is prone to dropping things, in which case you will find those crayons to be quickly infuriating and to be avoided. In fact, ANYTHING that the kid tends to drop a lot of, ought to be avoided. Keep an eye out now for those things, and make a point of blacklisting them for the flight.
Snacks are always a big hit, the more special the better, but not so special that they're "wierd." I found the kids suddenly detested Cheerios when flying, much to my chagrin, as I had packed a lot of them. Bring a small amount of several differnent things, variety being the spice of life... the middle of the flight is not the time to worry whether little Jimmy's getting a balanced meal. Keep it light and fun, and most importantly again don't rely on the airline to have good things to eat that your kid will like. Then when the cookie that comes with the meal is a big hit, it will be a nice surprise... and if it's not, you're prepared. Pack your snacks in little tupperware type containers with lids, as single servings, rather than having a big bulk baggie of, say, cheerios, and trying to serve them out in cramped quarters (voice of experience here). You will use these containers over and over on your trip. Use the small size containers, and use containers that are nesting / stackable.
Lighten the load! If it is a long trip and you know someone at the destination, strongly consider shipping a box out ahead of you. You may end up shipping two boxes back, if you end up buying things there or receive gifts. Worried about lost baggage? Forget it! You will know your stuff has arrived before you even leave your house. In this case you may be thinking it is almost possible to get away with not checking any bags at all... a noble intent, because avoiding the bag check line before boarding and the baggage claim roundabout when arriving will make you very, very happy once you are there. Doing this minimizes the amount of time the trip takes, door-to-door (the time you spend in airports and getting to and from them can add up to as long as the time spent in flight!), and keeping you from being weighed down.
This is one of those times you just want to pay a lot of attention to the kid. Don't be distracted by other stuff you're carrying, etc. You know there are times when you are attentive, A) it keeps things from going out of control and B) you see "moods" starting to happen before they happen and you can head them off with distraction techniques (hopefully) before they become screaming fits. Pay attention and don't allow yourself to be distracted. I mean don't walk into that wall or anything, but do make your first order of business your child's experience and needs... for your own benefit.
Going into the airport, then, you would see me with a backpack on my back with all the in-flight essentials. Kid sitting in a cheap folding umbrella stroller, with the car seat strapped to the back of it (watch out it tips over if the kid's not in it!). (Not planning on taking the car seat? I recommend taking the car seat. It is cumbersome, yes, but essential, both in-flight and once at the destination, and comfortable and familiar for the child). I would bypass the baggage check, probably I would already have my boarding passes printed from at home, but if not, I'd be at one of the eTicket kiosks (checking in at home allows you to pick better seats if they are available, and allows you to proceed straight to security checkpoint and the gate beyond).
At the gate, I'm about the last one on board. Forget all the "those with small children get on ahead." Just prolongs the sitting in a cramped seat experience. I'm in the same configuration - backpack, kid in stroller, carseat strapped to back of stroller -- through the jetway and up to the door of the plane. At this point the kid gets out, the stroller folded and gate-checked. Now the kid is carried with one hand, the carseat held in front with the other, backpack still firmly on back.
At the seat, toss the carseat to the window seat. Just get it over there any old way. Kid down in the center seat. Backpack slips off and stick it on the floor. Don't worry about getting it under the seat just now. Now comes the arduous task of buckling the seat in. Not too difficult really but cramped and you have the kid between you and the seat, so it is not easy. Just loosen the "male" end and run it through the seat, and get it buckled. Then you just pull it tight. Don't try to adjust the tension first and then buckle it.
The person who is picking you up at the airport - verify that they have either the LATCH system in their car or that their seatbelts ratchet and lock to hold a car seat correctly. If you have a car picking you up make sure you specify you will have a child with a car seat.
Lastly, be sure to treat yourself to one of the fine in-flight cocktails available for a nominal $5 charge. You deserve it. In fact, have a second. Have a $10 bill in your front pocket and tell them to keep bringing drinks till it runs out.
It is fun. Enjoy the travel, it is a great thing to do and you'll be glad you did it. It is not as hard as I may have made it sound. It's just that being prepared can do a lot in terms of making it an enjoyable experience for you both. I always referred to any travel like this as an "adventure." It helped remind me as much as the children that it is supposed to be fun, exciting, and new.
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Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1269
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 11:31 am: |
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If you need help in the airport, make sure you call the airline and tell them that you are travelling with an infant on your own and you will need help (luggage etc particularly getting off the aircraft). Someone mentioned drinks on take-off and landing, GOOD COMMENT - the drinking will keep the airpressure from affecting babas ears..
Ignore other passengers (unless they are complimenting your child!) you will do whatever you feel best to make baba comfortable and the flight go as smoothly as possible for both of you.
Having the cocktails too sounds like a good idea!
Hope you have a great trip |
CJH
Citizen
Username: Christel
Post Number: 57
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 11:33 am: |
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Thanks wnb! We're driving to florida next week because I couldn't stand the thought of flying with my 13 month old and all of her stuff (plus this way we can bring our dog). But for a trip to Denver later this year the flight is inevitable, and you've now given me the confidence that I can breeze through the airport like the supermommy that I know I am rather than having all our transportation feel like I'm descending into deeper and deeper levels of hell. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1199
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 1:09 pm: |
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all great stuff above, just a couple of further notes:
1. Be sure your carry-on includes at least one change of clothes for baby, and maybe something for you, too. Spills happen.
2. Spills happen: bring along a cloth diaper, receiving blanket, old T-shirt or whatever. The flight attendant may only have cocktail napkins. Voice of experience here.
3. Bring out your series of toys, games, books, snacks gradually, as slowly as is practical. Five minutes by five minutes you will get there! If the seat arms still have ash trays, these can be a great resource - open/close/open/close, another 5 minutes handled.
4. Bring toys/games that don't have separate pieces. Pieces will fall on the floor where you can't reach them.
5. Another possible airport configuration (this is what I used for many solo cross-country trips with 2 infant/toddler/preschooler boys): Child in back carrier, diaper bag and tote bag in hands, older child holding my arm or pocket. Now, of course, you would have to sub the carseat for one of the bags.
6. For really long trips, consider a stopover instead of one nonstop flight. Take the child off the plane and run up and down the corridor.
Enjoy it all!
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8133
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 1:37 pm: |
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Wimps. Try it with toddler twins.
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wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 426
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 1:41 pm: |
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As for driving to FL, which we've also done, we've had success in trying to make it a series of smaller trips with leisurely stops. One great stop we had was in Richmond VA at the Children's Museum there. The kids were a mess after visting there but it really broke up that portion of the trip and they loved it. You will find I-95 between VA and FL to be rather desert-like for interesting places to stop, though, and a Cracker Barrel will look like a grand oasis. Having a few balls to toss around a rest area can help release some energy, as can having a bucket of toys to throw on the floor when you arrive at the hotel.
We splurged a bit on the overnight stays, and stayed at the "suite" places that provide you with a separate bedroom, so you may have cocktails like civilized adults after the wee ones drop off to sleep in the other room. We stayed at a Holiday Inn and Suites in Florence, NC, you essentially get two full "standard" size rooms with a kitchenette and two bathrooms. The next night is I believe Savannah, GA, at a Somerfield Suites outside of town. I think I'm remembering this correctly. A trip to Savannah is also a nice interlude in the trip, there is a nice riverfront walk to stretch legs with boats and so forth to look at. You need to plan in advance if you want to stay in these places, as they are not all that common along the stretch, at least they weren't last time we did this drive.
All this can stretch the trip to upwards of 3-1/2 days, perhaps lending new meaning to the saying "life is a journey, not a destination." The best way to make up time, if you dare, is pile the hours on in the evening during sleep time. We chose generally not to do this, rather opting for the aforementioned cocktails "en suite." We also did not drive the mules out of the barn at 6AM, choosing instead a leisurely breakfast before getting on the road by, at latest, 10AM.
It's one way of doing it. The other involves No-Doz and Diet Pepsi or stronger substances, and lots of crinked necks, but you get there a lot faster. I figure if you're trying to make time, take a plane.
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anotherkittie
Citizen
Username: Anotherkittie
Post Number: 62
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 5:34 pm: |
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Brand new toys. Stuff she has never seen before. |
The Dub
Citizen
Username: Hill_16
Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 11:55 pm: |
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nyquil |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11886
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:27 am: |
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As a reasonably frequent business traveler I think all children under five should be crated and shipped in the hold with the other domestic animals. |
combustion
Citizen
Username: Spontaneous
Post Number: 131
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:39 am: |
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Bob K,
Not fair. Being in the hold with toddlers will cause undue stress to the other domestic animals! |
Cerebrus Maximus
Citizen
Username: Xtralargebrain
Post Number: 58
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:08 pm: |
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Please do everyone a favor on your flight. DONT decide to do a diaper change in your seat (and please dont do a public breast feeding). There are on-board diaper changing areas in the bathrooms in the rear of the aircraft so please use them. Its hard for some parents to get this but nobody is interested in seeing or smelling a dirty diaper. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 498
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 11:52 pm: |
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Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl.
Give it to the child about a half hour before flight time. You will have a sleepy, quiet child who will not be disturbed by ear popping, which sometimes terribly affects small children. Lasts for about 4-6 hours. |
melicious
Citizen
Username: Melicious
Post Number: 474
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 4:57 am: |
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I'm laughing so hard at the diaper changing thing. I can barely get MYSELF in one of those bathrooms, let alone me and ANY of my children. I agree that no one wants to see (let alone change) a diaper on the plane, but those bathrooms are not the answer. I have always blocked the kid from others view (hang one of those blankets over your shoulder), done what HAS to be done (placing the whole thing in a barf bag or grocery bag - I always carry extras) that I carry to the back and place in the garbage. In my diaper bag, I always have a mini-Lysol spray. I spray towards the ground after any emergency public change. Obviously, you don't do it during a meal...
Further, what's up with the breast-feeding comment? Breast-feeding can be done discretely. The kid has a right to eat, for Lord's sake. Please don't tell me you want a baby FED in the bathroom, too? How'd you like to eat in the blue-watered stalls of terror that they call bathrooms? I am trying to imagine how one would even do that.
If you have a bulk-head, this solves MANY of the issues - you have lots more privacy. I have also asked for the last row, when bulkhead isn't available.
As far as Benedryl, if you use it, you better try that at home, first. I have one kid who gets totally weird on the stuff.
Don't worry, its a coupla hours and you'll be GREAT!!
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lulu
Citizen
Username: Lulu
Post Number: 52
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 7:42 am: |
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My daughter was a big sticker fiend. I bought a notebook and a fun assortment and she was busy for a while.
My son likes his TV shows and stood on my lap and watched the portable DVD player of the family in front of us the whole time. These are pretty inexpensive now and might be worth the splurge.
Have fun! |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2446
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:39 am: |
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I heard duct tape works
signed
Mom-to-be |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 432
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 1:07 am: |
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That was a total b.s. comment about the breastfeeding. But keep in mind you can't do it during takeoff and landing! Also keep in mind the kid in question is 20 months old so may well be eating pizza and chips these days.
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 616
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 2:48 pm: |
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I'll probably get banned for this, but I can't resist:
Is that "Cerebrus Maximus" or "Bigus Dickus" (if monty Monty Python can say it, why can't I?)
You're definitely the type of passenger we mom's on flights alone with kids need to ignore.
"There are on-board diaper changing areas in the bathrooms" --FALSE. And where is this other mythic diaper changing area? You mean on the flight attendant seat, in the galley (kithcen)? You make me laugh. Plus, if you have two little ones, one poops and you can't leave the other there alone, then guess what...
Further: don't breastfeed???? I always did, will continue to (yes, with my 2.5 year old! if he's sufficiently stressed out. Believe me, you'd prefer me to breast feed than listen to the little one scream because s/he wants it.) PS: Some children ONLY breastfeed.
Johannah: GET THE LITTLE THINGS OF PLAY-DOUGH. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 4139
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 3:41 pm: |
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I think it is crazy to breastfeed on a plane. The baby should be strapped into her carseat at all times. Also, we're not talking about breastfeeding and infant people. It is hard to inconspicuously (sp) breastfeed a 20 month old! I say, make every effort not to resort to breastfeeding on the plane. Bring a bottle. Bring pacifiers. I say don't get the bulkhead b/c it's easier to have under seat storage, which a bulkhead seat doesn't have. Be cool. Board early. Bring any sort of food treat that the baby loves, crackers, cookies, whatever. Also, I think is is common sense to make every effort NOT to change a diaper on the plane. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3549
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 5:04 pm: |
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I don't think that there are very many 20-month-olds breastfeeding in the daytime, but with infants it is a different story and nobody has a right to ask you not to feed them. And it is quite easy to do so discreetly. Window seats (or the seat next to the window if the baby seat is in the window seat) are especially good in this regard. And you can be sure that a hungry or fussy baby is not going to be left strapped into a carseat for the entire flight. That would be far worse torture for the surrounding passengers than any diaper changing or feeding. Anyone who has gotten through a multi-hour flight with a baby or toddler without having to take them in their arms or lap to calm them down was just plain lucky. (or possibly they drugged their kid, but I don't advise that!)
As for bathrooms, there are now some oversized toilets with fold down changing tables on planes, but many planes don't have them. If that's available, then great, but otherwise you just do what you gotta do as discreetly as possible and ignore the stares. (... but only if you really gotta do it! I think it is a rare parent who would change a diaper unnecessarily in the cramped circumstances of an airplane. It isn't like it is an enjoyable task for the parent, you know.) |
Elizabeth
Citizen
Username: Momof4peepers
Post Number: 102
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 7:14 pm: |
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Do NOT...I repeat DO NOT forget at least one extra large ziploc bag with your change of clothes. And those of you who think you can change a diaper in those "bathrooms" CLEARLY have never done it. Nor were you in the waiting area when one of our peepers decided to have a blowout diaper as they were calling 'last chance to board the plane'. Thank heavens for my ziploc bag. I've never changed, cleaned up and re-dressed a child so fast in my entire life. And never once regretted tossing the whole outfit rather than try to get it in my carry-on.
Enjoy your flight. WMD said everything else I would've said. |
Hiraeth
Citizen
Username: Hiraeth
Post Number: 21
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 10:27 pm: |
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Johanna - you mention that you've pre-booked the middle and window seats. If you can, go on to the airline's website and if the flight is not too full, change your seats to window and aisle. I always try and do this when traveling with my son and so far, it has always ended up the two of us having the three seats to ourselves, even when traveling at peak times during the Summer. The middle seats are the very last to be booked (especially near the back). If the flight looks full and you can't change your pre-booked seats, it always still worth asking when you check in, frequent fliers getting upgraded etc. means there sometimes a couple of extra seats free in the back! Good luck with your travels. There's been some good advice posted above - but above all you know your child best so go with what works for you. I've taken my son on transatlantic business trips with me almost every other month from the time he was eight weeks (he now almost two) as well as some domestic US flights. In all that time, the overwhelming majority of people I have met have been incredibly helpful and friendly. I'm sure your experience will be the same. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1621
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 12:04 am: |
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I've managed to change a poopy diaper in the plane lav., but only with a second adult standing outside the door handing me whatever I needed. It is close to un-doable by yourself on many types of plane(leaving the rotten choice of attempting to ignore the diaper need or doing it someplace inappropriate. Take lots of baby wipes, and a bag that can isolate your favorite kiddie outfit so that you don't have to throw it away in transit!
I've been a business traveller, I've been a mommy traveller (and occasionally I've been a mommy business traveller explaining to security "it's a breast pump...do you need me to turn it on to show you?"). My airplane breastfeedings were not "public", since I did know how to cover it up. If the idea of what is going on under the blanket bothers you, look the other way. We also were big fans of premixed formula for take-off and landing (since we needed to supplement anyway). Granted, by the time we hit toddlerhood, we tried to avoid doing any of the residual nursing on the plane -- can't remember if we had to cave in on any longer trips.
As much as some would like to think so, business travellers have no special claim on airlines that is greater than that of other travellers. In fact, you could argue that the leisure travellers are paying for their own tickets, and most business travellers are not! Granted the business tickets cost more, but that is for the right to sit in Business class, and/or the right to plan trips with less lead time, not for the right to choose who else is allowed on the plane.
On to the next challenge (G-d willing) -- learning to travel with infant twins! Family is too spread out to even consider doing without air travel for very long. |
calypso
Citizen
Username: Calypso
Post Number: 32
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 9:43 pm: |
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My favorite travel trick, for the plane or the car, is to wrap a LOT of small toys (preferably old ones they already love) in wrapping paper. Then they have all the fun of unwrapping, plus playing with the toy.
magnadoodles are great, as are the little magnetic sticker sets in a metal case (can be bought at scriveners and elsewhere). washable markers and little notebooks work well too.
I'm afraid anyone who thinks you can keep a 20 month old strapped in for an entire flight hasn't spent much time with 20 month olds. And as for it being "common sense to make every effort not to change a diaper on a plane," well, where would you actually WANT to change a diaper? You change a diaper because you have to, not because you think it's a lot of fun, no matter where you are.
One plea, though, is not to bring noisy electronic toys--i.e. anything that goes "bing" or "bleep" or sings little songs. You'll drive the business travelers nuts because it's noisy, and the parents nuts because it's noisy and their kids will want one. Personally I'd far rather hear a family singing "old MacDonald" a zillion times that hear one of those books where you can push a button on the side and Elmo says "whee" in a piercing squeal. |
Johanna
Citizen
Username: Johanna
Post Number: 6
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 8:56 am: |
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Thank you all for the terrific and detailed advice.
I am still trying to decide on the car seat - I had intended to check it. My daughter loves to travel on the train with me, and sits/plays happily in the window seat - but this is 45 minutes. But from the comments above it seems like it may be better to bring it on board for her use during the flight.
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marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 361
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
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I'd avoid the car seat, personally. We just traveled 12 hours with a 19 month old and did not buy the seat, which was a huge mistake. The advice to do the aisle and window is great--we usually do that and yes, have a whole aisle to ourselves. Much easier.
On the business class thing: I once had an experience where we upgraded to business with our then 11 month old. It was a very pleasant experience. Except, at one point, I was standing in the aisle feeding my son the last of his lunch--it was the easiest position--and this man in a seat behind went ballistic. Mind you, what was being interrupted in his viewing were Microsoft commercials, not the movie. He and I traded various verbal volleys, with him insisting on his right to not have the aisle blocked to view those important commercials. A short while later a group of very tall businessmen decided to have a discussion about work in the exact same place in the aisle, as it was easier for them there. This man didn't say a word to them, even though the meeting lasted a good long time. So it was clear to me it was all about perception--not that we were doing anything egregious or insensitive but that he couldn't bear the idea of a child in business class. |
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