Flying UC with a toddler - thoughts on being courteous?

I am one of THOSE people flying UC (I know most people hate it!) with my 16 month old next week. I'm also one of those people that HATES the screaming child on the plane!

So, apart from making sure I'm not in the snooze zone and having plenty to occupy my little one, anyone have tips on how to be courteous to my fellow passengers on my IAD-LHR flight?

I'd appreciate thoughts from those that wish they could say something to those parents with the unruly kids as well as those that have traveled with a toddler. My son was too small to worry too much last time we went home.

Oh, and before anyone mentions it, I'm not downgrading my ticket!

[preiffer]

To be honest, the fact you've thought about it, asked the question and have the steps in place as you mentioned above, you're 10/10 already in my book.

I have flown a few times this year on the DXB route with our little one. We try and opt for seats 16 and 17k on the 346 as they give a good degree of privacy even though it is close to the bar if the little one shows her vocal talents it affects fewer people.

If you require the bassinet you have to go for the seats right in the middle of the cabin, we tried them but felt very conscious of the disturbance and not very private for my wife to feed.

On every flight VS automatically allocate us the bassinet although there are notes on the booking not to do so , on 2 occasions the seats were changed after I had checked in with my preferred seating.

You will find ,if my experience is anything to go by ,that the crew are excellent with babies, we had a FSM that took her off to meet the crew in Y whilst we had our dinner !

I find that taking the baby to the bar area is a good idea as no one is trying to sleep there and outside of meal service there is a bit if space .

Travelling with a baby is hard work but so much easier in Upper , you will get the looks as you walk down the cabin and through some easy to read body language urging you to carry on walking as far away as possible

I hope you enjoy your flight and if all else fails let junior crawl around the cabin on their own and deny ownership

If you require the bassinet you have to go for the seats right in the middle of the cabin, we tried them but felt very conscious of the disturbance and not very private for my wife to feed.

I think the OPs little one is going to be too big for the bassinett at 16 months . For me, as long as you're well prepared and if the worst happens you try and do something if junior becomes distressed that's enough . I think being back nearer the bar is a good idea too as it's less disruptive for other passengers. Dragonbaby (my now 19 yr old) cried non- stop for 5 plus hours during one journey as a toddler (despite our very best efforts to pacify her) and I thought we were going to get lynched by our fellow passegers :0 . She'd flown lots of times previously without drama and was never troublesome after that one particular trip.
I'm guilty of inwardly groaning when I see young 'uns heading my way these days but then remind myself of what the reality can be like ( and that most babes are actually better behaved than their adult counterparts ).
DL

Not much to add to the great post from paulpts above.

I agree that sitting near the bar is best. If necessary you can take your little one to the very back of the plane.

But above all, don't worry - you have every right to fly with a toddler in UC and most people are reasonable and understanding if things go wrong. The main thing is that you show that you are keen not to disturb others -- that alone will be enormously appreciated on a short business red-eye. There's nothing worse than parents who just ignore their kids or who don't appear to care at all about the surrounding passengers. Even just a simple apology if the baby starts to scream will win you many friends.

Remember that little ones pick up on tension and get distressed by it, so try not to worry.

And as a PS, I bet I am not alone in saying that I've only ever been disturbed by adults in UC...

Have a great flight!

The main thing is that you show that you are keen not to disturb others -- that alone will be enormously appreciated on a short business red-eye. There's nothing worse than parents who just ignore their kids or who don't appear to care at all about the surrounding passengers.

Or believe that because they've made the (positive, joyous and worthwhile) decision to become parents that every other person on the planet should bend to their, and their offspring's, needs. :w

The fact that you have asked shows you are a considerate person who cares for both their child and those who will be around your little one. That's all people should really expect. To be honest, I find that children can be very entertaining on a long flight with their innocent comments and reactions to their surroundings.

Relax and enjoy and I'm sure your flight will be wonderful

To be honest, the fact you've thought about it, asked the question and have the steps in place as you mentioned above, you're 10/10 already in my book.

I ditto that. You're already considerate and that's a credit.

Hopefully he'll be one of the good ones but I'll definitely call and see if I can get a seat near the bar on the way out. Thanks for the advice!

17K it is, albeit subject to change as I was reminded. He's usually a pretty amenable little chap so hopefully he'll just be happy and excited then VERY tired and fall asleep. With any luck the biggest problem we'll face is him trying to persuade someone new to play cars with him.

My advice is to have some small, brand new toys/gadgets with you - distraction is the best way to avoid screams. Worked for us for many years - everywhere we went including UC. Things with lights or buttons can be brilliant, but equally so can a small item such as a car or collection of animals, strategically brought out one by one over a period of time.
We were so certain that we could distract our daughter before she ever came close to the sort of behaviour which would (understandably, in my view) annoy others that we were confident enough to take her along with us to the Ritz for tea one day, aged two. She managed it beautifully!
It feels strange now not to have a secret bag of distraction goodies when we fly now, though at 12 she is far more interested in the IFE.
But as others have said, the fact that you even ask the question means you won't be one of those families who just can't care less...

If your little darling starts making a din, you could always go for a walk with them around economy.... They'll be used to it

You'll be fine: There are plenty of adults in UC that make more noise than a small child

[honey lamb]

I'm a bit late coming to this but my sentiments about this are along with the others that by asking the question you are already 75% along the way.

I once had a flight to Orlando in UC where a 13 month old screamed his way across the Atlantic with the exception of an hour's nap. Did we complain and grouse among ourselves? No we did not because we saw how hard mum and dad worked to try and pacify him. Basically he was over-tired and out of routine...and surrounded by strangers who tried to help but probably freaked him out, poor soul! :w

You'll be fine y)