Baby in Upper Class?

I am wondering what the general consensus is on here about travelling in Upper with a toddler? We're going to book soon to fly MAN/LGW-MCO in May/June next year and I note that there are still quite a few Upper seats going for the sale fare, which is somewhat tempting as Y+ seems to be quite expensive on the dates we're looking at.

Our little boy will be 18 months when we travel and is usually very well-behaved.

Obviously we're entitled to book what we want, but at the same time I don't want to spend the whole flight getting "evils" from the other passengers! I figured MCO was less likely to be a problem with a toddler in Upper Class vs a more business-orientated route like JFK etc.

Any recommendations seat-wise if we do end up taking the plunge?

[Neil]

As you say, you are freely entitled to book whatever class you want. Babies/Toddlers flying in J happens on all airlines and routes, so if you want to book UC, you should go ahead and do so.

As your child wouldn't have their own seat I would suggest, trying for 6 A/K if on a 747, these would be perfect for you.

Neil

Hmm personally nothing against little ones in UC, I usually find that the crew are excellent at keeping an eye on things and helping out if needed. Trust me, on balance, I have seen far worse behaviour from adults than children - and no I didn't look in a mirror last time I had finished off the JD supply

In terms of seating recommendations, would an 18month old be able to sit in lap in the new UCS? Hard to imagine, although I am sure it is doable.

Regardless, I would recommend sitting at the rear of the cabin to be in easy reach of the crew if any help is needed. 12A or 12K on a 747 and on an A333 I would say either 9K or 8G

[Neil]

In terms of seating recommendations, would an 18month old be able to sit in lap in the new UCS? Hard to imagine, although I am sure it is doable.

Regardless, I would recommend sitting at the rear of the cabin to be in easy reach of the crew if any help is needed. 12A or 12K on a 747 and on an A333 I would say either 9K or 8G

Yes, we had a toddler of about 18 months sat in a seat with their parent in the A Zone on one of our recent flights.

Just be careful, 12A/K are at the rear of the LGW/MAN 747's, the two seats in the nose are 6A/K, they would be fine, 12 A/K would be pretty rubbish as the bar is in between them.

I'm with Neil on the seat choices - tucked away far enough from the bar for the little man to perhaps get some shut eye.

I, too, have encountered some interesting folks whilst travelling in UC. I fondly remember the chap who was trying to do a full aerobic workout by lunging around the cabin wearing an Armani suit. He in fact was a lot more distracting than an excitable toddler!

I truly believe 99% of passengers are tolerant of children and everyone understands if they grizzle. Some adults do it too!! I think the "evils" comes from folks when little people are bored, their parents are half cut at the bar and don't seem to give two hoots about their little people annoying others.

PS - I am NOT for one minute saying you are in that minority!!!

mdvipond has some fantastic trip reports of travelling with his young daughter in UC - they are definitely worth a read!

Enjoy UC. It will be a great trip!

Yes, we had a toddler of about 18 months sat in a seat with their parent in the A Zone on one of our recent flights.

Just be careful, 12A/K are at the rear of the LGW/MAN 747's, the two seats in the nose are 6A/K, they would be fine, 12 A/K would be pretty rubbish as the bar is in between them.

I was talking about the DreamSuite - the A333 does this route too... Def a narrow cabin and the angle of the seats is not ideal to have a toddler on lap. I am sure it is possible though.

Sorry was meaning for parent 1+toddler in 12A or 12K, additional pax in 11A or K etc.. I don't think that front and centre is the best place if assistance is required or if junior is unhappy.

We're doing the same in Oct from BOS with our 18 month old. Consensus on the forum seems to be that if you are concerned enough to post then you are too considerate!

We booked 8K/9K on the red-eye on the way out (opposite to bar) and 8A/9A on the way back. Sounds like the tight cabin on A330 may be a challenge to have our toddler on the lap so will let you know how it goes!