Travelling with a 3 year old - UC or PE?

Hi all, we're traveling transatlantic with our 3 year old son this summer, and have plenty of miles to get UC seats, and there is availability, but... wonder if PE isn't better, as you can't really leave a 3 yr old alone in a pod, can you

Parental control is much better done in side by side PE seats, so that's what I have on reserve, but maybe this is a mistake. Anyone know from experience what's the best way? Maybe even EC with the lift up armrests is even better than all other options, god help us! (I'm FC Gold so changing miles bookings is easy, if available)

Thanks!

[buns]

narikin

I speak only from observation rather than personal experience.

You will know best whether they are at all anxious about flying, if they are particularly, then a side by side seat arrangement may be preferable.

However I have seen very young children very content in a pod, with the occasional parental hand over the adjoining pod, during times the seat belt sign is on. One of the benefits of a pod is of course, once airborne, you can make up the bed and there is plenty of space to spread out favourite games/toys/"friends" so that they can occupy themselves.

I have equally been on a flight where a mother brought a very young child aboard in UC without any of the above diversions and thought it was the Cabin Crew's responsibility to keep the child amused .

That is the key, if you prepare according to your circumstances then the 3 year old will have a great time in whatever cabin you choose.

buns

Hi fully agree with Buns. The worst I have seen was on a 747 flight to LAX. The parents were on 1 side near the nose and a child, about 4 years old, was sat between her grandparents on the other. It seemed their job to entertain her. On approach she kept trying to undo her seat belt and the grandparents were tasked with stopping her by both leaning arms over the divide and holding her arms, which wasn't easy. At the last minute she succeeded and 1 grandparent had to quickly get up put her back in and reseat herself. They would certainly have been better and safer in PE.

Other times I have seen smaller ones quite happy and relaxed or curled up asleep.
David

I get why, as adults, you’d prefer to fly UC: who wouldn’t?

But I can’t help thinking that for a 3-year-old, who won’t appreciate the benefits, it’s just a waste of miles and/or money.

I get why, as adults, you’d prefer to fly UC: who wouldn’t?

But I can’t help thinking that for a 3-year-old, who won’t appreciate the benefits, it’s just a waste of miles and/or money.

There isn't a three year old on the planet that would appreciate the benefits. The benefits are for the mum/dad/granny/grandad/adult with the child. The benefits you get as that adult are worth their weight in gold - in my opinion. In 19 years of travelling with a "tot" the ONLY downside is that they do become aware of the benefits and soon get that "turning left" taste at your expense.

Thankfully 'mine' has learned the hallowed art of collecting miles et al.