The aeroplane seat selection strategy most parents don’t know about
Key Points:
- Baby expert reveals the little-known seat selection tricks that can save your sanity when flying with an infant
- Expert shares insider tips on nabbing the best spots on the plane, including the window-aisle strategy that might score you an empty middle seat
- Baby specialist warns that picking the wrong seats could ruin your flight experience and shares game-changing advice for smoother air travel with babies
Most parents dread flying with babies – the crying, the dirty looks from other passengers, the stress of keeping a little one comfortable in a cramped metal tube. But according to one expert, you’ve been doing it all wrong.
“The secret to a peaceful flight with your baby isn’t in your diaper bag – it’s in your seat assignment,” reveals Annalisa Thomas, baby expert and founder of Oilo Studio, a luxury brand specialising in nursery furniture, bedding, and baby essentials. “Most parents have no idea that where you sit can make or break your entire travel experience.”
Thomas is now sharing her insider knowledge on the aeroplane seats that smart parents should be booking – and her advice might surprise you.
The Window-Aisle Strategy
When travelling with a baby and not purchasing a separate seat, Thomas recommends a clever booking trick that could give you extra space.
“If the airline allows this, book a window seat for one parent and an aisle seat for the other in the same row, leaving the middle seat open,” Thomas suggests. “Airlines typically fill the middle seats last, so there’s a chance it will remain empty. If someone does book it, most passengers will gladly switch to an aisle or window to avoid sitting between parents with a baby.”
This arrangement gives your family more elbow room and creates a mini-sanctuary for your baby. If the middle seat stays empty, you’ve essentially scored extra space for free.
Bulkhead Benefits
Bulkhead seats – those directly behind cabin dividers with no seats in front – offer major advantages for parents with babies.
“Bulkhead rows are gold mines for parents,” Thomas says. “They provide extra legroom, which means more floor space for baby essentials and room for your little one to stretch during the flight.”
Even better, many airlines equip bulkhead rows with fold-down bassinets for infants under a certain weight (usually 20-25 pounds).
“These bassinets let your baby sleep comfortably, giving your arms a much-needed break,” Thomas points out. “But you need to request these seats when booking your flight – they go fast and often require advance reservation.”
Bathroom-Adjacent Options
Unexpected diaper blowouts are an unavoidable part of flying with babies, making quick bathroom access a priority.
“Seats near lavatories can be lifesavers during diaper emergencies,” Thomas advises. “The downside is potential noise and foot traffic, but the convenience often outweighs these drawbacks.”
For middle-of-the-night diaper changes on long flights, this proximity means less disturbing other sleeping passengers as you navigate dark cabin aisles.
Avoiding Problem Areas
Some aeroplane seats can make a challenging situation even worse when travelling with a baby.
“Steer clear of exit rows,” warns Thomas. “Not only are infants prohibited from these rows for safety reasons, but the seats often don’t recline properly, which you’ll want for comfortably holding your baby.”
Thomas also advises against booking seats at the very back of the plane. “The rear section is typically noisier due to engines and galley activity. It’s also where bathrooms are located, creating constant foot traffic and unpleasant odours at times – not ideal when you’re trying to keep a baby calm.”
Know Your Airline’s Baby Policies
Different airlines have varying policies on infant seating and accommodations that can dramatically affect your comfort.
“Some airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have exceptional reputations for baby-friendly amenities,” Thomas notes. “They provide complimentary baby food, diaper changing tables in most lavatories, and priority boarding for families.”
Before booking, Thomas recommends researching airline policies on:
- Lap infant age limits
- Bassinet availability and weight restrictions
- Family pre-boarding options
- Free baggage allowances for baby equipment
Annalisa Thomas, Founder of Oilo Studio, commented:
“When flying with a baby, your seat selection affects everything from your comfort to your baby’s mood. While parents tend to worry about what to pack or how to keep their baby entertained, choosing the right seat is just as important. Consider your baby’s routine – if they need frequent diaper changes, being near a bathroom is helpful. If they sleep better with less disturbance, a window seat away from high-traffic areas is ideal.
“Remember that air travel is temporary, but your preparation makes all the difference. Smart seat selection combined with patience and preparation creates a safer, more comfortable journey for everyone. Don’t be afraid to call the airline directly to ask about family-friendly accommodations – sometimes they can offer solutions you won’t find when booking online.”
ENDS
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About Oilo Studio
Oilo Studio is a luxury brand specialising in nursery furniture, bedding, and baby essentials. Known for its high-quality gliders, recliners, and organic cotton textiles, Oilo blends modern design with comfort to create products perfect for stylish nurseries. They also offer fine art prints and home design ideas, catering to customers who value both aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on eco-friendly materials, many of their items are crafted from organic cotton. Oilo Studio’s products are designed to elevate both the nursery and the home.
