Flying with a one year old

[ribena]

Hi

Just thinking ahead to our first holiday with our baby. She will be one trying to think of the best way to fly with her. Does anyone know if this is possible... thinking of the emergency exit seats on VA I know they have a lot of space in front. Would we be allowed to sit in them with a baby?

Thanks

[PPM]

No you can’t use emergency exit rows with children.
If the baby is on your lap you will be restricted to seat rows with additional drop down oxygen mask.
You also have to be fit and mobile enough to handle the door if need be.

So in a row of three only certain rows will have 4 masks.

[ribena]

Thank you that is very helpful! How would we know what rows? Would we have to book over the phone rather than online?

[Rabel]

We had to phone up to add a baby to our booking, at which point we were told that (virgin) allocated bassinet positions (those with extra leg space) by baby's age.

If you are flying on virgin then the loo upstairs in the bubble (from LGW to MCO) may not have a baby change shelf. There is more space in the loos downstairs for baby changing.

[ribena]

Thank you these are great tips this is all new to us!

[thatdavieguy]

Would recommend upgrading to PE/WTP for travelling with a child of that age, the additional space would be beneficial as the wee one won't get a seat, especially if you're getting a section with 2 seats together as it means you'll be able to lift the armrest and let the wee one (and you) have some space

[Rabel]

Originally Posted by ribena

Thank you these are great tips this is all new to us!

See more...

It is a bit mind blowing when you try to plan with a little one in tow - this place is brilliant for advice and to sound out ideas. Have a look for some of the trip reports with babies to get more ideas.

Have a look at the seat guru website to find out which seats have bassinet positions. That will help you out but they should be able to tell you over the phone as well.

[velbels]

We travelled with virgin with a 1 year old and were allowed to use a basinet it was great to have the extra space.

[Gwilspeed]

You could always book your baby a seat, costs the same as a child booking but would give you more space.
We did this when O was 1 ( he turned 1 day before we went). We also got an airline approved car seat so could strap him in, swear he slept better in it than on our laps plus gave us some kid free time essentially on way back.