Should I pay to sit with my 4 year old

Murphy_The_Cat

Marker wrote: »

You book a restaurant table of 4 (doesn't matter whether its adults or children) you don't expect random seating throughout the restaurant. You expect a table together!

But you're not booking a seat at a restaurant, your paying for transortation on a plane. You're comparing apples with oranges.

As a further comparison, I often make bookings for 4 on one transaction for train travel and on a semi regular basis, our seat reservations aren't together.
I may hope that we're seated together, but accept that there is zero obligation from the train companies to do so.
C'est la vie.

ALI1973

We had a similar problem with TC in 2009. my DDs were 5,4 and nearly 2, each had their own seat. We had asked to pay to pre-book seats but MyTravel (who were bought out by TC) insisted we didn't need to as our children were under 12, they were guaranteed to be seated next to one of us. We were the first to check-in, but the flight was delayed and we finally got on the plane other people were in our seats (TC had redirected a plane from Glasgow to Manchester, that we later learned was common practice if the plane wasnt full - hence the delay). The crew did find us seats together, but people were asked to move (and we were very grateful and said so).

Return flight was worse, again we were really early checking in, to find we were all in single seats all over the plane, I took a while and a bit of a strop and quoting of CAA guidelines and they "found" us seats together without moving anyone.

Also, having been seated next to someone elses 6yo on a flight (row of 4, me and 2 of DDs + OP 6yo), whose parent was at least 2 rows in front, I would definitely move if I had the option, he basically used me as his servant for the 9 hr flight, AND when he made a mess with his food, the Flight Attendant tried to tell me off for it :mad:

Anyway, my feelings are you shouldn't *have* to pay, as the airline know how old their passengers are, and should plan accordingly IMHO, BUT I always would if I want to ensure we are sat together, its a small price in the grand scheme of things.

elisebutt65

Andypandyboy wrote: »

It is not my place to judge, but that seems awfully young to me to fly alone. I wonder, would they, as adults, do this with their own children?

I was 8 and my sister 6.5 when we flew back from Bahrain via Qatar without parents. It was lovely. I think the Qatar to LHR leg was BOAC and the put us in 1st as there were empty seats. I was gobsmacked as there was a staircase!!

Needless to say we survived, as have my kids when we've been separated.

MasterPoo

So right across the aisle from me I've been giggling to myself at the discussion, lady with daughter seat 20F Emirates Business Class the original owner has just boarded, luckily she was flexible, mother daughter duo thankful, original owner moved to window seat which is much better than the aisle!

Whilst writing this, I've been asked if I'm travelling with family and if I'd consider swapping I've said "not unless you're upgrading ME to first, no thanks" she smiled and said not to worry, DAMN would've been good to be upgraded to first lol.

She's now gone to single traveller who I overheard asking for window seat earlier, they've agreed a swapsee! Flight scheduled to leave at 22h15, it's now almost 23h30.....hopefully musical chairs is over now, but I'm very happy to have my boys where I booked for (all window seats in a 121 formation)

I drinking my bubbly now......

R_P_W

You would think most people would pay extra NOT to sit to a four year old! Hopefully they bring in adult only seating areas on planes at some point.

paul2louise

ALI1973 wrote: »

Anyway, my feelings are you shouldn't *have* to pay, as the airline know how old their passengers are, and should plan accordingly IMHO, BUT I always would if I want to ensure we are sat together, its a small price in the grand scheme of things.

That's what I thought when I asked this question. Didn't realise how upsetting this subject is for people. Hopefully me asking and raising this discussion has helped other people as it has helped me

Thank you

nicholaswitchell

steve1500 wrote: »

I always carry a copy of the CAA guidance when checking in.

You sound like a right laugh...

steve1500

nicholaswitchell wrote: »

You sound like a right laugh...

No just organised. In same bag as Passports, EHIC Cards, back up Clarity CC, & copy of travel insurance

holidaysforme

I've just checked in for BA. All seats together. Baring an upgrsde we will not be moving for anyone[smile]

holidaysforme

My smilies are not working, hence the spelling.