To choose aeroplane seats that a family might need?

I can't see on your picture. Are the a/b/c seats with the emergency exit? And if do, are you capable of opening the emergency door?

I responded to OP asking me to tell her when I had booked and chartered her private plane. I just explained to OP I would never visit Disney World with my own family. I did go once when I lived and worked in the USA but I knew immediately I would never bring my own children there!

@IamGrout please try to stop worrying. Stay in 31C (unless you can move to 31H) and try to enjoy your holiday and flight back.

I’m a regular BA flier (I used to fly back and forwards UK-US-UK for work pretty much constantly) and from your seat map recognise the plane layout and you will be fine. There will be hardly any footfall where you’re sitting, especially on a night flight. Wear an eye mask if you think you’ll feel exposed (I also take one with me plus a big scarf/pashmina to wrap round me). I’ve flown in 31H several times and I know what you mean about exposed but it’s not a problem at night as most people will be sleeping apart from the initial boarding / settling down after dinner toilet rush. People tend not to wander about on US-UK nights flights as there’s only a relatively short time to get some actual sleep in. I’ve suggested moving to 31H instead of 31C only because the crew tend to use the aisle next to C more when they’re moving between cabins and they’ll still be moving around while the passengers sleep.

I’m not as tall as your DH (I’m female, 5’9 with pretty long legs) but I find there’s usually more leg room in standard WT seats than there is with that particular bulkhead WT bassinet row near you so I suggest you stop worrying about that. Your current row 31 seats are fine. Just make sure your DH doesn’t sit in a seat that is behind one with the entertainment system box underneath as he’ll have a bit less leg room then. Get him to check under the seats in front as you sit down in row 31 and sit your DS in the seat behind the box if there is one (it’s been a while so I can’t remember if there’s a box underneath row 30A/B or not).

Blimey, just book the seats you need and have been offered. Stop overthinking it. First come, first served!

Why do you think your needs are any less important than anyone else's?

You book the seats you need. YANBU.

your needs are just as important

The Customer Service Assistant said it was fine as those seats are meant for disabled passengers or those with babies.

plus

I have a number of hidden disabilities

equals

Get on with it without a further thought

I book essentially those seats on every flight I go on, there’s no need to be a martyr about it.

It’s as if wheelchairs and mobility scooters haven’t been invented yet. 🙄

She didn’t ask for your opinion on the destination and it’s none of your business if others wish to go.

Yes, they do as do other airlines.

I always double check, before I book my holiday, that the seats I need, not want, are free, and if they are then I can book. I book one for me and one for DH who I need to be sitting next to me.

Early bird gets the worm.
Book the best seats available to suit your needs.
Chances are there’ll be no babies on that flight.
Have a lovely holiday.

I would just make sure that you are OK and not overthink it.
There are a few concerns with 31C, although the bulkhead seat should be OK.
Are you sure you do not have an exit row seat ( door over the wing)? You are not allowed in there if you are disabled. This is in the event of emergency landing.
Are you sure you are not near the toilet? It won’t be very restful if you are.
If there is an empty space there children will gather there. I had this on a flight to Florida, years ago. I was wearing sandals and one child kept treading on my toes.
Unless you are the most laid back person in the world, don’t bank on getting much sleep.

Tricky. If there are babies on the flight they will be near the bassinets. Babies don't stay in the bassinets for the whole flight, they usually have mothers fussing around with bottles and feeds. Also think about where you will put your bags as there isn't any underseat storage in front of you and the tray and screen are in the armrest. On the other hand you won't find people walking in front of you and if you get lucky with no babies or just sleeping ones this will be very comfortable.

The aisle seat does look a bit exposed but a huge plus is not having a passenger in front of you who decides to recline for the whole flight, as I once did. Your DH might not be so lucky.

edited to say I've just seen these are standard seats, do you mean economy? We had Premium Economy and still found them a bit tight. Go for the bassinet row.

I don’t do long haul flights. I would never choose to go to Disney World either! The disregard for the environment and the rampant consumerism is not something we as parents want to promote.

It’s lovely that you’re thinking of others, but you have as much need for those sears, as others.

I would switch to DEF to avoid being bumped. We’ve had those on a couple of flights recently and no one walked across us, and it was nice being able to get up without asking someone else to move (yes, even our own family members). They’re slightly annoying as everything has to go in a tiny pocket or up in the overhead lockers, as there’s no seat in front, but I think you’d have that with your current seat.

The fact that you have severe anxiety is enough of a reason to have to sit where you want. I have it too and the thought of being cramped for 10 hours in a window seat at the detriment to others as well as my own mind would be enough for me to book and stick to my own seat. Even if a family of loud wailing Mexicans (this actually happened) tried to make out it was their row of seats. Tough titty.

The system is that people who make more effort and/or spend more money get the desirable seats. YANBU to have those seats!

Why are you being a martyr? You have a medical need for extra legroom that is as valid as a tall person's or a family with a baby. First come first served.

Charter a private plane. Best option for you and your family.