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Original poster

Will my little boy be able to sit on my knee on the plane?

73 replies

Imthekingsmummy · 20/05/2022 06:09

It's his first time on a plane and although I've booked him a seat, I think the noise will scare him so im pretty sure he will want to sit on my knee. Will they allow it on take off?
He's only 3

OP posts:
ModerationInEverything · 20/05/2022 06:10

No. For take off and landing everyone must sit in their seat with their seatbelt fastened. You can hold hands and chat, of he could listen to something on headphones.

coffeecupsandfairylights · 20/05/2022 06:12

No, not during take off and landing.

Svara · 20/05/2022 06:13

No, only babies under two. You couldn't brace for landing with a three year old!

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CeeceeBloomingdale · 20/05/2022 06:14

No it's now allowed when the fasten seat belt signs are on (that's when the plane is on the runway, during take off and landing and during turbulence). You will find it difficult to fit him on your knee at any other time unless you're in business class. Start managing his expectations now. You can hold his hand but don't make him think he should be afraid. Millions of small children travel, it'll be fine.

saraclara · 20/05/2022 06:17

Nope. Take off and landing, everyone has to be belted into their own seat. But planes and their seats being as cramped as they are, you will be very close to him and able to have your arm around him etc.

But if there's any chance that you're the nervous one here, then if there's another adult traveling with you, have them next to him. Because having your arm around him etc might give him the impression that he has reason to need comforting. The best thing you can do is model sitting normally and being relaxed and 'at home' in that different environment.

MerryMaidens · 20/05/2022 06:18

If you put him by the window he'll probably be so excited looking out he won't even notice.

Bert2020 · 20/05/2022 06:19

Maybe watch something like llama llama vacation episode, they go through security and the flight itself. There will be other programmes too I’m sure. Chances are they will have fun, try to relax and enjoy it as they will pick up on your feelings.

Palavah · 20/05/2022 06:20

Is he scared by loud noises generally? Hoover, hairdryer, etc?
How are you with flying?

easyday · 20/05/2022 06:21

Exactly what @saraclara says.

MrsTerryPratchett · 20/05/2022 06:24

I suspect it will scare you, not him.

Children mostly find planes quite fun. If you can keep your cool, he will too.

Spudlet · 20/05/2022 06:29

You could get him some ear defenders - they’re not expensive and are helpful in all sorts of situations. Or just over ear headphone suitable for a small child so he can have an iPad to watch in flight (highly recommended anyway!), it’s been so long since I’ve flown that I don’t remember whether he’d be allowed the iPad itself during take-off (I’m thinking not? But it’s been ages) but even if not, just the headphones on their own will lower the noise level for him.

MisgenderedSwan · 20/05/2022 06:29

My ds has been on planes quite a lot since the age of 2yo. He hated loud noises when smaller so we got him some ear defenders but have always modelled being relaxed and sitting nicely. Take some snacks and a fun book to look at together. It will be fine.

Billandben444 · 20/05/2022 06:51

The noise can be quite scary for little ones so decide beforehand how you will deal with his experience and then practice it at home to make it fun and not something to dread. Forget any ban on unhealthy snacks and get some favourites to distract him. Build the flight up to be exciting rather than something to fear.

RandomQuest · 20/05/2022 07:58

As others have said, he’ll need to be in his own seat for take off, landing and whenever the seatbelt sign is on. Just give him an iPad, with favourite cartoons downloaded, and headphones. To answer a PP you are allowed it during take off but you need to hold it. My DD once cried upon landing that she’d ‘missed’ the flight- she hadn’t even noticed take off, she watched her shows then fell asleep! Take plenty of favourite snacks too. It’ll be fine!

Thedogshouses · 20/05/2022 08:02

Don't you just stick a cartoon on the screen in front? If you take your own noise cancelling headphones or if economy, ask to borrow a business set. I thought tvs on planes was designed to keep kids quiet!

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/05/2022 08:08

With our first flight when DD was 2.5, she was barely in 18-24 month clothing. It caused a bit of discussion as the flight attendant wasn't sure her own seat for take off and landing was safe, but the pilot ruled that they had to follow her age. She was fine in her own seat. As was her 4yo sister, who hated crowds, noises etc.

Madmog · 20/05/2022 08:08

We flew with our DD when she was just under three. She was very excited by the whole thing and totally enjoyed herself. If you've got a favourite snack he can have about time of take off and maybe a fun activity to do during the flight, that should help and also keep him occupied if he's a bit bored mid flight.

Mindymomo · 20/05/2022 08:12

I flew to Florida with my boy who was just 3 years old, I took small lego kit, small sticker magazine, puzzles, books snacks and sweets to keep him amused. He was fine, hard work for 9 hours. Made sure he kept seat belt on when he went to sleep, so I didn’t have to wake him to put it on. There’s not a lot of room to have them on your lap at that age.

WonderingWanda · 20/05/2022 08:14

My daughter is older but has always been terrified of hand driers and struggles a bit with noisy places but has always been fine on planes. I think the worst thing for little ones is their ears popping so I always took lollies for them for take off and landing and for my son who sufgered most with ear pain I gave him calpol 30 mins before take off.

nearlyspringyay · 20/05/2022 08:15

Last time I flew which was December '19 to US and every flight before that devices had to put away for take off and landing.

As others have said he won't be able to sit on your lap. Lollies are good to suck to equalize wars.

Notjustabrunette · 20/05/2022 08:36

I obviously don’t know your child, but I can’t recall a time when I’ve seen a child frightened by noise on a plane. They’re usually quite excited. Bring something to suck for the landing though.

saraclara · 20/05/2022 08:39

Notjustabrunette · 20/05/2022 08:36

I obviously don’t know your child, but I can’t recall a time when I’ve seen a child frightened by noise on a plane. They’re usually quite excited. Bring something to suck for the landing though.

I was thinking exactly the same. I fly a lot and have often had very young children around me. And I've never seen one appear scared or worried. Kids that age are so used to adapting to be experiences that they probably are a lot less anxious than adults.

saraclara · 20/05/2022 08:40

Adapting to NEW experiences, that should say.

TakeMeToKernow · 20/05/2022 08:43

During a horrid amount of turbulence on a long haul flight (food trays flying around, stuff falling in the aisles, I’m crying…) a toddler on the adjacent row was laughing his head off! Squealing for more at every drop!!

Honaloulou · 20/05/2022 08:44

Agree with pp - kids are fine. And iPads have been fine all the way through flights for ages. That plus snacks, and you’re all set.