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

[Imthekingsmummy]

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

You can't do that during take off and landing though, can you? No devices are allowed until you're fully airborne and from memory the in-flight entertainment isn't available until then either.

On my flights recently, flight safe handheld devices have been fine on landing/takeoff except on one landing in heavy fog where they needed everything switched off as a precaution.

I pads are fine to watch for take off and landing.

You realise not all planes have entertainment systems, surely?

Some airlines let you use hand held devices / headphones during take off and landing now. Some don't.

Agree with PPs, he'll probably follow your lead OP. If you're relaxed and nonchalant, he will be too.

No and more seriously, don't allow your DS to sit on your knee for too long during any part of the flight, several years ago my DS fell asleep whilst sitting on my knee. Not wanting to disturb him I just let him sleep and I later developed a DVT because I hadn't moved for so long . Took months to clear up,

Sorry OP. cabin crew here. Definite no. I would make sure that you don't show any worry, kids love flying. It's always the mum that has the issue, put him by the windo. Bring some chewy sweets for take off (marshmallows are good) helps with ears. Bring an iPad loaded with favourite shows & some colouring & he'll have a ball! Don't show your worry, as he'll pick up on it!

My little one was so excited to go on the plane (I don't like flying really) so didn't know how she'd react. She was 2.5. She was excited to have her own seat belt and sat inbetween me and her dad.
As if was going along the run way she was shouting 'faster faster'. She cuddled in on the flight, played with crayons etc and enjoyed her snacks and watch something on her tablet, got her some wireless headphones for the plane. She's nearly 3 and so excited to go on holiday!

Agree I've never seen a child frightened by aircraft noise. Put him next to the window if you can, he'll love it

I've flown since I was a baby and I've always loved it. My DS has flown from a toddler. I've never had him on my lap. He used to sit next to the window so he can tell me all the important stuff going on, had snacks, a book and he was a brilliant flyer. If he queried any noise I would explain what it was.

I'm sure your DS will be fine.

What planes don't have screens? What is there instead? I have been on little planes that take you to an island or whatever but I'm assuming you aren't talking about a flight from Bangkok to koi summit (scary plane depressing place, don't bother)

I've also never seen a nervous 3 year old on a plane. Over-excited, totally beside themselves by it all- a million times, but nervous, never.

None I've taken in the past 10 years throughout Europe, variety of airlines.

They have... a seatback. You bring your own entertainment

Usually planes flying short haul routes don't have screens. Planes flying long haul routes do on most airlines now. So most flights within Europe won't have seat back entertainment.

My little one was 2.5 and terrified, we were trying to keep him in his seat and he was inconsolable desperately trying to climb on me. They stood there watching it just apologising that it was for safety reasons, which I did understand it was just gut wrenching seeing him like that. His dad and me had to hold him down the entire take off and landing and he screamed his absolute head off. He was fine in the air though I couldn’t relax the whole time knowing we’d have to do it again to come down. I’m aware this isn’t a very nice story (sorry) but this is the worst case really and we got through it and he was slightly better on the flight home.

@Yebbie so unusual. Never seen this in 30 years of flying as crew. Is he generally an anxious child with everything ? Or are you or dh anxious by nature. Literally never seen it. Kids learn what they see

I can't think of a single EasyJet or RyanAir plane with a screen!

No you won't be allowed during take off or landing. They have to be strapped into their own seat. Same for devices, he won't be allowed them until airborne.

It's likely that even once you're up, you won't have enough space to have him on your knee anyway, unless you're flying business class.

There's a great book called Amazing Aeroplanes which goes through the process of going on a flight. My boys still refer to the 'bumpy rumbling sound' the book mentions! Generally kids are excited to be on a plane rather than scared, but as previous posters have said kids will take their cues from their parents, so it's important that you seem calm and relaxed.

www.amazon.co.uk/Amazing-Airplanes-Machines-Tony-Mitton/dp/0753459159?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=a3dda028-29e5-4cd6-b236-910582fc397a

Totally agree ^

You can get kids excited to, talk about it beforehand about what is going to happen and act excited yourself. Noise issues could be helped with ear defenders but may not be necessary.

I did not know that. Well I guess you get what you pay for.

Well, depending on where you live and where you're flying to, you may not have a choice!

@Thedogshouses Pretty much anything short or medium haul regardless of airline. BA airbuses don't have in-flight entertainment for example, you need to be on a long haul Boeing for that.

I can't recall any flight up to about 4 hours with seat-back entertainment, and I fly a lot with all manner of airlines.

So it's not about 'getting what you pay for' it's about 'where you're going'. Have you never flown short haul? Are you in the US or Aus maybe where even 'short' journeys are longer than in Europe?

A correction to myself there, before someone else does. BA A380 and A350 airbuses have entertainment, but the 319 / 320 / 321 used on short haul routes don't.

No, it's just not safe. He'll be right next you you with he can lean in with your arm around him. You'll want him to be as safe as he can be.

Take some non electronic games to distract him. Just as you start moving that's the time to find a new 'xyz' in your magic bag.....

Also a lolly on a stick to suck to distract with the ear popping.