Flying with child - seat booking

[4433T]

Does any one know if you're traveling with a small child an airline might not seat you together unless you book your seats?

I'm flying with Eastern next month and starting to worry about not booking seats. My son is 3 and non verbal autistic. I'm now thinking I ought to add them on. I've informed the airline of his additional needs.

Together means next to, across the aisle, in front or behind. It doesn’t actually mean side by side.

An airline is unlikely to split you further than that, especially if it is only the two of you travelling, but I have seen it happen, and that was on a dedicated package holiday flight.

Long ago I decided to suck up the cost of paying for seats for myself and my family to ensure we were together. It’s a parent tax I pay once a year, and frankly, flights are that cheap now (relatively) that if I couldn’t afford it, I wouldn’t fly.

Yes they might not seat you together if you don’t book.

Besides as @exLtEveDallas has said “together” in airline speak is different to what we think it is.

Just book together and avoid the angst

If you absolutely have to be sat in the seat next to him then you need to book them. They will very likely seat you together, but if they don't you can't expect other people to give up seats they've likely paid extra for because you haven't.

Yes that all makes sense. I haven't had to book seats before (long time since I've flown) I'll add them to my booking now.

Also this way you can select the seat you think he'll like best ie window or aisle.

Good idea. It's crazy to have to do this, but it is worth it for your peace of mind and being able to choose where you think he will be happiest like PP said.