Best seat arrangement on plane - 2 adults, 2 children?

[Bozza]

We are flying from Birmingham to Marseilles with BMIBaby in August and I am just about to book the tickets online including seat reservations. The plane seems to be pretty empty at the moment so I have a free range. It is a standard plane with 3 seats on each side and a central aisle. The DCs will be 6 and 3 at time of travel.

Would I be best to go for a row of 3 seats and the opposite aisle seat? Then probably end up sat with the children with DH across the aisle. Also would we be better near the front or back of the plane? Presumably toilets at the back so would be nearer, but maybe further forward would afford a longer walk to the toilets for a change of scenery. Opinions?

Thanks

Yes, window, child, child, adult, aisle, adult. That way the children can get out to go to the toilet without annoying anyone and there's no one else in the row for them to annoy (other than A Parent!) Toilets are usually front and rear I think - 2 at the back one at the front? I don't think it makes a huge amount of difference but near one set is good as it can be tricky to get past trolleys/flight attendants/other people

Thanks. They are both fairly strong bladdered and it is not a long flight, so I envisage the toilets as more of a diversion than anything else. Would you really put the children sat next to each other? Maybe for take off so DS can sit by the window and look out. Think DD will need to be next to me - I envisage her being scared....

Oh yes dh on kids side mum plus drink, mags and novel over the aisle. Have a pack of baby wipes handy and say oh darling everthing OK do you need a wipe occasionaly, with concerned look painted n your face.

We have also traveled with both kids at the window and adult next to them, kids are older and don't need a pee as much. One pair behind the other.

Also dh and 2 kids watching DVD's me on ailse seat on the row behind, meant I could see them and growl through the seats or bop on the head if nesesary, (thats just to DH ).

My preferred is DP and 2 children in one row, me several rows behind them with novel and wine. You may have to bribe the check-in operator when DP isn't looking if you want her to insist this is the only possible option

No actually I have a picture of a plane on the internet and I can just get the mouse and click on four spaces. Might go for Fennel's approach for the return journey. He might sulk on holiday otherwise, but doesn't matter if he sulks at work, does it?

OOps make a mistake and end up with you at the front, (first for meals) and Dh with kids back row next to the loos. Oh dear what went wrong .

We always put the children together for flights . Also share the journey as On Duty Parent on one leg each IYSWIM

DH took his lap top with DVD's best desicion ever, I complained as it was so heavy but he carried loads anyway.

Will we get meals? Its a cheapie flight?

Probably not take sandwiches if you are allowed. We were offered a bag to take our sandwishes on board that we had bought in the airport cafe, but that was pre mega security scare. You should be able to take on food you buy once in departures.