Travel expert shares airplane trick to make sure the whole family gets the best seats
Flying with a big group can be stressful, especially if you're catering to family members of different ages. But according to one expert, there's an easy way to make sure everyone gets the perfect spot on the plane without breaking the bank.
Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people find the best holiday deal, advises that you separate the plane into various zones and book seats for family members accordingly.
She said: 'Most families just grab whatever seats are available, then end up stressed when their toddler won't settle or grandad struggles to get to the loo. But with a bit of planning and my simple zoning method, you can turn a potentially stressful journey into a much more pleasant experience for everyone."
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Dawn's zoning method is simple but effective. Instead of booking seats randomly, she suggests dividing the plane into strategic zones based on each family member's needs.
Describing the method, she said: "It considers everyone's needs - from grandparents who need easy access to the loo, to kids who need entertainment, to teens who want their own space.
'The beauty of this approach is that it's flexible and can work with any budget. Even if you can't get your exact preferred seats, understanding these zones helps you make the best choices from what's available."
For older relatives, she advised booking aisle seats at the front of the plane. Dawn said: 'This makes boarding and getting off much easier, plus they'll have quick access to the loos. The front of the plane also tends to be quieter and experiences less turbulence.'
For parents with young children, Dawn recommends the middle section near the wings. She commented: 'This area experiences the least turbulence, which is great for little ones who might get nervous,
'Choose window seats for the kids - it keeps them entertained with the view and means they won't be disturbed by other passengers needing to get past.'
For teenagers or more independent family members, Dawn suggested sitting them slightly separately to give family members some breathing space.
Dawn explained: 'Teens often appreciate having their own space. Book them aisle or window seats within sight but not right next to you. It gives them independence while keeping them close enough if needed.' The expert also shared her advice on keeping costs down. She said: 'Most airlines now charge extra for seat selection, but there are ways around this. Book early - this gives you more choice and often better prices. Some airlines also offer free seat selection for families with young children if you call their customer service.' Websites like SeatGuru allow you to check the best spots on your specific plane. Dawn added: 'Also, download your airline's app - sometimes they offer free seat selection through their apps, and you'll get notifications if better seats become available.'
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