‘I’m a travel expert – here’s how to avoid sitting next to a crying baby’ | Travel News | Travel

Once you’ve boarded your flight and settled into your designated seat, more often than not you hope for a tranquil flying experience — especially on those cumberson long-haul flights. Suddenly, an infant begins wailing just rows away. The relentless noise continues for hours on end, making sleep an impossible dream and turning your journey into a marathon of patience.

For many jet-setters, this scenario is all too familiar. Whether you’re trying to grab some shut-eye on a long-haul flight or simply hoping for a serene journey through the air, being seated near a crying infant can drastically impact your travel experience. Enter Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, a firm dedicated to preventing holidaymakers from overpaying on their holidays.

Armed with expert advice, Dawn shares: “Passengers usually don’t realise they have more control over their seating situation than they think. With the right strategies, you can dramatically improve your chances of securing a quieter spot on the plane.”

The expert remarks: “At the end of the day, smart seat selection is your only real defence if you’re someone who needs peace and quiet during flights. You can’t control other passengers, but you can absolutely control where you sit. I’ve seen too many travellers book the cheapest available seat without thinking about the bigger picture, then spend eight hours miserable because they’re stuck next to a screaming baby.”

Now, Dawn has divulged her insider knowledge on how choosing the ideal seat can enhance your flight experience, providing handy tips that go beyond the standard booking advice.

How it affects your flight experience

Understanding the reasons behind the potential for a less-than-peaceful flight when seated near families with infants is key. It’s not just the sporadic wails that can disrupt your journey; there’s more to it than meets the eye.

“When babies cry, they create a ripple effect of activity around them,” Dawn points out. “Parents are constantly moving up and down the aisle, getting supplies from overhead bins, and using reading lights at all hours to tend to their little ones.”

The disturbance isn’t limited to the audible cries; it also includes the incessant movement as parents attempt to pacify their infants by walking them along the aisles. The frequent flicking on and off of overhead lights throughout the journey, coupled with the general hustle and bustle of nappy changes and feedings, can lead to disappointment for anyone hoping to catch some shut-eye.

Study the seat map

“Look for baby icons or bassinet symbols on the seat map — they’re your early warning system,” advises Dawn. “Some airlines even flag which rows have bassinets installed, so you can steer clear from the start.”

With most airlines now offering detailed seat maps during the booking process, those in the know can identify potential hotspots for noise and disruption before they even select their seat.

Stay away from bulkhead seats

Those coveted front-row seats with extra legroom might look tempting, but they’re actually a beacon for babies. This is where airlines typically install bassinets, making these spots highly sought after by families flying with young children.

“Bulkhead seats are where airlines place bassinets, so families with babies get priority booking for these rows,” Dawn discloses. “If you want peace and quiet, avoid the front section entirely.”

Fly during irregular hours

Choosing when to fly can be as crucial as picking where to sit. Flights that take off late at night or those Red Eyes scheduled for the wee hours tend to have fewer families with little ones on board.

“Parents generally avoid flying with babies during antisocial hours unless absolutely necessary,” observes Dawn. “A 11pm departure or 6am red-eye dramatically reduces your chances of sharing the cabin with crying infants.”

Explore adult-specific options

If you’re seeking an adult-only atmosphere, it’s worth noting that some airlines have specific sections within planes that are designed with grown-ups in mind, although these options are dwindling.

“Certain premium economy sections or specific aircraft configurations limit families with infants,” Dawn mentions. “It’s worth checking airline policies before booking, as some carriers restrict where families with bassinets can sit.”

Go to the rear sections 

If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet on your flight, don’t be tempted to grab a seat at the front where everyone else is clamouring to sit for a swift exit.

Dawn points out: “Families usually book early and choose seats near the front for convenience, with easier access to toilets and getting off the plane earlier with all their gear. The rear sections and far sides of wide-body aircraft are usually much quieter.”

Dawn concludes: “The key is being strategic from the moment you start booking. Take those extra few minutes to study the seat map, consider your departure time, and think about aircraft layout.

“Yes, you might pay a bit more for a seat towards the back or avoid those tempting bulkhead spots, but the difference in your travel experience is worth every penny. A good night’s sleep or peaceful journey often makes the entire holiday better from day one.”