Travelling with 2.5yo - A332 J

[pangwen]

I'm currently planning a flight interstate with my 2yo (well, between 2.5-3 if that makes any difference). It's Little Pangwen's first flight, and there is an option to fly J on a QF A330-200. Having not flown with a young child before, I had a few questions:

- I know that being over 2yo, a separate seat is required (ie LP can't sit in my lap). However, from the reviews I've read it looks like the A332 J seat has a three-point seat belt like a car. How does that work with children? I feel like this shouldn't be a new problem as it looks like other children have flown internationally in business, but I just can't visualise what happens (in my mind-visualisation, the diagonal part of the belt will be over his face or something since he's not as tall as an adult).
- Somewhat related to the above, my quick googles have suggested things like CARES harnesses or car seats. For the life of me I can't ever remember seeing anybody bring something like that on board before, but maybe I'm just not observant. Is this a thing I should be doing?
- I'm thinking of seating LP in one of the centre seats, specifically the ones which have the side console between the aisle and the seat so that they're not as 'exposed'/distracted (e.g. 1F, 2E, 3F). Would any more experienced family fliers have other suggestions?

I'm planning to call Qantas about the first question tomorrow, but given the potentially niche nature of this question (small child who can't sit in a lap, sitting in wide-body J) I'm not confident I'll get an informed answer.

Thanks all for your help!

 

[Cynicor]

For takeoff and landing my little ones have been allowed in my lap, so we did this mostly. Otherwise they just work the belt however it works, with the sash behind the head usually as they are small. Due to the sign being on from pushback to cruising, it’s quite a while for them to be in their own seat, and possibly scary.
I’d just do lap and not ask permission, make a deal of their age being more than 2 etc.

 

[Quickstatus]

For the life of me I can't ever remember seeing anybody bring something like that on board before

I've used 2 car seats for the twins when they were 2. Lap belt secures the car seat

 

[Quickstatus]

For the life of me I can't ever remember seeing anybody bring something like that on board before

I've used 2 car seats for the twins when they were 2. Lap belt secures the seat whether rear or front facing

There are YT videos

QF car seat rules
Some seats may be compatible with top tether anchor points but it requires an engineer to come on board to make it happen.

 

[qkslvr]

I'm currently planning a flight interstate with my 2yo (well, between 2.5-3 if that makes any difference). It's Little Pangwen's first flight, and there is an option to fly J on a QF A330-200. Having not flown with a young child before, I had a few questions:

- I know that being over 2yo, a separate seat is required (ie LP can't sit in my lap). However, from the reviews I've read it looks like the A332 J seat has a three-point seat belt like a car. How does that work with children? I feel like this shouldn't be a new problem as it looks like other children have flown internationally in business, but I just can't visualise what happens (in my mind-visualisation, the diagonal part of the belt will be over his face or something since he's not as tall as an adult).
- Somewhat related to the above, my quick googles have suggested things like CARES harnesses or car seats. For the life of me I can't ever remember seeing anybody bring something like that on board before, but maybe I'm just not observant. Is this a thing I should be doing?
- I'm thinking of seating LP in one of the centre seats, specifically the ones which have the side console between the aisle and the seat so that they're not as 'exposed'/distracted (e.g. 1F, 2E, 3F). Would any more experienced family fliers have other suggestions?

I'm planning to call Qantas about the first question tomorrow, but given the potentially niche nature of this question (small child who can't sit in a lap, sitting in wide-body J) I'm not confident I'll get an informed answer.

Thanks all for your help!

We've just flown to and from the UK in J with SQ and EK, travelling with an almost 3 year old and a 6 year old.

If the A330 Business cabin has a pair of centre seats that provide easy access to your LO (ie. the two seats closest together rather than the aisle-side seats), I'd recommend those. If I'm looking at the correct seat map for your aircraft, it doesn't appear to offer that configuration though unfortunately.

My next choice would be two aisle-facing seats opposite each other, such as 4F and 3K. That way, your child can still see you at all times. If you think they'll be comfortable without direct eye contact then the extra privacy of the seats you suggested could be the better option.

A few other tips from our experience:

- Prepare them for the seatbelt sign. We found it really helpful to show our little one a few Youtube videos beforehand explaining why everyone has to wear their seatbelt when the sign is on. It helped them understand why they couldn't get up during take off and landing. If the crew allow them to sit on your lap though, even better.
- Bring your own entertainment for boarding such as a tablet, phone, or activity book ready for boarding and take-off. Our little one was getting frustrated because the frequent PA announcements and safety video kept interrupting their movie.
- Don't worry about what other Business Class passengers think. Perhaps you aren't worried, but I was a bit concerend having not travelled in J very much myself. Honestly though, we found people to be very friendly and understanding. As long as you're making a reasonable effort to keep your child from running up and down the aisle or disturbing others, most people are very accommodating. In fact, some adults in Business Class are far less considerate than most toddlers!

 

[elanshin]

I'm legitimately curious if 4 seats in Economy would work out better for very young kids - assuming 2 parents + 1 child.
(this is something I'll have to consider in the not too distant future as well).

 

[Cynicor]

I'm legitimately curious if 4 seats in Economy would work out better for very young kids - assuming 2 parents + 1 child.
(this is something I'll have to consider in the not too distant future as well).

nah, comfort is way better in J!