Kids On A Plane

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Because I typically fly alone and sit near the front of the plane, I often times get the kids that are flying solo sitting next to me. I used to dread this happening but I started giving it some thought today and realized that there are some big advantages to it and thought I would share my new found thoughts on this topic with everyone in case they end up in the same situation.  So here is my list of reasons why you want the young kids sitting next to you on a plane.

• Kids don't take up much space and they will rarely hog the armrests.
• They tend to be nervous enough about flying on their own that they are on their best behavior.
• Their parents typically will load them up with things to do before they come to keep than busy.
• By the time they get comfortable enough with me to talk we are usually landing. (If you encourage them to talk, then you deserve what you get.)
• They never want to talk about religion or politics.
• They can't kick the back of your seat if they are right beside you.
• They will almost always provide humorous entertainment during the flight.

A few of my favorite moments on planes with children next to me;

• A young brother and sister were on their way from their fathers to their mothers house in Las Vegas. As the plane was coming in for a landing the brother leaned over to the sister and whispered in all seriousness, "I think when we get there we should take the $1,000 Dad gave us and turn it into 10.000 on the tables."
• At the beginning of a flight a young boy of about 7 was sitting next to me and after the flight attendant explained the oxygen masks to the boys sheer terror at this possibility, she approached me and kindly asked if in the event of an emergency if I would assist him with his mask after I had secured my own. I of course said yes and as she walked away he looked up at me with wide and terrified eyes and muttered, "thank you in advance, Sir".
• The flight attendant had sat two young boys traveling solo together next to me. During the flight they began talking and asking each other questions about their lives and families and the one boy volunteered his personal opinion when he said, "my mother has been divorced way too many dam times".

The next time you are on a plane and they go to sit the child next to you, don't assume the worst.  Keep an open mind and just enjoy the entertainment.