I really appreciated this thread and particularly Flygirl's post. Thanks! While I have a stepson form my previous marriage and a foster child, I never flew with either until they were at least 5. We are expecting our first baby in October and were just discussing the flight arrangements to fly to my wife's parents house at Christmas. I had previously told my wife something about thinking that crying babies ought to go to the back of the plane, because they disturb those who are trying to work. We are debating whether to go in first or coach. I am a big guy and rarely sit anywhere but the exit row in coach and the idea of being crushed into a regular coach row, perhaps routinely and for many years!!! terrifies me. On the other hand getting 3 seats in first so the baby can have a car seat does seem a bit much to me, and we're much more likely to have an empty seat next to us in coach. Maybe I'll get one in coach and one up front and my wife can sit up fornt with the baby and I'll take an exit row seat? This may be a recipe for marital strife however... With the two older boys I just get 2 exit row seats and two seats in the next row in front or behind. This has worked well for us. My boys are very well behaved on the plane, perhaps better so than I am. Traveling with a child too young to be told there is a consequence for misbehaving on the plane is pretty scary for me!