I travel regularly to Chicago on my own with my 2.5 year old. I am not comfortable with him being in a Club Suite and next year the A380 is off the Chicago route - so no option of old Club World.

I am looking at the Aer Lingus connecting flight option, this seems to have a number of positives pre-clearance of US customs (you can easily queue an hour or two at ORD), tier points and a family friendly business class if we get a middle pair that means I can easily keep an eye on him and help at meal times.

The disadvantages as I see it are a connecting flight and I am not sure if I can pre select seats on Aer Lingus (it advises at check-in), I am BA Silver.

I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experience with doing this option with a toddler.

I am quite happy to do WTP direct on BA, but the above option is attractive and the prices are good in the current sale.