How to fly with a small child on a long-haul flight to the Maldives?

With Aeroflot's Sky Priority boarding, families with young kids sometimes get the first row — more legroom, room to stretch and let the baby crawl. Business class for a 12-hour flight costs around $500 per seat one way, which is pricey.

Priority boarding doesn't guarantee a good seat — on an Etihad Boeing 787 (300+ seats), a family with a child was placed in the last row, middle section, despite checking in early.

Travelers with young children can board via the Sky Priority lane. For a child under 1, ask at check-in for a bassinet and an upgraded comfort seat. Even if flying with an infant on your lap without a separate seat, ask the check-in desk if a comfort seat is available.

Once onboard, parents with a child under 2 can ask flight attendants about seats with extra legroom in the middle of the cabin (not exit-row) — if available, they'll move you there for free.