In order to get the first row bulkhead seats on Japan Airlines, it is first come first served. The operator I talked to recommended that we come 3 hours before our 1:30 flight. But that's really tough with the kids considering we're taking a 12 hour flight with a connecting 5 hour flight!

I want to figure out how Mr Bee might be able to go by himself and secure the seats, so that Olive can take her morning nap at home and I can come a little later. Unfortunately our reservations are all separate (the travel agency did it that way... not sure why), so I don't think he could check in for all of us without all of us there.

There are 4 seats in the middle, and we have 4 people (me, Mr Bee, my mom, Charlie) + lap infant (Olive) traveling with us.

Right now Charlie's reservation is under Mr Bee, and Olive's is under me. I'm going to try to transfer Olive's reservation under Mr. Bee so that he can go early and check in for him and Charlie, and hopefully secure the bulkhead seats.

Any other advice you might have? They are going to make such a difference on an international flight. We had them on jetblue from ny to la, and I just put a blanket on the floor and Charlie and Olive played there. On a 12 hour flight, both Charlie and Olive would be able to sleep on the floor!

Thanks for any insight/advice you might have!