Thanks, ladies. I'm relying on their own policy which states that minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times! It would be ok for us to be seated with myself with two children and DH with one or vice versa, but not ok for us all to be separate! DD1 will be 10 and would probably cope ok, but DS is 7 and would not be happy. DD2 will be two and obviously needs to sit with a parent.

Have done a bit of Googling and it seems common to seat adults separately but not so much children away from parents, although it does happen. The travel forums I have read seem to indicate that the seats will be shifted so that parent's are seated with their children if staff are reminded of their own safety policy. A lot of recommendations to check in early online to ensure seats together. Hmmm... need to think on it! $300 is quite a lot to pay for peace of mind if we would be seated together anyway!

Have a great holiday, Ree. Let me know how you go with AA!