I've flown in business class on dozens of airlines. The seat I used to avoid is now my favorite as a parent.

• Older business-class cabin configurations give traveling parents something that pods can’t.
• My favorite older cabins to fly so far are Japan Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines.
• Pairs of seats by the window, ones I used to avoid, are my favorite for traveling with little kids.

The older cabins I once avoided now offer what matters most: extra shared space, easier teamwork between parents, and a more comfortable setup for sleeping and playing on long-haul flights.

T.J. Dunn is a freelance travel, loyalty program, and credit card expert based on Vancouver Island, Canada. He is the former editor in chief at Prince of Travel and has published digital and print articles in major publications across Canada, including the National Post and The Toronto Star.