Piltdown, I know how you feel with a family of identical ages.
Airlines force you to pay to sit together, especially if you have young children and need to look after them. Lufthansa did this to us twice despite being a 'full service airline'. Fortunately cabin crew can try to help, but the computer knows who has booked and what ages so should ensure that families with vulnerable children are sat together. I dont want my daughter sitting next the latest incarnation of Jimmy Savile and see no reason why I should pay to ensure her safety if I have already paid £500 each to fly.