Do I buy airline ticket for Infant?

[gshoemate]

I found airline tickets from Orlando to Detroit for $123.00. But I don't know if I should buy a ticket for my 16 month old. Knowing him, he will want to sit on my lap the whole time. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[janette]

It would be worth the $123 for me. I did fly with my kids when they were infants without a ticket but took their car seat and if there were empty seats on the plane they would rearrange and let you use it. My understanding is they don't do that any longer and I wouldn't want to do it knowing I would have to hold them, Also the flights I was on were less then 1 hr so worth the risk it was worth the risk of no empty seats.

All the safety reports support not holding a child, people have died in airplanes from turbulence, a child is expecially at risk and as much as you believe you can protect them you it would be difficult to hold him if air pressure was lost or you hit an air pocket.

Children are used to being in their car seat and he may even sleep. You and he would be in for an uncomfortable flight if you don't have the option of putting him down for part of it.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Most acccidents occur on take off and landing. Even if he just stays in his seat for the first and last 15 minutes of the flight there is a huge increase in safety.
Even if he spends a lot of time on your lap you can raise the armrest and have extra room

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Is this 1/2 of the normal ticket price?

I have always bought a ticket for DD and she liked having her own seat. She also sleeps for a lot of the flight and it is nice to have her in her own seat so I can read easier. I have taken her out as long as there is no turbulance or anything.

I always opt for safety first.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

We went to Orlando last Sept. with DS and didn't buy him a ticket. We let the airline know we were flying with an infant and they kept the seat next to us empty. I have found that as long as you let them know you are traveling with an infant then most airlines are very cooperative. They will try to hold you a seat as long as they aren't packed...at least that is the case with Delta and American.

 

[luvdzny]

I would never put my child at risk just to save a little money. On a recent flight to Texas there was a couple in front of us that did not purchase a seat for their approx. 18 month old son, by the end of the flight mom, dad & baby were all crabby because they had to keep passing him back and forth. I think that for comfort & safety reasons I would definately spend the extra money.