Flying with 23 month old

[hobbes4]

New to the board. Making our first family trip to WDW Oct. 31 - Nov. 6 for my DS 2nd birthday(Nov 3)- On the plane trip there he is under 2 so he will sit on our lap and no need to buy plane ticket. On the way back Delta has given me two conflicting options. One guy said don't worry about buying a ticket for the one way trip back, another said it's their policy to charge for anyone over 24 months. Anyone else come across this situation. DS is already 37 inches and looks like a 3 year old. I just cant justify buying a one way ticket for him since he will be on our lap both ways. thanks

 

[taximomfor4]

When we flew for ds's 2nd bday, we held him (under 2- lap child) on flight over, and bought his ticket (2yo so had to) for flight home. Now that I think about it, we did the same for my oldest dd. To tell you the truth, it was pretty much worth the extra$ to not have to hold her on the way home. Fed her lunch, and let her color. MUCH better than holding her...especially since many flights are full these days.

BEth

 

[disneymom225]

Our DD will only be 18 months when we fly so we could have her as a lap child but we chose to buy a ticket for both ways. We felt that it was worth the extra money to let her be comfy. Plus--I couldn't imagine holding her for the 2 hour flight. She is just too active but she knows when she is in her "racing harness" that she has to stay seated and doesn't fight it too much. Just my opinion but if you have to buy a ticket for one way--make it round trip and take a seat. Good luck!

 

[pooh4evr]

It sounds like our kids are about the same size- we flew southwest and had a ticket both ways for our 23 month old- no carseat but it was good she had her own seat because I think we both would have been uncomfortable sharing. Having teir own seat means they have their own space to "play", color, snack or lay down with the lap belt on. It was much better for us to have seats for everyone!

 

[justhat]

I would get a roundtrip seat for him. I can't imagine holding my daughter who is 17 months, let alone another 6 months from now when she'll be larger and more active. And Madison is only 22 lbs./32 inches right now, so lots smaller than your son. We hold her regularly on the train and it's a nightmare, and the seats are bigger there so there's more room. At almost 2yo, I wouldn't plan on holding him even if you have a seat for him. They're heavy and very active in those tiny spaces and I think you'll all be more comfortable with him in his own seat.

 

[cruiserkaren]

It sounds like our kids are about the same size- we flew southwest and had a ticket both ways for our 23 month old- no carseat but it was good she had her own seat because I think we both would have been uncomfortable sharing. Having teir own seat means they have their own space to "play", color, snack or lay down with the lap belt on. It was much better for us to have seats for everyone!

This is what we want to do with our DD. She'll be 23 months too. So you bought the seat, but then just used the lap belt, no car seat? I just recently found out you could even do this! Did you check the car seat with your luggage? We are renting a car so would have to have her car seat.

 

[CEDmom]

I remember a news story a year or so ago about a family that went to visit relatives out of the country with their almost 2 yo. The family was delayed returning home so the child was over 2. They were charged a full 1 way fare at the airport. The airline policy is every passenger over 2 must have a ticket with the size of your child I wouldn't chance it. I also have to agree with Justhat - holding an active child is a real challenge. My almost 6 yo is about 41"/35lb which isn't much bigger than your son and I can't imagine her sitting on my lap in a small seat for any length of time.

 

[Zoesmama03]

My dd will be 25 months for her first plane ride. We are moving to Florida and dd and I are flying while dh and my brother drive with our stuff.

We are going to Disney the week of Sept 5th. I can't wait to see the reaction on Zoe's face.

I have made a list of things to bring. Its not complete yet but here is what I have:

Packing List
In diaper bag
4 diapers & 2 pull ups
wipes(full)
change of clothes
2 sippy cups
Mederma(dd has a scar from stitches so probably not needed for you )
lotion
diaper cream(we rarely use this stuff though)
Zoë’s toothbrush and toothpaste
snacks(suckers, snack bars, fruit)
Silk individual aseptic packs(dd is allergic to cows milk and doesn't handle juice)
chapstick for me
boarding passes/tickets
my wallet
Zoë's Minnie Mouse


In carry on bag
change of clothes for Zoë and I
book and magazine
blanket for Zoë
important documents
toothbrush and toothpaste
sticker box(w/stickers)
2 sippy cups
6 diapers
Zoë’s bath wash
surprise toy for Zoë

The sticker box I found at Target for $5 and she really wanted the metal case she picked it up and carried it around the store. LOL

I had help from a similar post to this weeks ago. These ladies(and gents too I know there are a few) have wonderful ideas and insight.

Oh since dd turned 2 back on 26th we had to buy her seat of course and she will sit in her carseat since I know she will be more comfy and sit still for me, atleast I hope so.

 

[abca]

My son has been flying with us since he was 3 months old (he is now almost 7 years old). We have always purchased him his own seat. It is much safer and more comfortable to have the extra room, especially with all of the extra stuff you have to bring along with a baby or toddler. I could't imagine having my son sit on our laps for an entire trip. He's always been a big boy, 90-95th percentile, and looks a year or two older than he is. My suggestion: get the extra seat for him. You will all be much happier.

 

[Colinsmom]

Ugh, I couldn't imagine holding a big, strong 2 year old (mine is, too!) in a small airplane seat for any period of time! And if he looks big, chances are good that they will ask for his birth certificate. The airlines aren't like Disney - once he is past his birthday, he NEEDS a ticket of his own, and I also wouldn't want to be stuck buying a full-fare one way ticket in the airport.

I'd say just buy the round trip ticket - it's probably cheaper than the one-way, and definitely cheaper than the full-fare one-way!

 

[Shelebeen]

I would agree, my 2 year old is not that big.. 25 pounds and I would not be able to hold him one way.... We flew to DL and celebrated his 2nd birthday there... we were lucky enough to get in on the Alaska kids fly free deal.. but otherwise I would def have bought a seat.

We are also in the camp of bringing your car seat onto the plane. Our kids have travelled quite a bit on planes and we have always been told how well they did, etc. They sit in their car seats, we pack a little backpack full of snacks and things to occupy them... colouring, magnet paper dolls/trucks, etc...

They are used to sitting in their own car seats for periods of time, so this is no different.. they don't get up and down, they don't jump around in their seats, they sit back and we strap them in. They are safe, it is a normal spot for them to be in, etc.

Carole

 

[PlutoPony]

Airlines typically require ID (birth certificate) for children under 2 who are flying as lap babies - mainly to prove that they can legitimately fly free. So your son will need a ticket for the return as he'll be 2 at the time of travel. Guess you could take a chance that they won't ask to see his birth cert on the way back but if you guess wrong you'll be buying a full fare one way ticket at the gate - NOT cheap and assuming seats are available. Personally I'd bite the bullet and buy round trip now for the safety and ease of travel reasons mentioned above.