Flying with child in lap

[My4Mouses]

How strict are the airlines on ages when it comes to having a child sit on your lap? They say 2 years or under but my child just turned 2 three days ago and we leave today and I was planning on having them be in our lap.

Any ideas?

 

[safetymom]

They can be very picky. Be prepared to buy another seat if they cause a fuss.

 

[Lewisc]

It's a FAA rule. Airlines are fined. Airlines ask to see a copy of your child's birth certificate. SW checks a lot.

The honor system wasn't working. Too many parents either forget the age of their child or thought the rules didn't apply to them

You're asking for an idea? Plan on paying for a ticket.

 

[My4Mouses]

Thanks for the info. I will be prepared for the worst.

 

[My4Mouses]

Should I go online and buy the ticket before we get to the airport or just purchase it at the counter when we are there? Anyone know if it will be more expensive at the counter?

 

[uva185]

Should I go online and buy the ticket before we get to the airport or just purchase it at the counter when we are there? Anyone know if it will be more expensive at the counter?

Many airlines have a fee for purchasing a ticket at the counter. Probably best to book online now.

 

[KellyNY]

yes it will be more expencive if decide to buy a ticket right before your flight, flight also may be booked completely. I would call your air carrier and ask. If they will say it is ok to have your kid on laps, get a name of the person on the phone in case if you have problems later in airport.

 

[tjmw2727]

How strict are the airlines on ages when it comes to having a child sit on your lap? They say 2 years or under but my child just turned 2 three days ago and we leave today and I was planning on having them be in our lap.

Any ideas?

Very strict, in fact most require a birth certificate to prove the child is eligible. Even when a child turns two during a trip they would be required to have a ticket on the return flight.

If the airline gets caught by the faa allowing a child over two to fly unticketed the fine is very steep so most won't risk it and require the BC.

Even though a child under 2 can ride for free on a parents lap they still need a document to clear security - like a boarding pass. If you can't prove the child is under 2 the airline won't issue the pass and your child won't get through security.

Most airlines have the information clearly posted on the website - check the section on traveling with children for further verification/clarification.

Hopefully there are still tickets available on your flight, if so I would purchase prior to heading to the airport. Otherwise you will pay full fare or risk having to take a different flight.


TJ

 

[Quacktatty]

And be prepared to pay a hefty price for that ticket - I costed out a same day flight from my home airport to Orlando and the price ranged from $750 to $2000. You won't have a choice to go for the cheapest flight either.

 

[Traveliz]

Ok so you made me look...

First off I would have bought the ticket for the 2 year old in advance so be sure and do that next time.

That said I just checked my airport and I could leave today for 89.00!!! Seriously it makes me want to go now.

Liz

 

[Pinnie]

Keep in mind that you will also need a ticket for the child to return home. They WILL check at the gate for a birth certificate. The FAA is very strict about this rule and the one that doesn't allow anyone under thre age of 15 in an EXIT row.

pinnie

 

[nuke]

You better buy a ticket now. What if you get to the airport and the plane is full? Then you are really stuck!

 

[Mayhem1976]

i also wanted to add that i can't imagine flying with a 2YO on my lap! We took my son when he was just over 2, he had his own seat and it was great. He could come sit on us for a little bit, but it was much needed space. I know money is always an issue, but sometimes sanity comes first!

 

[Tara]

How strict are the airlines on ages when it comes to having a child sit on your lap? They say 2 years or under but my child just turned 2 three days ago and we leave today and I was planning on having them be in our lap.

Any ideas?

My idea: buy a ticket for your child now. Southwes verifies age for all lap children and many other airlines will ask for proof, especially if the child looks close to age 2. Why do you think the rule is flexible?

 

[Donnainnj]

We brought our 7 month on an Allegiant flight last Nov and the check in agent asked for his birth certificate. At the time their rules stated an older age (I think it was 14+ months) that would need a birth certificate (I just checked and now they require it for all lap children) He is a big guy, but how many 2 year olds do you know with 6 teeth? They let us on. The next flight was at 13 months with Spirit, we brought his birth certificate, and did have to show it. This flight at 17 months we will fly Southwest, and purchased him a seat. At 13 months it was a tight fit with him on our laps. I don't think we need a birth certificate this time, but I will probably bring it just in case.
Donna

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Okay, so it looks like you need to purchase a ticket for your 2+ year old. I will also highly recommend that you bring his/her car seat with you to strap him/her in. Your car seat must be FAA approved. Believe me, you will have a much more relaxing and enjoyable flight if your child isn't in your lap but secured in his/her car seat.

 

[Hannathy]

My kids flew thousands of miles as lap babies without problems BUT I don't want this thread to get into that........

What I do want to point out is SW needs a birth cert. EVery time no matter how young. I needed to show one for my son when he was 6 weeks old! yep 6 weeks old so no way to confuse a 6 week old newborn with a 2 yr old but they still wanted to see it. so bring those cert. with all lap babies.

To the OP when you booked the ticket they didn't ask the birth date of the baby? they usually do or did you not even tell them you were bringing him, because that will also create a big problem. You may not pay but they have to be on the passenger list and have a boarding pass to get thru security and get on. IMO you have a real problem and better get it straightened out BEFORE getting to the airport or you won't be flying.

 

[Donnainnj]

I would think you might need a Birth Certificate for a 6 week old because there are also minimum ages for travel on an airplane.

 

[Hannathy]

I would think you might need a Birth Certificate for a 6 week old because there are also minimum ages for travel on an airplane.

No it was to prove he was under 2. Even the counter agent laughed but they had to get a manager over ride to give him his boarding pass.