Flying ???

[kwitcherkicken99]

When we fly down next year, will I have to buy a ticket for my just turned 2 year old??? Do you think we could get away with saying she's under 2 (we'd only be fudging the information by 1 week...) and have her sit in our laps and only pay for 3 tickets (me, DH, and DS4)?

I've got an impressively tight budget for this trip and really can't afford a 4th airline ticket without sacrificing days in the World .

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this over to our transportation board for you.

 

[RMulieri]

Depending on the airline, they may ask for proof of age.

 

[goofy4tink]

The vast majority of airlines will have you show proof of age in order to have a lap baby. Do you really want to get to the airport and be denied at the counter? I would really try to come up with a way to buy your dd a ticket for her own seat.
Fudging age with Disney is one thing, fudging with the airline is a whole different thing...much harder to do. And as I said, you really don't want to get stuck with buying dd a fare at the counter. It will be much more expensive than doing it now. I would try to cut costs in some other way.

 

[mareed]

Depending on the airline, they may ask for proof of age.

Yes they can, and then you'd have to purchase a full-fare last minute ticket which would be even more of a budget buster! Can you move the trip up by a few weeks so baby is under 2 for the trip there as well as the return flight?

 

[bgohre]

Take a look at the airlines website and find the info on lap children. When your child gets close to two the airlines often require you provide some proof of their age.

If you have to buy a ticket, check with the airline to see if they have discounts for children. Also, you just might appreciate the extra room on the plane, especially when the little one wants to sleep and they can actually lay down.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Thanks for all of the info! This will be the first time DH and DD will be flying. My main concern is the DH is petrified to fly, but willing to give it a go vs. driving down again... My thinking was that if we could hold DD we could at least sit together by holding 3 seats vs. having to split up if we have to get 4...

 

[sigmaphi289]

It can get really ugly at the ticket counter because they are told to ask for identification if the kids looks 18 months or older, very speculative. I was at the airport when somebody thought it was 3 years old when they had to buy at ticket. The same day fare was over $1,000 and the airline was not going to budge.

Buy the ticket or drive as the risk is not worth the reward.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I've got the information of the airline to call and ask about discounted fares (southwest to start)... too bad they can't offer the discounted rates on the internet!

 

[snubie]

The first time we flew with DD she was 15 months. The counter agent asked for proof of age. Luckily, I had her birth certificate with me.

 

[budzync]

We have flown down the past four years with our kids now 8 & 5. I have flown Southwest, US Air and AirTran. Each has asked for a copy of the kids birth certificates upon gate check-in. My daughter was able to fly for free the first year as she was under 2 at the time of travel. Southwest definitely asked for a copy of her birth certificate that time. Now I book 3 seats next to each other and then the aisle seat in the same row across the aisle. I have also booked one seat in the row in front. I like the aisle seat and being in the same row lets me talk or view what my wife and kids are doing. When I sat in the row in front of them I could not help as much as I could not see them easily.

xxx || xoo works best for us

oox || ooo
xxx || ooo works best for whoever is sitting in front. (out of sight out of mind )

Chris

 

[Jestocost]

It is an FAA requirement that airlines check for proof of age to determine if a child is under two and eligible to travel as a lap baby. Some airlines are more vigilant than others. SWA has the reputation of being one of the strictest and asking for proof even for tiny infants almost all of the time. As noted, if you bring a child as a lap baby and are unable to provide proof of age, you will be required to purchase a ticket at whatever the fare is at the time; usually quite high on the day of travel.

Southwest does offer so-called "youth" fares, but those almost always are more expensive than their regular discount fares (Wanna Get Away). Youth fares are basically a slight percentage off of the full refundable fare (Anytime). The only time they save you money is if your only other option is to purchase a full-price ticket.

 

[Hannathy]

Southwest Always asks for one. I needed one for my 6 week old son!

 

[goofy4tink]

I've got the information of the airline to call and ask about discounted fares (southwest to start)... too bad they can't offer the discounted rates on the internet!

The fares you see on the internet are about as discounted as you'll find. Those youth fares are going to be cheaper but not cheaper than a discounted internet/web only fare. They take the discount off the full price. That is not a bargain!!!