Purchasing airfare for baby BEFORE baby born?

[PADISFAM]

you won't need ID for the baby but 'shim' (this is what I called our last baby, as I didn't want to know his sex) will need a boarding pass. All passengers must be accounted for (we won't discuss the reasoning for this).

 

[mamaLori05]

We traveled with our DD when she was 3 months and again at 1yr. We were never asked for ID for her. We traveled with her on our lap, which is what I would reccommend. In fact, both times (round trip) we traveled with her as a lap baby, we were given a seat for her (at no charge) because the plane wasn't full. We were told that happens quite often. If they have 3 seats across, they put you on the two outside seats, and then unless the plane is full, no one wants to take the middle seat, which is left open to you. We ended up using the seat just to store stuff, and held her the whole plane ride. We just checked her carseat at the gate. Worked out great for us, and gave us more money to spend on souviners.

Our DD has never been one to sit in a carseat for long periods of time, so it kept her quite happy to be able to move around a little and switch from mommy to daddy.

 

[chipscinderelly]

We traveled with our DD when she was 3 months and again at 1yr. We were never asked for ID for her. We traveled with her on our lap, which is what I would reccommend. In fact, both times (round trip) we traveled with her as a lap baby, we were given a seat for her (at no charge) because the plane wasn't full. We were told that happens quite often. If they have 3 seats across, they put you on the two outside seats, and then unless the plane is full, no one wants to take the middle seat, which is left open to you. We ended up using the seat just to store stuff, and held her the whole plane ride. We just checked her carseat at the gate. Worked out great for us, and gave us more money to spend on souviners.

Our DD has never been one to sit in a carseat for long periods of time, so it kept her quite happy to be able to move around a little and switch from mommy to daddy.

Thanks Lori - unfortunately from DFW that is rarely the case... normally we are oversold.

 

[chipscinderelly]

You know.....My first daughter went to Disney when she was 6 weeks old. My hubby and I found out she was a girl and bought her ticket when she was in the womb.

I never thought of the significance until I read this thread. Now I have a wonderful story to tell my seven-year old.

Thanks!

It will be a great story won't it

 

[amarberry]

We booked a flight on AA using frequent flyer miles on the day the flight became available (I think about 11 months out) while I was pregnant. We also didn't find out if we were having a boy or a girl. It took a couple of reservations agent to figure this out, but what they ended up doing was booking the ticket under "Infant" Lastname. After my DS was born, I called and had his name added to the ticket.

 

[amez]

We traveled with our DD when she was 3 months and again at 1yr. We were never asked for ID for her. We traveled with her on our lap, which is what I would reccommend. In fact, both times (round trip) we traveled with her as a lap baby, we were given a seat for her (at no charge) because the plane wasn't full. We were told that happens quite often. If they have 3 seats across, they put you on the two outside seats, and then unless the plane is full, no one wants to take the middle seat, which is left open to you. We ended up using the seat just to store stuff, and held her the whole plane ride. We just checked her carseat at the gate. Worked out great for us, and gave us more money to spend on souviners.

Our DD has never been one to sit in a carseat for long periods of time, so it kept her quite happy to be able to move around a little and switch from mommy to daddy.

We flew to FL when my daughter was young enough to sit on our lap and I would never do it again. The turbulance was terrible--I was sick with fear that she would be jolted from my arms. I held her so tight and had my husband holding on to her as well. I would never, ever fly like that again. I would buy a seat and then still have the option to hold her.

 

[mommylibrarian]

I wouldn't buy a seat when the baby is less than six months. Especially if you are nursing. Or are you flying cross-country? Well, even then, I'd trade back and forth with hubby... and hope for that empty seat somewhere to give you more room.

We flew cross-country with my DD when she was 6 mo. old. We lucked out using the plan described above... reserving a window and an aisle seat where there are three seats near the rear of the craft. Those middle rear seats are the last to get booked. We did this at THANKSGIVING and were so totally lucky. The last flight was our closest call... there was literally one seat left on the plane and it was the one between us.

Over six months old, I buy a ticket. They are wiggly and my kids were huge by then. My DS went with me on a plane when he was 15 months, and most people thought he was two. Plus, putting him in his old, familiar car seat made him more comfortable and familiar with his surroundings.

Have a great trip!

 

[mavdav]

I wouldn't buy a seat when the baby is less than six months. Especially if you are nursing. Or are you flying cross-country? Well, even then, I'd trade back and forth with hubby... and hope for that empty seat somewhere to give you more room.

We flew cross-country with my DD when she was 6 mo. old. We lucked out using the plan described above... reserving a window and an aisle seat where there are three seats near the rear of the craft. Those middle rear seats are the last to get booked. We did this at THANKSGIVING and were so totally lucky. The last flight was our closest call... there was literally one seat left on the plane and it was the one between us.

Over six months old, I buy a ticket. They are wiggly and my kids were huge by then. My DS went with me on a plane when he was 15 months, and most people thought he was two. Plus, putting him in his old, familiar car seat made him more comfortable and familiar with his surroundings.

Have a great trip!

I agree. We have flown with our 2 boys over a dozen times (they are 4 and 2). Before they crawl they have no desire to get off your lap and if you are nursing this will help with the ears popping. After 6 months, if you can afford it, I say go for it and buy the kid a ticket. Most likely the child will not sit in the seat for long, but you will be sooo happy for all the extra room.

What we have always done, is when we get to the gate, I walk up to the ticket counter and in my nicest voice and nicest smile I ask if the flight is full. If they say "no" then I ask if there is any way we can be moved where there won't be anyone sitting next to me or my DH so that the baby can have a little bit more room and I can bring my carseat on board. We have actually brought a larger blanket on the flight and made a tent for the baby so that when it was nap time he couldn't see anyone and just cry himself to sleep. Its not fun for everyone around us, but it only lasts for a few minutes (or what seems like hours).

Good luck!