Question about infant and airfare

[wbc99]

We are planning a trip for my daughter's 2nd birthday. She will turn 2 during the vacation. On the way there, her flight (on Continental) is free because she is under two. Does anyone know what the airline will do for the way back? Is it free both ways? I called Continental but there is a 45 minute wait with the Holiday travel traffic. TIA!

 

[n2mm]

Under 2 is free and imagine they will go by the age when the trip began. However, being free usually means the child must sit on your lap the entire trip. Not something I would want to do for a plane ride of any length of time. You could try going to the airline's website for more information.

 

[dudspizza]

I too would go to their web site and also call. You definitely don't want any surprises. There may be a law (not sure on this one) that any child 2 and above has to have their own seat..... but only the airline could tell you for sure.

I also am one that would not have my child on my lap. A 2 year old is not small and both of you will be uncomfortable for the flight from Houston. We went when my daughter was 2 1/2 and I was very glad she had her own seat. She was able to color and do other things on the tray table. I am not sure you can even open the tray table with a child on your lap.

Best wishes with whatever you may do.

Here is a link to the FAA web site and some child flight tips. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/Childtips.cfm

Duds

 

[jel0511]

It is an FAA regulation that anyone over the age of 2 be in a seat, and I don't know about if you're flying over a birthday. Just so you know, your daughter will not be entitled to a seat if you don't pay for her, she'll be expected to sit on your lap the entire flight. Not a comfortable situation for you and the child. You're better off purchasing your DD her own seat.

 

[wbc99]

Thanks everyone -- point well taken!

 

[jadejazzkayla]

we flew to florida the day before my daughter's second birthday - and home a week later. delta deemed her under two for both flights. children under the age of two can sit on a lap for free and you have the option (with delta anyway) of purchasing a 1/2 price ticket and allowing them to have their own seat. this is what we always did when our children were eligible. have fun.

 

[mommyrom]

Different airline, but my little girl was a week away from 2yo the last time we travelled and she was a lap child, therefore, she flew for free. We are going in May and have a 20 month old who will be going in a carseat and, of course, we will be paying for him. Previous trip, I had no problem with an almost 2yo on my lap once we baorded...No one questioned us about her age or anything. However, just from experience, I am opting to pay to have my youngest (20 months) in his own seat this time around. I was able to find a discount on a fare for a "child under 2 in carseat" on Orbitz. Our full fare was $166/pp and they only charged $97 for the carseat fare. Unless your child is big for his/her size, I don't think you will run into any questioning about age on your return flight. Good luck!