Question about recently turned 2 year old on airplane

[roliepolieoliefan]

We are thinking of going to WDW for DD's 2nd birthday. So she will be 23 months when we go to WDW and a day past her 2nd birthday when we return. Will we then have to buy a seat for her for the return trip? Please don't lecture me about buying her a seat, my DH works for the airlines so we know the pros and cons. Thanks for your help!

 

[disneyldwjr]

I would check with the airline for this one. Many will ask you to pay for the return trip as she is no longer under 2. Since your DH works for the airlines, why not ask him?
As to lecture, nope, your child, your choice.

 

[Lewisc]

We are thinking of going to WDW for DD's 2nd birthday. So she will be 23 months when we go to WDW and a day past her 2nd birthday when we return. Will we then have to buy a seat for her for the return trip? Please don't lecture me about buying her a seat, my DH works for the airlines so we know the pros and cons. Thanks for your help!

She's over 2 and not eligible to be a lap baby. SW has been known to ask to see a copy of her birth certificate.

Not sure what airline you'll be flying but your DH should be able to get an idea if you'll get away with it.

 

[Brian Noble]

Depends on the airline---some are picky, others maybe not so much. First, call your intended airline to ask them their policy---they may surprise you and allow you to buy a half-price seat for her since (a) it's a round-trip ticket and (b) she's under 2 when travel commences.

If you try to lap-sit her, you are effectively at the mercy of the gate agent, and gate agents are not known for their benevolence.

 

[Diznut84]

No lecture, just a link.

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1218

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Thanks for that link.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

DH doesn't work for a major airlines, its a corporate so obviously their rules are different. Thanks though.

 

[rgribik]

We have always flown usair or delta, none have ever asked us ages of any of our 5 kids. My kids are all on the tiny side. But, I will tell you last year in Orlando airport we saw a family that the gate agents made buy a ticket right there. They had to buy a first class seat because it was the only thing available. Their son had turned 2 on their trip to Dis, and when he got to the agents, who were by the way very, very grumpy, he told them he was 2. The poor parents, had no way out, it was an ugly scene and took quite awhile to get resolved. He on the other hand looked a good 2, tall and well spoken. Like I said, we have never had anyone ask, good luck.

 

[disneymom3]

Well, I have been asked for a birth certificate when I DID buy a seat for my child. They warned me ahead of time to bring it because I had gotten the half price seat.

Ugh. Couldn't imagine flying all that way with a two year old on my lap.

No lecture here either, but I am biting my tongue!

 

[goodferry]

First off, hello rolliepollieolliefan, we are from Ligonier I don't know if I should get my own thread for this question, but I will try it here first. We bought a ticket for my turning two year old and I have never flown with a baby before. Do I need to bring a carseat with me, or will they have one? We will be using a car service which will provide a seat, so I don't need one once we get to MCO, do I really have to lug the carseat through the airport?
As to the original question, I would email your carrier and if they say you don't need a seat for the return trip, bring a copy of the email with you. I am willing to bet you will need the seat, though.

 

[northwds]

Okay, let me try to answer the car seat/child under two question. I had the same questions and got this answer. IF you buy a seat on the plane for a child UNDER 2 in order for them to sit in that seat they MUST be in an FAA approved car seat that you provide. The airline doesn't provided car seats. In other words, if you buy a seat for your child UNDER 2 and do not bring a car seat with you they MUST ride in your lap when the SEAT BELT sign is on. So you would have brought the seat for nothing. Hope this helps.

 

[tjmw2727]

I think you will be fine on the leg out but bring the birth certificate as most carriers are checking on lap babies and 1/2 price under 2's. On the leg back I think you will need to purchase the one way fare.

My sil recently flew with my neice who will be 2 in july as a lap baby and is TINY - wearing 12 mos clothing. She was asked to produce a birth certificate both ways, so be prepared.

FWIW the 1/2 price or reduced fare price for the r/t may be cheaper than the one way so that may be your best bet. For the 1/2 price fare you will need birth certificate and depending on the airline she may/may not quailify. Don't worry though because many internet and discount fares are lower than the 1/2 price fares.

FWIW I can't see you flying home without a seat for your then 2yo. What if they do a check for the birth certificates and you have to purchase a seat on the spot. It will either be very expensive or at worst case seats not available, many flights are oversold lately. In which case your entire party could not fly home, not a risk I would take.

No lectures just letting you know from my experience that they will, and do, check birth certificates on major and minor (SW, JB, Song) airlines.

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

First off, hello rolliepollieolliefan, we are from Ligonier I don't know if I should get my own thread for this question, but I will try it here first. We bought a ticket for my turning two year old and I have never flown with a baby before. Do I need to bring a carseat with me, or will they have one? We will be using a car service which will provide a seat, so I don't need one once we get to MCO, do I really have to lug the carseat through the airport?
As to the original question, I would email your carrier and if they say you don't need a seat for the return trip, bring a copy of the email with you. I am willing to bet you will need the seat, though.

Yes if you want your baby in a CRS for the flight you have to bring your own, the airlines will not provide one.

Here is a link to why it is recommended that children under 40lbs should fly with a CRS:
99% of people who read the link will decide to use the CRS on the aircraft.

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1218

TJ

 

[goodferry]

Thanks for the link! We definitely want her in a car seat, I just was not sure if the airlines had any available for use or not, thanks!

 

[band_man]

There was an episode of AIRLINE on lifetime(reality show following SWA in chicago and some other city) One epsiode was a story about a family that had a legitimate under 2 yr old but did not bring Birth Cert. WHAT A MESS. Screaming, yelling, crying,....

My guess is that you will have to buy the seat. As others have said better to buy now than at the last minute for high price or worse - NO Seat available!