Worrying about Flying with a "lap child"

[katerkat]

I'm sorry, But I can't understand this for the life of me!!!! If your husband is saying that you can't afford it, then you shouldn't be going. You should also be considering the people all around you. They don't want to have a child kicking their seat and a parent juggling a kid around....I could ALMOST understand if it you had an infant, but a 17 month old, come on. He says it isn't going to bother him with the child on his lap, but lets face it, it will be you traveling with the child on YOUR lap!

I have flown numerous times with my son. ALWAYS have bought a seat and until he started using the booster seat at age 5 he sat in a car seat. Never did I have a problem with him not wanting to sit there. Still to this day, he sits with his seat belt fastens the entire time....just like everyone should. No exceptions!

By the way, the airlines offer 50% off the fare when it's a child under 2.....if they are over 2 they pay the full price.

I think it's a bad idea!

Not all airlines offer discounted tickets for under two. I've gotten it once on Delta. Never any other airline. Southwest does a discount off their highest priced ticket, which usually doesn't save anything.

And my son is far better able to kick the seat in front of him from the carseat.

 

[Hannathy]

And my son is far better able to kick the seat in front of him from the carseat.

Truer words were never spoken!!!!

I can't even begin to imagine the discomfort of the poor person in front of a 4 yr old in a car seat on a plane. The kids feet would just naturally kick the seat back without even trying and we are tallking some big feet.

My 17 month old on my lap would do a lot less kicking than your 4 yr old in a car seat so IMO you shouldn't be calling the kettle black.

 

[rrobin3051]

Truer words were never spoken!!!!

I can't even begin to imagine the discomfort of the poor person in front of a 4 yr old in a car seat on a plane. The kids feet would just naturally kick the seat back without even trying and we are tallking some big feet.

My 17 month old on my lap would do a lot less kicking than your 4 yr old in a car seat so IMO you shouldn't be calling the kettle black.

AMEN to that! We did have almost 2 year old in a carseat but only because there was an empty seat and his feet easily reached the other seat. All is I can say is thank God that my family was the one in front of him..lol. He kicked without being mad, just moving dangling feet..there is no easy solution to traveling with kids, you just have to make the best for the few hours you are on the plane. I know others dont want to hear a crying kid but that parent doesnt either. I will tell you as a mother if it is mine crying im sure it bothers me 100 times more than you. Im the one getting hot and embarrassed and trying to do everything in my power to end it. When I happen to hear someone else's kid it rarely bothers me. I might for a moment think that poor mom, but other than that I continue on reading or doing whatever it was I was doing.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Well, you've certainly given the OP lots to think about.

I thank you for keeping it civil and not fighting on this thread.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I'm sorry, But I can't understand this for the life of me!!!! If your husband is saying that you can't afford it, then you shouldn't be going. You should also be considering the people all around you. They don't want to have a child kicking their seat and a parent juggling a kid around....I could ALMOST understand if it you had an infant, but a 17 month old, come on. He says it isn't going to bother him with the child on his lap, but lets face it, it will be you traveling with the child on YOUR lap!

I have flown numerous times with my son. ALWAYS have bought a seat and until he started using the booster seat at age 5 he sat in a car seat. Never did I have a problem with him not wanting to sit there. Still to this day, he sits with his seat belt fastens the entire time....just like everyone should. No exceptions!

By the way, the airlines offer 50% off the fare when it's a child under 2.....if they are over 2 they pay the full price.

I think it's a bad idea!

Cant help but think you must be an angry person. Your whole post is angry. I debated responding at all, but the difference is, Im not angry, I just feel you are being rude to me and to others who have posted.
I asked for people to tell me about their experiences with lap children when flying. Many people have come and done just that, positive or negative they have entered their experience in a sincere and open way, others have discussed current FAA standards, tactics for keeping kids happy, safety, products on the market to assist in airline safety, and so on....You decide to make personal assumptions about me. Which, is your right, albeit rude.

But with only 10 posts to your credit I would say you are getting off on the wrong foot. You dont know me and you dont know my husband. I dont knwo that I owe you an explanation, but I cant allow your accusation to float out there without addressing it. My husband is the type to work the hardest at entertaining our child (in her own seat ,or on his lap, or the backseat of our car, or restaurant, or wherever. He is an involved Dad.) It is out of line for you to make comments on if we can afford this trip or who would ultimately be responsible for our child. Furthermore,If you read the whole thread you would know I already called AAA and Delta and there are NO discounts for children on my flight.

Im glad you feel you are a stellar example of a parent, buy a seat no matter what, and your child behaves beautifully when traveling. Kudos to you for accomplishing this. As someone who traveled without children for many years I appreciate your efforts for having well behaved kids. Please, come to the DIS and participate in discussions. I wish you the best in your Disney planning.

But dont come on and be insulting to me.

 

[ducklite]

ice pack!

Ice packs are an absolute no-no these days.

A $.99 bag of frozen peas or blueberries is allowed and will work just as well.

Anne

 

[KteaRN]

Well there sure are a lot of different opinions on this board!

I'll just pipe in with my plan. DH, myself, my sister, DS 14, DS almost 3, and DD 17months will be flying to WDW on jetblue, a direct flight, Sept. 16th. We did not buy a ticket for DD 17months. I will bring her carseat and gate-check it if there is no empty seat.

I have reserved a row of seats across, minus one in the middle (there are 6 seats across and I've booked 5) and I'm hoping that no one takes that seat. If so, there are 3 adults and my DS 14 to take turns holding DD, or the two little ones could sit together for a little while or take turns sitting on the seat.

As for thingd for the kids to do, what about
-FLOAM - I think thats what its called. Like Play Doh, but doesn't dry out or leave tiny pieces everywhere.

Milk - we have a product in the grocery store near the powdered milk and choc milk mixes - Lil' Milk - Its milk in a box - like a juice box. Can we bring these on the plane?

Also does anyone know if there is whole milk available in the parks?

Thanks

 

[snugglepeas]

my daughter was only 10 months when we last went to disney but we booked an early morning flight to orlando in the hopes that she would sleep most of the way down, and she did sleep 3/4 of the way down and then the flight home was booked for right around her bedtime again in the hopes that she would sleep, we were loaded onto the plane and then we were delayed by almost a hour before taking off she was not very happy not being able to move around but as soon as we took off she was fine, we chose seats over the wing and the noise from the engine put her right to sleep. we are going to disney again in a few months when she is 15 months we did the same with the times of the flights and are hoping for the best, there will be 3 of us plus my daughter so we will switch off holding her and i will be sure to bring some toys to keep her busy. dont stress over this just make sure you bring food and things to do, and just hold on to your child and all will be fine

 

[rrobin3051]

Well there sure are a lot of different opinions on this board!

I'll just pipe in with my plan. DH, myself, my sister, DS 14, DS almost 3, and DD 17months will be flying to WDW on jetblue, a direct flight, Sept. 16th. We did not buy a ticket for DD 17months. I will bring her carseat and gate-check it if there is no empty seat.

I have reserved a row of seats across, minus one in the middle (there are 6 seats across and I've booked 5) and I'm hoping that no one takes that seat. If so, there are 3 adults and my DS 14 to take turns holding DD, or the two little ones could sit together for a little while or take turns sitting on the seat.

As for thingd for the kids to do, what about
-FLOAM - I think thats what its called. Like Play Doh, but doesn't dry out or leave tiny pieces everywhere.

Milk - we have a product in the grocery store near the powdered milk and choc milk mixes - Lil' Milk - Its milk in a box - like a juice box. Can we bring these on the plane?

Also does anyone know if there is whole milk available in the parks?

Thanks

I dont know about the milk box, is it already a liquid? Or is powder? If it is a liquid I would say no. Sippy cups passed my security(cleveland) but I would think juice boxes wouldnt. Now whole milk in the parks, Im not saying there isnt but I didnt come across any. We had a villa so I had whole milk on hand. Once I forgot his cup and bought milk there, but it was either 2% or 1% I cant remember. I figured it would be fine a few times without whole milk. Sorry I cant answer your questions better.

 

[brymolmom]

If people are concerned about juice or milk for their little one - don't forget you can bring on the plane ANYTHING you buy after security. Many airports at least have drink stands after security. Just bring a little cooler and buy some milk and/or juice before getting on the plane!

 

[firsttimermd]

I'm sorry, But I can't understand this for the life of me!!!! If your husband is saying that you can't afford it, then you shouldn't be going. You should also be considering the people all around you. They don't want to have a child kicking their seat and a parent juggling a kid around....I could ALMOST understand if it you had an infant, but a 17 month old, come on. He says it isn't going to bother him with the child on his lap, but lets face it, it will be you traveling with the child on YOUR lap!

I have flown numerous times with my son. ALWAYS have bought a seat and until he started using the booster seat at age 5 he sat in a car seat. Never did I have a problem with him not wanting to sit there. Still to this day, he sits with his seat belt fastens the entire time....just like everyone should. No exceptions!

By the way, the airlines offer 50% off the fare when it's a child under 2.....if they are over 2 they pay the full price.

I think it's a bad idea!

Forgive me, madame moderator, but this kind of blantant nastiness is something that I feel can't go unanswered. I have watched this thread bring out all sorts of emotions that I honestly never imagined would be so highly charged. And "speaking of not understanding something for the life of me"...how is it that we are all so in love with the most magical place on earth, most of us have kids or know some that we love, but yet some are able to be so insensitve, judgemental, and just plain mean. I'll tell you how--anonymity. It's really easy to be hateful when you are hiding behind a computer screen.

Having said that, I too wanted to answer one of the most absurd assertions I have ever heard--"If your husband is saying that you can't afford it, then you shouldn't be going." Well, I spoke to this in an earlier response, but now I wanted to ask this person to put the shoe on the other foot for just a moment...Suppose you are living in a manner that allows you to have what you need and enjoy some of the good stuff life has to offer, but not much more. Now suppose someone just told you your Naval Reservist husband is leaving your family in one month to go away to Kuwait for a year. Do you think you might scrimp and pull together what money you could to take a spur-of-the-moment family trip to make some priceless memories considering that it is possible that said husband might never come back? Do you think if he didn't come back I would give a rat's backside that I chose to lap fly my child (seems we can't call them babies when they are the ripe old age of 17-months!)? NO!!! I wouldn't, especially considering from 1981 to 1996, there were only an average of 2 MINOR injuries reported each year due to turbulence and the odds of death on a plane are 1 in 8 million (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics). Do you think the family should forego the trip because they can't spend the extra several hundred dollars for a seat they very well may not end up using for a number of reasons on the very slim odds that something might happen to the child? And God forbid that child, restrained or not, acts in a manner unbecoming. God forbid our kids act like kids. It is a matter of hours on the plane for most of us yet some of us act like it will be the end of the world if we are disturbed a child during a flight. Lord knows I've been ready to pull out my eye lashes during many a dinner out because of someone's child acting out, but I would never presume to judge or give the evil eye because I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES.

Yes, in a perfect world we would never put a price on safety, but this isn't a perfect world. Did you spare no expense to buy the safest car on the market? Do you have a super high-tech security system on your home that covers every facet of possible danger? Do you ever turn you back on your child even for a moment? I'm guessing no, no and yes. It is real easy to sit back and freak out about this issue, but let's get real folks, our kids are in way more danger every day just walking out the door than they are on our laps on the way to a beautiful, memorable vacation with their family that may never get to see their dad again.

Frankly, in my short time on disboards, I am horribly disappointed in the manner in which some people choose to treat others. I certainly won't be asking any thought provoking questions any time soon. I guess to best sum it up I will quote my mom, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything."

Enjoy your vacations.

 

[fun4disney]

Cant help but think you must be an angry person. Your whole post is angry. I debated responding at all, but the difference is, Im not angry, I just feel you are being rude to me and to others who have posted.
I asked for people to tell me about their experiences with lap children when flying. Many people have come and done just that, positive or negative they have entered their experience in a sincere and open way, others have discussed current FAA standards, tactics for keeping kids happy, safety, products on the market to assist in airline safety, and so on....You decide to make personal assumptions about me. Which, is your right, albeit rude.

But with only 10 posts to your credit I would say you are getting off on the wrong foot. You dont know me and you dont know my husband. I dont knwo that I owe you an explanation, but I cant allow your accusation to float out there without addressing it. My husband is the type to work the hardest at entertaining our child (in her own seat ,or on his lap, or the backseat of our car, or restaurant, or wherever. He is an involved Dad.) It is out of line for you to make comments on if we can afford this trip or who would ultimately be responsible for our child. Furthermore,If you read the whole thread you would know I already called AAA and Delta and there are NO discounts for children on my flight.

Im glad you feel you are a stellar example of a parent, buy a seat no matter what, and your child behaves beautifully when traveling. Kudos to you for accomplishing this. As someone who traveled without children for many years I appreciate your efforts for having well behaved kids. Please, come to the DIS and participate in discussions. I wish you the best in your Disney planning.

But dont come on and be insulting to me.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, REALLY! I wasn't trying to come off angry or to insult you or anyone else! After re-reading my post I guess I did, and that wasn't what I was trying to do, just trying to get a point accross. I just feel really strongly about the safety of children. I do feel like the childs safety and comfort as well as the comfort of others is more important then the money. I felt like someone had to stand up for this 17 month old child. Disney IS an expensive trip, no matter how you do it, so I guess what I was thinking was if you can't afford the seat at $200 then you shouldn't be flying. That seems to me like the husband was putting a price on safety and I was thinking "how could he do that" so that is what I was responding to.

And to the person who said I don't know what it's like to have a Naval Reservest, this is true, however I do know what it's like to have an active Marine in the family. So I do understand what it's like, and my heart does go out to all military families. God Bless.

AGAIN, I'M SORRY FOR COMING OFF RUDE.

 

[NotUrsula]

Milk - we have a product in the grocery store near the powdered milk and choc milk mixes - Lil' Milk - Its milk in a box - like a juice box. Can we bring these on the plane?

You can't bring them through security, which is the real problem. You could pack them in your checked baggage if you wanted to, though I wouldn't advise it, in case of leaks.

The only way to reliably get cow's milk through security for a toddler these days is to pour it into a baby bottle and pass it off as formula. (TSO's are not allowed to ask you to prove the nature of white liquids in baby bottles if a "baby" is traveling.) In most cases it is easier to bring a small cooler w/ some frozen veggies and just buy the milk airside. You can always get 2% and skim, and you can usually get whole, at the airport.

Most US domestic flights don't serve milk on board the aircraft, so if you want it for the flight you should buy it on the ground. However, it is a good idea to think twice about serving dairy if you don't know if your child gets airsick. While dairy doesn't cause airsickness, the smell and staining will be much worse if there is dairy in the stomach when it happens.

 

[Pinnie]

If you choose to travel with your child on your lap, I hope you are not in the seat behind me. On Sunday, I was on a flight from ONT to Houston in front of a lap child who was about a year old. My DH and I are patient people, but we were so happy to get off that plane! We had our seat backs kicked the entire flight. MY Dh was trying to get some work done and it was near impossible. Because we were on CO, in addition to a drink cart, there was a food cart, so we got no relief since the parents couldn't get up to walk the child.

Also, I was on a flight awhile ago from BNA to DTW and witnessed a lap child getting a nice big goose egg on his head when we hit a nasty pocket of turbulence and his head smacked the tray table. Mom didn't have a real 'tight' grip on him and he went flying.

Best wishes to you and I hope you all enjoy a safe trip.

pinnie

 

[jodifla]

If you choose to travel with your child on your lap, I hope you are not in the seat behind me. On Sunday, I was on a flight from ONT to Houston in front of a lap child who was about a year old. My DH and I are patient people, but we were so happy to get off that plane! We had our seat backs kicked the entire flight. MY Dh was trying to get some work done and it was near impossible. Because we were on CO, in addition to a drink cart, there was a food cart, so we got no relief since the parents couldn't get up to walk the child.

Also, I was on a flight awhile ago from BNA to DTW and witnessed a lap child getting a nice big goose egg on his head when we hit a nasty pocket of turbulence and his head smacked the tray table. Mom didn't have a real 'tight' grip on him and he went flying.

Best wishes to you and I hope you all enjoy a safe trip.

pinnie

There's no connection between having your seat kicked and the child being a lap child. As many have testified, it's much easier for a child to kick a seat when sitting in a car seat.

 

[Pinnie]

It is if the child is CONSTANTLY being passed from parent to parent and smacking the seat with his HANDS.

pinnie

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It is if the child is CONSTANTLY being passed from parent to parent and smacking the seat with his HANDS.

pinnie

I had a restrained man sitting behind me on a transatlantic flight who felt the need to constantly shift. I was unable to recline my seat and still and to have my tush foward so my lumbar wouldn't feel his knees in my back.



You evidently fell victim to parents who were doing the best they could.

Note: Just b/c a child is in a car seat--won't eliminate what you have experienced.

 

[Pinnie]

You evidently fell victim to parents who were doing the best they could.

Note: Just b/c a child is in a car seat--won't eliminate what you have experienced.

True, but if the child had been in his own seat it would have only been ONE of us subjected to having our seat smacked endlessly from CA to TX. DH and I could have switched seats for awhile. The child was UNrestrained, bottom line and it was miserable being in the seats in front of him.

Interesting how no one has mentioned anything about the unrestrained injured child in my post......

pinnie

 

[CindyCharming]

Interesting how no one has mentioned anything about the unrestrained injured child in my post......

pinnie

Probably because, while unfortunate, what is there to say? People could tell thousands of anecdotes about kids that sat on a parent's lap and had no problems whatsoever and I imagine it would not sway your opinion either. The fact of the matter is, as a parent you have to make hundreds, if not thousands of decisions pertaining to the safety of your children. There are so many things you do everyday that can put your child at risk: letting them ride a bike, traveling with them in a car (even with a carseat), letting them take the bus to school, letting them swim, walking in a parking lot, etc, etc. We weigh the risks, decide how much of a risk there is and decide if we are comfortable enough to take that chance. That's all a parent can do.

Are there kids sitting on their parent's lap that are hurt? I'm sure there are. Would they have been better off in their own seat. Possibly. But if you look at statistics, I'm sure you will find riding in a car (in a carseat) is a far, far risker thing than sitting on a parent's lap in an airplane. I would probably even wager that many everyday things we let our children do are riskier than having a lap child on a flight. Does that mean there's no reason to worry about it, of course not. But it still comes down to each person's comfort level.

 

[Pinnie]

I guess we can agree to disagree. Like my grandma used to say, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you SHOULD."

I will have to wonder if these lap parents are going to be the same ones who are going to complain when they find out that school buses in the majority of states do NOT mandate seat belts????

pinnie