Do you have to buy an airline ticket for a 2 yr old?

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worldsowide

We have a 26-month-old and have been traveling internationally and domestically with him since he was born -- you will most likely be asked to show some proof of age at check in (most certainly if you are traveling internationally you'll have to show a passport and then the gig will be up). And if you are found out mid-trip you could be denied boarding or forced to buy a ticket for your child then at there which most certainly will be more expensive then if you plan ahead.

Besides the financial savings (which I understand can be considerable), it's really not worth trying to fly with your child on your lap. Just sit on your living room couch and try keeping your squirmy toddler still for a couple of hours on your lap. It won't be comfortable for you or for those who have to sit next to you.

It's also not safe for your child. During turbulence it's best to have a way to secure your child in a seat and should there be any kind of accident, your child risks severe injury in your arms. Frankly, we always bought a seat for our son even when he could "legally" be a lap child for the safety concerns.

kc_brig

depends on the length of the flight... i personally wouldn't want to be stuck in the seat next to a person with a 2 year old on his/her lap. it's not exactly "fun" for the other passengers.

Mandi Jo

If the child is okay sitting on your lap, then the airlines won't have a problem with it. My niece flew with me just a few weeks ago, and she is Two and a half. She is small for her age though, which could be a reason why it worked. ... Although I have learned that it is much easier to get a child that age their own seat, since they are learning independance, and if your son is anything like my niece, they want to do everything themselves.

Where am I?

You won't be able to pass him off as a 24 month all, as he as well needs an ID to pass customs.
For children that age you need to purchase a ticket, but for a percentage of the fare you pay, usually 10-20%, depending on the airline.
It will assign a seat for him, so he can sleep in there too, which makes the flight more comfortable for you.
I know that most airlines wouldn't even allow you to have the child on you lap for safety regulations, especially during take off and descending and landing.

They call me ... Trixie.

They usually ask to see a birth certificate if the child looks borderline age, and if you're flying internationally you'll still need a passport for the child. The no ticket rule is for children UP TO 2 years, so they could fly free if they were 1 year 364 days. A lap child will usually only pay 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes, on an international flight. You'll have to check with the specific airline if it's a domestic flight.

rebel g

This is a safety issue. Children over the age of 2 are too big to be held safely. God forbid something happen to the plane-he will be safer belted in to his own seat. Is risking his life worth a few hundred bucks? Be safe and buy the seat.

beth l

When I flew (southwest - I think) it was 12 month and under free and my son was 5 mo. clearly not OVER a year and they wanted the birth certificate. Which I didn't have, since he was no where close to 1yr. They let me on (FINALLY) but they were pretty nasty about the whole thing! They want their money!

Lindsay G

Depends on the airline, but I think it's usually only free for kids under 1.

eJay

Yes you will have to buy a ticket. Kids that are 24 months and under can travel for free as a "lap child" But at 26 months you have to buy a ticket, You will want to as well. Then you will have a seat for your child. If the flight is sold out and you have a "lap child" they sit on your lap for the flight.

They will ask for the BC for your child. Don't take this chance. They will make you buy a ticket at the airport. And if the flight has no seats left you wont get to go.

Proud Mommy of 2!

You might have to show your child's birth certificate, if so it ain't happening if its 24 months and under, check with your airline for polices. Good luck. Oh and if they say 2yrs and under and your child is 26months your good cuz he or she is 2.

Tom

Typically the answer is yes.

Murphette

depends if they child is small or not. my child is large for her age, so before she was two, we flew to hawaii, with her sitting on our lap.

every airport, they would ask for her birthdate... and they didn't question it when we told them.

we traveled in August and her birthday was in Sept. so just keep a date one month later in mind and be consistent with it.

WARYAA

id say pass him as a 24 month old.

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