The airline i am flying with requires that toddlers (even almost 2 yrs of age) must remain in a parent's lap for the duration of the flight. How can that be possible? it will be over night, so my child (and i, so i'd hoped) will be sleeping. My husband will also be there, but we cannot pass her between the both of us throughout the night. Is there anything i could say that might change their minds (providing there is an extra seat), or is this kind of rule non-negotiable?
2006-07-31 07:29:19 · 16 answers · asked by Kalinka 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Are you paying for a seat for the child? If so, then I believe a using a car seat is acceptable. If you're not paying for an extra seat, and I'm not sure how this complies with safety regulations....Then you may be simply out of luck!
2006-07-31 07:35:21 · answer #1 · answered by amkornele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, it's up to the airline, and if they say no-go, then the answer is no-go and the child must stay in your lap for the duration of the flight. Both of the times I've flown with a toddler the airline allowed me to gate-check the carseat. That way, if there was an extra seat I had it with me and could use it. If there wasn't an extra seat they could stash it wherever it is that they stash those things and I got it when I got off the plane. I've had both happen. You could always ask them if you are allowed to gate-check any items and the leave it up to the flight attendant or ticket taker at the gate to let you know whether or not you can have an extra seat. At this point in the game they may be trying to not give you the idea that they are guaranteeing a seat will be available. If they're unwilling to work with you, you may also want to consider changing airlines.
2006-07-31 10:34:58 · answer #2 · answered by momofmalia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my son on a 4 hr flight when he was 22 months old. I was told the same thing, he would fly free but had to stay in my lap or I could buy him a seat and bring a car seat if I wanted. I was also told that if the flight was not full and after the flight took,off they would let me have another seat for my toddler. I brought books, crayons, and small toys in a carry on bag for him and never needed them! The 1st flight he loved every minute of it, looking out the window, flirting with the women and jabbering the whole time. They seated me on a row to ourselves. (they were 3 seat rows) Though the flight back was alot more crowded they still made a seat available for him even though I didn't need it, he slept in my arms the whole trip back. I wouldn't be too concerned about it, the stewardess' will help make the trip very comfortable for you and your little one. Good Luck!!!
2006-07-31 12:14:09 · answer #3 · answered by rose_everafter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rule on airplanes is the child has to be on your lap because you didn't pay for her to fly. So the only way you'll get her a seat is if you pay for her ticket. If you do, you can bring a car seat for the flight.
Honestly, if I were you I'd bite the bullet and buy her a ticket. You will be very uncomfortable with a 2 year old on your lap for 10 hours and she'll be one unhappy camper. At least in her own seat she can look at books, play with toys and sleep comfortably. We flew with my kids a few months ago (3 years and 5 months) and there's no way in hell I would have taken the trip with the 3 year old on my lap. It was bad enough with the baby sitting on me.
2006-07-31 14:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by brainchild 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am presuming that in a case of under 2 yrs, there may be an insurance thing going on..... ask the airline the whys and wherefors... a small child could wake in the night, not wake you or dad and just toddle around the plane unsupervised...... or choke, or get sick, so many possibilities, that I cant name them all....... plus, and I hate to say, but in the case of a crash, dont worry, I prayed a protection prayer for you !! but it is just a possible reason for the child in lap thing... you can not use a car seat on a plane !! so there ya go..... but ask like i said and find out.... God bless
2006-07-31 07:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by Annie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can pay for an extra seat. I brought an 18 month old on a 3 hour flight and I couldnt imagine doing it for 10 hours. I strongly suggest you pay for the extra seat. If you dont want to pay for it, then you will be stuck holding a squirmy, bored, miserable 2 year old for 10 hours...
2006-07-31 07:35:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to purchase an additional seat for your child, but the child will have to be restrained in a safety seat. That is the only way to guarantee not having to hold the child for the entire flight.
2006-07-31 07:33:23 · answer #7 · answered by Mary J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are willing to pay for an extra seat, then you can do what ever you want- otherwise you'll have to have her on your lap. Maybe you will get lucky and the flight will not be full.
2006-07-31 12:18:06 · answer #8 · answered by judyjudyjudy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first off, best of luck to you on that trip. secondly if there is a free seat available most stewardesses will be lenient since you have a baby and all. should be able to work something out, like you sleep for awhile while daddy takes the baby around and vice versa. pray you find an extra seat though
2006-07-31 07:33:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a seat if you are concerned.
But if they tell you they can't sit next to you in a vacant seat, point out the people who are laying in or across 2 or 3 seats. They didn't pay for 2 or 3 seats.
2006-07-31 07:33:58 · answer #10 · answered by jooker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋