International travel with child under 2 years while going but over 2 years while returning?

Question

I am planning an international travel from US with my child who will be less than 2 years while going (In November, 2006), but will be a month over 2 years while coming back (in Feb 2007). I am planning to buy the ticket now (Aug 2006).
Can I buy a ticket for my child under 'infant in lap' category? Or will I have to pay for 'child 2-12' years category?
If I buy under 'infant in lap' category, then while returning, can the airline question the ticket / what extra price will I have to pay?

I am planning an international travel from US with my child who will be less than 2 years while going (In November, 2006), but will be a month over 2 years while coming back (in Feb 2007). I am planning to buy the ticket now (Aug 2006).
Can I buy a ticket for my child under 'infant in lap' category? Or will I have to pay for 'child 2-12' years category?
If I buy under 'infant in lap' category, then while returning, can the airline question the ticket / what extra price will I have to pay?

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I do not intend to lie about the age of the kid, so please while replying, take this into account.
Also, the difference between a 'lap' fare and a 'seat' fare would be more than $1000 and so do not intend to buy complete 'seat' fare... (anyway, even with a seat fare, the kid is not going to stay in the seat but usually playing in my lap anyway...)

Guys, please, I am looking for the specific answer about the rules and not the opinion on what should be done..ex. as anjelkake provided her unwarranted opinion....
you know anjelkake, "opinion is like an a$$hole. Everyone has one. But there is no need to flaunt it in the public".

Answer 1

If the airline asks you, tell them the kid is under 2 and is just big for his age. The big question is whether you want to have a toddler (and one in his terrible twos at that) in your lap the whole time on an international flight. I'd think it would be worth a couple of bucks to be able to get some sleep without worrying about him peeing on you or smacking you the whole time...

Answer 2

You sound like a stand-up person who really wants to do the right thing; so, I'll answer with that in mind.
Legally, you are buying a roundtrip ticket in the USA and USA law applies to the contract terms even though you are going overseas. You are entering into a contract with the airline to carry you and your child out and back. Any contract is based on the facts that pertain when the contract is effective. You'll execute this contract by handing over your money and getting a ticket (even if it is an e-ticket) and the contract is effective on the date of the outbound flight. Thus, as far as this contract is concerned, your child is under 2 and you will pay an under-two price. (By the way, this would not be the case if you bought two one-way tickets because each one is a separate contract and for the return flight the contract would be based on the child's age on the date of the return flight.)
If you have bought only a lap fare, in fairness (and legally too) you should keep your child on your lap only - never in a seat even if one is empty.
From a safety standpoint, your child would do better in a seat. It is amazing how "heavy" a child becomes in rough weather or during an emergency landing. There is no way you would have enough arm strength to hold your child in your lap while the plane is being tossed around. You would lose your grip and the child would go flying - possible injuring its self and possibly injuring others.
So, if you can afford it, your best solution is probably to buy a seat for your child in both directions. If money is tight, you are perfectly within your legal rights to fly with your child on your lap in both directions.
One more point, be sure you get good travel medical insurance that covers both you and your child. If tight money requires that you purchase coverage for only one of you, cover yourself because you can care for your child but your child cannot care for you. For more details on really good travel medical insurance, go to http://www.wavehelp.com/travel-medical/index.htm and click on hte little red phone booth to investigate "Worldwide Health" insurance from the industry leader. Have a good trip.
Best wishes.

Answer 3

If you're booking and paying for the flight while your child is still under 2 you don't have to pay for an extra ticket. As long as you don't mind him or her sitting on your lap the whole flight.

Answer 4

You can purchase infant tkt one way and return tkt will be as 2-12 category with seat.

My niece was 23 months when she travelled they departed after 2 months. No one really checked at the airport. Not that we were cheating no one knew the rule.

As per regulations no exemptions even if you are day older than 2yrs.

Answer 5

You need to buy your kid a seat.

Your child will be more comfortable and less whiny. I'm not so sure you care about your kid's comfort as much as you care about your money and how much you can spend at your destination.

Don't forget to buy your child a few lollipops for take off and landing. That ear equalization is really uncomfortable for them. Again you might not care.

Answer 6

If you purchase the tickets now (when they're under 2), they don't really care later.

Just to be safe, I'd check with the airline or your travel agent.

Answer 7

in some small print, there is some writing that states if the child's birthday lands before flight days...blah blah...then you have to purchase a child's ticket. I don't know if they actually check that kind of stuff...but you never know. Best advice...ask your travel agent.

Answer 8

Ask the specific airline their policy.
If you can afford it, it is best to pay for their own seat so you don't have to hold them the entire time. This way they can sleep and you can get up and walk around a bit.

Answer 9

Just buy one of each to be sure or tell the airlines your situation.

Just buy under two tickets, as you'd have the right of way.

Answer 10

i'd pay the extra $ for a seat for the child...do you really want to be on a long flight with him/her on your lap the whole time?