Travel with Children - To lap child or not to lap child

I perused the FAQ in this sub forum an didnt see what I was looking for. I suppose I am just looking for other travelers opinions on this matter. My wife and I will be traveling from Denver to Chicago then down to Atlanta. Prices for tickets in the month we need to go are quite pricey. I can save about 600$ if I put our child as a lap child. The problem is she will be 2 years old and about 4 months and I see on the web site Uniteds cut off says 2yrs old. She is very small for her age though compared to other children. I guess my question is will United want proof she is in fact less then 2yrs old? What would some of you other parents do. Money is kinda tight but my sister is getting married and we all need to get there for her big day. Advice?

The FAA is strict about the 2 year cut-off for "lap babies". The burden of proof is on the parents to prove that the child has not yet had his or her 2nd birthday. Many airlines ask for the birth certificate but I didn't see this mentioned on UA's website. You will probably be asked her birthdate at check-in.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1051,00.html

Once we did have a child over age 2 without a seat. The mother didn't speak English and was returning to Africa. Her child had turned 2 on the trip. We believed she was just misinformed and not trying to get away with anything and begged the ground staff to remove an employee to accommodate the child. We couldn't risk keeping the child on her lap as that would have been a FAA violation and we could have been personally fined.

If you are caught, you could end up paying the full fare for a place or removed from the flight.

Perhaps there is someone she can stay with there in Denver while you attend the wedding?

The FAA is strict about the 2 year cut-off for "lap babies". The burden of proof is on the parents to prove that the child has not yet had his or her 2nd birthday. Many airlines ask for the birth certificate but I didn't see this mentioned on UA's website. You will probably be asked her birthdate at check-in.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1051,00.html

Once we did have a child over age 2 without a seat. The mother didn't speak English and was returning to Africa. Her child had turned 2 on the trip. We believed she was just misinformed and not trying to get away with anything and begged the ground staff to remove an employee to accommodate the child. We couldn't risk keeping the child on her lap as that would have been a FAA violation and we could have been personally fined.

If you are caught, you could end up paying the full fare for a place or removed from the flight.

Perhaps there is someone she can stay with there in Denver while you attend the wedding?
I didnt realize it was an FAA requirement. Thanks for that heads up. We have traveled with her before on 2 diferent United flights without having to provide documentation on her age. She was only 20 months at the time. She is going to be the flower girl in the wedding and all my family is also leaving Denver to go to the wedding, so no one to leave her with.

Perhaps you can cash in some miles for your wife (assuming you can all get on the same flight). As a 1K, you'd still be entitled to have them all fly with you in E+ and could still bring your wife through security, priority boarding, etc although on a separate PNR. I actually bought tix to HNL for my wife/daughter while I and my other daughter were on paid tickets. Ditto for a trip to LAX once. Otherwise, perhaps a road trip or another airline? I was loathe to fly DL to DEN last year for my uncle's wedding, but it actually wasn't too bad as a general member since families with young kids (our youngest was 2 1/2 at the time) could board early.

There's no question here. You don't have a choice because of her age. It's very unfair of you to even consider taking away from the comfort of others with a child far over age in order to keep money in your own pocket. :td:

There's no question here. You don't have a choice because of her age. It's very unfair of you to even consider taking away from the comfort of others with a child far over age in order to keep money in your own pocket. :td:

Let's not get overly righteous here as the whole age criteria is ridiculous to begin with. If you consider safety or inconveniences to others then the limitation should be based on weight not age. 20 mo old 35 lb boy is clearly a bigger inconvenience than 28 mo 25 lb girl.

I don't see a problem with trying to sneak a very small kid on a plane as a lap child even if s/he is over the age of 2. For all practical purposes the airline only needs to verify the age to comply with FAA regulations so if you state "under 2" they won't care. That being said parents have to be ready to face the consequences if things don't go as planned so consider your own risk/reward ratio.

Personally as a 1K I would book an award ticket for her and keep an eye on flight loads and kid's weight. If by travel time she still looks small enough and there are empty seats I would seriously consider canceling the award and trying lap child approach.

I'll be as self-righteous about it as I like, thanks!
I hope that OP gets sizzled and has to buy a walk-up fare as punishment if he tries it.

I'll be as self-righteous about it as I like, thanks!
I hope that OP gets sizzled and has to buy a walk-up fare as punishment if he tries it.

You sound like a fun person to be around.:cool: I dont see how having my 21lb girl in my lap or my wifes would be an inconvienence to another passenger. To be honest, my daughter will not sit still at a restaurant in her own high chair for 40 min, I know she wont be sitting in her own seat on 5 hours worth of airplane flying. Just seems like a waste of 600$ to me. My daughter is small. She is about 5 inches shorther and 5-9lbs lighter then kids her age. Most people we see in stores, etc, cant believe us when we tell them she is just over 2.

Anyways, I dont want to risk getting thrown off the plane so I may have to bite the bullet. My current plan is use miles for my wifes ticket, use my 350$ e cert I have saved up for mine, and then just pay for my daughters ticket. I found a much cheaper ticket to get there for only 320$ but it will require a long detour to Chicago instead of a strait shot. Would suck, but it is definately cheaper.

To be honest, my daughter will not sit still at a restaurant in her own high chair for 40 min, I know she wont be sitting in her own seat on 5 hours worth of airplane flying.

Well, if that's the case, then why do you think she'd sit on your lap for 5 hours of airplane flying? (seriously)

Having just done a transcon trip with a 19 month old, I now totally see why a 2 year old has to buy a seat. Regardless of their size, 2 year olds are just squirmy...

Well, if that's the case, then why do you think she'd sit on your lap for 5 hours of airplane flying? (seriously)


Because she likes to sit in mine and my wifes lap. Like I stated, in a restaurant she doesnt last long in her own seat. She prefers to be in our lap or trying to walk around the joint. If I bought her her own seat, it would remain empty for 98% of the flight, hence why I am reluctant to purchase one for her.

Because she likes to sit in mine and my wifes lap. Like I stated, in a restaurant she doesnt last long in her own seat. She prefers to be in our lap or trying to walk around the joint. If I bought her her own seat, it would remain empty for 98% of the flight, hence why I am reluctant to purchase one for her.

Your reluctance is irrelevant. She's over two years old and legally, you must purchase a ticket for her. Advice? Buy the seat and avoid embarrasment and additional cost when you are asked for her birth certificate at check-in or the gate, and you must purchase a ticket at the walk-up fare.

Your reluctance is irrelevant. She's over two years old and legally, you must purchase a ticket for her. Advice? Buy the seat and avoid embarrasment and additional cost when you are asked for her birth certificate at check-in or the gate, and you must purchase a ticket at the walk-up fare.

I wasnt aware you needed a birth certificate for domestic travel on United for a child. Can anyone confirm this? I realize legally I am required, but lets get off our high horses here people, when the speed limit says 55mph have you ever gone 60mph? It is not like I am trying to commit murder here, its fudging 4 month off a a legal age. Hell, my wife just celebrated her 29th birthday for the last 4 years.

You're the one trying to pull off a scam and WE are on high horses? Really?
:confused:

You're the one trying to pull off a scam and WE are on high horses? Really?
:confused:
sigh

Okay, OP... I agree with you that some folks on this thread may come across as a little, well, assertive in their tone. :)

But I have to agree that a 2 year old probably needs his/her own seat. I say this relunctantly but realistically. It doesn't matter how small/well-behaved/[fill in word here] your child is. Airplanes are crowded, there isn't a lot of room for passengers, much less for lap children. I do think it's unfair to encroach in other people's very limited space, and with a 2+ year old lap child I don't see how you could possibly avoid it.

So I say, buy the ticket and get her a frequent flyer number. :D

Now excuse me I must go post in the thread about seat changes for families. ;)

Okay, OP... I agree with you that some folks on this thread may come across as a little, well, assertive in their tone. :)

But I have to agree that a 2 year old probably needs his/her own seat. I say this relunctantly but realistically. It doesn't matter how small/well-behaved/[fill in word here] your child is. Airplanes are crowded, there isn't a lot of room for passengers, much less for lap children. I do think it's unfair to encroach in other people's very limited space, and with a 2+ year old lap child I don't see how you could possibly avoid it.

So I say, buy the ticket and get her a frequent flyer number. :D

Now excuse me I must go post in the thread about seat changes for families. ;)

Thanks for your reply! I suppose I better just get her her own seat and FF number.^ Having an entire row to our selves would be nice. Our neighbor has a 3 year old and has also told us we should just get our daughter her own seat from their personal experiences. Anyways, Thanks for the insight all.

I wasnt aware you needed a birth certificate for domestic travel on United for a child. Can anyone confirm this? I realize legally I am required, but lets get off our high horses here people, when the speed limit says 55mph have you ever gone 60mph? It is not like I am trying to commit murder here, its fudging 4 month off a a legal age. Hell, my wife just celebrated her 29th birthday for the last 4 years.
Yes, if the airline thinks your child is two or older, they will ask you for the birth certificate to prove the child is eligible to ride in your lap. If you don't have it, or the child is too old, you will be charged the walkup fare, if there are any seats available for purchase.

We are not discussing lying about age or speeding. You posted about stealing an airline seat and that's the only issue here.

Yes, if the airline thinks your child is two or older, they will ask you for the birth certificate to prove the child is eligible to ride in your lap. If you don't have it, or the child is too old, you will be charged the walkup fare, if there are any seats available for purchase.

We are not discussing lying about age or speeding. You posted about stealing an airline seat and that's the only issue here.

Stealing a seat would be me not paying for a seat then letting my daughter sit in the empty seat for free. I posted about having her on my lap. You know, like setting a back back on your lap. Anyways, I digress, looking at using my miles for my daughters own seat so as not to risk getting deplaned or having to pay a walk up fare.

I have been asked for my daughter's birth cert on two flights - both WN. Not sure why, as she had her own seat for both flights. Anyway, if your kid is squirmy, I would highly suggest using her carseat on board. We started traveling with the carseat when our kids were 6 months old and because they were used it at home it helped to have it on the plane to keep the both secure and safe. Good luck!

.. Anyways, I digress, looking at using my miles for my daughters own seat so as not to risk getting deplaned or having to pay a walk up fare.

If a ticket actually costs $600 it's a close call - the walk up one way fare is probably in the same range anyways.
And as I mentioned earlier i don't anything particularly harmful to other pax here as your kid is smaller than most kids <2.

But if you can get it for miles - go for it - it is probably the most convenient solution for everyone (and mainly you) on a full flight

If a ticket actually costs $600 it's a close call - the walk up one way fare is probably in the same range anyways.
And as I mentioned earlier i don't anything particularly harmful to other pax here as your kid is smaller than most kids <2.

But if you can get it for miles - go for it - it is probably the most convenient solution for everyone (and mainly you) on a full flight

The flights I was wanting were 650$ each. I guess the mods could close this thread as it has served its purpose. I just booked my wife and daughter for 37,500 miles each +20$. Direct flights at decent times as well. For my ticket it was a bit more difficult. I had never used an e-cert before and now I know how much of a pain it is to use, I dont think I will ever opt for one again. Almost every single flight was not e cert usable. I did luck out and get 1 way of our trip all on the same flights and seating next to each other. On the way home I am having to make numerous connections and leave at different times. Total cost out of pocket though for my ticket was 145$.^

I'm glad you found a not-so-expensive solution. A little bummer about the return flight. Any way to sort that out? I think though, that it's better to have the separation on the way home, than the way out.

Hope you can fix it somehow, if possible.

I'm glad you found a not-so-expensive solution. A little bummer about the return flight. Any way to sort that out? I think though, that it's better to have the separation on the way home, than the way out.

Hope you can fix it somehow, if possible.
Only way to change flights is for OP to pay the change fee ($150) and any difference in fare.

If this was on UA, OP may have had better luck calling to ticket. I have had an e-cert applied to a flight that did not show up on .bomb, when calling and asking the agent to apply it to itinerary I wanted. YMMV.

As a 1K OP will likely get some flexibility with rerouting (assuming available space) as long as his family is on UA metal.

As a 1K OP will likely get some flexibility with rerouting (assuming available space) as long as his family is on UA metal.

We are all on UA metal. I called the 1k desk before booking and they told me the only way to book using an e-cert is online. When I typed in my e-cert number online there were only 2 flights out of like 15 that were e-cert usable. When it gets a few weeks closer to travel dates, I will contact 1k again and see if they can fly me with my family. I dont mind paying a 100$ or so more fare difference, I just couldnt justify 450$ more like I was seeing yesterday.

We are all on UA metal. I called the 1k desk before booking and they told me the only way to book using an e-cert is online.

Not true, you had a "bad" agent. E-certs can certainly be applied by an agent on the phone, especially by one in web support.

I don't understand the comment about "flexibility" in rerouting. If there are available seats on OP's flight for awards, OP can't switch his family, even as a 1K at no charge unless the new flights have the exact same routing as the old. He can cancel at no charge and rebook though. Also, as a 1K, he still is going to have to pay the change fee and any change in ticket price if he makes changes to his paid ticket.

Not true, you had a "bad" agent. E-certs can certainly be applied by an agent on the phone, especially by one in web support.

I don't understand the comment about "flexibility" in rerouting. If there are available seats on OP's flight for awards, OP can't switch his family, even as a 1K at no charge unless the new flights have the exact same routing as the old. He can cancel at no charge and rebook though. Also, as a 1K, he still is going to have to pay the change fee and any change in ticket price if he makes changes to his paid ticket.

Regular 1k agents can not deal with ecerts only websupport can (and they are quite helpful). If some flights show up as ineligible for ecerts they are probably codeshares - all ua operated flights work well with ecerts.

I believe op is on paid ticket but As 1k I had good luck with standby even with changed routing so op can try to fly with his family. No guarantee obviously and some agents are more helpful that others. Of course trying to rebook a paid ticket ahead of time will result in a fee.

Personally my choice is to always have the child in lap. Buying an extra seat won't necessarily make mother and child more comfortable.. our one year old can squirm, and introduce new challenges having a seat of his own.

Personally my choice is to always have the child in lap. Buying an extra seat won't necessarily make mother and child more comfortable.. our one year old can squirm, and introduce new challenges having a seat of his own.

But OP's child was over two years old, and thus, OP needed to purchase a seat for this child.

But OP's child was over two years old, and thus, OP needed to purchase a seat for this child.

I was addressing my current 1 year old child.. having the choice to have a seat or sit on the lap.