Originally Posted by
vicarious_MR'er
And this is exactly harkening back to my original statement about why should the needs of a parent who won't pay for their child's travel trump the needs of a really tall passenger or any other passenger who'd like those seats.
I can't see why an airline ought to go out of its way to cater to people who aren't paying the price of admission, and I'm really glad that the US carriers don't play along with this.
As mentioned earlier the people are paying extra for the privilage of the seat. A lap child is not free internationally. So yes the airline should accomodate them with the seat that has a bit more room. Just as if you pay extra for a business seat you want a bigger seat too. Otherwise the airlines shouldn't charge anything for having a infant on your lap.
Now I am not referring to parents expecting free seats. But infant on lap or not if I am in Y I am always hoping for a free seat next to me.