Originally Posted by
Often1
OP could have called UA immediately when he didn't receive the infant ticket and paid the $1,800 or he can pay it now.
Uh, how was the OP supposed to know this? He very clearly states that he booked for wife, self and infant and received no indication that he would have to pay more than what he paid - and no indication that the booking was incomplete. You and I might know that everyone needs a ticket, but that's not clear to the general public. Especially those who have never taken a lap infant on a flight (and been charged the 10% fare). When you go buy something on a website and the process appears to be successful, you assume it's successful - until the company doesn't delivery the goods. Then it's the company's fault, not the consumer's.
UA's website screwed up, and UA should take responsibility for it by eating the $1800 and issuing a lap infant ticket.