Lap child (free) but getting a seat
Okay I realize the title might be a little confusing. We're planning on taking a short flight to visit the family soon and will be taking our 3 month old. I plan on taking him as a lap child and not buying a ticket.
On the phone the airline is telling me I have to check the car seat at check-in unless I'm willing to buy a ticket. Their customer service on Twitter is telling me if there is space available when I check-in that they can accommodate us by putting him in an unoccupied seat.
What has been some real world experiences with this?
I don't mind carrying him on my lap for the flight as it's relatively short (about an hour), but we generally arrive at the airport fairly early because my wife is always paranoid about being behind schedule. If I have to check it in when we arrive then that means we have to carry him around the entire time we're at the airport. It's be much better if they'd just allow us to gate check the seat.
Anyway, please let me know!
Thanks!