Originally Posted by
SJC ORD LDR
The child is 2. Per FAA rules, lap children are allowed for those less than 2. If you are 2 or over, then you need a seat.
It is also quite possible the child turned two during the trip. If that is the case, as I experienced with my little ones, you either suck it up and purchase round-trip tickets for the higher age requirement, or call so as to avoid confusion at the airport.