FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - [Consolidated] Bassinets on UA flights

Jul 3, 2018 | 3:27 pm

#72

Boraxo

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Dec 2002

Location: Danville, CA, USA;

Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat

Posts: 17,930

I feel well-positioned to answer this question as I was playing this game long before my kids were born! Here are my observations:

Free lap child travel for children <2 years old is a huge benefit for domestic flights (for international you may be charged up to 10% of a full fare ticket – which may still be a good deal). This works better between ages 0-12 months, but is more challenging as you approach 24 mos as toddlers tend to be more active. But take full advantage of this policy as you will soon be paying for 3 tix every time you travel.
Consider Southwest for shorter flights, particularly if you don’t have UA elite status. You will be checking bags now and they are free on WN. Also read up on the Southwest companion pass – if you qualify you can essentially fly all 3 of you for the price of 1. Southwest will also let you take an extra seat for your lap child to sit in a car seat if the flight is not 100% full.
With a lap child on UA, consider buying up to F with points, $$, RPUs, etc. particularly for longer flights. It is much easier to enjoy the flight when you have extra space.
International flights are a bit tricky. We found the bassinets to be hit or miss. There is also great variation in how airlines charge for lap children. Some charge 10% of full fare, even on award tickets, which can be quite substantial especially if flying in C/F. However, I was told that some now permit you to use 10% of miles on award tickets.
Do not be deterred from traveling with your infant! In some ways this will be much easier (and cheaper) than when they are older and there are many places you can visit with a stroller and/or child backpack. When Boraxo Jr was 15 months, we went on a 3-week trip to Australia & New Zealand thanks to the famous $500 UA business class mistake fare. We have some great memories.
Many (maybe most) countries are more baby friendly than the USA. Some even have special play areas in restaurants for young children. You are more likely to get a smile (and someone who wants to touch your child) than a scowl. It’s a major contrast to NYC, SF, etc. where people will get in your face for “breeding.”
Destination trips (where you plant yourself for 3-7 days at a resort, etc.) are much easier than multiple stops.
Consider arrival times carefully – you may need to stop to buy milk, juice, baby food etc. Don’t count on airlines, hotels, airports to have this stuff and outside USA you can’t always find (or get to) stores that are open 24/7/365.

These are just initial thoughts, you should check the Mommy Points blog for complete coverage of the subject...

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