Travelling from ABZ to RNO next March via LHR/SFO in F with BD/UA.
Since booking this, Mrs DML has fallen pregnant with our first child, due in November.
So, now I'd like them both to come with me. In F. Infant on one of our laps.
Just wanted to canvas opinion here as to what regular UA F passengers might think about a 4 month old nipper in the cabin. Is this a common enough occurrence?
Part of me thinks it might not be a good idea, but the other part (and all my friends!) say "if you can afford it and allow your family to travel in luxury, then why not?"

Would appreciate any thoughts. I won't be offended by any "anti-infant" brigades. Honest opinions on pros and cons (if anyone's done it, suffered, found it better than expected etc......parents and fellow travellers) would be most appreciated.

It'll help me make my mind up on what to do. Thanks

Several threads about this FT, with FT'ers sharply divided, IIRC. Many complaints about persons changing diapers in the seat instead of the lav, so it might be a good idea to determine whether your aircraft will have a changing table in the lav, and plan accordingly. My personal experience with infants in F has been quite positive. Usually the infant has slept soundly throughout much of the flight, and was out within 10 minutes after takeoff if there had been a recent feeding. It helps to be gracious with the surrounding pax, instead of copping an attitude that having a baby in arms entitles you do to anything you want. Also good that there will be two of you...the baby will likely feel more secure and will sense there is less to be potentially stressed about.

Allrighty!! Yet another thread on infants in F.

If this is anything like the 100 or so other threads on the same subject, this one is bound to get interesting.

Time to pop some popcorn and fluff the pillows on the easy chair!'

Seriously - some abhor the idea of infants in F (or J) and others think it's OK. Usually, someone will have their posting privileges suspended due to the level of acrimony bound to show up in threads on this topic.

Me? OK by me as long as it's not a lap infant. IMO, can't afford to buy a seat for infants under 24 months, then you how are you gonna buy them a seat the day after their second birthday?

Oh, and UA (as well as most other American airlines) will charge you 10% of F fare for the privilege. That's too rich for me. I'd buy a cheap coach seat for the infant and upgrade it. That way, they get a seat (probably for less $$$) and miles and a meal and luggage allowance. But that's just me.

Shouldn't be a problem. The UF Suite has plenty of room for a floor bassinet, although you won't be able to use the bassinet and place the seat in the horizontal position.
If your baby cries, you'll get nasty stares from passengers around you. Of course if you sit in row 40 and your baby cries, you'll get those same nasty stares (and more of them!).
On domestic flights there is no charge for an infant on your lap. On international itineries, infants (even in laps) need a ticket. The infant ticket is approx 10% of the adult fare. You would want to check with your TA or UA reservations to see if they will charge you 10% of a Y fare, or if they'll charge you 10% of an F fare.

The answers you receive to this should prove interesting.... You are certainly thoughtful to even inquire.

Hope all goes well with birth, etc.

Best wish and congratulations

Personally, I can't see why taking the infant in F versus Y should be a problem. I don't fly F all that often, but the child near me in F last Thursday (LAX to DEN) didn't bother me. Then again, I do like children and find myself often frustrated with the sentiments of those who are more hostile to the idea of babies traveling on planes (even though I have none of my own). Flying in F should actually bother fewer people should your child become unhappy on the flight, though those people are likely to be more frequent flyers (who should be more accustomed to the situation!). And, you'll have more room to keep your child comfortable.

Friends of mine who have traveled with children say that this is actually a good age to be flying with babies. They're finally on a regular schedule and sleep for long periods (YMMV, of course). In fact, the couple of which I am thinking was traveling from PHX to TXL, so their experience is pretty relevant.

And, congratulations to you and your wife!!!

P.S. But, maybe this should be on the "Traveling with Children" forum? I can't see that this is too United-specific.

P.P.S. Woo-hoo! My 90th post!

thanks for that and the replies so far. I have spent the last hour searching FT but couldn't find much on infants in F in UA, hence the thread 'cos if the majority opinion is negative then we might rethink our plans. I'm a UK doctor and very child friendly, but i know, appreciate and understand that not everyone thinks the same on a plane (and perhaps especially not in F - but maybe I'm wrong).

First, congratulations and best of luck for an easy pregnancy (for the wife) and birth (also for the wife). It's a long trip for such a young baby - you won't know until the child is born whether he/she is a sleeper or a crier. If it's the latter, regardless of COS, keep the child on the ground, everyone will be happier. If the child is fairly even tempered, perhaps a short plane ride to see how he/she handles the cabin pressurization prior to taking off for the long journey with multiple connections and up/downs of the aircraft. That might help you decide.

Also to reiterate an earlier post as it might have gotten buried, the baby isn't flying for free. The charge is 10% of a full fare ticket in the COS you're flying, that'd likely be around 2K for the baby's ticket sure you don't want to all go in C (or Y if you don't have the miles) and get seats for everyone?

Try TravelBuzz

i had a look there - not much information. Anyway, i wanted to hear from UA F passengers for their/your thoughts specifically.

I did it,
I do it
I don't care if others think that not
I pay


Just keep it cool, read the threads on how to prepare and be calm, then the listtle one will be calm, too

nothing there either apart from a thread on travelling with a puppy

yhpm -- just use Infant for the search criteria

thanks GA. Much appreciated