Traveling with a 23-24 Month Old

I've flown with my 3.5 year old and 10 month old MANY times since they were each about 6 weeks old ad NEVER had anyone ask me for proof of age.

I travel a bunch with my kids and when they approach 2 years old they always ask to see proof of birthdate/age. They told me last time I need to bring proof of birthdate for my 9 month old too. I agree with one of the previous writers, you should call the airline. they can be very strict about this policy and you do not want to not have a seat home if you need one.

you may have to book two one way tickets. I always buy mine online and even for an infant in lap I've always had to put in the child's birthday.

I flew twice with my child before she was 2 and both times they asked for her birth certificate. Even when they are under 2, you still need a boarding pass for them. You will obtain this at check in and at that point they ask for the birth certificate. I would bring documentation just in case.

We just took our daughter to California in October. At that time she was 21 months old. I booked the tickets for my husband and I and called the airline to inform them we had a lap child flying with us. I was told I had to bring her birth certificate with and when checking in I had to get a special pass for her to get through security and everything. I can't remember what they called it but it wasn't a boarding pass but a security pass. The first thing they asked for when they saw her was her birth certificate. Good luck.

As an airline employee I can tell you this:

This is from the FAA:
FAA regulation requires any child who has reached his or her second birthday to occupy his or her own seat during takeoff and landing.

You may or may not be asked, it is up to you if you want to take that chance.
If you are asked and do not have proof of age along, you can be denied boarding if they choose to do so. Or they would go ahead and charge you the fare at that point for not having proof of age.

I'd buy the ticket. Call the airline and ask if they have a one way child's fare and explain the situation. But it is an FAA regulation that once you are 2, you have to have a seat.

I do know someone that was denied boarding because her child looked older than 2 and they did not have the birth certificate along. Kind of started their family trip to Disney off to a bad start!

Have a safe flight and a great trip!

This might depend on the airline. We flew Southwest over my daughter's birthday last year and for Southwest it would not have been a problem as long as the trip started before she was 2 years old. I ended up getting a seat for her anyways for all the reasons others have written in. Flights are so much easier with a seat for your toddler. I even still brought her car seat on the flights since she is used to sitting and sleeping in the seat - I never had to pin down a squirming kid. Good luck with your trip.

Yes, you will have to pay for a seat. The airlines are VERY specific that if the child will be 2 before you return home then you have to buy a seat for them. Now if you fly someone and break up the flight to two one way flights (usually more expensive) then you could just buy a ticket for him on the way home. We did that same flight, but returned 10 days before our dd turned 2. It's a long flight with an almost 2 yr old.

Hi, there,
Plane trips can be fine if you're prepared with toys, portable DVD player, books, food, etc. You will either have to share the seat with your son, and pay nothing, or buy another seat for him. I don't think that you can just pay a portion of the seat. I strongly agree with the other posters that you should go ahead and get him his own seat. With all the getting up, going down the aisles, playing, exploring, etc., it could be a verrrry long flight if you don't. I would also bring a copy of the birth certificate, just in case. Try to make this into an adventure-we've had some difficult times on planes, but flying, even these days, can be a lot of fun!!

I was also in the exact same situation! I bought my son a seat, not only because of the activity level of my son, but also for safety reasons. I brought a portable dvd player, books and food and that seemed to keep him occupied. I was also worried about him getting bored while we were waiting for the airplane, but since I brought his car seat, he played with that the whole time. Ahh toddlers, you never know what will keep them occupied! Oh yeah, I tried to schedule the flight around nap time hoping that he would nap. With the excitement of the plane trip though, he only fell asleep for like 10 minutes. By the way, if this is his first flight, I would suggest getting books or videos from the library about going on a plane trip!

I've always bought a separate seat for my kids - it is expensive, but makes the trip much more comfortable for both of you and is safer. I'd hate to be holding my 2 year old in my lap if turbulence hits! Some airlines will sell a "child fare" - it is cheaper than a full-priced adult ticket but your child has his own seat. Check with your airline, that might be a good option for you!

i just flew with my 21 mo old last month and will again next month...they asked to see her birth certificate or a gov't issued ID with date of birth...we have a passport card for her from a previous trip to Mexico so that worked. However, I had to show it before receiving boarding passes on both legs of the flight...so you will have noissue getting there, but not sure of the way back. The only way to be sure is to be honest and call the airline that you are traveling.

The responses have been interesting to read. I have traveled twice with my daughter on United Airlines (13 months and 17 months) and they have never asked for proof of age, boarding pass, anything. Perhaps it depends on the airlines? Or, if the child is near two or big for his/her age, some may question.

When I have purchased tickets, the fine print has clearly stated that the age is as of the date the child is traveling. Perhaps you can purchase a 1 way ticket for the return? I would rather be honest and have the benefit of whatever discount is available with advance purchase rather than being dinged on the return for a no advanced purchase, full price fare. Now, THAT is expensive. I have traveled a lot with my kids and ID has been requested. If your child looks like he might be older than 2, you will most likely be "carded" so to speak. In my experience, I've not been asked for proof of age of an infant. It's when they're walking around, tall for their age, etc.

You do not need a second ticket. THere is no proof of age needed. Be forewarned however that if you have a VERY antsy, active child, it may be more difficult to "contain" the toddler without his/her own seat. Also, get an aisle seat if you can (we got stuck by the window once, and my daughter, also two, wanted to get up and around, past two large fellow passengers, often. ) They happened to be friendly, helpful travelers but it interfered with their laptop work, rest, etc. especially since we were flying on a five hour trip!

Anoher tip - try to limit carry-ons and "stuff" for the little one. Takes up too much space. Good luck!
K.

So long as he is sitting on your lap, I don't see anyone giving you a hard time about a ticket. However, I agree with the other poster, buy another ticket for him. You are going to be crazy before you pass the Mississippi, never mind going all the way to California. If the flight is full, it will be even worse. Planes are small and the seats are on top of each other. What if you get some big guy sitting next to you? He will be half in your seat and you will be holding a toddler? If your 2 year old is anything like mine were at two, there is no way he will sit on your lap for 4-5 hours. I know it's expensive, but call the airline that you have already booked with and see what they can do for you. You won't be sorry that you bought another ticket. It will be worth every penny.

M.,

Busymom is correct. They will ask for his birthdate and could possibly ask for a birth certificate in order to board. I never personally had any airline person ask me for it, but I always carried it with me. If he looks like he may be 2 or over they may ask for it and if you don't have it, they may not let you on.

I have a question though. Are you traveling by yourself? A trip from Chicago to California is a LONG trip to take with a 2 year old (or any age baby/toddler) sitting on your lap. It would be easier if you are traveling with another adult. Either way, I would suggest that you by him a ticket for each way of travel. It will make your travels that much easier and definately safer.

I know plane tickets are expensive, but you will be pulling your hair out and your son will be crazy by the time you land and get off the plane.

Just some advice from a mom who traveled from Boston to Chicago (and back) twice with my son when he was 9 weeks old and when he was just turning 1 by myself. It was hard at 9 weeks because you have one hand to use to get out bottles, diapers, wipes, etc. At 1, my son was already walking, and having already flown with him by myself, I knew that I could not do it with him in my lap. It made for a much more enjoyable trip for both of us and was worth the extra cost.

Happy Travels,
J.