Flying with a toddler - important question

Has anyone ever had an airline ask for proof of age for their toddler? Jackson just turned 2 and DH thinks it's ok to fly at the end of the month and not get a ticket for him. It's illegal, plus, Jackson really needs to be in his car seat for safety. DH hasn't bought the tickets yet for a trip that's only 2 weeks away, so he's trying to save money
(He ALWAYS waits until the last minute to buy tickets to visit his family!)

If the airlines ask us for proof of Jackson's age when we check in, we'll be stuck paying $$$$ for a ticket for him.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I've NEVER been asked.

ETA that my kids look older than they are too!

Message edited 5/15/2008 1:56:08 PM.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

In my experience they have always asked for proof of age when traveling with my son and my brother lives in CA with twin girls and he said they always had to show proof as well. Not sure what happens if you show it and the child is 2 what would happen. I assume you'd have to purchase a ticket if one was available.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

My dd turned 2 the end of Jan. How long is the flight? The length alone might be enough for you to want to get a ticket I just went to Florida on Jetblue and I couldn't picture my dd not having her own seat, I would have been so uncomfortable having her on my lap the entire flight. Plus trying to make sure all the supplies as far as drinks, snacks, coloring etc were easy to get to.. But to answer your question When I called they told me to bring a copy of her BC but they never asked.. HTH..

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I just booked with Jet Blue and they told me to have proof of age with me.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I do think you need proof of age. But I only flew internationally with DD when she was 2.

And BTW, we flew on an 11 hour flight wihtout a seat for DD. The way there was fine. She slept on me the first few hours, and then someone moved and she slept in her own sleep (it was an overnight flight). It was a little exhausting on the way back because she wouldn't sleep= but we managed.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

Push to get him his own seat!

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

It's the same as speeding. It's against the rules, and if nobody catches you, you won't get stopped, but there's a very good chance they'll ask for ID. If you buy a seat, they don't ask for ID, it's usually only if you are trying to get a free seat with an under 2 DC.

Between breaking the rules, being unsafe, and being very uncomfortable for you, I would do whatever I could to convince DH to get a seat....

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

Last time I flew with my son, we took Southwest. He was 13 months old. I was asked to see his birth certificate (which I had just to be sure!)!

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I have only flown twice with DD - she's only 6 months now, but I had to show her birth certificate both times.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I flew with Ella in January, and was not asked for proof of age. But she was only 19months then, and we had a seat for her.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I wouldn't take the risk. Who's to say that the flight won't be full and if you need to buy an extra seat....there might not be one available. Too risky!

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

If you want him in a car seat then you need to buy the ticket, there will be no guarantee there will be seats open on the fight.

We flew with DD in Feb and she turned 2 in April and bought her a seat b/c it was a long flight and I couldn't imagine her being on my lap or DH lap from CT to calif.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

We were asked when we my dad treated us to Disney 3 weeks before her second b-day. They did not make me bust out the birth certificate or anything, but they did ask me at the gate.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

They have never asked us, but if they do and the flight is full, you won't be able to buy a ticket.

I also think you will be more comfortable if he has his own seat. Dd was just 2 last time we flew and I wouldn;t have attempted to go without her seat- it would be too hard to contain her. Good luck!

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

We were asked to bring their birth certificates with us when travelling to florida and they did check.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

the cut off is 2yeras old for a lap child, If I was to fly with my DS areound that adge I would bring proof Of adge with me

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I wasn't asked when we flew on JetBlue, but DS was only 3 months old.

I did need it when he was 8 months old and we flew Southwest (and he was not a big 8 month old)

He needs to buy him a ticket I think.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

We have never been asked but you can tell my DD is under 2 so that is probably why. Many airlines have reduced fares for seats for small children and infants but you have to call and ask.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I don't think they will ask. You left his birthcertificate at home right? As long as its not an international flight I think you will be ok.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

I just flew with DS who will be 3 at the end of August. I brought his birth certificate with me and asked if they wanted to see it and they said no BUT I had a seat for him, not sure if they would have wanted it if he didn't have his own seat.

ETA: It was American we flew. My mom also flew with DS 2 weeks ago on Jetblue and they didn't ask for it either but again, he had his own seat.

Message edited 5/15/2008 11:02:23 PM.

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

No I haven't been asked but I always carry a copy of DS's birth certificate when we travel. My son was only 13 months when we traveled and there is no way I could have him as a lap child.. Even if your child is small enough to sit on your lap, this is the way we figure it... if we don't get him a seat we may get a stranger in our row and it would be very uncomfortable having a stranger that has to put up with an infant-practically in their lap!

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

Everytime I fly they ask me for DS's proof of age or ID for him...

Re: Flying with a toddler - important question

We've only flown Southwest with our boys and they've asked for a Birth Certificate every time. Even when he was only 6 months old. You should definitely buy him a ticket. Sorry!