would you travel with...

[JordanKX]

So my dad has offered a single plane ticket for me to travel from Oregon back to NC to see the family. Which from our small airport means 3 flights. The first one in one of those super tiny planes. And then the next would have a layover somewhere in the middle - two flights about 3hrs each

I Want to Go Home and see family. I do! But DS is 22mo. He's 38lbs. He's aggressive and big and doesn't watch tv or read too many books. He'll read books, but for maybe 20 minutes while going down at night. He is a wrestler/tumbler type. And crazy social. Cute! but very active. I love that my father is offering a plane ticket - under 2 being free and all - but that means He'll Be On Me the whole time. Even if we did a red-eye, which they don't do so often any more, I just can't imagine traveling with a 38lb toddler for 9-13hrs (my last trip home was over 16hrs), without another seat.

What would you do to make this flight possible? All I can think is red-eye and he's just on me in the ergo the entire time, sleeping. But that is best-case scenario. And even then, he's a lot of weight just to have on me asleep for hours on end... and walking through airports. Worst case, oh lawd.... wild and crazy kiddo who needs to walk the tiny aisles and hang out with a few toys at the attendants stations. Sounds horrible for the person seated next to us.

Thoughts? Advice?

[zebra15]

I would find a way to buy a 2nd ticket.  There is no way I'm sitting with a 40lb toddler on my lap... no way.

Are you even sure you can get the trip booked and home before kiddo turns two?

[leftcoast_trillium]

Buy another seat! Really. It's worth it. Not even considering the person seated next to you, just thinking about you and him. You forget how VERY WIGGLY and SQUIRMY they are until you're in a very small confined space. You'll have enough trouble keeping him confined and entertained with two seats. Not to say you shouldn't do it, my little guy loves flying on the airplane, and yours probably will too, just saying you'll want two seats (and the Airport Book by Byron Barton).

[LynnS6]

The airlines used to sell seats to the under 2s at half price. It's been 5 years since my younger child was under 2, so I don't know if they still do. But really, they don't want a squirmy, cranky 22 month old on your lap any more than you do, so they might still be doing it. If you do that, you can bring his carseat on the plane (if it's FAA approved) and strap him in for take-off, landing, and times when you absolutely need 2 hands.

If you just can't swing another ticket, then repeat to yourself "I will never see these people again" over and over and get through it the best you can.

[chel]

American didn't offer any discount when I bought a ticket for my 1 yr old. I did a red eye with my oldest when she was 11m and never wanted to do that again. I'm talking an 11hr flight in the fall and even though tickets are high I bought the baby a seat.

If only an hour or two i wouldn't have and in the recent past haven't, but for a long trip I would do what ever possible to get another seat

[mommy212]

I have flown with my DS (20 months) with one seat, and it wasn't too bad. He napped in my arms (tiring, at 27 lbs) or in the wrap a lot. But he is also not a rambunctious kind of boy. Make sure you ask at check-in if there is an empty seat you can be seated next to- I have had great luck with this so far

[carmel23]

but the second seat.  Have him strapped it.  Otherwise, don't go.  I know it is hard, but would you travel in a car that long with a toddler on your lap? Why should a plane be any different?  I know it is hard to pass it up, but if you can't get the second seat, then .... skip it....

[JBaxter]

Buy him a seat... Since yours is already paid for you can look at it as half price for each.   NO WAY I would lap baby a toddler.

[swede]

Originally Posted by mommy212 

I have flown with my DS (20 months) with one seat, and it wasn't too bad. He napped in my arms (tiring, at 27 lbs) or in the wrap a lot. But he is also not a rambunctious kind of boy. Make sure you ask at check-in if there is an empty seat you can be seated next to- I have had great luck with this so far

I've done this too - It really can be okay - plus you have some layovers that will give him time to run around.  Bring snacks and books to look at.  Have fun!

[mkksmom]

I was considering flying with my older dd as a lap baby, but when I looked into it, I learned that in case of an accident/turbulence, you have to put your baby on the floor at your feet. If the floor is the safest place, then I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was very glad I paid for her seat. She understood that she had to stay in the car seat, and slept much better.

[voca]

I have always bought a seat for our daughter, who will take her sixth plane trip just before her second birthday. Whether it's an hour or eight a child on the lap does not seem safe to me. I have been in some bad turbulence over the years (we are frequent fliers) and I know I couldn't keep a child safe on my lap during it.

[Abraisme]

I've done it in the past and will again.  I'm about to fly a 12 hour red-eye flight with my 23mo and my 7yo.  I'll also be 22 weeks pregnant when I go.  I simply can't justify spending another $500 (plane tickets are $$ right now!) for the extra comfort.  Sure, it might be a bit tiring, but it's not the end of the world.  I have never paid for an extra seat for a child under 2.  A few months ago we even flew to another country with a lap toddler (saved us $1300). 

Make sure that you bring lots of cool snacks (this is the only time that I let my kids have junk food like Pringles and gummy snacks) and a few brand-new toys.   Also, IF there are any open seats, they will try to seat you next to one.  I've often had an open seat next to me that I could use for free. 

[swede]

Originally Posted by mkksmom 

I was considering flying with my older dd as a lap baby, but when I looked into it, I learned that in case of an accident/turbulence, you have to put your baby on the floor at your feet. If the floor is the safest place, then I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was very glad I paid for her seat. She understood that she had to stay in the car seat, and slept much better.

It doesn't seem as if the op can afford a ticket for the baby - her ticket is a gift.  THe likelihood of turbulence is small.  OP_ go and haev fun - your son may get antsy, but it's only for 3 hours at a time - he may sleep for part of it too.  A benefit of not getting him a seat is you can nurse him throughout the flight (if you're still nursing).  It might be a pain for part of it, but you'll be glad once you get to your destination.

[JordanKX]

Originally Posted by swede 

It doesn't seem as if the op can afford a ticket for the baby - her ticket is a gift.  THe likelihood of turbulence is small.  OP_ go and haev fun - your son may get antsy, but it's only for 3 hours at a time - he may sleep for part of it too.  A benefit of not getting him a seat is you can nurse him throughout the flight (if you're still nursing).  It might be a pain for part of it, but you'll be glad once you get to your destination.

Unfortunately, no, I can't buy another ticket right now. Nearly $1K, and that's just out of reach of my world right now.

So I'm pondering whether it is worth it, or if the whole idea just seems too stressful. Of Course I want to see family! But I'm thinking it'd be better to wait until next year, because DS will be older and I will have the time & money to ensure that he has his own seat.

[swede]

Originally Posted by JordanKX 

Unfortunately, no, I can't buy another ticket right now. Nearly $1K, and that's just out of reach of my world right now.

So I'm pondering whether it is worth it, or if the whole idea just seems too stressful. Of Course I want to see family! But I'm thinking it'd be better to wait until next year, because DS will be older and I will have the time & money to ensure that he has his own seat.

OP - I say go for it.  It might be stressful at times, but it is a finite amount of time - bring snacks and toys - it will be okay :)