WWYD re airline travel?

redfish08

For thanksgiving, we have to drive two hours to the airport, then take a flight. Going up we have a connection, first leg is 45 min, second leg is 2 hrs. Coming back, we can get a direct flight and it's 2.5 hrs. We have a 3 year old and a to-be 5 month old. The first three tickets come out to be a total of $900. We can get a 4th ticket for $99 as part of our American express deal. Would you get a fourth ticket, or save the money and keep baby in your lap?

redfish08

fredalina:

Considering most planes only have 2 or 3 seats in a row, I think a 4th ticket would mostly go to waste, unless you're okay with splitting up and each taking a kid.

. Yes, the airplanes on this route are regional jets and have two seats on either side of the aisle, so we will be split, regardless.

Paigeo

I flew with DD when she was 5 months old and had her as a lap child.  I was by myself and it turned out really easy.

Wally3

I'd probably save the money, most times we flew with DS as a lap child the flight attends tried to give us an extra seat if there was one.  I would start out sitting you and the older child together and leave DH with the baby on the other side.  People are usually nicer to men with children and we probably be more likely to score a free extra seat.

redfish08

Thanks everyone. My husband's opinion won and we booked just the three seats. A big consideration was not having to lug a car seat and stroller to each gate.

ellesmama

Our little one has always done better in our laps anyway. She is 2 now, so we have to buy a seat, but most often she ends up in one of our laps for some or most of the trip.

dutchgrl678

I wouldn't waste the money for an extra ticket for the baby. We just went to Europe with both kids and held the baby in arms. At that age they travel pretty easily.