Flying with 2 year old on lap?

Question

Wondering if any moms know the answer to this. If I buy my 2 year old their own ticket on an airplane does that mean she is then *required* to sit in her own seat (with a car seat)?
Slightly longer version of the question: I know at 2 you must purchase a ticket for children, they can’t just share your seat as a lap infant. But does that mean they MUST sit in their own seat?  My 2 year old has special needs. She’s tiny (about 20 lbs) and can sit up but obviously wouldn’t be secure in her own seat alone without a car seat. 
I would much prefer to seat her on my lap (she’s about as big as a typical 1 year old so it wouldn’t be difficult) even if I have to technically pay for her own seat because of her age. I’d rather not drag her car seat on board if I don’t have to. So does anyone know if a 2 year old is allowed to sit on my lap or are only kids under 2 allowed to sit in laps?
** also please I’m not looking for a debate about whether it’s safe to have lap infants on planes. It’s not. I know it’s not. It’s also not any less safe for my daughter now that’s she’s 2 than it was three weeks ago when she flew on my lap while she was under 2.**

Answer

I’m 99% certain that they have to be in their seat for take off and landing. You should definitely call the airline you are flying for their definitive answer.

Answer

I would have her in her car seat since its not safe to check her car seat with the way they throw the luggage and strollers it could get damaged in the travel then its not safe to use any longer. With her in your lap if you were to hit turbulence or worse she could get knocked out of your arms and cause more injury to her or another passenger.

Answer

I’m the mom. I answered but had to signup for my answer to post ッTake off and landing your little girl does need to be in her own seat. It’s an FAA thing. After 10000 ft though you can hold her. The Flight  Attendants do know how many lap children are onboard, so for the momma who said they did not ask her, it’s because they already knew.  What I suggest is, if you do not want to bring the car seat,  is to put the arm rest up and just scoot as close to her as possible so you can still put her arm Around her and support her. She has to have her own seatbelt on.   I agree also though and suggest calling  the airline to see if a special provision can be made due to your daughter’s special needs and smaller stature

Answer

Talk to the airline they may make special accommodations for your specific situation. Last thing they want is an ada lawsuit!

Answer

It will really depend on the airline agent. Technically if they are 2 they have to be in their own seat for take off and landing. But chances are if she looks one they won’t ask, unless maybe it is a full flight and there’s an empty seat next to you. I used this for my son when he was 2 but not yet really big enough to sit in his seat on his own. It’s super easy to use and FAA approved.

Answer

I flew with my daughter across the country at 3/4 months old, she was on my lap the whole time. Not really sure what’s unsafe about it like people are saying here. (Yes I’m aware she wasn’t 20 lbs at the time but I still felt she was perfectly safe on my lap)

Answer

I just flew with my 1 year old.  He was on my lap the whole plane ride since it was a full flight . Hes 22lbs so they're about the same weight.  They dont ask if the child is lap or seat unless they need that seat .  I would 100% bring the carseats babies get bored and the airplane reminds them of a car so it usually puts them right to sleep .

Answer

It’s safer for them to ride in a car seat. Not only safer for them but also safer for everyone around them. Say you hit severe turbulence, or an emergency situation, the child can become a projectile and seriously injure, you themselves or anyone else on the aircraft. You want your child in a car seat going 30mph in a car you definitely want them in a car seat when a plane is going 150mph

Answer

I work for an airline. For take off and landing she will have to be in her own seat due to FAA regulations. But for the duration of the flight it's totally fine if she s in her lap. Can take her carseat on if it's and all infant seat are fine the toddler carseats has to be FAA approved (will usually say airline or FAA approved on side of seat). Hope this helps 😊

Answer

My cousin traveled with her baby in her lap and her child was only nine months old, she didn’t have to have a car seat or anything and the whole ride was smooth she breast fed so it was easier and she brought muffins for her ears

Flying with 2 year old on lap?

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