Should kids under 2 always fly free on your lap regardless of flight length?

Question

We travel a lot. My kid is big. Was the size of a 2 year old at 12 months. I’ve always personally felt I could not fly with my son on my lap for a long flight in economy. If a stranger was seated next to us it would be a terrible space issue for them. But it’s ok by the airlines if you choose. 
Do you think there should be more restrictions on under 2 fly free on your lap? 
A weight restriction? 
A flight length restriction?

Accepted Answer

The safest option would be to buy a seat for the child and bring their car seat.

Answer

I think you should have the option of purchasing them a seat but airlines are so horrendous about ticket policies already I’m against anything that potentially gives them any more power to be awful to people.

Answer

I feel a little torn on this topic. I think maybe a height and weight limit would be more appropriate than an age limit. At the same time some people don’t really fit properly in the airline seats and it makes it uncomfortable or difficult for those around them. I had a man sit next to me reaking of cigarettes on the last flight I took and honestly I’d rather have someone toddlers smack me in the face multiple times than smell that. Flying just kind of sucks and you accept that when you buy a ticket. So, I don’t know.

Answer

My husband and I always fly together so we’ve always had to purchase two seats regardless and usually flew first class with our son so we had more space... If we didn’t fly first we always purchased him a seat and held him when he wanted but let him sit when he didn’t. I can see it being an issue if you’re flying in economy by yourself and seated next to a stranger. I’ll be honest and sound terrible— I don’t like other people’s kids and if someone’s drooly baby or toddler were touching me for hours on a flight I’d probably be slightly annoyed. I guess I would never put myself in the position to let my toddler be close enough to touch someone else either so I’m going to say yes, there should be a restriction depending on length of flight but not on size of baby/toddler. I think that would get to be too touchy for parents.

Answer

I rather not have more restrictions on tickets. There’s so much fees with flying already and whenever we go anywhere we spend thousands just on airfare.  I flew with my one year old on my lap, he slept most of the time anyways. I would have hated to pay extra for him to not even have a seat.

Answer

Is that mandatory? Because I would still by a ticket to have that seat in order to have the space

Answer

I don’t think a kid should be sitting on someone’s knees during travel. Would you do it in a car?

Answer

I had an 8 hour flight next to a woman with a toddler in her lap and it was awful. Nobody was happy. The kid needed his own seat to squirm and stretch and I kept getting kicked and mom was mortified. I don't think toddlers should be on laps for flights more than 2 or 3 hours tops.

Answer

This is dumb. Babies on planes should have their own seats and be in car seats at that. 
It is so dangerous otherwise. 
Also it should be cheaper for kids to fly. Like significantly.

Answer

There's already a shit load of restrictions. People should have enough good judgment to know when to buy a seperate plane ticket. If you personally couldn't handle a toddler in your lap, time to buy them a plane ticket regardless of their age.

Should kids under 2 always fly free on your lap regardless of flight length?

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