I am flying soon with my 16 month baby from New York to Romania with a lay over in Amsterdam(it is a long flight) and I am wondering if should I buy her a seat? This is a trip I did not foresee. My dad is very sick and tickets are very expensive.

I am flying with delta.

I have few questions:

1.I was wondering if do they accommodate you if there are empty seats during the flight? Meaning will they move me and my baby to sit together if there is an empty seat ?

2.Is it reasonable to hold her on my lap? She is a tall baby and she is 26 lbs

3. Do you need to cover the stroller at the gate when you check in? And do they give you your stroller back when you reach your flight connection?

Please share any tips or any experiences you have flying with your baby/toddler.

Thank you!