Traveling Alone with 19 Mth Old- Two Tickets or First Class?

If it were me, I'd go with the two seats. It lets you bring his car seat, which makes things a bit easier on the other end [rental car toddler seats are usually fairly filthy & frequently mis-assembled.] It'll also make the airplane a bit more familiar, and possibly let him sleep on the trip. Plus, you won't worry about annoying people who travel first class for a bit of relaxation.
We travel 1-2 /year to the East coast, and it's definately worth the extra seat. [Two boys, 4 & 1]

I flew with my not-quite-two-year old and I recommend first class ALL the way. I actually bought him a ticket, too, because I had his car seat and I wanted us both to be as comfortable as possible.

The flight attendants and the rest of the airport personnel treat you better in first class. You have more room to move around. And, when you're traveling alone with a little one you need all of added help and support you can get!

Definitely 2 tickets! Even though lap babies are allowed, it is NOT safe:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rC4Q3ofz7SI

I'd go with two tickets and a dvd player for your son. Someone once suggested to me to take a bag with toys and package two or three toys in zip bags within a carryon bag. This way, when he gets tired of one or two toys, you can zip them back up and pull out another zip bag of toys.

I spent about 15 bucks at the dollar store for toys suitable for travel. That way, if something gets lost or left on the plane, no big deal.

And at his age the DVD player is a must for entertainment value and peace in the cabin. I didn't let my daughter watch much TV, but she watched many videos while traveling. We like to use Signing Time, this way she learns while she watches. She also likes Backyardigans- the singing, dancing, and imaginative play are entertaining, simple, but safe.

D.

I have traveled quite a bit with just me and my girls, and if you can afford to get him his own seat I surely would! It makes the trip sooooo much easier! Especially since your trip will be a long one. This way you can bring him things to do/play with and I know that it is hard to try to keep them occupied when they are on your lap. Things I have done that work well are: a portable DVD player (if he watches movies), stickers to stick to paper, crayons (if he can color), books to look at and snacks. I am sure there are things that you know occupies your son best. Oh and also, the take off and landing can hurt their little ears, so it is good to have a bottle or a pacifier for them to suck on during those times....it helps with the ears. Anyway, I hope it works out well for you. God bless!

I have travelled a lot with my kids. And 18 months (till about 2.5 when they can be more talked into things and see things rationally) is perhaps the hardest. But since you must go, (and I"m sorry for your loss) I think it would be much easier on you if you had two seats...put his favorite car seat, blankie, etc in that seat beside you and hopefully he'll just relax in there...a dvd player is good too if he can sit and watch movies yet (teletubbies maybe?). It can be hard but it can be done. You will make it through, many have before you. The worst case is that you end up walking up and down the aisles with him. But everyone (or 95% of people and they are all who matter) are supportive and understand what you're going through.

All the best,
Cathrin

I recommend buying 2 tickets. Your son will be happier in his own seat, and will be safer strapped into his car seat there than in your lap. You'll have more leg room and so will he. Holding a wiggly toddler on a plane is very tiring. Best of luck on the trip and I hope your father's health improves.

I love the idea of first class, but buying two tickets is the way to go. I have also traveled with a small boy and brought along his car seat. It gives your son a familiar place to sit and mom some room to relax. Good luck!! Dont forget to bring a favorite toy and some yummy snacks and you will be all set.

I traveled alone to Iowa with my then 18 month old daughter a few months back. We did one coach seat and it was a bit much. I would check online to see if all the seats are booked for first class, the space is probably your best bet. Also go some place like the Dollar Store just before leaving a stock you diaper bag with some brand new toys and wrap them. As needed pull out a little "good boy present". $10-20 should buy enough little surprises for coming and going. I did that with my daughter and we had a very nice flight even though she sat on my lap in coach. Also consider taking or borrowing a portable dvd player as that came buy you some peace in flight and on the ground Elmo (or your child's favorite) will quickly become your best friend in times of stress. We spent a great deal of time in the care center with my grandparents and the dvd player saved my rear on more than one occasion.

I've heard that children can be frowned upon in first class, so I'd recommend two coach seats as well.

I would definitely say buy two tickets! We've travelled quite a bit with our son and we always seem to do best if he has his own seat and we bring his car seat along. We had a really hard time with him keeping his seatbelt on for take off and landing so ended up always bringing the car seat along and treating the flight just like a long car ride. It frees you up to entertain him rather than having to contain him in either his seat or on your lap.

Make sure your car seat is FAA approved (should be a sticker on the bottom) and as long as you have a seat for him they will always allow you to bring the car seat on board.
Good luck!

Always fly first class with children. One seat will be enough for the two of you. Usually there are plenty of empty seats in first class. It makes such a difference, believe me! I pay the extra money every time I have to fly with my children alone. I have a 2 and a 3 year old.

I personally would opt for 1 ticket in coach! I have traveled many times alone with my children only one at a time ages 1 and 3 and I have always had very understandable people around me and most of the time I have had an empty seat in my row. You can request to be placed in a row with an empty seat if available.

Definitely two seats. No question. You should also bring the car seat. He will be more comfortable in that, and much safer in case to turbulence, etc too.

As a mom who has flown across country 6 times with my son (1 year through 3 years old), I would say get 2 seats if you can. Something else you might want to think about, is an over night flight. I do not know just how long your flight time will be. Mine is usually around 6 hours, and we try to get overnight flights and I always get him his own seat. My son is active also, and airplanes are cramped enough. Try to make sure that you pack easy clean things to entertain him during the fight. I do that my mine, and usually he sleeps from the time we take off until we land. If your son drinks with a bottle or sippy cup, it might be helpful to have one handy to help with the air pressure changes.

I hope this made some sort of sense for you. And I hope that all works out for the best with your Dad.

Hello D.,

If you have the money - spend it for another seat. However, usually when I have flown there have been extra seats. Someone may be willing to switch with you if there are empty seats. Just a thought!

K.

hello D.. key words you used, "busy, never stops." what do you think the other first class folks will say and do if you try to sit there sharing a seat? take the regular seats and ask to be seated in the bulkhead. there is more room there for the two of you, and all the books, etc. you will need to help him enjoy the trip. and you. and the other passengers. i have traveled with two young ones who are just a year apart. this worked quite well for us, and we all had a great time. sorry about your father. make it a good trip. M.

I would go with two seats. Maybe also check the flight to see how full it is. If there are extra seats they let you have it with a child, you could save money. Also, bring the car seat, that seems to keep them contained and better able to sleep. That has been my experience , and I have flown quite a bit with the little one.

I would suggest 2 seats. I just flew last month with my daughter who is 23 months. I chose to not buy her a ticket, thinking, this is one last trip I get for free with her. And I HATED IT. She is big for her age, and as you said about your son, very active. I even took an early morning departure flight and late night arrival flight thinking she'd sleep, not so much. Being on a plane is too interesting and new to count on sleep. I would buy your son a new SMALL backpack/bookbag and let him fill it w/ his favorite toys and books, these will also come in handy if you have a layover and when you arrive in Ohio and he is in a new place. Another thing to keep in mind, make sure your car seat is FAA approved, you will find a sticker on it that says so. If it's not approved, you will have to check it in, which means that is 1 less bag you get, and you risk it getting damaged in transit. If you are checking it, I highly suggest buying a carseat bag, you can get them at Babies R Us for about $16. If you don't have the seat enclosed in a bag of some sort and something happens to it, the airlines will not work with you. At least that was my experience. Also, most airlines will allow you to gate-check a stroller. This can come in handy, since we moms only have 2 hands (though some would think otherwise :-)

The later the better or really early for traveling on the plane. I have traveled with three children by myself and their ages are 9, 6, 5 and have found that really early or really late works best. When my oldest son was about a year and half I traveled to Mexico with him and he did great. I had a lot of activities for him and I traveled around his nap time. As to one or two seats I would go with two. You will be more comfortable as well as the baby. If possible try to find a row, once on the plane, that only the two of you will use. You will notice that your stress will go down quite a bit without someone at your side. Hope all goes well and good luck.

I would suggest 2 tickets in coach only because he would have the option of moving to two seats instead of just being confined to your lap. Even though there is a little more room in first class I think he would find it less confining if he had his own seat to play in. Also in my experiences flying do I rarely see a young child in first class. I myself would feel really awkward if my child starting acting up. I can't handle the stares. You might find a bit more sympathy from the passengers in coach flying with other children a bit more relaxing.

I would go with the two tickets in coach. I took my son on a trip when he was a little bit older than your son and I appreciated the extra room. With all my baby bags and stuff he needed I actually needed two seats to store "stuff" under. If the stuff to pacify him is up in the compartments it won't be able to pacify him. Make sure you take out his "stuff" slowly. Pace him if needed so he doesn't get bored or fussy. See how long you can go with just being entertained by being in an airplane. Make sure you get a window seat. That is always a treat for young travelers! Good Luck!

I don't believe you can fly with a child over one year in your lap, but I may be wrong. Definitely do two! We flew with our 11-month old both ways and the flight with him in our laps was awful, climbing all over the place and unable to sleep without his car seat. Hope this helps!

Hi D.,

I would advocate for two seats. I've done it both ways, and I have been much happier when my now 18 month old daughter had her own seat, even though she is pretty small and can sit still for pretty long periods. It gave her more freedom and both of us more privacy, so she could stand up and play a bit when the seatbelt signs were off, without running up and down the aisles. And, if she fell asleep or I had to nurse her, it gave us plenty of room without kicking another person right next to us. Good luck!

I would suggest the two tickets. Having just come home on a first class flight with my husband (using miles), I saw a huge amount of frustration from a paying customer who was seated beside 2 children who were also flying first class. They were not being obnoxious or anything just being kids, but this man was very upset to be disturbed in anyway when he was paying a lot of money to travel comfortably in first class. He requested a seat change so that he didn't have to be near the kids. Just as a consideration to fellow travelers, I would go with the two tickets, you'll have more room and the other passengers won't be as offended if your son is just being your son. I've flown with my 2 boys in coach several times, I just bring plenty of books, games and snacks to keep them busy.

Are you traveling day time or night time? First class passengers are not the friendliest with children. Even though most of them have their own they choose first class for comfort and not to be bothered. You should check with the airline you are planning to travel with, a few years ago we had purchased first class tickets and (unnamed airlines) informed us after we sat down that the policy is no one under 12 in first class.

Sorry to hear of your father's declining health. My advice would be 2 coach seats. I think you'll value the extra space more than the extra service of 1st class. I have a very tall and active 22-month old and have always bought her a separate seat on airplanes. While it is hard to keep her in her seat, it is even more difficult to keep her in my lap now that she's a very independent girl. Showing your son that he has his own seat like the adults may encourage him to stay in it more during the flight. An added bonus of buying an extra seat is that you can install your child's car seat on the airplane seat. My husband works in the aero industry and knows the facts on how it is impossible for a parent's arms to restrain a child during excessive turbulence.

My vote it 2 tickets unless you are able to get the bulk head in First class. The bulk head will give him room to sit\lay down and watch a movie and play. We flew to hawaii with our 19 year old and was able to get first class with the bulk head and it worked out great!

I'd go with the two tickets... that way you can bring his car seat and have him strapped in while in the seat. It makes things nicer to have your space and his space... and if you have two tickets, you can bring a diaper bag plus your purse, although you'll want to cut your carry-on baggage as much as possible. You'll get to board the plane first, probably deplane last, and if you bring a stroller you can wheel it through the airport up to the door of the plane and they'll have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.

Good luck... traveling with a toddler can be challenging, but not impossible.

Buy two tickets in coach! You will be miserable trying to contain a 19 month old on your lap. You can bring his car seat on and keep him contained. Flight attendant advice (that I've been told) is to keep him in there for the whole trip and not let him start wandering or you won't get him back in. Of course, you need to do diaper changes, but having his own seat will make both of you much happier.

Plus, those first class folks would not be happy with a squirrelly 19 month old. I don't know about you, but while it may be more comfortable for me in 1st class, I don't like all the dirty looks.

I've travelled with my two boys several times and this is my very strong recommendation. Good luck!

P.S. Bring his favorite toys and books. Get some new things so they will be extra special for him. Come with LOTS of snacks and milk. If you can, schedule the flight during nap time so he's already tired. I have to confess, when we travelled a few months ago with my then one year old, I actually resorted to using Benadryl to keep him calm. I swore I would never do such a thing, but he is very active and I knew he'd be miserable and therefore everyone around us and my husband and I would be miserable on the 6 hour flight. Don't know how much it helped, but he was mostly very content in his car seat.

2 coach seats and I'd skip the car seat it. Being without it allows more flexibility in using the small amount of space available to you. I have traveled with my now nearly 3 and 4 year olds since they were babies and I've found lollipops (which they never get at any other time) great for take off - keeps them quiet and entertained, also having other unusual snacks, lots of stickers, a selection of new toys and one nice stiff drink for mellowing mama. So far I haven't tried a DVD player but we use one for car trips and it works great! Good Luck.

My son (now 4 yrs) have travelled by air a lot ever since he was a few months old. I would recommend 2 seats in coach - he and you will have more room to move - see if you can get bulkhead seats. First class is usually more crowded and not esp. kid friendly. Also take advantage of pre -boarding - it's nice to have the extra time to get settled. Bring lots of toys and snacks! Good luck M.

I would use two tickets. If your son is as big as you say, you might get tired of him sitting on your lap for such a period of time. If you had two seats you could raise the armrest and have him lay his head on your lap if he wanted.

I love first class & will ALWAYS use my miles on it if given the chance. BUT in this case, I'd go with 2 tickets in coach & definately use the car seat.

It's been mentioned several times about the possibility of having an extra seat somewhere that you could snag for your child. I wouldn't count on that at all anymore. Airlines have dramatically cut back on their flights, which means the remaining ones are quite full. They want to pack as many people onto the plane as possible, so empty seats are very rare now.

Oh, & I read somewhere that you should have one new toy for every hr on the plane. ie: a 4 hr plane ride would have 4 new toys for the child to play with. Hit the dollar store & you'll be set for cheap!

Good luck with whichever decision you make!

My son is the same age and I just traveled recently with 2 seats which worked great. The reason I recommend this is because (God willing) he sleeps, you are free to move about the cabin (ie: bathroom or stretch your legs). With him on your lap you won't be able to eat or do anything else easily. Seat him near the window in his car seat and arm yourself with plenty of toys, books & snacks. It's nice if you can bring along a new toy because that might hold his attention longer than one he's used to.
Good luck to you & good health for your Dad!

I would get two regular tickets for sure. The other person who is sitting next to you in first class might not appreciate the 19 month old sharing a seat especially since they paid more to have a more relaxed flight. That may make the flight more uncomfortable. When we fly with our kids, we usually try to take my son some new matchbox cars or other cheap toys he has never seen or a dvd player. That works well!

I just returned from a trip to Kentucky with my 12 month old. She flew as a lap child the entire time. We've flown multiple times already with her. I traveled alone part of the time, and with my family part of the time on this last trip.

I decided from now on that I would get her a seat of her own!!! I can't help but recommend two seats. They are safer in thier own carseat in a plane seat during take off and landing. They sleep way better in thier carseat instead of trying to get comfy in your lap. And if he's tall, you going to need two seats for width if he does want to lay on your lap or nurse. With two seats you also might be more likely to have the whole row to yourself, which would be grand.

Lastly, I'm sorry to hear about your father's declining health. It will probably be a tough trip, both emotionally and alone with your babe. There are a lot of kind people in airports that are happy to help. And on the plane. Don't be afraid to ask for help, esp. when going through screening.
Best of luck to you.

I have done so many airplane trips with my kids, I can't count! I would definately go with 2 coach seats. Like the other woman said, that way you have more room - he will have enought room to lay down and sleep, and you will still be confortable.

Hi D.,

I'd probably opt for the 2 seats. Then you'll each have your own space & will avoid dirty looks from the first classers. I'd recommend a lay over too. Then Benjamin can run crazy in the airport for a while before he's expected to sit again.

Good luck,

M. (mother of 3 & we travel to the Midwest several times a year)

Definitely get two tickets! Do not fly first class with a toddler.

The other people in first class get so annoyed with a wiggly toddler, which makes it so much worse. Buy two tickets, and take his car seat on the plane. Try reserving a seat for him where there is no-one sitting in front of him, since he is probably tall enough to kick the seat in front of him. The stewardesses are always available with the call button anyway, so service isn't a big issue.

Good luck! Pray that he sleeps!

You can get a first class ticket with a baby under 2, but when they get to the walking age, I have found it is even better to have 2 seats in coach.
I personally don't care if people 'frown' on me when I am in 1st with my kids. I pay the same and most likely travel just as much. Plus, my kids are well behaved and everyone was a kid once.
However, I just flew back from Hawaii, and I couldn't sleep well, because my 17 month old was on my lap. I couldn't get up to move around once he fell asleep, and he was just darn heavy!
I'd go for 2 seats and if he loves a car seat, but that in his, so he is comfortable and safe. And dvd player with some new fun dvds .. our 18 month old is content with elmo, and it is a novelty for him to be able to watch, so works well.
Good luck.

I just returned home from a trip to Boston (5 hour flight). I travelled with my 20 month old daughter in coach with two seats. Both going and coming the other passengers were kind enough to move. So, I ended up with enough space for Gracie to play and sleep. I think that when travelling first-class, passengers are less likely to move or be understanding to the needs of a Mommy/toddler team. So, I'd recommend travelling coach with two tickets. I'd also recommend traveling on a kid-friendly airline (like JetBlue). This will make a difficult situation that much easier.

hi:
personally I always go for the extra seat. Worth the extra money to me to have a less stressful trip especially when I travel alone with one or two boys. Take a car seat if you can because he will be used to that. If you can't take one,I recommend a flight approved harness from a company called CARES. Also bring a movie player. Even if you do not have him watch tv, movies will be a life saver on the plane. Avoid sugar snacks. Good luck!

D.,

I have traveled to Iceland from the west coast with my two kids a few times by my self, starting in infancy, so I know that you can make this trip!!!!! It can be challenging but the security at the airport is really the worst part. I will say that you should get two seats just for your own comfort. O, and make sure your diaper bag is organized so you can just reach with out looking and DON'T give him Benadryl, it makes little once hyper.

Have a good trip and best to you dad,
H

We have traveled with our two older daughters, when they were about 4 and 2 and definitely having their own seat was a blessing. We've also flown with our younger daughter when she was an infant and didn't have her own seat. We got so lucky and were seated with three seats together with no other passengers.I think especially since you will be alone with your son I would recommend getting the two coach seats. If he likes to move around a lot it will give him plenty of space to wiggle and do small activities and also his own seatbelt if he needs to be reigned in for a little while. Good luck on your traveling and I pray your fathers health is improving.
K. S

If you must bring your son...get him a seat. He's much safer in the event of a crash (or even bad turbulance), will sleep more comfortably and allow you some freedom. I know that airlines allow children under two to ride with parents, but it's really not safe. Would you hold your child on your lap in a car?

i would highly recommend flying 1st class if you can afford it. i recently flew alaska to california with my 10mo...we could not fly first class but on the way down the airlines seated us in a row with an extra seat....it made all the difference in the world! especially if you are breastfeeding. however, coach is so cramped and the bathrooms for a diaper change are sort of a pain to get to. on the return flight the seats were completely booked so we lapped it in our one coach seat...not quite as pleasant...so you are wise to consider purchasing that second seat. 1st class offers so much more room, it is hardly ever completely booked so you may end up with even more space and there is a bathroom available to 10 people insted of 60 as in coach.... flying these days is stressful enough....give yourself a little comfort. anyway, my two cents...best of luck to you.

I believe the only really safe way to fly in an airplane for your baby is to have his own seat and be belted into his car seat by the seat belt. He needs the same safety precautions in a plane that he would in the car. M. T., Dexter Oregon.

I would choose the two seats in coach. Your child would have his own space and tray to color at or place his "activities". Also, if he happens to fall asleep, you would have a better way of allowing him to rest without you holding him on your arms.
After having traveled with children for many years, without my husband along, I find that passangers in coach are more accepting of small active children. Make sure you carry enough snacks and activities for him. Good luck.

We have flown a lot with our two kids (just turned two and 4 months). We just flew in Feb and bought our daughter a ticket for the first time and took her carseat on the plane. Although it is a lot to carry-on, she was used to being buckled in that way and it was a comfy supportive seat for naps as well. i wish we would have thought of this earlier. its been a challenge to fly with her since she started walking. of course it depends on the length of the flight and the activity level of the child, but i would say from what you described you'll both be happier if he has his own seat.
Best of Luck!

D., I think the main question to ask yourself is, will your son sit in your lap for the duration of the flight? If he will, life is easier in first class. I got bumped to 1st once when I was traveling with my daughter, and you get more attention, snacks, drinks, etc in 1stCl, so that made it easier for me. She is now over two, so we buy two coach tix, but I would do one seat in first class again if I could. I also give the one coach seat idea a thumbs down.

My condolences to you on having to make this difficult trip. -A.

I suggest the two seats. It is difficul traveling with a tot, especially when you have to hold him the whole time. In his own seat you call pull the tray down and he can play, or at least have somewhere to set a few toys. He may be more likely to nap during the flight if he is inhis seat too.
Sorry about your fathers health, best of luck!!!

I always call the airline to find out which flight is the least likely to be filled. Armed with that information, I book my ticket and get to the airport ahead of time to request an "infant block"—meaning the seat next to you is blocked as filled by a non-paying infant. They will only fill the seat if the flight fills to capacity.

Good luck!
V.

I say spend the money for the extra seat. My husband & I have done it both ways once with our daughter on our laps & once with her in her own seat ... we were much happier when she had her own seat. When she was on our laps she bounced between the two of us the whole flight & wanted to get down ... so it was very stressfull ( & probably very annoying to the other person sitting in the row w/ us!) In their own seat they are in their car seat so they are strapped in ... which they are used to in the car so less whinning about getting down. Keeps your hands free to be able to get into diaper bag for snacks & toys to entertain. If your lucky maybe they will doze off during the flight & you'll get a few minutes to read a book/magazine ... or doze off yourself! :0) Good luck!

My husband and I just recently went to Mexico with 2 first class seats and our 19 month old child. Hubby did most of the holding. It was hard for him to navigate without my help. Our son us tall and active as well. We tried to plan it around his nap time which did end up working on the way down.

But if you do 2 coach you will get more room, bring your car seat so he can be comfortable and you have both your hands free (after everyone is seated). When he naps- if he does- it will be more comfortable for both of you. Honestly- I can't see how my husband would have really enjoyed himself if he were by himself.

hey there. i would advice you to get two tickets. you would be more comfortable. if you can swing it financially, go for it. that way you can bring his car seat, which is safer, and it makes it seem like you are in a car. and "we can't get out of our seat in the car, right?" giving them thier own seat, all buckled up, not able to disturb too many people will be less stressful than having him on your lap, wanting to wander around. that has worked for us and most of the children i know of. and it is more comfortable for you. less stressful. much luck~ sb

I traveled solo with our just under 2 daughter last year and just a couple ideas:

1. I placed a large sticker on her back (where she can't peal off) with her name, and our cell phone numbers in case we became separated.

2. I also took a harness (which I didn't end up using) so she would not wander off while I was checking bags, etc.

3. The regular car seat is a pain in get in (they want you to be in the window seat) and big and bulky. We brought it when it was the three of us but not when I was flying just the two of us. She sat in my lap. Pack all your on board stuff and see how you can manage. It'll also depend on whether you're being dropped off, picked up and have connecting flights.

Good Luck!

I'd recommend buying the 2 coach seats and request the bulkhead seats where you have extra leg room. That way when your son gets fidgety he'll have a little extra room to play! You'll both do fine!!

I think you have answered your own question with your very tall, active 19 month old. I recommend getting 2 seats.

D.,
When ever I traveled/travel with my boys, I always purchase a seat for them. This way, I can strap their carseat in the seat and it keeps them from unbuckling the plane seatbelt. Also, it keeps them off your lap if the plane is over booked.
I went on a trip that was over booked and someone tried to take my sons seat. When I forecfully told them that I paid for the seat and it belonged to my son, they shut up and left me alone. Also, the stewardess who suggested my sons seat was ULTRA nice and accommodated my sons every whim the entire flight. As for the passenger, he had to wait for the next flight. Ha Ha.
Good luck. - A.

Hi,

As a mother of a 5 year old, 4 year old , 10 month old and I just flew with all three by myself recently I would definantly buy the extra seat. Their is literaly NO room on your lap for a wiggly toddler. You need the extra space for all your stuff to.

portable DVD player... i know that sounds so lame... but it has helped us out quite a bit over the past 3 years... *we got ours when henry was 2 and i know 19 months and 24 months can be a huge age difference, but it may buy you an hour or perhaps 2 even (depending on the shows you get)...

pingu, bob the builder, diego... get a dvd with lots of episodes of short shows. also richard scarrey has some dvd's which are GREAT.

just a thought and good luck.

We traveled with our son for the first plane trip just around 2 years of age and we got him his own seat. It made the trip so much easier. He had his own space and wasn't required to stay on our laps. Also this gave us a little bit more room to spread out and be able to read or color with him. He really liked sittling by the window and looking at the clouds. Hope this helps and have a safe trip.

Buy the 2 seats - take a backpack full of activities (or a portable DVD player if you allow him to watch videos). The evil stares from the other first class passengers may not be worth the bigger seat. I've flown multiple times over the past few years with my now 3 year old - and always had a better flight when he had his own seat. We usually didnt buy a seat for him, just hoped the flight wasn't full - many times the staff will juggle seat assignments to accomodate on a flight that is not full.

Try to fly during his naptime. There is something magical about the hum of the plane - my wild, active, monkey boy usually slept for most of the flight.

I am sorry to hear your father is not well. I was a flight attendant for 8 years and I can give you my two cents. If you fly in first with a lap child, I think you will regret it. The seats are bigger... but when a meal is served you will not have anywhere to eat it. The tray table is in your arm rest. I have seen many parents get so frustrated that one of them w/ the child moves to coach. First class has changed a lot but you still get some extra treatment that is hard to enjoy when you have a child on your lap.

I personally fly coach with my son. I have had him on my lap and have bought a seat for him. The airline my husband worked for, a child under two had to ride on the parents lap. If you can afford to buy two seats.... that is the way to go. It is much more comfortably for both of you. I also recommend taking a car seat on board. It keeps them from wanting to run around and might feel more familiar to him. I take plenty of snacks, new books and toys. A DVD player is great.

Another thing I have learned is most airlines do not serve milk anymore. You might be able to bring a small amount with you(check TSA'S website) or you can buy some on the other side of security. If you have any other question s feel free to email me. I hope this has helped.

I always travelled with my little ones stapped into their car seats on the airplane, even though it cost me another ticket. There is no way that you can hold your baby, should the plane jump around badly during turbulence. Babies have been known to fly around the plane themselves during this. Definitely, if you have a choice, get peace of mind, baby strapped into their own seatbelt is the safest and best option.

I would recommend 2 seats and make sure you bring his car seat with you so he can be strapped in and not be able to undo the seat belt. I flew with my youngest at 3 months, 10 months and 23 months. I carried him on once and that was all it took to convince me the extra seat was worth the money. Also I perfer to fly at night or during nap time so he sleeps, but he also sleeps in the car a lot, so that is something to consider as well. Good Luck!

My daughter has always been in the 97th percentile for height, and the last time we flew with her she was 20 months (for Thanksgiving). I really wished that we had gotten her her own seat, it was so difficult to keep her from kicking or bumping (accidentally or on purpose) the seat in front of ours, she wanted to stand on our laps and look at the people behind us, and more than anything she wanted to walk around the plane. At that age it's really difficult to explain to your child why they need to just sit still for a few hours. On the other hand, she does fine on car rides of two to three hours (especially with all of the toys, books, and games that you can bring on a plane) so if we had bought her own seat and brought her car seat on the plane (instead of checking it) then it wouldn't have been an issue. I really think you need two seats and use your car seat. You child is used to his car seat, and it will be even better than a car trip because you'll be sitting right next to him reading him stories and handing him snacks and things. Besides, a lot of first class flyers might not have much patience with an active and perhaps noisy toddler.

Hi D.,
I'm not sure, but I think airlines do not allow children under a certain age in first class, especially if they haven't a ticket of their own. My husband works for an airline, and he's commented several times that my 3yo daughter and I would not be allowed in first class even if there were seats there, and not in coach (we fly standby). I'm not sure if this is just because we are flying standby, or if it is standard practice. I would call the airline and ask their policy on lap held children in first class.

On another note. My daughter and I fly quite often, and I've always found it easier to have her on the seat next to me. When she was younger if I needed to I could still hold her, but if she wanted to sit and color or watch a movie or something she would have her own space to do so. Also if she fell asleep I could lay her down on the seat with her head in my lap. That way you are not going to be squished or worried about him disturbing the passenger beside you, especially if the flight is full. If I were you I'd opt for the 2 seats in coach. Hope this helps!!
L.

I have done some traveling with young ones by myself. I traveled to california with 3 kids and pregnant by myself before too. Let me say that unless the kid is an infant, it is much better to by them a ticket because then you have more room for them. It is so crowded in those seats that the kid seems to be bouncing around like a ball on a pinball machine. Also if you have some place to sit them then their feet don't reach the seat infront of them and kick the seat. Also don't sit in the bulk head seat, or the seat at the front of the plane. You do have more room in front of you and nobody sitting in front of you but then you also have to put all your stuff over your head so you can't have your snack/toy bag near you. So good luck with all you travels. I am headed to Disneyland with my 4 kids in a couple of weeks, so I understand your dilemma.

i would say first class. the seats are much wider and lots more leg room. however, having his own seat to hang out in might be good too. when we travel by plane we take a portable dvd so they can watch movies, and lots of snacks, also maybe buy a couple of new toys and save them for the trip. for a long trip, if it will interfere with his naps, bring a blanket to cuddle him in... they don't wash the airplane blankets.
good luck!!

I have traveled with both of the toddlers(when they were toddlers) I purchased two tickets because there was 3 of us. I will tell u the flight attendents were wonderful. They helped alot. I think if u purchased the 1 ticket u will be fine. They usually give u a empty seat anyway so u still have your room too. Good luck hope all goes well with your family.