Pay for 4th seat?

[Anonymous]

Our family of 4 is planning a week-long trip to Italy. The flights are non-stop and supposed to take around 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hours. We have to buy 3 seats, but our youngest will be 22 months old at the time, so we don't have to buy her a seat. At slightly over $1,000 for a seat for her, we are torn -- it would certainly be easier and more pleasant if she had her own seat, or we at least would have more space to spread out. But, that's extremely expensive!! We don't fly often and will probably not go to Italy again for a very long time. Worth the $$$ or not? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

If it was me, I probably wouldn't buy the seat but I know the kid would be on my lap the whole time. If you and your spouse are good about trading off, I say save the money. Hopefully you already know this but you still need to pay "lap tax", I think that is what they call it. I have to pay this for my daughter when we go to Mexico. It is fairly inexpensive for Mexico but I think some of friends who traveled to Europe with infants paid $200 to $300.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely consider getting the seat as a safety issue as well as comfort. In the event of turbulence, it is certainly much safer to have a seat for your child-- depending on the severity it could be difficult to impossible for you to hold on securely. On the other hand, I'm not sure how likely it is that turbulence would be that severe-- certainly there's a decent chance you would not encounter it in two flights.

Another thing to consider is whether your child is likely to be able to sleep in her carseat, or would you end up with her on your lap anyway?

Have you confirmed the cost of airfares with a seat and without? (I remember it used to be for domestic flights if you bought a seat for an under 2 kid they gave you a discount)

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your responses and reminding me about the lap tax. That "reduces" the cost of the ticket somewhat. I'l keep thinking ...

[Anonymous]

Air fare taxes, esp. international, fluctuate. We travelled to Europe over the summer and paid almost $500 for our lap toddler! The actual fare was $1,000. We lucked out and our plane had several empty seats so we were able to move to an empty row. On our way back - we were able to get the bulkhead and that also helped. But, on one of our legs, the plane was packed and we had to hold our squirmy 16 month old the entire time. Fortunately, she slpet most of the time, but while she was awake - it was brutal! Not so much because she was a bad traveller, but because the seats were so tight that there just wasn't a whole lot of room. It is do-able but uncomfortable. If you are travelling low season and the odds are good that there will be empty seats - then don't bother. But..if the plane is packed I might just bite the bullet and buy the ticket! Many airlines and expedia give you the ability to see how many seats are open.

[Anonymous]

Buy the seat. Why spend all that money on what should be a fabulous vacation and spend all that time wishing you'd stayed home.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for buy the seat. I travel a lot to Europe with my kids to see grandparents, and while I always cringe at the cost, during the flight I am soo happy I have an extra seat. Totally worth the cost. Especially with 22 month old. You will never regret it.

[Anonymous]

Anytime I traveled with my kids prior to their turning 3, they never sat in their own seat - always wanted to sit on my lap or be held walking around the plane. I'd never spend the extra money on the seat.