Anonymous wrote:Have you flown on this airline with the child previously? I know that I have had to enter birth dates for each passenger. If you've entered her correct birthdate at some time in the past, entering a wrong one this time may flag her. On the other hand, if this is the first time she flies with the airline, and you enter an incorrect birthday, it may stay in the system and cause problems in the future.

Not worth it, IMO.

You don't have to book the lap airfare ticket when you book your own. You can do it at check-in.

I've had to do this on two separate occasions, when I've unexpectedly had to bring my child along on a trip.

Have you flown on this airline with the child previously? I know that I have had to enter birth dates for each passenger. If you've entered her correct birthdate at some time in the past, entering a wrong one this time may flag her. On the other hand, if this is the first time she flies with the airline, and you enter an incorrect birthday, it may stay in the system and cause problems in the future.

Not worth it, IMO.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you buy a one-way ticket for him for the return portion only?

Yes, considered this. Might look into it.

Husband and I both work; didn't have foresight to request Wed or Monday off and now it is a little late to request. So stuck with the worst travel day options! oh well! My own fault for not planning better. Tempted to have my parents come here instead!!

If your parents have the ability to travel, absolutely have them travel. If they are retired, they have the "time" to do the drive.

You should also look into flying Thursday morning. My brother flies to DC from MIA on Christmas morning most years because it's (1) less crowded and (2) less expensive. We flew from DC to PHX one year on Christmas afternoon for the same reasons.

Anonymous wrote:I would lie and say s/he's almost two. I fly about once a month with my four year old and ONLY bring her passport when we're going international. Flying within the country I bring nothing that has her birthdate.

For a ticketed passenger that is fine, minors don't need photo is/ proof of age. But a lap baby has specific requirements and airlines can and do ask for proof of age. I had to provide proof for my clearly well under two year old to any normal adult when we flew United. He was eight months.
It all depends on the airline agent at the ticketing counter.
I would not try to lie.

I would lie and say s/he's almost two. I fly about once a month with my four year old and ONLY bring her passport when we're going international. Flying within the country I bring nothing that has her birthdate.

OP, who are you trying to fly? with southwest, you will have to buy a one way for the return leg, guaranteed.

Anonymous wrote:Uh, call the airline. We had this exact scenario, but were told as long as the child is 1 before you board the initial leg of the trip, you don't have to pay for a separate seat. It didn't matter that she was 2 when we returned a week later.

Which airlines? I'm a frequent flier on three and those three require a ticket onceo the child turns two.

Anonymous wrote:I've never been asked to show a birth certificate but I have been asked for his birthday. These days I feel nervous about lying about the birthday given security.

A birth certificate isn't necessary. Just push the birthday back by one month.

How would the airline even know your child's age? I flew with my then two year old as a lap child without any problems.

Anonymous wrote:How many of you have actually been asked for a birth certificate at the airport? I flew with my child 14 times before he was 2, and was never asked. He's big too.

Never, because I always bought my child a seat.

I took my son as a lap child on maybe 25 flights and was never asked for his birh certificate, and he is big for his age. So I would probably risk it. We actually had this same thing happen and bought a round trip ticket for him because it wasn't too expensive (not a holiday) and I wanted the extra room. But if you have to be back for work and it's thanksgiving weekend... I don't know. We also usually fly to Knoxville for thanksgiving! Not the best airport to spend all day hoping for seats to appear.

I've never been asked to show a birth certificate but I have been asked for his birthday. These days I feel nervous about lying about the birthday given security.

Uh, call the airline. We had this exact scenario, but were told as long as the child is 1 before you board the initial leg of the trip, you don't have to pay for a separate seat. It didn't matter that she was 2 when we returned a week later.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you buy a one-way ticket for him for the return portion only?

Yes, considered this. Might look into it.

Husband and I both work; didn't have foresight to request Wed or Monday off and now it is a little late to request. So stuck with the worst travel day options! oh well! My own fault for not planning better. Tempted to have my parents come here instead!!

Are you trying to fly Wednesday night and Sunday? Check Thursday morning and Saturday night instead.

This would solve your lap child issue as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you buy a one-way ticket for him for the return portion only?

Yes, considered this. Might look into it.

Husband and I both work; didn't have foresight to request Wed or Monday off and now it is a little late to request. So stuck with the worst travel day options! oh well! My own fault for not planning better. Tempted to have my parents come here instead!!

Are you trying to fly Wednesday night and Sunday? Check Thursday morning and Saturday night instead.