Why is so difficult to fly across the 2-year old threshold with (some) airlines?

Why is so difficult to fly across the 2-year old threshold with (some) airlines? - Colorful air balloons flying over old eastern city

I found it almost impossible to get acceptable tickets to fly with my daughter if she reaches 2 years old during a round-trip.

Their website (I'm talking about 2 European companies, one low cost and one standard) don't allow to proceed even trying to pay the forward flight as a child as well.

Buying tickets for forward and return flights separately is not an option because the prices are 5-6 times higher. Their offices say I should be able to buy tickets as a child, but they should try on their own before...

As an alternative they might sell the tickets directly but with extra fees due to the offline procedure.

Of course, whenever possible, you can change the dates to avoid such a "problem", but I cannot find a reason why websites cannot charge one flight as infant and another as child, when the birthday happens in between.

Among all billions of passengers every year I assume it shouldn't be so uncommon.

Why do they discourage such a travel?



Best Answer

As outlined in a related question, airlines never bother verifying the dates of birth you enter when checking in or purchasing a ticket. Therefore the simplest solution is to "age up" your daughter by a year and book a return child ticket instead of the cheaper infant ticket.

You may also complain to the airline about the quality of their booking systems, but there's not much you can do otherwise except going around the system in some way.




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Can you fly with a 2 year old on your lap?

YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU:Have a child that is 2 years old or older. Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.

What time is best to fly with a toddler?

As long as your kids get a good night's sleep, morning is a great time to fly, because they'll be less tired and in a better mood. There are some instances where you'll have to book a later flight. Still, keep in mind that there are pluses to evening flights.

What is the oldest a child can fly for free?

The answer is generally, frustratingly, yes. "Children older than 2 will typically be charged full fare, regardless of age. Luckily, some airlines occasionally offer kids fly free promos," explained Family Vacation Critic.

Is a child under 2 free to fly?

Lap babies (younger than age 2) fly free on domestic flights, usually one per paying adult. (You may need to present proof of age.) This does save you money, but it's important to note that babies riding in airplanes are safest riding in government-approved car seats.



INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH A TODDLER?! | THE HOW \u0026 WHY 🤔




More answers regarding why is so difficult to fly across the 2-year old threshold with (some) airlines?

Answer 2

Book the flight with the child's age as of departure, as a return trip, and you should have no problems.

Answer 3

Book your daughter's travel as two one-way trips, one as an infant and one as a child. Then call the airline and have them link the booking references to your round-trip one.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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