Children having their own seat on a packed train.

Sorry I was referring to the flights we took prior to him turning two. And that's what I meant the infant fare. I was responding to the poster saying you don't pay for flights up to 2 years old as part of the reason they sit on the lap.
On a flight my understanding is they're on a lap for safety not due to not having paid fare (which is often not the case)

I dislike children and don't have any, but wouldn't ask. Actually I wouldn't want to sit next
to a parent with a three year old on their lap.

Yes 🤪 my DS, he still doesn’t mind so I’m enjoying it while I can. He is very light though. And very nice to cuddle.

They were there first! What makes you think you are more important than a 3 year old?

Absolutely not, get a grip.

Why do you think that making the choice to have children makes parents and their children second class citizens? That they should be prepared to be uncomfortable to make you comfortable? Why? I am still trying to understand this line of thinking by some.

The elderly person has almost certainly paid taxes all their working life; which has paid for their bus pass many times over. They also tire more quickly and are not always strong. Some years ago I was waiting for a bus when it started to rain. Near the front of the was an elderly, very frail lady. When the bus arrived, it was like a rugby scrum as people started pushing towards the bus. I actually said to them: "Please let this lady get on first." Thankfully, they did and she was able to sit on one of the priority seats.

they are paid for. By local council but still paid for

Nonsense athere is a difference, pensioners may not pay but their ticket is paid for by the council, but that is only in London. I live 10 minutes walk from London but dont qualify for a free ticket.

He's OVER 2 so full price( slightly less rax)Under 2s are lap children if you pay an infant price

that's the rules though asmany people have stated

You can’t look at a kid on a plane (or train for that matter) and assume they haven’t paid. For example, we’ve always paid for plane tickets for our under 2s as we like the space and it’s claustrophobic enough even without a kid on your lap.

@MrsSkylerWhite ^

I'm not sure there is a connection between having free tickets and being expected to sit on laps though... Over 60s don't pay for buses / tubes in London, should they be sitting on laps too?
Almost certain that that isn't what the train manager would have done....

My son has recently turned 2 and its not free for any airline we've travelled with. Its usually a flat fee or a % of the adults ticket.
Some airlines are probably free but just thought I'd point out not all are

It’s a long thread but just to add my 10p - it really depends on how long the journey is. I recently got my 7 year old to sit on my lap on a busy commuter train but it was only a 30 minute journey and of course we hadn’t specifically booked seats. If it was a longer journey that I’d booked seats for then no I wouldn’t get my DC’s to sit on my lap. The only exception is if I saw someone standing who was clearly very elderly / pregnant / struggling.

Lots of people on here think you should though out of deference to an able bodied adult! its the principle of it.

Crikey yes! When I was growing up it was also standard for kids to stand while adults sat down.

As for the dogs on seat, what gets me is the answer ' animals are better than humans!

When my kids were toddlers, for long train journeys, i would buy them a ticket anyway so they had a seat as found it easier than doing a journey with one of them on my knee. If my child has a paid and reserved seat I wouldn't expect them to move.

National Rail says:

Children under 5
Children under 5 years of age travel for free on most journeys but check with your train company to make sure. Please note, children under 5 who are travelling without a ticket may only occupy a seat that is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

If you haven’t paid for a ticket for your child a fare paying adult is entitled to the seat.

Young children may not be able to reach something to hold onto. They may get people’s bags in their faces and can get carried along when people exit the train.
I am at an age where when people often offer me a seat. I would stand for a child. I can abide the ‘in my day…. ‘. It is not then and things are different. Everywhere is more crowded. We rightly care more about young children. If you need a seat get a badge.

…except that the tide has changed and, as seen here, the only reason that most people need for their child not to stand is that they were there first. Nomothetic reason needed.

Yes. Absolutely. Fair point. I can’t argue with that.

Because non booked seats on a train are first come served. If you're 'inconvenienced' by others getting on the train before you, maybe you should reconsider your transport options.

YABU and if you asked me I would say no.

'A person's a person, no matter how small'