Seat or no seat for 14 month old?

[JingleBelle]

We're flying to Melbourne for my brother's wedding in November and DS will be 14 months old. Travel agents have told us we don't need a seat, but I'm not so sure, as it would be quite possible for him to be walking by then. Can anyone give any advice on this. Am assuming (although will definitely check before we book) that he will get a skycot, if he doesn't have a seat, but travel agents have not been able to give specifics at enquiry stage.
What would you recommend - seat or no seat? Is it better to have him on my (or DH's) lap and then a skycot for him to sleep in, or get a seat for him and then he has to sleep in seat or on me? We will be splitting the journey both ways, but each leg will still be more than 10 hours (I think).

for short haul I wouldn't bother with a seat, but for that sort of distance I'd definately be considering it.

Definitely get him a seat of his own. Will you be taking a carseat? I used to travel longhaul with one, and dd was happy to sleep there.

I'd go for a seat
Check the size of the skycot - mine wouldn't fit in at 8 mths - also they will give priority to younger babies so you might not get one

I flew long haul with ds 13 months to SA and back when he was 15months, I got a seat both ways, if you have a decent car seat that can tilt you can strap that into the aircraft seat and him inside. Ds slept all the way, comfortable and much safer that he would've been on my lap or in a (small) cot on the bulkhead. If they don't have a seat you have to pick them up and hold them during turbulence, which is not necessary if they are in a car seat. HTH. I flew with a Maxi Cosi Priori

I would get a seat, even if it's only to chuck all the bumph on. Dd used to snuggle down and nap.

Ask if the flights are generally full, if not you can ask at check-in to be put next to an empty seat.

We flew to South America and back with dd1 when she was 16 mo and the plane were half-empty so there was plenty of room.

Thanks ladies. Back off to travel agents next weekend to get quotes with seat for DS. Is always good to get opinion of those who've done it!
It's going to be even more exicting when we've actually booked the tickets!

I'd get a seat for your son even if you end up paying full child fare. Silly of the travel agent to suggest there will be no need of a seat for such a journey.

As far as I know as well there are no flights any longer from the UK direct to Melbourne so you will be also on two planes. These flights may also be full. Skycots are small as well, I would see if bulkhead seats for each leg can be arranged. Speak to the airline concerned directly - do not rely on the travel agent to provide.

There are direct flights from Melbourne to London though. I'm coming back on one next year.

24 hours, 21 minutes. Aargh.

Anyway, carseat that child all the way. Also, allow a week for you all to get over the jetlag and change of climate. Have fun!

But I don't think direct means non- stop though....does it?

Oh I see...you mean same plane. Sorry!

Definitely a seat if you can possibly afford it.

Another vote for a seat and car seat. I looked into the whole safety stuff when we flew long haul the last time and a car seat is definitely safer for turbulence. Plus your DS will probably be used to sleeping in it too.