Why does flying cost so much with a baby?

[BadBehaviour]

I’m trying to book flights for myself, DP and baby who is 7 months. Every airline is charging me full price for baby but it says they will not be given a seat. Can’t help but feel ripped off. Is this correct? I thought lap babies got a discount? Thanks x

Yes I must say I thought lap babies get a discount too ? I’ve been on a few plane trips where the baby under two went for free .... though to be fair my OH paid so maybe he knows better !!!

I know with Air Canada you just book the adult seats then call them and add the infant.

Babies under 2 are free on laps - on a set they are regular price

I've always been charged about £50 for an infant under 2 on my lap so that doesn't quite sound right. Are you checking directly with the airlines you're interested in?

To clarify, that’s within Canada and to/from the US.

Who are you looking at flying with and the destination?

They have to pay the taxes so all I can think of is you’re booking very low cost flights where you’re paying barely anything but the taxes.if not, call the airline.

Be careful about this booking. You need to make sure you don't get charged for a seat for the baby. I agree with calling the airline. Here in the US, for example, Delta will charge you an adult fare for kids on international flights if you make the booking online. You have to call to get the discount which they don't make clear. Sneaky!

Depends on the route and the airline. Sometimes you need to call and you are probably seeing prices for a infant in their own seat of there’s no discount at all. If it’s a US based airline they typically travel for free on domestic routes and don’t even require pre-booking. With BA in Europe we’ve always had to pay but it’s usually quite cheap, about £50 I think? I usually book for 2 adults online then call to add the lap baby.

It's a fee of £25 per flight I think - we've booked with low cost carriers and it's been the same. Its for airport handling apparently. You do get more luggage and to use the family lanes so I've found the whole airport experience to be much quicker. It is annoying when the adult tickets are cheaper though!

That's really odd. Lap infants are usually just charged a small fee.

You shouldn’t be charged full price for 7mnth old but you will have to pay tax for them and there may be a charge if it’s long haul and you require a bassinet

We just bought flights to Northern Europe and DS was charged 10% adult price.

When I flew with mine (easyJet), I believe it was £25 few each way. That included a carry on and two pieces of checked baby equipment.