Flying with child under age 2 to Phils

[kev_n_jena 89]

We're looking for feedback from other couples that have flown to the Philippines with a child under age 2. Our little boy just got his passport and we're going to make the trip over soon. We've been advised by some to buy him his own seat but we can't help thinking that the $2500 could be spent more wisely.

Did you try it without buying a seat for your toddler? How bad was it?

Did you try it buying your toddler a seat? Did they use it and was it worth it?

Thanks!

[-=Mai and Timmy=- 12]

well I dont have a kid with me when I travelled but its better that you had to get him some, coz its a long ride, u need to make him comfortable and as well you too

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

I don't have a toddler but I know there is one that will never sleep well again after kicking the back of my seat for about an hour I scared him and his mother that didn't bother teaching him manners well enough that they both will be sleepless for weeks.

[BJZags 17]

Our 10-month old rode on our laps and we didn't have too much problem. He fortunately slept most of the way, which was surprising. When he was awake we kept him busy with his favorite toys and his crocodile-shaped keyboard that he liked to play with at the time. Now, flash-forward two months later when he was fully mobile because he'd mastered walking, than forget about it -- separate seat would have been required.

[AKteacher 104]

We went to PHL last summer with our then-14-month old - traveling as a lap infant, no booster seat. Korean Air was very hospitable - the 777's have bassonets in the middle section of the bulkead rows (in coach - but it's first class for the baby!), which work really well for a baby not much over about 20 lbs. He just slept most of the way on that segment. The other direction, we were in regular seating but they moved us next to an empty seat and once again, he just slept. Their special baby meals consisted of juice, fruit, and Gerber baby food in glass jars. He mostly ate fruit, shared our food, drank milk and we kept most of the Gerber for later.

My advice:

1. Save your money on an extra seat, it's not worth it in my opinion. You'll have to buy a lap infant ticket (cost us $155 RT from the West Coast). Make sure to do this when/just after you buy your tickets. You'll probably have to call the airline after you buy your tickets since most online travel agencies don't seem to sell this type of ticket.

2. If you're flying on a 777, ask for a bulkhead//bassonet seat if he's small enough - they're really nice. Should be no extra charge.

3. Bring bottles with milk for after takeoff and before landing, which will help him pop his ears to equalize air pressure.

4. Bring entertainment, whatever he likes that's portable. And extra clothes and diapers of course.

5. Don't bring a booster seat unless you don't mind it being counted as one of your pieces of luggage. When flying domestic US, these are normally free. An extra piece of luggage (i.e. the booster seat) would have cost us $200 (each way!) on KAL. Other than that, no hidden charges with KAL.

Good luck!

Edited September 19, 2013 by AKteacher

[sam357 4]

Save your money. We flew with our 14 month old and it was no problem .

[kev_n_jena 89]

We went to PHL last summer with our then-14-month old - traveling as a lap infant, no booster seat. Korean Air was very hospitable - the 777's have bassonets in the middle section of the bulkead rows (in coach - but it's first class for the baby!), which work really well for a baby not much over about 20 lbs. He just slept most of the way on that segment. The other direction, we were in regular seating but they moved us next to an empty seat and once again, he just slept. Their special baby meals consisted of juice, fruit, and Gerber baby food in glass jars. He mostly ate fruit, shared our food, drank milk and we kept most of the Gerber for later.

My advice:

1. Save your money on an extra seat, it's not worth it in my opinion. You'll have to buy a lap infant ticket (cost us $155 RT from the West Coast). Make sure to do this when/just after you buy your tickets. You'll probably have to call the airline after you buy your tickets since most online travel agencies don't seem to sell this type of ticket.

2. If you're flying on a 777, ask for a bulkhead//bassonet seat if he's small enough - they're really nice. Should be no extra charge.

3. Bring bottles with milk for after takeoff and before landing, which will help him pop his ears to equalize air pressure.

4. Bring entertainment, whatever he likes that's portable. And extra clothes and diapers of course.

5. Don't bring a booster seat unless you don't mind it being counted as one of your pieces of luggage. When flying domestic US, these are normally free. An extra piece of luggage (i.e. the booster seat) would have cost us $200 (each way!) on KAL. Other than that, no hidden charges with KAL.

Good luck!

Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to post such a detailed reply!

[Tintin and Mike 127]

Glad to know these tips. We're planning on taking our soon to be born baby (due anytime now ) before she turns 2 and can't decide if we have to spend extra for a seat or just take turns carrying her on our laps