Price Loophole? Child's 2nd Birthday while away.

mills_steven

We're thinking of going away at the end of August, returning beginning of September- provisionally 28th August to 4th September.

Our son's 2nd birthday will be on 1st September.

Am looking at flights/hotels etc. online, and when entering details it asks how many children/infants are traveling. Infants under 2 in most instances are either free or charged a nominal amount, whereas children over 2 cost a great deal more.

So in theory I should be paying infant price on the way out and children's price on the way back (and maybe some combination of the two for accommodation).

But realistically, sites aren't set up for you to enter a child as an infant one way and a child the other.

So, can I take advantage of a loophole here and get infant's price for the whole trip?

Anyone got any thoughts on this? Is this a Money Saving Opportunity? :-)

Sam_Bee

It's not a price loophole unfortunately, it might turn into a logistical nightmare.

Most airlines state the 2 year old must have their own seat. So, you could carry him on the way out (thus paying cheap price) but would require their own seat on the return. So as you have to take a fare paying persons seat most airlines would force you to pay a child price, at least on the return.

If you knowlingly enter that the child is 1 for the duration, prepare yourself for issues on your return flight (i.e. if the check-in clerk spots that your child is now 2, they could force you to purchase an extra seat. If the flight is full, your entire party could be denied boarding).

It might seem a great way to make a savings, but it cause you a great deal of headaches. You should contact each airline you are considering and check their policies, and get in writing if possible.

Alternatively, go a week earlier!

Woby_Tide

From memory in the T&C's it normally states that ages should be that of the person on the return leg as I wondered something similar once before

sloppychops

Woby_Tide is correct ages of child/children need to be their ages on return.
Have you not thought about going a few days earlier and come back before your sons 2nd birthday that way you will still benefit.

morganb

How does the price of a infant single ticket out and a child single ticket back compare with a child return fare? Otherwise go with the opinions of the other posters above...

richardw

mills_steven wrote: »

But realistically, sites aren't set up for you to enter a child as an infant one way and a child the other.

Because it is your offspring's age on the return flight that is the deciding factor, so if it is cheaper to go earlier, then it is money saved.

beautifulgorgeous_2

At that time of year you could be better with a package deal with a free child place for you son as the prices seem to plummet when the kids are back at school. Try a week or two into Sept and see the difference. And in this area he wouldn`t go to school either until he is five!

white_star

Just found this on the BA.com website, maybe other airlines have similar policies if you do a search on their websites or phone them up.

Question
My child turns 2 years old during our holiday, does this make any difference to whether they have a seat on the plane ?

Answer If you are travelling with an infant who reaches the age of two on a date during your journey (i.e. departs under the age of 2 but returns over the age of 2), a separate seat is required for all sectors on and after their birthday.
British Airways will be pleased to ensure that your reservation reflects a booked seat for that portion of your journey.
The fare charged will remain at the infant fare for the entire journey, regardless of the fact that a seat has been booked for some sectors.
If you would like to ensure that your child has a seat after their 2nd birthday, please contact your local British Airways office.

Hope this helps. Good Luck

richard.hall99

yeh BA are good at doing that...if they are classed as an infant on the outbound journey but are a child on the return then they get a seat on the way back but pay infant prices...call them