Is Business Class Worth It on an International Flight with a Lap Child?

Don't spend the money on a business class ticket...spend it on an extra seat. You'll be glad you did.

I would use that extra $ and get the child his/her own seat in coach, instead of going as a lap child. That is the best way for you both to be more comfortable (and safer) on the flight.

I've done the kid on the lap for 6 hour flights cross country a couple of times. And let me tell ya ... it's a complete pain in the tush. I can't imagine going international with a kid on my lap.

As someone else suggested instead of the extra money for business get kiddo their own seat in coach. you'll be glad you did.

You know why you can't hold a child in your lap while you ride in a car?
Because in a crash it's as hard to hold a child as it would be a 300 lb sumo wrestler and even if you managed it YOU would crush your child.

It's no different in an airplane.
I've heard of turbulence so bad that anyone not tied down with seat belts got thrown around like rag dolls and came out with broken limbs and concussions.
For safety's sake your child should have his/her own seat and if they are small enough they need to use a child seat (like a car seat) for planes.

I would not want to hold a child on my lap for a flight to anywhere. They are wiggly and don't sit still.

For your comfort, the comfort of the child and the comfort of all the other passengers, spend the money and get the kid its own seat. You have heard they saying about putting your oxygen mask on first before you do anyone else, the same would apply here.

the other S.

I would buy another seat, either business or regular class. I flew for 3 hours with a child on my lap and it was awful, even with 2 adults. I wouldn't consider it for longer than that. Good luck!

For the safety of your child and sanity for everyone, PLEASE buy your child his/her own seat.

I don't know if you fly much or not but its no fun when you unexpectedly hit turbulence and everything not buckled in flies everywhere throughout the plane. Is it acceptable to you to risk allowing your child to fly through the plane and potentially be killed?

You don't hold your child while you drive do you?

If you can't afford the tickets..... Don't go.

Next question?

I wonder if they even allow lap children in business class. I'd be furious if I paid all that money to travel in comfort and had a young child next to me who is likely to get fussy if not outright cry. Sure you'll have more room than in coach but I'm sure you'll still disturb your neighbor. If you got a lie flat bed in a configuration that no one is next to you, and that can happen, it might be ok if your child doesn't cry. But most kids that young will cry over that long a period of time. You might be able to buy three coach seats for the price of business...

Take that money and buy another sit for your child. Do NOT do the lap child thing overseas. It can get bumpy and that can be very dangerous.

Treat this like you would traveling in a car. Your child will be more comfortable and so will you.

Yes buy business class AND buy an extra seat for your child.
It's just not worth the discomfort otherwise!!

I would never do an international flight with a lap baby. I've done it three times with babies too., and once with a 2.

We have used miles for first and plus. I'd do business if I could- with two seats. You'll be happy for all the extra space to not drive yourself and everyone else mad.

If you can afford to, then yes, absolutely. Business class is soooooo much nicer on international flights. I agree with everyone else, buy your child his/her own seat, if you can.

Yes, business class is worth it for international flights, but DO NOT have your child sit on your lap. It's not safe, and all of you will be miserable.

Buy your child his/her own seat.

If you can afford it then maybe, but you can also just request the bulk head seat. When I would fly home with my boys from London I would always just fly coach and get the bulk head, it allowed for plenty of room and they even had a fold down bouncer for while the plane was at cruising alt.

Yes, you can have a lap child in business class. I flew business class from New York to Mumbai with my son as a lap child when he was 2.5 months old. On the way over, I was alone. My dad traveled with me on the way back. Some older model planes will have bassinet seats in the bulkhead in business class. Most of the newer ones don't because of the lie flat seats. Also be aware that for a lap child with international travel, you may still have to pay a fee. My son's fare was 10% of my business class ticket. With him being so little, being a lap child wasn't a big deal. As he got older, we always bought him a seat. It's cheaper to get two coach seats and you'll have more room with a small child. Those lie flat seats are fine for one person, but add a child in the mix and it gets cramped very quickly.

oh heck yeah. if you've got the miles, it's worth it to go business AND have an actual extra seat. OR go coach with 2 seats.
that's a terribly long way to fly with a lap child. i did it once (economy, gods give me strength) from DC to vegas, a 5 hour flight that seemed like 50.
khairete
S.