Infant - Business or Economy?

[ossi]

We are planning to travel MEL - ZRH for a holiday. There will be 2 adults, a 6 year old and a 16-17 month old infant. We have enough points for 3 business class tickets or 4 economy tickets.

Is having an infant on your lap/shoehorning the 2 kids into a business class seat workable? Reluctant to purchase a seat in business class for an infant.

Advice on our dilemma would be appreciated.

 

[simongr]

I have flown in Biz with a nine month old - most of the time was on our laps as he was too big for the bassinet. If you can get a bassinet position and make it work then it is a great option. If there is a net zero cost difference (or there is a cost difference you are willing to accept) I would certainly go the biz option. You will get better service, space around you for all of the kids carp that you will carry (most of it you wont use but you will travel with it and that is fine).

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have flown in Biz with a nine month old - most of the time was on our laps as he was too big for the bassinet. If you can get a bassinet position and make it work then it is a great option. If there is a net zero cost difference (or there is a cost difference you are willing to accept) I would certainly go the biz option. You will get better service, space around you for all of the kids carp that you will carry (most of it you wont use but you will travel with it and that is fine).

+1 It will be a difficult flight for a toddler to take, made worse by being cramped in Y. Much more pleasant for you all to take the 3 x J seats.
Would not even consider the Y option even with the extra seat YMMV

 

[here2go]

Just did Drw-Sin-Muc in Y with 2 adults, 4 yr and 15 month girl MI/SQ. Had bassinet both ways on 777 and A320. Daughter was probably too long for bassinet, but she curled in and had awesome bedhair. Turbulence over Indo made things really difficult in A320 with nowhere to move when eating to retrieve child. My daughter also spent lots of time running up and down corridor, patting everyone and giving her royal smile.
We were also split on 777 as bassinet in demand, two spots on bulkhead.
If 4 abreast available, I'd be inclined to go Y and give the kid an iPad. However, on the route I flew, J if budget allowed (and I was studying at the time).
Consider luggage allowances too. Y may give you more by virtue of four pax, handy if grown ups have ski boots.

 

[NM]

While you may have enough points for 3 x business class redemptions, actually finding 3 reward seats on the same flights that match your desired dates will be a major problem. So I expect your decision is going to have to be based around availability of seats rather than the cabin you prefer.

 

[ossi]

While you may have enough points for 3 x business class redemptions, actually finding 3 reward seats on the same flights that match your desired dates will be a major problem. So I expect your decision is going to have to be based around availability of seats rather than the cabin you prefer.

That was my original thoughts but able to 3 J rewards seats at the moment. 4 seats are even possible with long stopover in SIN (but not enough points)

Thanks for everybody's comments

 

[Flying Fox]

If possible, I would vote for 3x J + 1x bassinet (assuming that he/she fits).

Have done it SYD-HNL and it was fine. Best of luck with the tickets and trip!

 

[BAM1748]

At least in business you can take turns at napping.

matt

 

[Flying Fox]

At least in business you can take turns at napping.

In addition, you might also find a spare J seat.

 

[ossi]

In addition, you might also find a spare J seat.

I hope you are right.

 

[k3nnis]

I think the problem will probably be finding 3 X J seats on the same flight on SQ...

 

[ossi]

Thanks for everybody's comments. 3 J tickets booked + bassinet confirmed

 

[k3nnis]

Nice getting the 3 J seats!

Thanks for everybody's comments. 3 J tickets booked + bassinet confirmed

 

[simongr]

Great news for you!

 

[DIVIC]

Hi, This is my first posting and definitely more coming.
I booked my son and daughter-in-law using Krisflyer miles from Perth to New York with an eight month baby in business class, but had to pay 10% of the business class fare for the infant. (was about $800 one way)
Ossi, did they charge you for the infant?

 

[Katie]

Hi, This is my first posting and definitely more coming.
I booked my son and daughter-in-law using Krisflyer miles from Perth to New York with an eight month baby in business class, but had to pay 10% of the business class fare for the infant. (was about $800 one way)
Ossi, did they charge you for the infant?

It is typical to be charged approx. 10% of an adult fare for an infant on an international flight, if the child is not using their own seat.

 

[simongr]

It does depend on the airline - QF do not charge for infants but AA do. I was "caught out" when booking an AA J award to the UK - wife and I flew for free and babygr cost $1200 - and we were on QF metal...

 

[Deleted member]

We took our grandson to NZ for a snow experience. Decided J was the best all round. He now thinks that 3 C is his seat. He got it both ways. I think he will make silver before his parents.

 

[AVC]

space around you for all of the kids carp that you will carry

I know all about carrying massive amounts or stuff, as we don't travel light, and always as a trio.

My daughter always wants to take all her toys (we would need a freight plane for that), but she has never wanted to take any fish.

 

[ossi]

Hi, This is my first posting and definitely more coming.
I booked my son and daughter-in-law using Krisflyer miles from Perth to New York with an eight month baby in business class, but had to pay 10% of the business class fare for the infant. (was about $800 one way)
Ossi, did they charge you for the infant?

Welcome to the forum.


We were also charged 10% for the infant ticket.


When I rang to discuss the process before making the redemption, the person at the call centre said that infant tickets were "subject to availability". He agreed that it was unlikely that somebody else would buy a ticket to sit on my lap.