So much might be going through your head while you’re looking at flight prices, flight times and layover options. During those moments of chaos, you also have to decide if you want to bite the bullet for your child’s own ticketed seat on the plane, or opt for a free (or low-cost) “lap infant” seat for the duration of your journey in the air.

In this guide, follow along as we list the benefits and what to keep in mind when weighing your options between Lap Infant and Ticketed Seat for an infant.

Benefits of lap infants

For us, opting for lap infant multiple times was a no-brainer, and we did it on every trip we took between 0-24 months. That’s because we were not flying long-haul (over an ocean or more than 6 hours) and because our child was on the “small side,” and not very active (late crawer, late walker).

For you, it could be an entirely different story with an entirely different child. Consider these great benefits, if you’re up for the challenge:

  • Save money: infants fly free under 2 years old! Take advantage of it while you can, because you only have 24 months!
  • For short flights, having your baby on your lap is not so challenging (unless you have a squirmy, active or fussy child, and it’s hard to know that before flying with them).
  • For breastfed babies, doing lap infant is convenient because babies breastfeed on the mother’s lap anyway, and sometimes fall asleep there.
  • While playing with your baby, you will probably hold them on your lap for a lot of the flight as it is.

You can see more about flying with a baby at our flights page.

Benefits of getting your infant a seat and paid ticket

There are lots of benefits for buying your baby a seat and getting them a ticket on the flight. This route is popular for long-haul flights, when having to bounce your baby back and forth among parents or family members doesn’t allow anyone to get their own sleep.

Here are the main upsides to getting your baby a ticketed seat on the plane:

  • Many babies will sleep best (and for longer) if they are in their car seat in their own plane seat.
  • Having your child in their own seat gives you more freedom to get up and stretch, go to the restroom or dig into luggage in the overhead bin.
  • Heavier babies or babies who start being active on the early side are more challenging to juggle on your lap for the duration of a flight.
  • For longer flights, as well as red eyes and overnight flights, this is probably more of a “must,” so that your child can do a full night of rest in their seat.
  • Having their own seat is good for babies who enjoy being in the car seat and who do well with playing, reading or doing an activity there.

How to decide lap infant or ticketed seat for your baby

Consider questions like these, when making your decision:

  • Does your child weigh a lot? Lap infant is easier for lighter babies.
  • Does your child nap on you, or reject napping on you? Getting them a seat will be easier if they can nap on a longer flight in their own space.
  • Will you be able to sit next to your partner, or near other family members? Lap infant can be “OK” if you’re able to pass the baby from adult to adult.
  • Is the flight really long? You may want to opt for a ticketed seat for your baby.
  • Is the flight super short? You can save money by choosing a lap infant for the flight.
  • Are you flying alone? You may definitely want to get your child a seat and a plane ticket, so that you have an opportunity to get up and use the restroom, or just stretch your legs!

Of course, check our guide to what to do before, during and after flying with a baby to serve as a checklist for your flight experience with a little one.