A family holiday turned into a financial nightmare for one couple after they were slapped with a staggering £1,500 bill for their toddler's flight—despite the child being under two years old.
Parents Amy and Lee were invited on a getaway with relatives but were shocked to discover that their 18-month-old would not fly for free, as they had expected. Instead, the airline demanded a full fare for the infant, leaving the couple fuming.
"It's Daylight Robbery"
"We were absolutely gobsmacked," said Amy. "Most airlines let under-twos fly for free or at a minimal cost, but this was outrageous. It felt like daylight robbery."
The couple had assumed their little one would travel either on their lap or with a nominal fee, but the airline insisted on charging a full seat price—adding an unexpected £1,500 to their holiday budget.
Parents Warn Others
Now, the pair are urging other families to double-check airline policies before booking. "Don’t make the same mistake we did," Lee warned. "Always confirm the rules for infants—otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise."
Travel experts advise parents to research child fares thoroughly, as policies vary widely between airlines. Some carriers offer discounted infant tickets, while others charge full price regardless of age.
Airline Responds
When approached for comment, the airline defended its policy, stating that all passengers—regardless of age—require a seat for safety reasons. However, critics argue that the steep cost is unreasonable for young children who occupy minimal space.
Have you faced unexpected charges while travelling with kids? Share your story in the comments.
