United's baby tax
So we have returned from Japan. Willem's passport is stamped with its first stamp. But there was a moment before we left when we were uncertain we would go. Bettina and I had purchased economy seats months ago, which we had upgraded (the one good from traveling too much). We had confirmed we didn't need a ticket for our 3 month old child, and had reserved bulkhead seats to make the flight easier.
When we arrived at the airport, we were told we needed a ticket for the child. And because we were now sitting in business class, that meant we would have to pay $650 for the child -- even though he obviously would occupy no seat, and consume no service at all. The agent behind the desk was very understanding and sympathetic. But rules were rules were rules.
I can understand United's desire to keep kids out of business class. As President Reagan taught us, if you tax something, you get less of it, and United is perfectly rational to want fewer children in its business class. But at least they should redistribute the income from its baby tax to the people sitting near the baby (a baby bonus coupon!). For while Willem was an angel, had he not been, it would not have been United revenues that would have suffered.
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Comments (13)
What happened in the end? Was the "problem" solved?
with my credit card, sure.
United has some very sketchy policies (especially some that deal with upgrades / free tickets / United Milage Plus accounts). I can see why they would want to keep babies out of Business Class, but that being said..$650 dollars for a seat that he would not use is really insane. Couldnt you get a refund on the upgrades and just gone back to Economy? The flight from Japan isnt *that* long (10 Hours IIRC) to sit in Economy.
Most airlines have this policy. The infant discount is almost always 90% of the applicable fare. I don't know why you were told that Willem could travel free of charge. Now that you know, the cheapest way to go is usually to get a third seat for the baby (by paying the cheapest normal fare or perhaps a youth/child fare), and upgrade him too. This route also has the added bonus of getting catering for the third business class seat -- useful if you're hungry :)
One of my pet peeves is the relationship between what a company tells you in advance, and what happens at the time of a flight/stay/whatever. I try whenever possible to get details in writing, but what will United do to prove that you don't need a 3rd seat? I feel like I should automatically record all conversations with agents, so that when someone else changes the story I have something to fall back on. At the very least, getting the name of the person who promises no 3rd ticket is needed, and the date/time of the call, might help get satisfaction when trouble occurs down the road.
It's an interesting catch-22 for United. On the one hand, they should have allowed Willem in Business Class to retain your patronage. But on the other hand, they had to consider the future patronage of everyone else in Business Class.
The distinction in your case would be the question: What if you had purchased Business Class tickets in the first place and not been upgraded?
If there's any difference not specifically covered by the contract implied by your purchase of tickets, you might have an actionable case to regain your $650.
Oh, wait. This is a lawyer's blog. I'll just shut up now. :)
--K.
I have never heard of an airline charging for a child under the age of 2 unless you want bring a car seat and strap him in. We flew with our son several times before he was 2 and never had a problem. I never flew United, but it seems odd for them to provide such a lower level of service than the other airlines.
larry
bait and switch... i think is the term.
some kids are well behaved mine, is....and pretty much always is.... sounds like yours was fabulous
also congrats to you and your beloved.
but explicit policy should be available for inspection prior
to purchase upgrade etc... to each and every customer.
if those are the rules then they can good and well make them
rules visible. Disclose and create informed customers, then they can make informed choices ....
american business often, and united in particular in this case, is simply dishonest. and that's a bummer.
In our experience with international flights with our now-11 month old baby (two trips to Europe, one trip to South America), all airlines charge for lap babies on international flights (that is, flights between countries).
US airlines do not charge for lap babies for flights within the US.
Unfortunately, it seems many of the international ticketing agents working for the airlines are NOT aware of the fee for lap babies on international flights, and we experienced an issue identical to yours when we first flew internationally with our baby.
Living in Japan, having a 1 year old and making frequent trips to the US, I have also ran into this problem with a few US airlines. The solution? Fly JAL (Japan Airlines). Besides, the food and service is better ;)
You want to fly with a baby to Asia? Fly Singapore! They are one of the most family friendly airlines I have flown.
They didn't hassle us with the weight of our carry on luggage, had everything we asked for ready, proactively came by to make sure Vivek was doing OK!
I flew Lufthansa to Europe when Vivek was 4 months and while they were efficient, it was a "clinical" experience. Which parent doesn't crave the "oohh.. cute baby!" comments? You get tons of those on Singapore :)
Well, if you are ringing up the airline, it is useful and proper to put them on notice (both verbally and unwritten) that the call may be recorded 'for training and quality purposes'.
that always running guys
, :)Great content to find another.