2yo Child Ticket on International Flight

kma on 24/02/2017 - 07:52

Hi all

My sister and her son are currently overseas. They went earlier in Feb and will be returning in May this year and bought a return Eithad ticket from our local travel agent. Son is turning 2 when he is over seas.

When buying the ticket the question was asked to the agent if there is an issue or fare difference as son will be 2 on return so no longer an infant (turning 2 in April) . She was informed that as long as trip has started before the son turns 2 there should be no issues and since she was going in Feb she does not have to worry about getting a child ticket (just extra charges for lap infant).

She contacted Eithad Airlines while she was overseas for some other reason and the issue was highlighted to her that child cannot return on the infant ticket on the way back and will need a separate seat.

Airline advised her that she was misled by the agent and if she tries to return on the current ticket there will be issues at the airport. To change to the child ticket on return (one way only) they are asking for another $1200 on economy. (normally the return ticket for an adult is about 1400aud to her visiting location)

I was hoping if

  • You can tell us what are her options?
  • How do we approach local travel agent and should we ask them for covering the extra cost since we were miss led and not issued a proper ticket at the beginning of trip? Knowing that agent is only a local agent and not a part of any big chain iIhighly doubt they will be willing to compensate.
  • any of you can relate to this experience and what did you do?

Thanks

Travel

Comments

  • MrHyde on 24/02/2017 - 08:00
    +4

    This is a confusing area with different airlines having different policies. The agent really should have known. For example, Air New Zealand requires a child fare for the whole trip; whereas Qantas bases the fare on the age on departure. In the US, the FAA mandates that any child over 2 requires their own seat.. However, American Airlines charges an infant fare for that return seat.

    Etihad are pretty clear on their website as to their policy - https://www.etihad.com/en-us/experience-etihad/family-travel…

    "If known at the time of travel that the infant would turn to a child on the return flight, separate infant and child tickets should be booked through our offices."

    I would be making a claim against the travel agent on your return. If the travel agent disputes the claim, then take it to VCAT or the equivalent in your state.

    • kma on 24/02/2017 - 09:38

      Most detailed and helpful reply. Thank you!

      I think the agent might have gotten confused in thinking beginning if the trip may be was when they left?

  • oscargamer on 24/02/2017 - 09:05
    +1

    I would be making a claim against the travel agent on your return. If the travel agent disputes the claim, then take it to VCAT or the equivalent in your state.

    ^ this

  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2017 - 09:18
    +9

    just leave the child overseas

    • Marcsie on 24/02/2017 - 11:15

      Would you do it if he's your son ?

      • fenric on 24/02/2017 - 11:47

        If you had kids you would understand ;P

        • Marcsie on 24/02/2017 - 11:54
          +2

          It's your choice to have kids or not :)

  • Diji1 on 24/02/2017 - 09:33

    Let me guess … Flight Centre.

    • kma on 24/02/2017 - 09:39

      No nate just a local one around here

  • inherentchoice on 24/02/2017 - 10:37
    +1

    Could the agent refer your claim to their liability/indemnity insurer?

    Maybe the best way to approach them is start by just talking to the individual agent over the phone, just explain the situation and see what they say. Try do it in a constructive way as they may even offer a free solution up front, and if you have trouble getting a satisfactory resolution then ask to speak to the manager and perhaps ask if you can make a claim under their indemnity insurance, although $1200 may be under their excess.

    Otherwise is it possible that your sister has travel insurance that will cover some of the $1200?

    • toristo on 24/02/2017 - 11:15

      Talk to the Agent first - explain you acted on their advice, and now you're going to be out of pocket. They may offer a few solutions (perhaps split the costs etc).

  • altomic on 24/02/2017 - 13:15

    Handluggage?

    • gooddealmate on 24/02/2017 - 22:17

      Or checked luggage with a blanket and couple of sleeping tablets..

  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2017 - 17:17
    -1

    Pay for it. Personally, i think they should be charged regardless of the age.

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