Yes – once kids turn 2, they no longer qualify as a lap infant. They'll need their own ticket and their own seat to fly. However, some airlines may have slightly different rules or promotions, so it's worth doing a little research.

Yes, per FAA and international aviation regulations, once a child reaches their second birthday, they are legally required to have their own purchased seat on the aircraft. They can no longer travel as a "lap child." This means you must purchase a full-fare ticket (or a child-fare ticket if the airline offers one) for them. For safety, the FAA strongly recommends that children in their own seats use an FAA-approved Child Restraint System (CRS) or a car seat, rather than just the airplane seatbelt, as the belt is designed for adults and may not securely hold a small child during severe turbulence. If your child turns two during your trip (e.g., they are 1 on the outbound flight but 2 on the return), most airlines will require you to book a seat for the return leg. Always carry a copy of their birth certificate, as gate agents frequently check the age of toddlers who appear close to the age limit to ensure compliance with safety laws.