Is it worth paying for an extra seat for a child under 2?

If you can afford it, yes. Having an extra seat allows you to bring a FAA-approved car seat, which is safer for the child and gives you much more physical space.

What if I get split up from my child?

Speak to the gate agent as soon as you arrive at the airport. Gate agents have the final authority to shuffle seats and prioritize keeping families together.

Booking long-haul flights with children

Book direct, overnight flights and prioritize seat selection near bulkheads or mid-cabin lavatories. Always confirm your children's meal requests and infant bassinets at least 72 hours before departure to avoid disappointment.

Use flight aggregators for baseline pricing. Search on Google Flights to identify the most direct routes. Avoid layovers under 3 hours; the stress of rushing through terminals with kids and gear is not worth the slight savings.
Verify aircraft configurations. Use SeatGuru or AeroLOPA to check the specific aircraft layout. Look for 2-4-2 or 3-3-3 configurations so your family can sit together without needing a stranger in your row.
Book the bassinet early. If flying with a child under 2, call the airline immediately after booking to request a bassinet seat. These are limited and usually located at the bulkhead; you cannot book these online in many cases.
Request children's meals. Log into 'Manage My Booking' on the airline's website. Select the 'Special Meal' option for children to ensure they get served before the general cabin, which helps keep them settled.
Confirm seat assignments. Never rely on auto-assignment. Pay the extra fee to select seats together if the airline does not offer free family seating, as being separated by an aisle can make managing a child impossible.

Is it worth paying for an extra seat for a child under 2?: If you can afford it, yes. Having an extra seat allows you to bring a FAA-approved car seat, which is safer for the child and gives you much more physical space.
What if I get split up from my child?: Speak to the gate agent as soon as you arrive at the airport. Gate agents have the final authority to shuffle seats and prioritize keeping families together.