I always thought babies flew for free

We've planned Jakob's first trip to Europe. We'll be going for just a week, which will be split partly between Germany (meeting Oma and Opa and Onkle Johannes and Tante Katja and Kusine Hannah and Kusin Jonas) and Austria (Werner teaches, Jakob and I explore as I muddle through with my German). We'll be gone just long enough to leave me utterly confused about whatever time zone I'm in.

So, the tickets are bought. And oh was I surprised! I always thought babies flew for free! Noooo. Granted, Jakob's airfare doesn't cost as much as ours, but it is still $400! And he doesn't even get his own seat! At least I've been booked into a seat with a bassinet feature on the facing bulkhead, but Werner will be across the aisle from us.

{sigh}

The travel agent suggested that, because the flight likely won't be full, the airline might just give us a seat for Jakob. We'll have to bring his carseat anyway, so we'll decide at check-in whether to check the carseat or take it aboard with us.

$400!!!

He's only little, can't he be counted as part of my carry-on allowance?!