YWIT.....I must admit that your original post
me somewhat. If kiddywinks was 3, you paid for his seat (unless you were very naughty and said he was under 2) - so why sit him on your lap?
You now confirm that he had a child ticket and you were asked to sit him on your lap by Bloody Awful crew.....I would have shown them the boarding pass and (nicely) advised them that they should not visit their problems on you.
Good on you if you've found it cheaper to buy the urchin an adult ticket
