The Booking Problem
For a company this large, Turkish Airlines had an astonishingly confusing online process for buying a separate seat for a child under two. The website advertised the option, yet we could not complete it normally and different call-center agents gave different answers. Understanding the procedure felt like academic research.
One agent told us to book our infant as a child using an incorrect birth date and correct it at check-in. We followed that instruction and flew without a problem. I am recording what happened, not recommending it: entering a false date of birth into a booking is not a safe procedure and should not be treated as advice.
Turkish Airlines' current official guidance says an infant can have a paid seat through a discounted child ticket, with an appropriate child car seat supplied by the parent or guardian. Travelers should use the written current policy, a sales office, or a documented support channel rather than alter identity data.
Seat Extenders and Baby Beds
We also carried one of the inflatable or suitcase-style child bed products that had become popular on flights. The airline did not allow us to use it, although we had not found a clear warning when planning the trip. Current Turkish Airlines guidance explicitly says seat extenders are not permitted.
The airline is free to make that safety choice. The frustration came from spending money on the product, carrying it across the trip, and paying for a separate seat we could not use as expected. Check the current aircraft and child-seat rules before buying equipment.