FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) is facing criticism after actress and influencer Lena Anthony claimed her family was forced to pay an additional $871 for her 2-year-old daughter shortly before their return flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Anthony said her daughter had traveled on the outbound American Airlines (AA) flight as a lap child without issue. However, airline staff at Philadelphia (PHL) later informed the family that federal rules required the child to have her own ticket.
American Airlines Dispute Over Toddler’s Ticket
Lena Anthony said she booked a round-trip journey with American Airlines (AA) in April for herself, her husband, and four of their children to travel between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
According to Anthony, the family departed Los Angeles (LAX) on June 30 with both their 2-year-old and 6-month-old children traveling as lap infants. She said the airline accepted the arrangement without raising any concerns during check-in or boarding.
The family spent about two weeks visiting relatives and friends in Pennsylvania before returning to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for the flight home. It was there, Anthony claimed, that airline staff informed them an error existed on their reservation.
She said employees insisted that her 2-year-old daughter, Triumph, required a separate ticket before she could board the return flight.
Anthony recalled questioning the decision because the reservation had been booked as a round trip and the family had already completed the outbound journey under the same booking.
She alleged that airline personnel did not believe her explanation and rejected her claim that the child had previously traveled as a lap passenger, PEOPLE reported.
FAA Rules Require Separate Seats for Children Aged Two and Older
Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, children who are 24 months of age or older must occupy their own seat and travel on a purchased ticket. Airlines operating within the United States, including American Airlines (AA), follow this requirement.
Anthony stated that her daughter turned two in February, several months before the June trip.
She claimed the family had presented passports and birth certificates during check-in at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where they were still allowed to travel with the child seated on her father’s lap.
At Philadelphia (PHL), Anthony said she even offered photographs showing her daughter sitting on her husband’s lap during the outbound flight. According to her, airline employees declined to consider the evidence.
Family Says They Were Given No Alternative
Anthony alleged that the discussion with airline managers and supervisors lasted more than 30 minutes while her children became increasingly distressed.
She said staff ultimately informed the family that they had only two choices: purchase another ticket or remain behind.
According to Anthony, her father, who was still at the airport, paid the additional fare totaling $871, including taxes and fees, so the family could return home.
After boarding, Anthony said another issue emerged because her daughter’s assigned seat was located separately from the rest of the family.
She explained that fellow passengers voluntarily exchanged seats so the child could remain with her parents during the flight.
Anthony described the overall experience as emotionally exhausting and said both she and her husband were overwhelmed once they boarded the aircraft.
Complaint and Airline Response
After returning home, Anthony said she submitted a formal complaint to American Airlines through the company’s customer service system.
She claimed she received no response within the first week and later shared her experience on social media.
According to Anthony, the airline contacted her shortly after her post gained attention online.
She said American Airlines later offered compensation equal to approximately half the additional ticket cost. Anthony stated she did not immediately accept the proposal and that the offer later expired.
As of the reported account, American Airlines had not publicly responded to the specific allegations.
Lasting Impact on the Family
Anthony said the incident has affected her family’s confidence in future travel.
She recalled that her 6-year-old daughter recently asked whether another trip would result in a similar experience.
Anthony said she reassured her child that they would not face the same situation again, but added that the experience remains difficult for the family.
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