Owais Crawford
Adding a lap child to your reservation while booking online is possible with some airlines, but not all. If you can't add a lap child online, you can call the airline to add one to your reservation. It's best to add a lap child to your ticket as early as possible, as this increases the chance of getting a blocked-off seat for them. If you're flying internationally, you may have to pay taxes and a percentage of the adult fare for your lap child. If you're travelling alone with more than one child under two years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for the additional children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lap child age limit | Under 2 years old |
| Minimum age to fly | 7 days old |
| Proof of age required | Birth certificate, passport, vaccination card, hospital or immunization records |
| Booking process | Add the lap child at the time of booking or call later to add |
| Online booking | Available for some airlines, not all |
| Booking fees | Waived if adding a lap child online wasn't an option |
| Lap child per adult | 1 lap child per adult |
| Additional infants | Must occupy an infant safety seat or separate aircraft seat |
| International flights | Not free, taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply |
| Documentation | Same as adults, Letter of Consent if travelling without both parents |
| Baggage allowance | 1 free checked bag not exceeding 25 lbs and 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
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What You'll Learn
Lap child restrictions vary by airline and plane model
Lap child policies vary by airline and plane model. For instance, American Airlines allows infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are cleared to travel. Only one infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult, and additional infants under 2 years old must occupy an infant safety seat or a separate aircraft seat. American Airlines also allows families with children under 2 years old to ask to board early at the gate.
Alaska Airlines does not have a minimum age requirement for infants to fly, and they are allowed to travel as lap children until they turn 2. Parents may be required to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. Due to the variety of small planes in the Alaska Airlines fleet, there are certain seats where lap infants are not permitted, including exit rows. Alaska Airlines also specifies that lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on luggage, and any diaper bags will count against the adult's baggage limit.
United Airlines does not charge for lap children on domestic flights, but fees vary for international flights. In general, lap children are not allowed to occupy exit rows or seats with airbag seat belts.
It is recommended that parents or guardians book their lap child at the time of booking or by calling reservations. Booking in advance increases the chance of getting a seat blocked next to you.
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International flights are usually not 100% free for lap children
International flights are rarely 100% free for lap children. While some airlines may offer promotions for children to fly for free, this is uncommon among major carriers. Most major airlines will allow babies on board for free, provided they do not occupy a seat. However, for international flights, taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply, meaning that the infant is issued a ticket.
For example, American Airlines allows infants under 2 years old to travel for free on the lap of an accompanying passenger aged 16 or older on domestic flights. However, for international flights, taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply. Similarly, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have similar policies for domestic flights, with a cutoff age of 2 years old. On international flights, there is no fare for lap infants, but fees may apply, and the infant must be added to the adult's ticket.
When booking a flight with a lap child, it is generally recommended to add the child to the reservation as soon as possible. This can usually be done either during the booking process or by calling the airline after the trip is ticketed. Booking fees should typically be waived if adding a lap child online was not an option. Additionally, while lap children are not guaranteed a seat, adding them to the reservation early increases the chances of securing one.
It is important to note that even after a child is born, most airlines have minimum age requirements, typically requiring the infant to be at least 7 days old to fly. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, may require infants under 7 days old to provide a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel. Furthermore, children or infants travelling internationally without both parents may need to present a Letter of Consent.
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Lap children must be under 2 years old
Lap children, or infants travelling on the lap of an adult, must be under 2 years old. This is a common rule across airlines, including Delta, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines. While the specific policies may vary, the age restriction for lap children is consistent.
For example, Delta Air Lines allows children under 2 years old to travel on the lap of an adult for free within the United States or at a reduced fare for international travel. Similarly, Hawaiian Airlines accommodates lap children under 2 years old, and they also recommend families with children under 2 to purchase a seat and use an approved child safety seat.
Alaska Airlines also follows the industry standard of allowing lap children up to 2 years old. They specify that only one lap infant is permitted per row, and lap infants are not permitted in exit rows or seats with air belts.
It is important to note that the policies and procedures for adding a lap child to your reservation may differ between airlines. Some airlines allow you to add a lap child during the booking process, while others may require you to call and add the child to your reservation at a later date. Additionally, some airlines may have minimum age requirements, typically starting at 7 days old, and may require proof of age for the child passenger.
Therefore, it is essential to review the specific guidelines of your chosen airline to ensure you follow the correct procedures for adding a lap child and complying with any age restrictions.
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Lap children may require proof of age
If you are travelling internationally, you may need to provide additional documentation for your lap child. For example, American Airlines states that children or infants travelling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is travelling internationally without both parents, they may also be required to present a Letter of Consent.
It is important to note that not all airlines allow you to add a lap child online, so you may need to call the airline to add your lap child to your reservation. Additionally, lap children may not be allowed to sit in certain seats, such as exit rows or any seat with an airbag seat belt installed.
When travelling with a lap child, it is recommended that you bring any necessary documentation and be prepared to present it upon request. It is also a good idea to arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for check-in and to ensure that you have all the required travel documents.
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Lap children may be allowed their own seat
If you are travelling with an infant on your lap, some airlines will issue a ticket for the infant and allow you to check one bag for free. However, this bag must not exceed a certain weight and dimension limit. It is worth noting that some airlines may require you to pay taxes and a percentage of the adult fare for the infant.
If you would prefer for your infant to have their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them. The infant must then either travel in an FAA-approved safety seat or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, and landing, as well as whenever the "fasten seatbelt" sign is illuminated.
It is important to note that, per FAA regulations, children under 2 years of age are not allowed to sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seatbelt. Booster-type car seats are also not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
When travelling with a lap child, it is recommended to bring a lot of entertainment to keep them occupied during the flight. You may also want to consider booking a flight that is less likely to be full, as this increases the likelihood of having an empty seat next to you.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add a lap child to your reservation at the time of booking or by calling the airline's reservations line after booking. Some airlines allow you to add a lap infant on their website, while others require you to call.
A birth certificate, passport, vaccination card, or hospital or immunization records are typically accepted as proof of age for lap infants.
On domestic flights, there is typically no fee for lap infants. On international flights, you usually have to pay taxes and fees, and in some cases, a percentage of the adult fare.
If you add your lap child to your reservation early, the airline may block off the seat next to you. If there is an empty seat available on the flight, your lap infant may be able to occupy it for no extra charge.
