Jazmin Li
If you're travelling with an infant, you may be wondering if you can buy an infant ticket at the airport. While it's possible to purchase an infant ticket, it's not recommended as it may be risky and inconvenient. It's best to confirm the process with your airline beforehand. Some airlines allow infants under 2 years old to travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the US) or at a reduced fare (internationally). Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for your infant to have their own seat, provided they use an FAA-approved child safety seat or a CARES harness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Infant ticket purchase at the airport | Not recommended due to the risk of unavailability; recommended to confirm the process with the airline upfront |
| Infant ticket pricing | Infant tickets are typically priced lower than adult tickets; international flights may include taxes and fees |
| Infant seating | Infants can sit on the lap of an adult or in their own seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat/CARES harness; bassinets may be available for younger infants |
| Infant baggage allowance | May include a free checked bag and carry-on diaper bag; additional items like breast pumps and coolers may be allowed |
| Infant documentation | Valid ID and age proof are required; infants under 7 days old may need a doctor's letter; international travel may require a passport and extra documentation |
| Boarding process | Families with infants can request early boarding at the gate; some airlines may automatically seat children under 15 with at least one adult |
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What You'll Learn
Infant ticket prices
Infant Ticket Pricing Policies:
- American Airlines: Infants under 2 years old can travel on the lap of a ticketed accompanying adult at no additional charge. However, if an additional infant is travelling, they must occupy an infant safety seat or their own aircraft seat, and a ticket must be purchased. If an infant turns 2 during a trip, a ticket must be purchased for the remainder of the journey.
- IndiGo: Children between 3 days and 2 years of age can travel as infants, but valid proof of age is required at check-in. If proof of age cannot be provided, the full fare may be payable for the infant, subject to seat availability. The infant fare for Stretch Class is INR 3800.
- Qantas: On QF flights, infants who do not occupy a seat travel free of charge and do not require a ticket. However, for JQ flights, a fee applies for infants without a seat. If an infant occupies a seat, a ticket must be purchased, and they must be able to sit upright without assistance or use an approved child restraint.
- Delta Air Lines: Infants under 2 years old can travel on the lap of an adult for free on all flights within the United States.
- Avianca: Infant ticket prices depend on the flight and the age of the child. Infants under 24 months can travel with an associated adult within the same reservation. If the infant turns 24 months during the journey, the ticket will be changed to a child ticket, and a seat will be assigned.
When booking infant tickets, it is essential to review the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with, as pricing and requirements may vary. Some airlines may also have limitations on the number of infants allowed per flight, so advanced booking is recommended. Additionally, infants may be required to have certain documentation, especially for international travel.
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Lap-child policies
American Airlines
American Airlines allows infants under 2 years old to travel on the lap of a ticketed accompanying adult. The infant must be included in the reservation. Only one infant is allowed per adult. Additional infants under 2 years old must occupy an infant safety seat or a separate aircraft seat and must have a purchased ticket. If your infant will be travelling in their own seat, you must buy a ticket, and they must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing, and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available in First/Business cabins. Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
IndiGo
IndiGo allows a maximum of 12 infants per flight on an Airbus A320 and a maximum of 6 infants per flight on an ATR. Only one infant per adult is allowed per flight. The infant fare is INR 3800 for Stretch class.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows each ticketed adult to travel with one lap infant until their second birthday. Lap infants travel free of charge within the United States, but are subject to select taxes and fees when travelling from an international location into the United States. Guests travelling with a lap infant on one of Alaska Airlines' partner airlines must purchase an adult fare ticket for their lap infant.
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Child safety seats
While some airlines allow you to book infant tickets at the airport, it is generally recommended that you book in advance to ensure that you are seated together as a family. When booking, be sure to include the infant in the reservation. Some airlines may also require valid ID and proof of age for the infant at check-in.
Rear-facing car seats are recommended for children up to 3 years old and should be used until the child outgrows the limits set by the manufacturer. Forward-facing car seats are for children who have outgrown a rear-facing seat but are still younger than 7 years old.
When choosing a car seat for air travel, look for one that is approved for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. The label "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or a similar approval from a foreign government should be visible on the car seat. The car seat should have a solid back and seat, restraint straps to securely hold the child, and meet federal safety standards.
In addition to traditional car seats, there are alternative child restraint systems (CRS) such as AmSafe's Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) that can be used on airplanes. CARES is a harness-style restraint that is approved for children between 22 and 44 pounds who are capable of sitting upright alone in a forward-facing position. It is lightweight, adjustable, and can be used during all phases of flight. However, it is important to purchase CARES directly from the manufacturer to ensure authenticity and safety.
When flying with a child safety seat, be sure to measure the width to ensure it fits within the standard airplane seat dimensions (no wider than 16 inches). It is also recommended to book a ticket for your child to guarantee the use of a CRS and reserve adjoining seats. The CRS must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and should not block the escape path in an emergency.
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Baggage allowances
When it comes to travelling with infants, different airlines have different regulations regarding baggage allowances. Here is a detailed overview of the baggage allowances for infants and young children:
- If an infant sits on an adult's lap during the flight, they are typically not entitled to any baggage allowance or may have a limited allowance. This scenario often applies when the infant travels for free or at a discounted fare.
- Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to check one bag for an infant for free. This bag usually has weight and dimension restrictions.
- Many airlines allow you to check a stroller or car seat for your infant at no extra charge. These items can often be checked in the hold or, in some cases, carried on board.
- Some airlines provide bassinets or baby baskets for infants, subject to availability. These may be offered free of charge or included with specific ticket types.
- Children under 12 years of age typically receive the same or slightly lower baggage allowance as adults.
- Airlines may offer discounted tickets for children, ranging from 20% to 33% off, depending on the flight route.
- Some airlines provide special fares for children travelling in certain cabins, such as La Première, and these fares may include specific baggage conditions.
- It is recommended to contact the airline directly to understand their baggage policies and any applicable fees for infants and young children.
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Boarding and seating arrangements
When travelling with an infant, it is important to understand the boarding and seating arrangements for a smooth journey. Here is some information regarding this:
Boarding Arrangements
Families travelling with infants often have the option to board early at the gate. This can be helpful when settling in with an infant on your lap or getting situated with an infant safety seat. Some airlines allow only one carry-on diaper bag per child. In addition, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.
Seating Arrangements
Seating arrangements for infants vary depending on the airline and the type of aircraft. Here are some general guidelines:
- Infants are typically allowed to sit on the lap of a ticketed accompanying adult. However, only one infant is permitted per adult, and the infant must be included in the reservation.
- Additional infants under two years old require their own ticket and must occupy an infant safety seat or a separate aircraft seat.
- If an infant will be travelling in their own seat, the safety seat must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It should have a solid back and seat, restraint straps, and a label indicating approval for aircraft use.
- Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for infants younger than two years old and weighing no more than 20 lbs (9 kg). However, they are typically not available in First or Business cabins.
- When booking tickets, it is recommended to reserve seats for the entire family together. Booking in advance increases the likelihood of securing adjacent seats.
- For international flights, infants require the same documentation as adults. If travelling internationally without both parents, infants may need a Letter of Consent.
- Some airlines have specific age requirements for infants. For example, they must be between 3 days and 2 years old on the date of travel. Infants under 7 days old may require a doctor's letter stating they are medically cleared to travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy an infant ticket at the airport. However, it is recommended that you book in advance to avoid any issues, especially if you are travelling internationally.
Infants under 2 years old can typically travel on the lap of an adult for free within the United States or at a reduced fare for international travel. However, if you want your infant to have their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them.
If you would prefer for your infant to have their own seat, you can purchase a ticket for them and use an FAA-approved child safety seat or a CARES harness.
Yes, there is typically a limit to the number of infants per flight. For example, a maximum of 12 infants are allowed per flight on an Airbus A320, and a maximum of 6 infants per flight on an ATR.
It is recommended to bring a birth certificate or passport for your infant as proof of age. Additionally, you may want to request a bassinet for your infant, which is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.
