Jazmin Li
When travelling with an infant, you may be able to add them as a lap child to your reservation, either at the time of booking or by calling the airline later. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require parents to purchase a seat for infants under 2 years old, it is recommended that they are secured in a car seat or booster seat. If you choose to have your infant on your lap, you may be asked to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, to show that they are under 2. Some airlines may also require a letter from a doctor clearing your infant to fly if they are under 7 days old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lap child definition | A child under 2 years old who doesn't have their own seat |
| Lap child pricing | Free on domestic flights; international flights may charge taxes and a percentage of the adult fare |
| Adding a lap child | Can be done at the time of booking or by calling the airline after booking |
| Proof of age | Required by most airlines; can include birth certificate, passport, hospital or immunisation records |
| Seating | Airlines may block a seat for a lap child; bulkhead seats offer more room but often cost extra |
| Strollers and car seats | Can be checked at the ticket counter or gate; standard bag fees may apply |
| Documentation | Children under 18 travelling internationally must have the same documentation as adults; a Letter of Consent may be required if not travelling with both parents |
| Baggage allowance | One free checked bag for infants, not exceeding weight and size limits |
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What You'll Learn
Lap child restrictions: Only one lap infant per adult
If you are travelling with more than one child, only one of them can fly as a "lap child". The remaining children will need their own paid seats. Lap infants are not guaranteed a seat, but if there is an empty seat available on a flight, the infant may occupy that seat for no extra charge.
If you are travelling with an infant under 2 years of age, you can either have them on your lap or buy them their own seat. If you choose the latter, you must buy a ticket for them and they must travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The infant must be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and be able to have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
If you are travelling with a lap infant, you will need to add a lap infant request to your reservation. If you are flying with Alaska Airlines, call their reservations team at 1-800-252-7522 with your confirmation code. If you are flying with American Airlines, you can add an infant to your trip on aa.com either during the booking process or after your trip is ticketed. If you are flying internationally, you can add an infant after your trip is ticketed by accessing your trip on aa.com and selecting 'Add infant in lap' on the 'Passenger details' page.
If your infant is under 7 days old, you must contact Reservations regardless of whether you are flying domestically or internationally. Infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.
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Documentation: Proof of age is required for lap infants
When flying with a lap child, it is important to be aware of the documentation required to prove their age. While an ID is not mandatory for children under 18, airlines may ask for proof that a lap child is under the age of two. This is because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require parents to purchase a seat for children under two years old, and they can fly as lap children. However, once they turn two, they will need their own seat.
Most airlines require some form of proof of age for lap infants. This can include a birth certificate, passport, hospital records, or immunisation records. It is always a good idea to carry a copy of these documents or save a picture of them on your phone, as some airlines may ask to see them. In some cases, a vaccination card may also be accepted as proof of age. It is worth noting that if you do not have the required documentation, the airline may ask you to purchase a regular seat for your child.
Some airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, specifically state that they reserve the right to require proof of age for any child passenger. They accept a birth certificate, passport, or other official documentation. Additionally, they allow lap infants until the child's second birthday, which is in line with the standard industry practice.
It is recommended to add your lap child to your reservation as soon as possible, either at the time of booking or by calling the airline. This increases the chances of getting a seat blocked off for the lap child, although this is not guaranteed. Generally, only one lap infant is permitted per adult passenger, and they are not guaranteed a seat. If you are travelling with more than one lap infant, you will need to purchase a seat for the additional child(ren).
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Costs: Domestic flights are free, international flights are not
When it comes to flying with a lap child, the costs involved depend on whether you are travelling on a domestic or international flight. On domestic flights within a country, it is typically free to have a lap child, and you are not required to purchase an additional seat for them. However, on international flights, you may be required to pay taxes, fees, and a percentage of the adult fare for your lap infant.
For example, when travelling internationally, you may need to pay taxes and fees, plus around 10% of the adult fare for your lap infant. This can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a separate seat for your infant, especially if you want them to have their own space or if you are travelling with more than one child.
When flying with a lap child, it is important to note that only one infant is typically allowed per adult lap. If you are travelling with more than one young child, you may need an additional adult to accompany you, or you will need to purchase seats for the additional children. It is also worth noting that lap children are not permitted in certain rows, such as emergency exit rows and the rows directly in front of or behind them.
To add a lap child to your reservation, you can usually do so during the booking process or after your trip is ticketed. Most airlines allow you to add a lap infant online or by contacting their reservations team. Some airlines may require proof of age for your lap infant, such as a birth certificate or passport, especially if your child appears to be closer to their second birthday. It is always a good idea to carry a copy of your child's documentation or save a picture of it on your phone to avoid any issues at the airport.
While domestic flights are generally free for lap children, it is important to check with your specific airline to confirm their policies and any associated costs. Each airline may have different guidelines and restrictions regarding lap children, so it is always best to be informed before your travel date.
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Booking: Add a lap child to your ticket at the time of booking
Booking a flight with a lap child can be a stressful experience, especially for new parents. However, it is possible to add a lap child to your ticket at the time of booking. This can be done either online or over the phone with an agent.
If you are flying with an infant under the age of 2, you may be able to add them to your ticket as a lap child. This means that they will not require their own seat and can travel on your lap for free on domestic flights. However, on international flights, you may have to pay taxes and a percentage of the adult fare. It's important to note that each airline has different policies and requirements for lap children, so be sure to check with your specific airline.
When booking, it is recommended to book everyone in the same reservation and choose seats for your entire family. This will increase the chances of being seated together. Additionally, if you book in advance, the airline may block out the seat next to you, providing extra space for your lap child.
Most airlines will require proof of age for your lap child, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immunization records. It is always a good idea to carry this documentation with you to avoid any issues at the airport.
By adding a lap child to your ticket at the time of booking, you can help ensure a smoother travel experience for your family and increase the likelihood of having extra space on the plane.
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Seating: Airlines may block out the seat next to you
When booking a flight with a lap child, you can either add the lap child at the time of booking or call at a later date to add them to your reservation. If you book in advance, there is a chance that the airline may block out the seat next to you. While not guaranteed, some travellers have had more luck getting a seat blocked off for a lap child when adding them to the original reservation.
If you are flying with more than one lap child, there is a limit of one lap child per adult. In this case, you will need to purchase a ticket for the remaining children. Two adults travelling together can have two lap children with them. However, don't be surprised if the flight attendant tells you that you cannot sit next to each other in the same row. This is because, due to the limited number of oxygen masks, most aircraft only permit one lap infant per row.
If you are watching the seating chart and it doesn't look like a seat has been blocked for you, be sure to speak with the gate agents. They often have seats reserved for unaccompanied minors and other special travellers that get released right before boarding. If you are lucky, a kind gate agent may be able to shuffle some things around to give your family some extra space. In general, regardless of cabin class, the bulkhead seats tend to offer more room for travellers, but they may not be the best option for your family.
If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant 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.
Be sure to book your family in the same reservation. The further in advance you book, the better. On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight. It's better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can add a lap child at the airport. However, it is recommended to add them to your ticket at the time of booking or by calling reservations.
You will need to provide proof of age for your lap child, such as a birth certificate, passport, or hospital or immunization records.
On domestic flights, there are typically no fees for lap infants. However, for international flights, you may have to pay taxes and a percentage of the adult fare, which can vary depending on the airline.
Yes, there is usually a limit of one lap child per adult. If you are travelling with more than one lap child, you will need to purchase a ticket for the additional child(ren).
