Ruth Haines
Many airlines allow infants 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. Some airlines require that you add an infant to your trip during the booking process or after your trip is ticketed. Lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance, but you can check one bag for free for the infant. The bag cannot exceed 25 lbs (11 kgs) and 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the walk-through metal detector at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Infant age limit | Under 2 years old |
| Infant weight limit | Under 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Infant baggage allowance | 1 free checked bag not exceeding 25 lbs (11 kgs) and 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Adult passenger limit | 1 adult passenger per lap-held infant |
| Infant ticket requirements | Free within the US, reduced fare for international travel, or purchase a ticket for the child's own seat |
| Infant safety seat requirements | FAA-approved, solid back and seat, restraint straps, and a label indicating approval for aircraft use |
| Infant screening requirements | May be carried through metal detectors, strollers and car seats must be screened by X-ray |
| Infant food allowances | Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz (100 ml) |
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What You'll Learn
- Lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance
- Infants can travel on the lap of an adult for free within the US
- Only one infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult
- Infants must be held during takeoff, landing and when the seatbelt sign is on
- Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate
Lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance
When travelling with a lap infant, it's important to note that they are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance. This means that you, as the accompanying adult, will need to accommodate their belongings within your own carry-on luggage allowance.
Lap infants, or infants-in-arms, refer to children under 2 years of age who travel on the lap of an adult. While some airlines allow lap infants to travel for free within certain regions, such as within the United States, additional taxes and fees may apply for international travel. It's important to note that each adult passenger is typically limited to holding only one lap infant. If travelling with multiple infants, additional seats and tickets must be purchased.
When travelling with a lap infant, you are generally allowed to bring a diaper bag in addition to your standard carry-on luggage. This diaper bag counts towards your carry-on allowance as the ticketed adult passenger. It's important to note that items such as car seats, strollers, and playpens are typically not included in the carry-on allowance and may need to be checked separately.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that families with lap infants arrive early at the airport to allow sufficient time for check-in and any required documentation, such as proof of age or a doctor's letter for infants under 7 days old. Additionally, it is advised to review the specific guidelines and restrictions of your chosen airline regarding lap infants and carry-on allowances.
While lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance, you can choose to purchase a separate ticket for your infant, which will provide them with their own carry-on luggage allowance. This option offers more space for your infant's belongings and can also enhance safety and comfort during the flight.
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Infants can travel on the lap of an adult for free within the US
Many airlines allow infants to travel on the lap of an adult for free within the US. This is often referred to as 'Infant-in-Arms' and is generally available for children under 2 years of age. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, specify that the infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip, meaning that if they turn 2 during the trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the journey.
When travelling with an infant-in-arms, it is important to note that only one infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult. If travelling with multiple infants, a seat must be purchased for the additional infants, and they must occupy an infant safety seat or a separate aircraft seat. It is recommended to contact the airline in advance to ensure that you are following their specific guidelines and requirements.
When adding an infant-in-arms to a reservation, the infant must be included in the booking. This can often be done during the initial booking process or after the trip is ticketed. For example, American Airlines allows customers to access their trip on their website and select 'Add infant in lap' on the 'Passenger details' page. Similarly, Alaska Airlines customers can call their reservations number to add a lap infant request to their reservation.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or restrictions when travelling with an infant-in-arms. For example, some airlines require infants under 7 days old to have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel. Additionally, some airlines may have specific guidelines regarding the use of child safety seats or bassinets. It is recommended to review the policies of the specific airline you are travelling with to ensure you are compliant with their regulations.
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Only one infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult
When travelling with an infant, you may choose to have them seated on your lap (Infant-in-Arms) or in an FAA-approved child safety seat. If you opt for the former, only one infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult, and this must be indicated on your reservation. This rule applies to most airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
If you are travelling with more than one infant, you must purchase a ticket and an approved child safety seat for the additional infant(s). This is a requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and applies to children up to their second birthday. The FAA also stipulates that infants must be seated in an approved child safety seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and whenever the seat belt light is on. This means that, even if you have only one infant travelling on your lap, you will need to purchase a separate seat for them if you intend to place them in a child safety seat during these times.
When passing through security, infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the walk-through metal detector. However, they may be subject to additional screening. All carry-on baggage, including children's toys, bags, and blankets, must be placed on the X-ray belt for screening. Strollers, car seats, and other equipment that do not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.
It is worth noting that lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance. However, some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to check one bag for free for the infant, provided it does not exceed certain weight and size limits. Additionally, breast pumps and a small cooler of breast milk do not count towards your carry-on allowance and are exempt from the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit on liquids.
Finally, each airline may have specific policies and recommendations for travelling with infants, so it is important to review their guidelines before your trip. For example, Delta Air Lines offers a step-by-step guide on adding an Infant-in-Arms to your ticket, while Alaska Airlines provides specific contact information for adding a lap infant request to your reservation.
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Infants must be held during takeoff, landing and when the seatbelt sign is on
When travelling with an infant, it is important to be aware of the safety requirements and guidelines. Infants must be held during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is on. This is a mandatory requirement for all airlines.
This rule applies to infants travelling as 'Infant-in-Arms', where the infant sits on the lap of an adult. This option is often free of charge for domestic flights within the United States, but international flights may incur reduced fares or taxes and fees. It is important to note that only one infant is allowed per lap and per ticketed adult. If travelling with multiple infants, an additional seat must be purchased.
For safety reasons, infants must be held securely by an adult during the critical phases of flight, which include taxi, takeoff, and landing. This is to ensure the infant's safety in the event of unexpected turbulence or changes in cabin pressure. During these critical phases, the infant must be securely held in an approved child restraint or child safety seat. Booster-type car seats are not permitted during these phases. The adult is responsible for ensuring that the child restraint meets FAA guidelines and functions properly.
When the seatbelt sign is off, and outside of the critical phases of flight, infants may be placed in their own FAA-approved child safety seat. This option requires the purchase of a ticket for the infant. The preferred location for these safety seats is the window seat, and an accompanying adult must sit next to the child. It is important to note that children under 2 years of age are not allowed to sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seatbelt.
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Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate
Airline bassinets are also called carry cots, Sky Beds, airline baby beds, baskets or cots. They are usually rectangular boxes with raised sides, but some have built-in seat belts and others have hoods, like a traditional cot.
Some airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, and Asiana Airlines, allow you to reserve a bassinet in advance. However, even with these airlines, it is important to note that bassinets are still subject to availability and may not be guaranteed until check-in.
Bassinets are typically located in the bulkhead positions, which offer more legroom but may have immovable armrests. These seats are often in high demand, so it is important to book early if you want to secure one of these spots. Additionally, bassinets may only be available for infants under a certain age and weight limit, so be sure to check the restrictions before requesting one.
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Frequently asked questions
An infant-in-arms is when a child under 2 years old travels on the lap of an adult.
Only 1 infant may be seated on the lap of each ticketed adult. The infant must be included in the reservation. Additional infants must occupy their own infant safety seat or aircraft seat. Infants occupying their own seat must travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Yes, you can add an infant-in-arms at the airport. However, it is recommended to add an infant-in-arms to your ticket in advance.
Infants-in-arms travel for free within the United States. However, there may be taxes and fees for international travel.
