Lois Larson
If you're travelling with an infant, you may be able to book their ticket at the airport. However, this depends on the airline and the infant's age. Some airlines, like American Airlines, allow you to add an infant to your booking online or after your trip is ticketed, while others, like Delta Air Lines, provide a step-by-step guide on how to add an infant to your ticket yourself. Additionally, if your infant is under a certain age, usually 7 days old, you may need to contact the airline directly or present specific documentation at the airport. It's important to note that each airline has different policies and requirements for infant ticketing, so it's recommended to review these before your travel date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Booking an infant ticket at the airport | Possible with some airlines, but it is recommended to book in advance |
| Infant documentation | Age proof, birth certificate, vaccination certificate, passport or other valid ID |
| Adult documentation | Passport or other valid ID |
| Additional requirements for infants travelling with non-legal guardians | Consent letter signed by legal parent(s) or guardian, proof of parentage, photocopies of relevant IDs |
| Baggage allowance | One free checked bag not exceeding 25 lbs (11 kgs) and 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Additional items | Breast pumps, small coolers of breast milk, playpens, wagons, cribs, etc. may be allowed in addition to carry-on allowance |
| Seating | Infants must sit on the lap of an adult for free on domestic flights; a separate seat must be purchased for international flights or if travelling with two infants |
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What You'll Learn
Infant ticket requirements
When booking infant tickets, it is important to note that requirements may vary depending on the airline and the destination country. Here are some general guidelines and considerations for infant ticket requirements:
Age Requirements
Infants are typically classified as children under 2 years old. However, some airlines may have specific age requirements, such as infants being under 7 days old or between 7 days and 2 years old. It is important to check with your chosen airline for their specific age requirements.
Seating Arrangements
When travelling with an infant, you may choose to have them seated on your lap (Infant-in-Arms) or in their own seat. If the infant will be seated on your lap, they can usually travel for free within the same country or at a reduced fare for international travel. However, if you prefer for them to have their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them and ensure they meet the requirements for using an infant safety seat or child restraint system.
Documentation
When travelling internationally with an infant, they will need appropriate documentation, such as a birth certificate, vaccination certificate, and passport. Some countries may have specific entry or exit requirements, so it is important to review the documentation needed for your destination. If the infant is travelling with a guardian or an adult who is not their legal parent, a consent letter from the parent or guardian may be required, along with proof of the relationship.
Baggage Allowance
Most airlines allow you to check in one bag for infants free of charge. However, there may be weight and size restrictions for these bags. It's important to check with your airline for their specific baggage policies. Additionally, items such as breast pumps, breast milk coolers, and child restraint systems may have separate considerations and not count towards your carry-on allowance.
Advance Booking and Seating Preferences
It is recommended to book your travel plans well in advance to increase the likelihood of securing your preferred seating arrangements. When travelling with infants, some airlines allow you to add them to your trip during the booking process or after your trip is ticketed. They may also offer options to request infant bassinets, subject to availability.
Please remember to review the specific requirements and policies of your chosen airline and destination country, as infant ticket requirements may vary.
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Booking process
The booking process for infant tickets varies by airline, but here is a general overview of what to expect:
Booking an Infant Ticket Online
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to book an infant ticket online during the initial booking process or after your trip is ticketed. To do this, you can log in to your account on their website and access the "Passenger details" page. Here, you will find an option to "Add infant in lap" for both domestic and international flights. Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or their own aircraft seat.
Booking an Infant Ticket at the Airport
If you are unable to book online, you may be able to book an infant ticket at the airport. For example, Air India customers can visit any of their airport/city offices to make a booking for an unaccompanied minor. However, specific requirements must be met, such as providing four copies of the filled-out unaccompanied minor travel form.
Booking an Infant Ticket by Contacting the Airline
In some cases, you may need to contact the airline directly to book an infant ticket. For instance, Delta Air Lines recommends contacting Reservations to request a SkyCot for your infant before arriving at the airport. They also provide a step-by-step guide on their website that explains how to add an Infant-in-Arms to your ticket.
Documentation Requirements
Regardless of the booking method, certain documentation is typically required when travelling with an infant. For international travel, a passport or other valid ID proof for the infant and their guardian is necessary. Some airlines may also require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, vaccination certificate, or medical certificate if the infant is less than 7 days old. If the infant is travelling with a non-parent guardian, a consent letter from the parent and proof of the guardian's authorization may be needed.
Seating Arrangements
When booking an infant ticket, it's important to consider the seating arrangements. Most airlines allow infants under 2 years old to travel on the lap of an adult for free on domestic flights, but a ticket purchase may be required for international travel. If you prefer, you can also purchase a separate seat for your infant and use an approved child safety seat. However, only one infant is typically allowed per adult, and specific seating locations may be preferred or restricted.
Additional Considerations
When booking an infant ticket, it's recommended to book well in advance to increase the likelihood of obtaining desired seats. Additionally, consider the baggage allowance for infants and any special accommodations or facilities available at the airport and on board, such as infant bassinets, nursing rooms, or lactation spaces.
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Airport facilities for infants
Many airports have facilities to make travelling with infants easier. Here are some of the facilities you may find:
Play Areas
Some airports have play areas for children to enjoy before boarding their flight. These often include slides, soft play, games, and interactive screens. Chicago O'Hare Airport, for example, has a kids' play area called KidPort, where children can role-play as pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic control. Some airports also have indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Delta Air Lines offers the Delta Sky Zone at some airports, a kids-only lounge with video games, snacks, and a secure area for children to wait between flights.
Breastfeeding Lounges
Breastfeeding lounges or nursing rooms are available at many airports, such as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which provides a modern and comfortable breastfeeding lounge.
Strollers
Some airlines and airports provide complimentary strollers for passengers with infants. However, not all airports offer this service, so it is best to check with the specific airport or airline.
Security Screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has modified screening procedures for children 12 and under. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector, and children able to walk through the metal detector unassisted may do so separately from their parents or guardians. Strollers, car seats, and other equipment must be screened by X-ray, and children will not be separated from their parents or guardians during the screening process.
Documentation and Ticketing
When travelling with an infant, specific documentation is required, and different ticketing options are available. A birth certificate, vaccination certificate, and passport are typically required for infants travelling internationally. If the infant is travelling with a non-parent or guardian, additional documentation, such as consent letters and proof of parentage, may be needed.
For ticketing, some airlines allow infants under 2 years old to travel on an adult's lap for free on domestic flights, while others require infants to occupy an infant safety seat with a purchased ticket. Internationally, infants typically require a ticket, even if they will be travelling on an adult's lap.
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Documentation
When booking an infant ticket at the airport, several documents may be required, depending on the age of the infant and the nature of the flight. Here is some general information about documentation, although specific requirements may vary depending on the airline and country:
Domestic Flights
For domestic flights, infants can typically travel for free on an adult's lap without needing a separate ticket. However, if you prefer your infant to have their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them. In this case, you may need to provide documentation ensuring that the child safety seat meets FAA-approved specifications.
International Flights
For international flights, infants typically require a ticket, even if they will be travelling on an adult's lap. Taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply. In addition, infants travelling internationally are generally required to have the same documentation as adults, including a passport or other valid ID. If the infant does not have a passport, photocopies of the relevant pages of the parent's or guardian's passport may be required, along with proof of the relationship between the infant and the accompanying adult.
Age Requirements
The age range for infants is typically considered to be between 3 days and 2 years. If your infant is under 7 days old, you may need to contact the airline directly to inquire about any additional requirements or restrictions. Most airlines will require age proof for infants, such as a birth certificate, during check-in. Failure to provide valid proof of age may result in the infant being charged the full fare applicable on the date of booking.
Unaccompanied Minors
If your child is travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor, you will need to complete additional documentation. Contact the airline's customer service team or visit their airport/city offices to obtain and fill out the required forms. Unaccompanied minors are typically charged the full adult fare for both domestic and international flights.
Special Circumstances
In certain situations, additional documentation may be required. For example, if the infant is travelling with an adult who is not their legal parent or guardian, a consent letter signed by the legal parent or guardian may be necessary. Furthermore, if your due date is within four weeks of your flight, a doctor's certificate stating that you are fit to fly may be mandatory.
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Seating arrangements
When booking a flight with an infant, it's important to consider the seating arrangement that best suits your needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Lap Infant vs Individual Seat: Depending on the airline and your preference, you can choose to have your infant seated on your lap or purchase an individual seat for them. If your infant is under 2 years old, they can typically travel as a lap infant, either for free within the United States or at a reduced fare for international travel. However, if you prefer more space or want to use a car seat, you can purchase an individual seat for your infant.
- Booking in Advance: It is recommended to book your flight well in advance, especially when travelling with an infant. Seats tend to become limited closer to the travel date, making it challenging to secure seats together for your family.
- Bassinet Options: If you wish to utilise a bassinet for your infant during the flight, be sure to book a seat in the row that offers bassinets. Bassinets are typically available on international flights and some domestic flights with internationally configured aircraft. You can request a bassinet at the time of booking or check its availability with the airline.
- Safety Regulations: It is crucial to adhere to safety regulations when considering seating arrangements. For infants occupying their own seat, they must be secured in an approved car seat or harness that meets FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) standards. Additionally, during taxi, takeoff, landing, and when the "fasten seatbelt" sign is illuminated, infants must be held by an adult.
- Documentation: Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your infant, including birth certificates, vaccination records, and passports or other valid identification for international travel. Some airlines may also require a doctor's letter stating that your infant is medically cleared to travel, especially if they are under 7 days old.
- Airlines' Policies: Different airlines have varying policies regarding seating arrangements for infants. While some airlines allow infants as young as 2 days old, others may require them to be at least a week or two old. Additionally, certain airlines offer discounts for infants or children, while others charge full fare if the infant turns 2 during the trip. It is important to review the specific policies of your chosen airline.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can book an infant ticket at the airport. However, it is recommended that you book in advance, as seats become limited closer to the day of travel.
For domestic travel, you will need to provide a birth certificate, vaccination certificate, and government-issued ID for the infant. For international travel, you will also need a passport for the infant. If you are unable to produce valid proof of age for the infant, you may be required to pay the full adult fare for the infant.
Yes, 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 prefer, you can also purchase a ticket for your infant to travel in an FAA-approved child safety seat.
