Air travel with infants
Traveling with children − Travel information − American Airlines
Traveling with children and infants
We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.
- Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
- Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.
You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.
If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:
- Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
- The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
- 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. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.
If you skip seats
If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling.
The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.
Children and adults traveling in separate reservations
If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.
Contact Reservations
Children (2 years or older) This content can be expandedChildren 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.
If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.
Infants (under 2 years) This content can be expandedInfants under 2 years old can travel at no charge in the lap of their parent (any age), or an accompanying adult 16 years or older traveling in the same cabin.
We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a ‘Passenger Medical’ form to be completed before your flight.
Keep in mind:
- Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
- Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
- The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.
Adding an infant to your trip
If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.
S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).
Book a new trip
- Book your trip on aa.com
- Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
- Select ‘add infant in lap’
Book a trip
Update an existing trip
- Find your trip on aa.com
- Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section
- Select ‘add infant in lap’
Find your trip
Call Reservations if:
- You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
- You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico
Contact Reservations
Reserved seat
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.
Bassinets and changing tables
- Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
- Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve 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 20lbs (9kg)
Acceptable safety seats
Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft.
The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.
The label may include:
- These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
- Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
- The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
- Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
- The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
- To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.
Review seat dimensions before your trip.
Planes
Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.
First
Airbus 321T
Business
- Boeing 777-200
- Boeing 777-300
- Boeing 787-800
- Boeing 787-900
- Any device without an approval label
- Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
- Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
- Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
- Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult
Carry-on and checked bags
If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket.
You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.
- Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
- Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
- All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
- If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
- Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
- Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
- If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees
International documents
Children or infants traveling outside the U.
S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.
International travel
Traveling during pregnancy
If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.
Special assistance throughout your trip
Domestic Travel This content can be expandedFor domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date.
If you need to travel within this time frame:
- Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
- Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.
Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:
- Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
- 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)
Flying on a partner airline?
Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Qatar Airways
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Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs
By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP
Taking a baby on a plane is something that most parents approach with trepidation—with good reason.
Babies and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.
When is my baby old enough to fly on an airplane?
Generally, it is discouraged for babies to fly unnecessarily shortly after birth. Air travel increases a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease. Babies born prematurely, with chronic heart or lung problems, or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms may also have problems with the change in oxygen level within the air cabin. Parents should talk with their child's pediatrician before flying.
If there is a measles outbreak in your area, or you plan on traveling somewhere where there is a measles outbreak, your pediatrician may recommend your baby receive an extra dose of the MMR vaccine. This may be given as early as 6 months of age. Learn more here.
Does my baby need a passport for international travel?
Yes.
All U.S. citizens, including infants, need a current passport to travel internationally. Parents or guardians need to apply with their baby in person using the form DS-11. Be sure to bring your baby's birth certificate and a photo taken within the last 6 months. Passport photos must be taken with nobody else in the photo, which can be tricky with infants. To do this safely if your baby can't sit up yet, the U.S. Department of State recommends laying your baby on her back on a white blanket or sheet to ensure head support without having to hold her. Another option is covering a car seat with a plain white sheet and taking a picture of your child while she sits in it.
Should my baby sit on my lap during the flight?
Ideally, no. The FAA doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years, but that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, you may not be able to protect your baby in your arms. If you do not buy a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat.
If your airline's policy allows this, avoid the busiest days and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to you.
Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us? Does that count as luggage?
Car seats, booster seats, and strollers generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying. In most cases they can be checked at the gate, where the risk of damage is lower, at no cost. If your baby has his or her own airplane seat, bring your car seat with you.
Which seat on the plane is best for a baby?
Look for rows on the plane with more space, like the bulkhead. Exit rows are out, for safety reasons.
Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible. Aisle seats can be risky for babies during beverage service. Hot drinks being passed to passengers can spill and cause burns, and their little arms and legs can be caught by passing carts.
Aisle seats are also closer to falling overhead bin items.
Is there a way my baby can lie down flat on long flights?
Buckling your baby into a car seat or safety restraint remains the safest option. However, there are other options available to help baby sleep comfortably, especially on long-haul flights.
Airline bassinets. Some airlines offer airline bassinets attached to the airplane bulkhead wall―the wall behind the galley, or toilets or another cabin. In some premium cabins, they can be built into the seat compartment.to use in bulkhead rows. Most airline bassinets require the baby to be under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds, and not yet able to sit up unassisted. These bassinets are sometimes referred to as "skycots," baskets, and cots. Check with your airline when booking.
Sleeper seat. For an added fee, some international airlines let you book three seats in a row with locking seat extensions, creating a "sky couch" or sleeper-seat big enough for both parent and child.
Inflatable seat extensions. Some airlines let you bring your own inflatable, individual seat extension for your baby to snooze on lying down. These are fairly new products, and not all airlines permit them to be used, so check ahead of time. Your child will need his or her own seat to use one.
Note: For all options above, your baby would still need to be buckled into a car seat or held on your lap during takeoff, turbulence, and landing.
Will I be able to get liquid formula or expressed breast milk through security?
Yes, but you have to follow the reasonable quantities rules. This means you're exempt from the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces.
Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it. You may ask that they not go through the x-ray machine (although this shouldn't cause a health problem).
Visit the
TSA website for more information.
Any tips for keeping my baby comfortable and content on the plane?
Dress in layers. The temperature in a plane can vary widely, especially if you are stuck waiting on a runway, so layers of clothing are best. As you pick out clothing, choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Also, pack a change of clothes or two, in case turbulence hits during a diaper change or when you are feeding. Bring plastic bags for soiled clothing.
Be ready for ear pain. During the climb after takeoff and descent before landing, changes in pressure between the outer ear and middle ear can cause discomfort. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, ask his or her doctor if it's OK to fly. Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle, or suck on a pacifier, can help.
If your child has a cold or ear infection, a dose of
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen may help; check with your doctor for the right amount to give your child. Keep in mind that sleeping babies are easier for everyone. If possible, travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps, or consider trying to put off a nap until it's time to fly. Flight delays can cause this to backfire if your exhausted baby decides to scream instead of sleep. But it may be worth a try.
Consider a diaper change right before boarding. A dry baby is a happy baby. Fortunately, when you do need to change a diaper in-flight, many planes have restroom changing tables. If yours doesn't, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot on the floor where you can spread out your changing pad. Some parents resort to diaper-changing on the closed toilet seat.
If you try this, be sure to have a hand on your baby at all times and pack a disposable changing pad. Plan for delays; pack plenty of supplies. Bring distractions. Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the entire time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if the toys and books aren't helping anymore (we don't encourage entertainment media for children under the age of 2, but desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures).
Don't let the glares get to you. Despite the best advanced planning and efforts, babies cry sometimes. Know that you did, and are doing, all you can. At that point, one of the best ways you can calm your baby may be to stay calm yourself. And remember that for every person who is glaring at you, there are plenty of people who have been through it themselves and have lots of sympathy.
Ask for help.
Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a child safety restraint, your baby, and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
Additional Information:
Travel Safety Tips
Holiday Travel Tips
Precautions for International Travel: Information for Parents
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Children (FAA.gov)
Destination-Specific Vaccine Recommendations for Travelers—Including Travelers with Children (CDC.gov)
About Dr. McCarthy:
Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP is a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, a senior editor for Harvard Health Publications, and an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
She writes about health and parenting for the
Harvard Health Blog, Huffington Post, and many other online and print publications.
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Traveling with an infant on an airplane
Who is considered an infant?
For airlines, an infant is a child under 2 years of age. The age of the child is determined on the date of the flight, and not on the day the ticket was purchased.
Airlines categorize people by age: birth to 2, 2 to 12, 12 to 18, and adults.
Children over two weeks old are usually allowed to fly. If the child is younger, you may be asked for a medical certificate stating that you can fly. If she is not presented, then they may not be allowed on board. Before flying, you need to consult a doctor. nine0005
Do I need to buy a ticket for my child?
Yes. A small child is considered the same passenger as everyone else: he needs to buy a ticket, he, like all adults, is checked in for a flight.
You cannot buy a ticket for an infant only. It is always issued together with a ticket for an adult passenger.
How much is a ticket for an infant?
The ticket price depends on where exactly you are flying and whether the child needs a separate seat.
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When flying within Russia, a ticket for infants is free, but you still need to issue it. The child is not provided with a separate seat - he flies in the arms of the parent. If you want the child to still have a separate seat, then you can buy it. Such a ticket will cost the same as for a child from 2 to 12 years old. The cost is set by the airline.
If you fly abroad, then a ticket for an infant is always paid, it must also be issued. The ticket price depends on whether the parents buy a separate seat or the baby will fly in their arms. nine0005
What documents does an infant need to fly?
To travel in Russia, you will need a birth certificate or a passport for an infant. For international flights - a passport.
If the baby is less than two weeks old, a doctor's note may be required to confirm that it is safe to fly.
What is the correct way to carry a baby on an airplane?
Infants are transported in the arms of an adult or in a special cradle.
If a child flies in the arms of a parent, then it must be fastened with a child seat belt, which is attached to the belt of an adult passenger. The seat belt will be provided by the flight attendants.
You should always hold the child in your arms with your head towards the window. This will protect it from injury when objects fall from the upper shelves.
Infants under one year old and weighing no more than 11 kg can be provided with a special cradle on the plane. If you need a bassinet, write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will send a request to the airline.
If the airline confirms the request, then the adult passenger will be provided with a special seat in the aircraft cabin where they can secure the cradle. Usually this is the first row, but not all aircraft have this option: it depends on the model. nine0005
Where to put the stroller on the plane?
Baby strollers and cradles are transported free of charge in the luggage compartment. The stroller can be used before boarding the aircraft and handed over to airport staff or flight attendants before entering the aircraft. To do this, write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will notify the airline.
Before checking the stroller in your luggage, make sure that it does not get dirty or torn anywhere. It can be packed in cellophane or a protective case.
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Upon arrival, contact the flight attendants and the stroller will be returned to you.
Compact strollers weighing up to 4.5 kg can sometimes be transported in the aircraft cabin. It depends on the conditions of the airline. Write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will find out the information for you.
If you are carrying a stroller without a child, check it in as baggage at the airline's rate.
Is there food for babies on board the aircraft? nine0004
On board the aircraft, as a rule, there is milk and infant formula. Write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will find out if your airline has baby food on board.
Where can I change my baby's clothes on the plane?
There is a changing table on board. Where it is located and how to use it, the flight attendants will tell you. Take everything you need with you in case the child needs to be changed. nine0005
How to make the flight more comfortable for the baby?
Infants should preferably be cuddled or given a bottle of water during takeoff and landing. This will help to avoid discomfort from the pressure drop: it is less likely to stuff your ears.
What to do at the airport if you are flying with a baby?
Major airports have a mother and baby room.
You can get into it with a ticket or boarding pass and identity documents. Such a room usually has a sanitary area where you can change clothes for a child, a kitchen with a refrigerator, a microwave and high chairs for children, bedrooms and a play area. nine0005
There must be one chaperone per child in the room. If there are two children, then two adults must be with them.
Flying with a baby on an airplane: how to fly on an airplane with a small child
My daughter and I flew twice. The first time was at her 6 months, the second time at her 2 years. And it was two completely different trips. I'll tell you how prices for children's tickets are formed, as well as about baggage and flight rules for the smallest
What age should I fly? nine0004
Flying is not recommended for infants under seven days old. If it is necessary to fly, it is advisable to obtain confirmation of the possibility of air travel from a pediatrician. This is what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.
In any case, I advise you to clarify the requirements for the transportation of a newborn with the airline you plan to fly with.
Olga Dubrovina
Pediatrician
“As soon as a child passes from the state of a newborn to a baby, you can safely fly with him. This happens 28 days after his birth. But a prerequisite is permission to fly from a neonatologist. The baby must be completely healthy for such an event. The main danger of flying for a baby is not even in pressure drops and dry air. It is important that in the sky he will not be able to provide full medical care in the event of a crisis. And in babies, all diseases develop rapidly. Even an hour and a half flight can become critical.” nine0005
Some carriers do not need any certificates and are allowed to board the plane from the first day of life. In others, they require filling out a guarantee receipt on the release of the airline from liability for the consequences of flying an infant and / or showing a certificate from a pediatrician.
It is necessary to obtain a document on the eve of departure, so make an appointment with a doctor in advance.
How much does a child ticket cost?
Children under two years old in the arms of their parents - free of charge in the arms of their parents. On foreign flights with a discount of up to 90%.
If there are several children, only one will fly for free. The rest at the Child tariff with a 50–25% discount.
Children aged 2 to 12 fly on the Child fare. Its price: minus 50-75% of the cost of an adult ticket.
Teenagers over 12 travel at the adult fare.
The age of the child is relevant on the date of the flight, not on the day the ticket was purchased.
What is included in a child's luggage?
Standard luggage for an infant, even without a seat: 5 kg hand luggage and 10 kg luggage. You can carry a carrycot, baby seat and stroller into the cabin. The luggage of a child from 2 to 12 years old includes 8-10 kg of hand luggage and 20 kg of luggage.
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You can take into the cabin:
- Cradle (or ask the airline for it)
- Child seat for a child with a redeemed seat
- Stroller measuring 55 (65) x 40 × 20 and weighing no more than 4.5 kg
Call the airline no later than 36 hours before departure to find out if they will provide a bassinet or an alternative, a belt. Lay the child with his head to the window.
We took the stroller to the salon. It turned out to be inconvenient: to drag too much, to look for a place on the luggage rack and how to cover the wheels so as not to stain other people's things. nine0005
The wheelchair must be checked in at the gangway, the wheelchair with dimensions larger than the specified ones must be checked in as luggage.
When to fly?
Choose a flight according to the child's daily routine and nature. Babies are the easiest passengers. They quickly fall asleep when climbing, especially after a snack. A long night flight would be ideal.
Then you can rest too. For those who are not accustomed to falling asleep in an unfamiliar environment, a day flight is suitable.
Should we hope for nap time? No. The child will be overexcited and will not fall asleep. Hysteria is guaranteed. This is exactly what happened to my daughter. She wanted to sleep, but she couldn't. And until she cried properly, she did not fall asleep. Unfortunately, nothing can be done in this situation. The main thing is the calmness of the mother. The child feels her condition very well and adopts it. nine0005
How to choose a seat in the cabin?
The most comfortable seats in economy class for flying with children are in the first row, where there is more distance between the seats and the wall. As a rule, it is in this row that there are attachments for the cradle, in which you can put a baby up to a year old and weighing up to 11 kg. The airline is not required to provide bassinet. The design of the aircraft, in principle, may not provide for a cradle mount.
In the turbulence zone, the nose of the aircraft is less prone to shaking
The airline is not required to provide bassinet. The design of the aircraft, in principle, may not provide for a cradle mount.
A carrycot must be booked in order to receive it. This must be done no later than 36 hours before departure. If you are not lucky, you will have to spend the entire flight with a child in your arms. In this case, you should grab a sling or your own cradle.
Toddlers under two years of age are advised to sit by the window to prevent luggage from accidentally falling off a shelf or being hit by a passing passenger. If a seat was not indicated when purchasing a ticket, it is better to book it with the start of online registration. However, at the counters at the airport, airline employees, as a rule, leave the first rows for passengers with children. nine0005
How to replace a doctor?
If the ears are blocked. Due to pressure differences during takeoff and landing, children may experience discomfort in their ears.
A nipple or a bottle will save the baby, it is better for babies to give water to drink in small sips. Older children can snack on fruit or suck on a lollipop. It also helps to equalize the pressure of yawning.
If the child also has a runny nose. The child needs to drip vasoconstrictor drops before the flight, after consulting with the doctor the day before. During the flight, it is worth rinsing your nose with saline solution once an hour. By the way, this is also recommended for healthy children to moisturize the nasal mucosa in dry air in the cabin. nine0005
If you are sick. Mints or lemon wedges will help. There are hygiene bags on board, you can ask the flight attendant for them or take your own.
What to bring to the salon?
First aid kit. When traveling with a child, parents should always have antiseptics, antihistamines and antipyretics, first aid medicines for chronic diseases prescribed by a doctor, and a band-aid.
Food and water.
In the aircraft cabin you can take mixtures in a jar or bottle, a thermos with water, mashed potatoes, dryers, cookies, fruits, and so on. There are no strict restrictions on the volume or content of baby food. nine0005
Food should be taken with a reserve in case of a flight delay or other unforeseen circumstances. If necessary, ask the flight attendant to warm up the mixture or puree.
Call the airline and ask if baby food is served on board and if you need to pay for it. You need to clarify this no later than 36 hours before the flight
Hygiene products, diapers, wet wipes. Some aircraft have toilets equipped with a changing table. For older children, you can take the road toilet. It folds easily and the waste bag can be disposed of in the restroom of the aircraft. Or grab disposable toilet pads if you have to go to a public one. nine0005
Spare set of clothes. May be required if the child is dirty or sweaty. Or if a change of clothes is required by the climate at the place of arrival.
