While traveling, parents want two things: the baby's health and the environment where the baby feels safe. American airlines infant policy provides us with a few regulations, and they just try to make the travel safe and simple for the passengers. If you are taking your baby on a flight, knowing the seating rules, extra baggage allowances, booking process, plus fee details will help the passengers.
Get complete knowledge of this policy, age-based rules, booking process, and charges. Make your trip experience smooth.
What is American Airlines Infant Policy?
The American Airlines infant policy provides different guidelines for children of different ages. This policy has been designed to make your travel experience easy and comfortable. Passengers travelling with an infant on American Airlines must consider several points. Here are some key points of this policy:
- The regulations will vary based on the baby's age.
- Babies traveling in a separate seat will get the same baggage allowance and services.
- A car seat is a must for babies sitting separately.
- There are no ticket charges for lap children traveling domestically
- Children whose age is below 5 are not allowed to travel unaccompanied.
Additional seating regulations:
- If booked together, the crew will seat you with your child
- For large bookings, American Airlines ensures
- A child under 15 sits next to an adult
What are the American Airlines Infant Policy Regulations?
The AA infant policy provides different rules for newborn babies and lap babies. Here is a breakdown of these policies.
Age | Policy |
Under 7 days | Doctor’s note required to fly |
7 days – under 2 years | May fly as a lap infant |
Under 2 years own seat | Seat must be purchased |
Turns two during the trip | Own seat required once age 2 |
2 years & older | Seat required (child fare) |
American Airlines New Born Policy:
- American airlines strictly prohibits traveling of babies under 2days inside the flight.
- Infants under 7 days require a medical clearance letter from a doctor.
American Airlines Lap Infant Policy:
American Airlines' lap infant policy clearly states that any passenger can take a baby on their lap, without a ticket, if the baby is under 2 years. This baby will be considered a lap child. Read the regulations:
- Parents can book a separate seat if required.
- One person can take one lap with a child.
- According to American Airlines' infant policy, an adult can only have one lap child.
- So if the children are more than adults, extra tickets must be purchased for those children.
Policy for Infants over 2 years:
- Children 2 years and older must have their own seat
- Child tickets cost the same as adult tickets
- Tickets can be purchased using Cash, Miles, or Companion tickets
- If a child turns two during the trip, they must use a seat from their birthday onward
American Airlines Infant Policy International:
If you are traveling internationally with a child, here are some requirements of the American Airlines infant policy international. If the child travels with only one parent, they must provide a signed consent letter from the non-travelling parent. This is just to ensure that the parent has information about the children's journey and has no objection to it.
How to Book Seats for Infants on American Airlines?
You must add the infant during booking. Here’s how:
- Visit the American Airlines website
- Enter passenger details
- Use the advanced passenger options to add:
- Infants
- Children
- Complete payment and check your email for confirmation
This process is for both lap babies and children in their own seats.
- You can also contact the airlines to make the reservation.
- A reservation can also be made from the airport counter.
Which ID is Required for Infants?
- For Domestic travel, there is no ID required for infants or children under 5
- For International travel, a Valid passport is required
- A birth certificate may be required for age verification. It is important to carry it.
What are the Charges for Traveling with a Baby?
American Airlines offers flying lap infants under 2 years old no fee charge for domestic flights, while possibly charging a fee for international flights.
Here comes the explanation in more detail:
- Domestic Flights: All infants up to 2 years old who travel as lap infants on domestic flights are exempt from any fees.
- International Flights: An infant traveling as a lap infant pays 10% of the adult fare, and a ticket is issued for each person, no matter how young or old.
- Checked Bags: The infant will also receive the same allowance as an adult if the baby is traveling in a separate seat. Doesn't matter if the baby is under or above 2.
What are the rules regarding car seats and strollers?
Bassinet Availability:
- The bassinet facility is available for infants:
- Any baby that is less than 2 years of age and weighs 20 pounds or less
- Can use a cot for travel on long-distance flights.
- Very few airlines provide this service.
- Bassinets are limited, and those who request them first will get them.
- Not available in First Class or Business Class
American Airlines Car Seat Policy
Car seats can be used onboard (with a purchased seat), or checked at the ticket counter
Car seats must:
- Ensure you are abiding by all the regulations of motor vehicle safety standards.
- The car can be helpful for a baby in rental cars, too.
- Make sure the straps are tight, the seat is soft, and the back is tight.
American Airlines Stroller Policy
- Strollers under 20 pounds can be checked for free at the gate
- Strollers over 20 pounds must be checked at the ticket counter
Important Tips:
- Airlines do not provide baby food; you must carry food and diapers in an extra amount.
- One diaper bag per child is allowed and does not count as carry-on
- Breast pumps and small coolers are permitted
- Breast milk and formula must be packed in clear bags and declared at security
- Changing tables are available in the onboard lavatories
- Pre-boarding is available for families with infants
- Extra items are allowed, like a Diaper bag, a Breast pump, and Medical equipment
- In-flight entertainment includes children’s content
- Choose seats carefully, especially on connecting flights
- Always check the destination country’s child entry rules before international travel
Final sum up!
Traveling with an infant is never smooth, but it can be prepared. With the right knowledge and a little patience, American Airlines’ infant policy allows parents to fly with confidence, calm, and care. Read how you can book your seats, know that if your baby is under 2, they are allowed to travel on your lap without a separate seat, but above that, they need a different seat. Hope all your queries are gone. If you have any, visit the official site.