Traveling in general requires a laundry list of things to do, pack and remember before you embark on any getaway. Once you add little ones to the mix, your travel to-do list increases even further. Layer airline travel to the equation, and now you have even more rules and guidelines to follow.
Phew, it’s exhausting and the vacation hasn’t even begun yet! We’re going to help you check at least one major item off your list to make your travel easier.
Follow this quick guide to the rules and regulations for flying with baby on some of the most common airlines. Sit back, fasten your seat belt and take notes! You will be on your way in no time and equipped with all of the crucial airline rules.
Airline Rule #1: Age Regulations
American Airlines
Accepts infants as young as 2 days old. However, you will be required to present a passenger medical form filled out and signed by a physician before your flight. Infants must be accompanied in the same cabin by a person 16 years or older or by their parents (of any age).
United
United does not accept infants younger than 7 days old.
Delta
Infants under 7 days old must have an approval letter from a physician in order to fly.
Southwest
You must provide a medical release form for any infant traveling that is under 14 days old.
Airline Rule #2: Safety Seats
American Airlines
FAA approved safety seats and child restraint systems (CRC) are accepted. The safety seats cannot be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred. The seat must be installed in the age appropriate direction for the size of the child. The child must remain in the seat during takeoff, landing and whenever the fasten seat belt sign is on. Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business class due to the seat angles.
United
You may use FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS) or child safety seats in window seats on single-aisle aircraft, and in window seats or in the middle seats of a center section on two-aisle aircraft. Using a child restraint system is not acceptable in rear-facing seats or seats directly in front of, behind or in the exit row on any aircraft.
Delta
The window seat is the preferred location for an approved child safety seat or child restraint system. Other locations may be acceptable as long as the seat is not installed between other passengers and the aisle.
Southwest
Safety seats should be secured in a middle or window seat. If placed in a middle seat, it may not impede the exit path of a passenger in the window seat. The safety seat may not be placed in an exit seat or in a row directly forward or behind of an exit row of seats.
Airline Rule #3: Child Article Allowances
American Airlines
Each ticketed customer is allowed one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge. However, if you have one stroller and one car seat, only one of them can be gate checked. Strollers over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter. Wagons, cribs and pack ‘n plays count as regular baggage and must not exceed the carry-on weight requirements. If they do, they will have to be checked and incur regular fees. Only one carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.
United
No strollers or folding wagons of any size are permitted as a carry-on item. They may, however, be checked free of charge. Pack ‘n plays and collapsible cribs must be checked.
Delta
Children’s strollers and seat restraints can be checked for free.
Southwest
Customers traveling with children can check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS), or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.
Related articles:
- Packing Checklist for Flying with Baby
- 9 Tips For Stress-Free Flying with Babies and Toddlers
- BabyQuip Baby Gear Rentals: How to Rent Baby Equipment
Airline Rule #4: Documents
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest
If you are traveling with a child under the age of 18, they might require proof of age, so pack a birth certificate just to be safe. Southwest requires a copy of the child’s birth certificate for all infants under the age of two. If you are traveling internationally or outside of the U.S, children and infants must have the same documentation as adults. If anyone under 18 years of age is traveling without an adult, they may be required to present a letter of consent.
Airline Rule #5: Seating
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest
Infants over the age of 2 must have their own purchased and ticketed seat. Infants under the age of 2 years old may be held by an adult. However, please be aware that you must notify the airline, so that the child is listed on the ticket.
Airline Rule #6: Breast Milk and Formula
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest
Formula, breast milk and juice are allowable in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove these items from your carry-on bag at TSA. An attendant will screen them separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to be traveling with your child to bring breast milk.
Airline Rule #7: Perks and Amenities
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest
Families with children under 2 years of age can pre-board board early at the gate. Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body air crafts. Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis but are not available in First or Business class.
Airline Rule #8: Face Masks
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest
All airlines now require that children 2 years of age and older wear a face covering in the airport and keep in on for the duration of the flight(s). This may be a challenge if your child has just turned 2 and isn’t use to wearing a mask for a long duration of time. You can practice at home to help get them ready! Have them wear a mask while zoning out in front of Peppa Pig or while playing a game on the iPad!
Now that you have all the airline rule information you need for flying with baby, there will be no surprises once you get the airport. Happy travels!
Jennifer O’Neill is an Independent Quality Provider with BabyQuip, helping families travel lighter and happier. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and of course, traveling.
Can I put a pac n play in a duffle bag and check it in?
Yes, you can put a pack ‘n play in a bag and check it if you’d like. We, of course, highly recommend renting one at your destination instead to avoid potential damage of your own gear during transit.
I have a 4 seater Wonderfold wagon, would I be able to gate check it and get it back for our layover? I’ll be flying with 3 kids 4 and under by myself.
Yes, this is usually doable, but I recommend checking with your specific airline to make sure!
How can I travel with a collapsible wagon stroller ? Do I need a bag to put it in ?
We recommend you rent a wagon at your destination to avoid potentially damaging your own wagon/stroller in transit. We know they are expensive!
Any updates for covid?
Hi Laurel! You would have to request or reserve a bassinet seat, which is usually in the bulkhead section of the plane. The bassinet would be attached to the bulkhead wall in front of your passenger seat.
Can you explain more about using a bassinet? I’m trying to imagine what that would look like on an airplane–maybe I’m not thinking of the right equipment.
Hey Laurel Waddell I’m assuming you can ask some one questions on the airplane about how to use a bassinet have some one show you how a bassinet works for you before you put your baby girl in it for a nap if you have a car seat bring that In the car to go to the airport then take the car seat out of the car with your baby girl in it