Ah, the joys and sometimes complexities of flying with little ones! It's fantastic that you're planning ahead to ensure a smooth journey with your child on American Airlines. Traveling with infants can seem daunting, but knowing the rules beforehand makes all the difference. Let's dive into everything you need to know about how old a "lap child" can be on American Airlines, along with essential tips for a stress-free trip.
Decoding the "Lap Child" Rule on American Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How Old Can A Lap Child Be On American Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Clarify the Golden Rule: How Old is Too Old?
First things first, and this is crucial for your planning: American Airlines generally considers a child a "lap child" if they are under two years old (24 months) for the entire duration of the trip. This means if your child turns two years old at any point during your itinerary, even on the return leg, they will need their own purchased seat for that portion of the journey.
Did your little one just have a birthday or is one coming up around your travel dates? This is the number one thing to confirm!
Sub-heading: The "Under 2" Distinction
Infants under 2 years old: These are your "lap children." For domestic flights within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, they can typically travel for free when sitting on an adult's lap.
Infants under 2 years old on international flights: Even as a lap child, there's usually a charge. American Airlines typically charges 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes for international lap infants. It's not free, but it's significantly less than a full ticket!
Step 2: Understanding the Requirements and Restrictions for Lap Children
It's not just about age; there are other important factors to consider when flying with a lap infant on American Airlines.
Sub-heading: One Lap Child Per Adult
American Airlines has a strict policy: only one infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult. If you are traveling with more than one infant under two years old, you will need to purchase a separate seat for each additional infant.
For example: If you're a single parent traveling with twins, one twin can be a lap child, but you'd need to purchase a seat for the other. If two adults are traveling with twins, each adult can hold one infant on their lap.
Sub-heading: Who Can Hold the Lap Child?
The accompanying adult holding the lap child must be at least 15 years of age.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
Sub-heading: Proof of Age is Key
American Airlines reserves the right to request documented proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport) for any traveler under 18 years of age. Always have this readily available. For international travel, your child will need their own passport, regardless of whether they are a lap child or have their own seat.
Sub-heading: Newborns and Early Travel
American Airlines allows infants as young as 2 days old to fly. However, if your infant is under 7 days old, you will generally need to provide a doctor's letter stating they are medically cleared to travel. It's always a good idea to consult your pediatrician before flying with a very young infant.
Step 3: Adding Your Lap Child to Your Reservation
You can't just show up at the airport with a baby and expect them to be added as a lap child. They must be included in your reservation.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flight with a Lap Child
While you can often select to add an infant during the online booking process on American Airlines' website, it's highly recommended to contact American Airlines Reservations directly to ensure your lap child is properly added, especially for international flights where a fare applies. This also allows you to confirm any specific fees or documentation needed.
Don't wait until the last minute! Add your lap infant to your reservation as soon as possible after booking your own ticket.
Step 4: Deciding Between a Lap Child and a Purchased Seat
While the "lap child" option can save you money, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons for your family's comfort and safety.
Sub-heading: Advantages of a Lap Child
Cost Savings: For domestic flights, it's often free. For international, it's a reduced fare.
Convenience for very young infants: Some parents find it easier to keep very small babies close on their lap.
Sub-heading: Advantages of a Purchased Seat (with a Car Seat)
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
Enhanced Safety: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that infants and young children ride in an approved child safety seat (CRS) for their safety, just like in a car. This provides the best protection during turbulence or unforeseen events.
More Comfort: Both for you and your child. Your child has their own space to sleep or play, and you have your hands free.
Baggage Allowance: If you purchase a seat for your infant, they will generally have the same baggage allowance as an adult in the same travel class.
Sub-heading: Using a Child Restraint System (Car Seat) Onboard
If you opt to purchase a seat for your infant, you can use an FAA-approved child safety seat. Here are some key points:
FAA Approval: The car seat must have a label stating, "This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft" and/or "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards."
Installation: It must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and face the appropriate direction (forward or rear-facing) for your child's age and weight.
Seating Restrictions: Car seats are not allowed in exit rows, or the row directly in front of or behind an exit row. Also, they cannot block the aisle.
Step 5: Packing and Preparing for Your Flight with an Infant
Flying with an infant requires some extra preparation to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Sub-heading: Essential Carry-On Items
Diaper Bag: This is typically allowed in addition to your personal item and carry-on. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, changing pad, and diaper cream.
Baby Food and Formula/Breast Milk: You are permitted to bring breast milk or formula in quantities exceeding the 3-1-1 liquids rule for security checkpoints. Be sure to declare these items to TSA. You can also bring commercial baby food for children under 2 years old.
Snacks: For older infants and yourself!
Comfort Items: A favorite blanket, small toys, books, or pacifier can make a big difference.
Change of Clothes: For both you and your baby – accidents happen!
Medications: Any necessary infant medications.
Baby Carrier: A soft-sided baby carrier can be incredibly helpful for navigating the airport and boarding.
Sub-heading: Strollers and Car Seats at the Airport
American Airlines generally allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge.
Gate Checking: Many parents choose to gate-check their stroller, meaning you can use it right up to the boarding gate, and it will be returned to you at the jet bridge upon arrival. Strollers over 20 lbs (9 kg) usually need to be checked at the ticket counter.
Car Seats: If you're not using your car seat on board, you can also gate-check it or check it at the ticket counter.
Sub-heading: In-Flight Amenities and Assistance
Bassinets: On certain long-haul international flights (e.g., on 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft), American Airlines offers bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis. These are usually for infants under 2 years old and weighing no more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It's essential to reserve these in advance by calling American Airlines.
Changing Tables: Most wide-body aircraft have changing tables in the lavatories.
Pre-Boarding: American Airlines often offers pre-boarding for families with children under 2 years old. Take advantage of this to get settled without feeling rushed.
Heating Baby Bottles: Flight attendants can usually help warm baby bottles onboard.
Step 6: Documentation and International Travel Considerations
Traveling internationally with a lap child adds a layer of complexity regarding documentation and fees.
Sub-heading: Required Documents
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Passport: For all international travel, your infant, even a lap child, will need their own passport.
Birth Certificate: Always carry your child's birth certificate as proof of age.
Consent Letter (if applicable): If your child is traveling internationally with only one parent, you may need a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. This is a common requirement to prevent international child abduction. Check the specific requirements for your destination country.
Sub-heading: International Lap Infant Fees
As mentioned, for international flights, a lap infant typically incurs a fee, usually 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. This is not a free ride internationally, so factor this into your budget.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to add a lap child to an existing American Airlines reservation?
You should call American Airlines Reservations directly to add a lap child to an existing booking, especially for international travel, to ensure proper ticketing and fee application.
How to request a bassinet on American Airlines?
Bassinets are typically available on long-haul international flights on specific aircraft (e.g., 777, 787) and must be requested in advance by calling American Airlines, as they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to check my child's car seat for free on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows one car seat and one stroller to be checked free of charge, either at the ticket counter or at the gate.
How to ensure my car seat is FAA approved for use on American Airlines?
Look for a label on the car seat that explicitly states it is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft and/or conforms to federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
How to get a doctor's letter for infant travel on American Airlines?
If your infant is between 2 and 6 days old, contact your pediatrician to obtain a medical clearance letter stating they are fit for air travel.
How to pre-board with an infant on American Airlines?
Families traveling with children under 2 years old are generally invited to pre-board before general boarding commences. Listen for the announcements at your gate.
How to bring breast milk or formula through TSA with American Airlines?
You can bring breast milk or formula in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in your carry-on bag. Inform a TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you have these liquids.
How to get seats together with a lap child on American Airlines?
When booking, indicate you are traveling with an infant. While American Airlines endeavors to seat families together, especially those with young children, it's always best to call reservations or select seats at the time of booking to confirm.
How to handle a lap child turning 2 years old during the trip on American Airlines?
If your child turns 2 at any point during your itinerary, you must purchase a separate seat for them for the remainder of the trip from their birthday onward.
How to avoid paying an international lap infant fee on American Airlines?
You cannot avoid the international lap infant fee on American Airlines; it is typically 10% of the adult fare plus taxes, regardless of whether the infant occupies a seat.
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