A Comprehensive Guide: How to Add a Child to Your American Airlines Reservation
Traveling with children can be an incredibly rewarding experience, creating memories that last a lifetime. However, the logistics of flying with little ones, especially when adding them to an existing reservation, can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Fear not, fellow travelers! This lengthy, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of adding a child to your American Airlines booking, ensuring a smoother journey for your entire family.
Ready to make your family travel dreams a reality? Let's dive in!
Understanding American Airlines' Policies for Children
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand American Airlines' policies regarding children. This will help you determine the best way to add your child and what to expect.
Infants (Under 2 Years Old)
Lap Child: For domestic flights, infants under two years old can generally travel on an adult's lap for free. For international flights, taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply even for lap infants.
Purchasing a Seat for an Infant: You can choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant. In this case, an FAA-approved child safety seat (car seat) or child restraint system (CRS) must be used.
Proof of Age: American Airlines may request proof of age (birth certificate or passport) for any child under 18.
Turning Two During Travel: If your infant turns two years old during your trip, they will require their own seat for the remainder of the journey, starting from their birthday.
Bassinets: Bassinets may be available on certain aircraft (like the 777-200, 777-300, and 787) for infants under two years old and weighing 20 pounds or less. These are usually on a first-come, first-served basis and generally not available in First or Business Class.
Multiple Lap Infants: An adult can only have one lap infant. If you're traveling with two infants under two, one must be a lap child, and the other must have a purchased seat with an approved car seat.
Infants under 7 days old: If your infant is under 7 days old, you must contact American Airlines Reservations to book, as a doctor's letter stating they are medically cleared to travel is required.
Children (2 Years and Older)
Required Seat: Children aged two years and older must have their own ticketed seat.
Unaccompanied Minors (UMNR):
Ages 5-14: Children in this age range traveling alone are required to use American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service. There's a fee of $150 each way, plus applicable taxes, in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.
Ages 15-17: The unaccompanied minor service is optional for this age group, but if requested, the fee still applies.
Restrictions for UMNR: Unaccompanied minors aged 5-7 can only travel on nonstop flights. Those aged 8-14 can travel on nonstop flights or itineraries with connections through specific hub airports (CLT, DCA, DFW, JFK, LAX, LGA, MIA, ORD, PHL, PHX). Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on itineraries involving connections to/from other airlines (including codeshare partners) or on overnight connecting flights.
Booking UMNR: Unaccompanied minor travel must be booked by phone through American Airlines Reservations.
Proof of Age: Similar to infants, proof of age may be required.
Step 1: Determine Your Child's Travel Status and Gather Information
Before you even think about logging into your American Airlines account or picking up the phone, let's get organized! This initial step is key to a smooth process.
Ask yourself these questions:
Is your child an infant (under 2 years old) or a child (2 years or older)? This dictates whether they'll be a lap infant or require their own seat.
Will your infant be a lap child or occupy their own seat? If they're getting their own seat, do you have an FAA-approved car seat?
Do you have an existing reservation, or are you looking to book a new one? This guide focuses on adding a child to an existing reservation. If you're booking a new flight for the entire family, the process is slightly different during the initial booking steps.
Do you have all your child's details ready? This includes their full legal name (as it appears on their birth certificate or passport), date of birth, and any relevant travel document numbers (like a passport number if traveling internationally).
Pro-Tip: Have these details written down or easily accessible. It will save you time and potential frustration!
Step 2: Accessing Your Existing American Airlines Reservation
Now that you're prepared, let's get to your booking.
Option 2.1: Through the American Airlines Website
Visit the Official American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to aa.com.
Log In to Your AAdvantage Account (Recommended): If you have an AAdvantage account and used it to book your original reservation, log in. This often makes managing your trips easier.
Find Your Trip:
Navigate to the "My Trips" or "Manage Trips" section.
You'll typically need to enter your six-character Record Locator (booking reference) and the last name of one of the passengers on the reservation.
Click "Find Trip" or a similar button.
Option 2.2: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log In or Find Trip:
If you're logged in, your upcoming trips should be visible under "My Trips."
If not, you'll have an option to "Find Trip" by entering your record locator and last name, just like on the website.
Important Note: If you booked through a third-party travel agent or an online travel agency (OTA), you might have limited options to modify your reservation directly on aa.com. In such cases, contacting American Airlines directly (Step 4) or your travel agent is usually the best course of action.
Step 3: Adding Your Child Online (For Lap Infants)
American Airlines allows you to add a lap infant to your trip online for most domestic flights and sometimes for international flights after the trip is ticketed.
Sub-heading: For Domestic Flights (Lap Infant)
Locate "Passenger Details": Once you've accessed your trip on aa.com or the app, look for a section labeled "Passenger details," "Travelers," or "Modify Trip."
Select "Add infant in lap": Within the passenger details, you should see an option to "Add infant in lap" or similar.
Enter Infant's Information: You'll be prompted to enter your infant's full name and date of birth. Ensure this information is accurate and matches any identification you might use (like a birth certificate).
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the details you've entered. If no additional fees apply (common for domestic lap infants), you can usually confirm the addition directly. You might receive an updated itinerary via email.
Sub-heading: For International Flights (Lap Infant)
For international trips, adding an infant after your trip is ticketed is also possible through aa.com.
Access "Passenger details": Similar to domestic flights, find the "Passenger details" section of your trip.
Select "Add infant in lap": Click on this option.
Provide Infant Information and Pay Fees/Taxes: You'll need to enter the infant's full name and date of birth. Be aware that international lap infants typically incur taxes and a percentage of the adult fare. You will be prompted to pay these fees at this stage.
Confirm and Receive Updated Itinerary: Complete the payment process and confirm the addition. An updated itinerary reflecting your infant's inclusion should be emailed to you.
Critical Note: If you want to purchase a separate seat for an infant, or if your child is 2 years or older, you cannot do this through the "Add infant in lap" online option. You'll need to proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Contacting American Airlines Reservations (The Most Reliable Method)
For situations beyond a simple online lap infant addition, or if you encounter any issues, directly contacting American Airlines is the most reliable way to add a child to your reservation. This is especially true for:
Children aged 2 years or older (who require their own ticketed seat).
Infants requiring their own seat (with an approved car seat).
Unaccompanied Minors (UMNR).
If your infant turns 2 during the trip.
Complex itineraries or bookings made through third parties.
Any issues when trying to add a lap infant online.
Sub-heading: Gathering Information Before You Call
Before you dial, have the following information readily available to make the call efficient:
Your existing reservation Record Locator.
The full name and date of birth of all passengers currently on the reservation.
Your child's full legal name (as it appears on their birth certificate or passport).
Your child's date of birth.
Passport information for your child if traveling internationally (passport number, issue date, expiration date, country of issuance).
Your AAdvantage number (if applicable).
Payment method details if a new ticket needs to be purchased.
Sub-heading: Making the Call
Dial American Airlines Reservations:
Within the U.S. and Canada, call American Airlines at +1-800-433-7300.
If you're outside the U.S. and Canada, find the appropriate phone number for your region on the American Airlines website under "Contact American."
Navigate the Automated System: Listen carefully to the prompts. You'll likely need to select options for "reservations," "existing reservations," or "modifying a trip." Be patient; it might take a few minutes to connect to a live agent.
Explain Your Request Clearly: Once you connect with an agent, clearly state that you need to add a child to an existing reservation. Provide your Record Locator immediately.
Provide Child's Details: The agent will ask for your child's full name, date of birth, and any other necessary details based on whether they are a lap infant, a child needing a seat, or an unaccompanied minor.
Discuss Seating and Fees:
For lap infants: The agent will confirm the process and any applicable international taxes/fees.
For children needing a seat: The agent will help you find available seats on your flight(s) and quote the ticket price. Be prepared to pay for this new ticket. Discuss seat assignments, especially if you want your child seated next to an adult from your party. American Airlines generally tries to seat children under 15 next to at least one adult from their party, but it's best to confirm this.
For unaccompanied minors: The agent will guide you through the specific booking requirements, fees, and necessary forms for the unaccompanied minor service.
Confirm and Receive Updated Itinerary: After the agent processes the addition and any payment, they will confirm the changes. Always ask for an email confirmation with the updated itinerary that includes your child. Verify all details thoroughly.
Recommendation: Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak travel periods. Calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night) might reduce your wait.
Step 5: Post-Addition Checklist and Important Considerations
You've successfully added your child! But a few more things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth travel day.
Sub-heading: Review Your Updated Itinerary
Verify all names: Ensure your child's name is spelled correctly and matches their travel documents.
Check dates of birth: Confirm the date of birth is accurate.
Confirm flight details: Double-check flight numbers, dates, and times.
Seat Assignments: If your child has their own seat, confirm their seat assignment and that they are seated with an accompanying adult, if applicable.
Sub-heading: Prepare Travel Documents
Birth Certificate: Always carry a copy of your child's birth certificate for proof of age, even for domestic travel.
Passport: For all international travel, your child must have their own valid passport.
Letters of Consent: If your child is traveling internationally with only one parent, or with neither parent (e.g., with grandparents or another relative), a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is highly recommended, and often required, by immigration authorities.
Medical Documents: If your infant is under 7 days old, have the doctor's letter ready. If your child has any medical conditions or requires medication, carry relevant medical forms and prescriptions.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
Arrive Early: Especially when traveling with children, allow ample time at the airport for check-in, security, and getting to your gate.
Check-in: If you added a child by phone, you might need to check in at the airport counter to ensure all documentation is verified and the child is properly linked to your reservation.
Proof of Age: Be ready to present your child's birth certificate or passport at check-in or boarding, if requested.
Car Seats and Strollers: American Airlines allows 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge per ticketed customer. Strollers over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter. Strollers 20 lbs or less can be gate-checked. If you have both, only one can be gate-checked, the other must be checked at the counter.
Pre-boarding: Families with children under 2 years old can often ask to pre-board, allowing extra time to get settled.
FAQs: How to Travel with Children on American Airlines
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about traveling with children on American Airlines, all starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to add a lap infant to an American Airlines flight?
You can typically add a lap infant (under 2 years old) to an existing reservation online via the "Passenger details" section of your trip on aa.com or the American Airlines app. For international flights, taxes and fees may apply.
How to book a seat for a child (2 years or older) on American Airlines?
Children aged 2 and older require their own ticketed seat. You cannot add them as a lap infant. You will need to call American Airlines Reservations to purchase a separate ticket for them and link it to your existing reservation.
How to use a car seat on an American Airlines flight?
If your child has their own seat, you can use an FAA-approved child safety seat (car seat). It must have a label stating "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Car seats are generally not allowed in aisle seats, exit rows, or the rows immediately in front of or behind exit rows.
How to request a bassinet on American Airlines?
Bassinets are available on certain international aircraft (777-200, 777-300, 787) for infants under 20 lbs. They are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. You can request one by calling American Airlines Reservations after booking your flight.
How to handle an infant turning 2 years old during an American Airlines trip?
If your infant turns two during your trip, they will need their own purchased seat for the remainder of the journey, starting from their second birthday. You will need to contact American Airlines Reservations to arrange this.
How to travel with an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?
Children aged 5-14 traveling alone must use American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service, which incurs a fee of $150 each way. This service must be booked by phone through American Airlines Reservations. Specific flight restrictions apply.
How to get seats together with my child on American Airlines?
When booking new flights, ensure all family members are on the same reservation. If you haven't chosen seats, American Airlines will try to seat children under 15 next to at least one adult from their party automatically. It's always best to select seats in advance if possible, or call Reservations to confirm.
How to bring a stroller and car seat on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge per ticketed customer. Strollers over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter; lighter strollers can be gate-checked. Only one item (stroller or car seat) can be gate-checked.
How to prove my child's age when flying American Airlines?
Always carry a copy of your child's birth certificate or their passport as proof of age. This may be requested at check-in or boarding.
How to ensure my child's international travel documents are in order for American Airlines?
For international travel, your child needs their own valid passport. If traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) is highly recommended to avoid issues with immigration authorities.
