Are you ready to embark on a journey with your littlest traveler? Flying with an infant can seem daunting, but with proper preparation and understanding of airline policies, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. American Airlines, like other major carriers, has specific guidelines for traveling with infants, especially when they're flying as a "lap child." This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding an infant to your American Airlines reservation and ensure you're fully prepared for your trip.
Planning Your Journey: Understanding American Airlines' Infant in Lap Policy
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's ensure you understand the core policy:
Age Limit: To qualify as a lap infant on American Airlines, your child must be under two years old for the entire duration of the trip. If they turn two during your journey (e.g., on the return flight), they will require their own ticket and a separate seat for the portion of the trip where they are aged two or older.
One Infant Per Adult: American Airlines allows one lap infant per accompanying adult who is at least 16 years old and traveling in the same cabin. If you are traveling with twins or more than one infant under two, you will need to purchase a separate seat for each additional infant.
Domestic vs. International Flights:
For domestic flights within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), lap infants generally travel for free.
For international flights, even if traveling as a lap infant, you will typically be charged a percentage of the adult fare (often 10%) plus applicable taxes and fees. This can vary by destination and fare restrictions.
Medical Forms for Newborns: If your infant is under 7 days old, you will need a Passenger Medical Form filled out by your doctor stating they are medically cleared to travel. It's always best to contact American Airlines reservations directly if traveling with a very young newborn.
Now, let's get into the practical steps!
Step 1: Engage with Your Existing Reservation (or Start a New One!)
Alright, let's get started! Do you already have your flight booked, or are you planning to purchase tickets now? The process for adding an infant differs slightly depending on your current booking status.
Sub-heading: If You Haven't Booked Yet:
This is the easiest scenario! When you're making your initial flight search and selection on AA.com, you'll typically be prompted to specify the number of adults, children, and infants.
Go to AA.com: Navigate to the American Airlines official website.
Start a New Flight Search: Enter your departure and arrival airports, dates, and number of passengers.
Select "Infants (under 2)": In the passenger selection dropdown, increase the number next to "Infants (under 2)" to 1 (or more, if applicable, remembering the one-infant-per-adult rule).
Proceed with Booking: Continue through the booking process as usual. The system will automatically account for the lap infant in the fare calculation (free for domestic, potentially a percentage for international) and ensure their inclusion in your reservation.
Sub-heading: If You Already Have a Ticketed Reservation:
No problem at all! American Airlines makes it relatively straightforward to add a lap infant to an existing booking.
Access Your Trip on AA.com: You'll need your confirmation code or AAdvantage® account login.
Option A (Confirmation Code): On the AA.com homepage, click on "My Trips" and enter your confirmation code and last name.
Option B (AAdvantage® Account): Log in to your AAdvantage® account, and your upcoming trips should be visible under "Your Trips."
Navigate to "Passenger Details" or "Special Assistance": Once you've pulled up your trip, look for a section related to "Passenger Details," "Special Services," or "Special Assistance." The exact wording might vary slightly, but it's typically where you manage passenger information and special requests.
Find "Add infant in lap": Within this section, you should see an option like "Add infant in lap" or something similar. Click on it.
Enter Infant Details: You'll be prompted to enter your infant's full name and date of birth. Ensure the date of birth confirms they will be under two years old for the entire duration of your travel.
Review and Confirm: The system will then display any applicable fees (for international travel) or confirm that the infant is added at no charge (for domestic travel). Review the details carefully and confirm the addition.
Step 2: Essential Documentation for Your Littlest Traveler
Don't leave home without these! Having the correct documents for your infant is crucial for a smooth check-in process and international travel.
Sub-heading: Proof of Age:
Even though lap infants don't always require a paid ticket, they do need to be accounted for in the reservation and you'll need to prove their age.
Birth Certificate: This is the most commonly accepted document for domestic travel to prove your infant is under two.
Passport: For international travel, your infant will require their own passport. Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date, as many countries have this requirement.
Sub-heading: Special Circumstances - Newborns Under 7 Days Old:
As mentioned, if your baby is a true newborn (under 7 days old), American Airlines requires extra steps.
Passenger Medical Form: You must obtain a Passenger Medical Form from your doctor. This form needs to be completed and state that your infant is cleared for air travel. It's highly recommended to call American Airlines Reservations directly in this scenario to ensure all requirements are met and for personalized assistance.
Step 3: Understanding Baggage and Onboard Amenities for Infants
What can you bring for the baby? Plenty! American Airlines is quite accommodating when it comes to infant necessities.
Sub-heading: Carry-On and Checked Baggage:
While your lap infant doesn't get their own baggage allowance in the same way a ticketed passenger does, American Airlines offers some key exceptions:
Diaper Bag: You are generally allowed to bring one diaper bag per child in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. This is a huge perk!
Breast Pump & Breast Milk/Formula: Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler containing breast milk or formula do not count against your carry-on or personal item allowance.
Strollers and Car Seats: American Airlines allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge.
Strollers: Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter. Lighter, collapsible strollers can often be checked at the gate.
Car Seats: If you choose to purchase a seat for your infant, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat to install on board. Ensure it has the "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" label. If you don't purchase a seat, you can still check your car seat for free.
Sub-heading: Bassinets on Board:
For long-haul international flights, a bassinet can be a lifesaver!
Availability: Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate for travel only on certain aircraft types (typically larger wide-body planes like the 777-200, 777-300, and 787).
Limitations: Infants using bassinets must be under 2 years old and weigh no more than 20 lbs (9 kg). Bassinets are generally not available in First or Business Class cabins.
How to Request: You cannot reserve a bassinet online. You typically request one at the gate, though it's always a good idea to call American Airlines Reservations in advance to inquire about availability on your specific flight and aircraft type.
Important Note: Infants are not allowed to be in the bassinet during takeoff, landing, or during periods of turbulence. You will need to hold your infant on your lap during these times.
Step 4: Pre-Flight Checklist and Airport Tips
The final countdown! A little preparation before you head to the airport can make all the difference.
Sub-heading: Confirm Your Reservation:
Double-Check: A few days before your flight, log into your American Airlines account or use your confirmation code to verify that your infant is indeed listed on your reservation.
Contact American Airlines if Unsure: If anything looks incorrect or you have any doubts, do not hesitate to call American Airlines Reservations. Their customer service can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early at the Airport:
Extra Time: Traveling with an infant almost always requires more time. Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would (e.g., 2-3 hours for domestic, 3-4 hours for international).
Check-in at the Counter: Even if you checked in online, it's often advisable to visit the check-in counter when traveling with a lap infant. This allows agents to verify documents, issue a boarding pass for the infant (which is usually required even if it's free), and address any last-minute questions.
Sub-heading: Boarding and Seating:
Early Boarding: American Airlines typically allows families with children under 2 years old to board early at the gate. Take advantage of this to get settled, stow your bags, and prepare for takeoff without feeling rushed.
Seat Assignments: While American Airlines attempts to seat families together, it's not always guaranteed, especially in Basic Economy. If you haven't selected seats together, speak to the gate agent to see if they can accommodate a seating change to ensure you and your infant are together. Note that due to oxygen mask limitations, only one lap infant is allowed per row in most aircraft configurations.
Step 5: During the Flight – Keeping Your Infant Comfortable
You're onboard! Now for the actual flight.
Sub-heading: Feeding During Takeoff and Landing:
Ears Pop! The change in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can cause discomfort in infants' ears. Encourage your baby to suckle (breastfeed, bottle-feed, or pacifier) during these times to help equalize the pressure.
Sub-heading: Diaper Changes:
Changing Tables: Most wide-body aircraft (like the 777 and 787) on American Airlines are equipped with changing tables in the lavatories. Plan your diaper changes to coincide with less turbulent periods.
Sub-heading: Keeping Your Baby Entertained:
Familiar Toys: Bring a few small, familiar toys or books to keep your infant entertained.
Walk the Aisle: If your baby gets restless, a short walk up and down the aisle (when permitted by flight attendants) can sometimes work wonders.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with flying with a lap infant on American Airlines. Enjoy your journey with your little one!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions with quick answers about adding an infant in lap on American Airlines:
How to add an infant to an American Airlines flight if I already booked my ticket? You can add a lap infant to an existing American Airlines reservation by accessing your trip on AA.com (using your confirmation code or AAdvantage login), navigating to the "Passenger details" or "Special Assistance" section, and selecting "Add infant in lap" to enter their details.
How to check if my infant needs a passport for my American Airlines flight? If you are traveling internationally (outside the U.S. and its territories), your infant will require their own valid passport. For domestic flights within the U.S., a birth certificate is generally sufficient.
How to avoid paying a fee for my lap infant on American Airlines? Lap infants travel for free on domestic American Airlines flights. For international flights, a percentage of the adult fare plus taxes/fees will usually apply, which cannot be avoided.
How to get a bassinet for my infant on an American Airlines flight? Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate on select wide-body aircraft (777-200, 777-300, 787) for infants under 2 years old and weighing no more than 20 lbs. You cannot pre-reserve them online.
How to bring a car seat or stroller on American Airlines for free? American Airlines allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge for each ticketed customer. Lighter strollers can often be gate-checked.
How to ensure my infant and I sit together on American Airlines? While American Airlines tries to seat families with young children together, it's best to select seats during booking. If you haven't, speak with a gate agent upon arrival at the airport to request adjacent seating.
How to prepare for changes in cabin pressure for my infant on American Airlines? During takeoff and landing, encourage your infant to suckle (breastfeed, bottle-feed, or pacifier) to help alleviate ear discomfort caused by cabin pressure changes.
How to travel with breast milk or formula on American Airlines? Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler with breast milk or formula do not count as your carry-on or personal item on American Airlines flights.
How to board early with an infant on American Airlines? Families traveling with children under 2 years old are typically invited to board early at the gate, giving you extra time to settle in.
How to get medical clearance for a newborn to fly on American Airlines? If your infant is under 7 days old, you must obtain a Passenger Medical Form filled out by your doctor, clearing them for air travel. It's recommended to contact American Airlines reservations directly in this specific scenario.
