Traveling with a little one can be a truly magical experience, creating cherished memories for your family. But before you embark on your adventure with American Airlines and your lap child, there are some important steps and policies to understand. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey!
The Complete Guide to Adding a Lap Child on American Airlines
Step 1: Understanding American Airlines' Lap Child Policy – Are You Ready to Fly with Your Little Co-Pilot?
First things first, let's make sure your little one qualifies as a "lap child" and you're aware of the airline's fundamental rules.
Age Matters: American Airlines defines a lap child as an infant under 2 years old (24 months) on the day of travel. If your child turns 2 during your trip, they will need a purchased ticket and their own seat for any subsequent flights on which they are 2 or older. This is a crucial detail to remember!
One Adult, One Lap Child: Each adult traveling in your party can only have one lap child. If you're traveling with twins or multiple infants under 2, you'll need to purchase a seat for each additional infant.
Proof of Age: American Airlines may ask for proof of age for your infant, so be sure to have their birth certificate or passport readily available.
Minimum Age: Infants as young as 2 days old can fly, but if your infant is under 7 days old, you'll need a doctor's letter stating they are medically cleared for travel.
Sub-heading: Domestic vs. International Travel – Know the Financials
The cost of adding a lap child varies significantly based on your destination:
Domestic Flights (within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands): For domestic travel, a lap child generally flies for free. This is a fantastic perk for families!
International Flights: For international travel, a lap child is typically charged 10% of an adult fare plus applicable taxes and fees, even if they are on your lap. This can be a significant cost, so always factor it into your travel budget.
Step 2: Adding Your Lap Child to Your American Airlines Reservation – Making it Official!
There are a couple of ways to ensure your little one is properly added to your booking.
Sub-heading: Option A: Adding During Initial Booking (Recommended!)
This is the easiest and most straightforward method.
Start Your Flight Search: Go to the American Airlines website (AA.com) and begin your flight search as usual.
Select Passenger Count: When you're selecting the number of passengers, you'll usually see an option to specify "Adults," "Children," and sometimes "Infants."
"Add Infant in Lap": On the "Passenger Details" page, look for a checkbox or option that says "Add infant in lap" or something similar. Click or select this option.
Enter Infant Details: You'll then be prompted to enter your infant's details, including their full name and date of birth. Ensure these details are accurate and match their identification documents.
Review and Complete Booking: Double-check all information before proceeding to payment and completing your booking.
Sub-heading: Option B: Adding to an Existing Reservation
Did you already book your flight and forget to add your little one? No problem!
Access Your Trip: Go to AA.com and navigate to "Find your trip" or "Manage trip." You'll need your six-character confirmation code and the last name of one of the passengers.
Locate Passenger Details: Once you've accessed your reservation, look for the "Passenger details" section.
"Add infant in lap": Similar to the initial booking process, you should find an option to "Add infant in lap" within your passenger details.
Enter Infant Details: Provide your infant's full name and date of birth.
Review and Confirm: Review the added information and confirm the changes. For international flights, you may be prompted to pay the associated fees at this stage.
Contact American Airlines (If Issues Arise): If you encounter any difficulties adding your lap child online, don't hesitate to call American Airlines Reservations directly at 1-800-433-7300. Their agents are equipped to assist with these types of requests and can also help with any international lap child fare calculations.
Step 3: Preparing for Departure – Beyond Just Adding the Baby!
Adding your lap child to the reservation is just the first step. Here's what else to consider:
Sub-heading: Documentation – Don't Leave Home Without It!
Birth Certificate/Passport: As mentioned, always carry proof of your infant's age. A birth certificate (copy or original) or passport is typically acceptable.
International Travel Passports: For any international travel, your infant will need their own passport, even if they are a lap child.
Letters of Consent (if applicable): If your child under 18 is traveling internationally with only one parent, a signed letter of consent from the non-traveling parent may be required. Check the specific requirements for your destination country.
Sub-heading: Baggage Allowance – What Can You Bring for Your Little One?
Stroller and Car Seat: American Airlines allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge for each child under 2. Strollers over 20 lbs (9 kg) must be checked at the ticket counter. Lighter strollers can be gate-checked. Important note: You can only gate-check either a stroller or a car seat, not both. If you bring both and don't plan to use the car seat on the plane, you'll need to check one at the ticket counter.
Diaper Bag: You are allowed one complimentary carry-on diaper bag per child under 2 traveling without their own seat. This does not count towards your regular carry-on or personal item limits.
Breast Milk and Pumps: Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler containing breast milk do not count as your carry-on or personal item.
Sub-heading: Seat Assignments and Boarding – Getting Comfortable
Bassinet Availability: On select international flights and some wide-body domestic aircraft (like the 777-200, 777-300, and 787), bassinets may be available for infants under 2 years old and weighing 20 pounds (9 kg) or less. These are generally offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are often located in bulkhead rows. It's highly recommended to call American Airlines to inquire about bassinet availability and to try and secure a bulkhead seat if you desire one. Bassinets cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, landing, or turbulence.
Seating with Children: American Airlines will try their best to seat families together. If you haven't selected seats, they will assign them a few days before departure so that children under 15 are seated next to at least one adult.
Boarding Priority: Families traveling with children under 2 years old can ask to pre-board at the gate, allowing you extra time to settle in.
Step 4: At the Airport and Onboard – Making the Journey Easier
Sub-heading: Check-in Process – Smooth Sailing Through the Airport
Online Check-in: You can usually check in online for your flight even with a lap child. However, you will likely still need to present your infant's proof of age at the airport at the check-in counter or gate.
Airport Check-in: It's often advisable to check in at the airport counter when traveling with a lap child, especially for international flights, to ensure all documentation is in order and to receive a boarding pass for your infant. Yes, even lap infants will receive a boarding pass, though it typically states "INFANT IN LAP."
Sub-heading: In-Flight Comfort – Keeping Your Little One Happy
Feeding During Takeoff and Landing: Offer your baby a bottle, breastfeed, or pacifier during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure changes.
Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, changes of clothes (for baby and you!), snacks, small toys, and any medications your infant might need. American Airlines does not provide baby food or formula, but they can heat baby bottles on all flights.
Movement: When the seatbelt sign is off, consider walking with your baby in the aisle to help them stretch and burn off some energy.
Safety First: The FAA strongly recommends securing your child in an approved Child Restraint System (CRS) in their own seat for the entire flight, rather than as a lap child, for enhanced safety during turbulence. If you choose to purchase a seat and use a car seat, ensure it is FAA-approved and fits within the seat dimensions. Car seats are not allowed in exit rows or the rows directly in front of or behind exit rows.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to add a lap infant to an American Airlines flight if I forgot during initial booking?
You can usually add a lap infant to an existing American Airlines reservation online by accessing your trip details on AA.com and looking for the "Add infant in lap" option in the "Passenger details" section. If you encounter issues, call American Airlines Reservations directly.
How to get a boarding pass for a lap child on American Airlines?
While lap children don't have a separate seat, they will be issued a boarding pass, typically indicating "INFANT IN LAP." You'll receive this at the check-in counter at the airport after presenting proof of the infant's age.
How to know if my American Airlines flight offers bassinets for lap children?
You can inquire about bassinet availability by calling American Airlines Reservations. Bassinets are generally found on international flights and some wide-body domestic aircraft (like the 777 and 787 series) and are subject to availability, often on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to bring a car seat and stroller for a lap child on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge per infant. You can gate-check one of these items, while the other would need to be checked at the ticket counter.
How to prove my lap child's age to American Airlines?
You will need to present a copy of your infant's birth certificate or their passport as proof of age to American Airlines staff, usually at check-in.
How to handle international travel costs for a lap child on American Airlines?
For international flights, a lap child is typically charged 10% of the adult fare plus taxes and fees. This will be calculated and collected when you add the infant to your reservation, either online or by phone.
How to ensure my family sits together with a lap child on American Airlines?
Book your flights as far in advance as possible to select seats. If you don't select seats, American Airlines will try to assign seats a few days before departure so that children under 15 are next to at least one adult.
How to check in at the airport with a lap child on American Airlines?
Even if you check in online, you will likely need to go to the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport to present your infant's proof of age and receive their "INFANT IN LAP" boarding pass.
How to utilize early boarding with a lap child on American Airlines?
At the gate, families traveling with children under 2 years old can typically ask the gate agent to pre-board before general boarding commences. This gives you extra time to get settled.
How to manage my lap child turning 2 years old during an American Airlines trip?
If your child turns 2 during your trip, they will require a purchased ticket and their own seat for any flights that occur on or after their second birthday. You must account for this when booking and may need to purchase a separate ticket for the return leg.
