Take Flight with your Little One: A Guide to United Airlines Infant Policy
So you’re expecting a new addition to your family and wanderlust hasn’t gone anywhere! Traveling with a baby can seem daunting, but fret not, new parents. United Airlines offers a family-friendly policy to make your journey with your “mini-me” as smooth as possible. This guide will equip you with all the essentials you need to know about United Airlines’ infant travel policy, from ticketing and baggage allowances to safety regulations and in-flight amenities for your precious cargo.
Flying with your Bundle of Joy: Lap Child vs. Seated Infant
United Airlines welcomes infants under the age of 2 on board. You have two options for your little traveler: a lap child or a seated infant.
- Lap Child (Free Travel for Domestic Flights): For flights within the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, your infant under 2 can travel for free on your lap. This is a great option for short trips or budget-conscious flyers. However, only one lap child is allowed per adult passenger.
- Seated Infant (Paid Ticket Required): You can choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant and secure them in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved child restraint system (CRS) like a car seat or harness. This option offers more comfort and security for your little one, especially on longer journeys. A paid ticket is required for seated infants on all flights, including domestic ones. The fare will vary depending on the destination.
Ticketing and Reservations for your Infant Traveler
Here’s what you need to know about booking your flight with a little one:
- Always Inform United Airlines: Regardless of whether your infant will be a lap child or occupy a separate seat, you must inform United Airlines at the time of booking. This helps the airline ensure proper seating arrangements and availability.
- Booking Methods: You can indicate you’re traveling with an infant during online booking or by contacting United Airlines reservations.
United Airlines Infant Baggage Allowance
United Airlines offers a generous baggage allowance for your little one, allowing you to check one car seat or stroller (gate-checked) free of charge in addition to your standard baggage allowance. This comes in handy for transporting bulky baby gear without incurring extra fees.
Important Tips for a Smooth Flight with your Infant
Here are some pro-tips to ensure a pleasant flying experience for you and your precious passenger:
- Plan Ahead: Pack light but ensure you have all the essentials for your infant, including diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, formula or breast milk (if applicable), and medications (if needed). Bring familiar toys and comfort items to keep your baby occupied and content.
- Breastfeeding and Bottling on Board: United Airlines welcomes breastfeeding on board. For bottle-feeding, you can bring breast milk or formula in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) as long as it’s declared at security. Bottles filled with water can also be brought through security and refilled on board with flight attendant assistance.
- Bassinet Availability: A limited number of bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for infants under 20 pounds (9 kg) and who can’t yet hold their heads up unassisted. Request a bassinet at the time of booking to increase your chances of securing one.
- Inquire About In-Flight Amenities: United Airlines offers some amenities to make your flight with a baby more comfortable. These may include diaper changing stations in lavatories and complimentary disposable nursing pads on some flights. Be sure to inquire with the flight attendants about available amenities.
Safety Regulations for Flying with Infants
Safety is paramount when traveling with your infant. Here are some key safety regulations to be aware of:
- FAA-Approved CRS: If you choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant, ensure you have a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved child restraint system (CRS) to secure them during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
- Age and Weight Restrictions for CRS Use: Not all CRS are suitable for all ages and weights. Double-check the CRS manual to ensure it’s appropriate for your infant’s size and stage of development.
- Flight Attendant Assistance: Flight attendants are trained to assist with securing your infant’s CRS. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip with United Airlines
For the latest information and updates on United Airlines’ infant travel policy, baggage allowance, and other travel regulations, visit the United Airlines website at https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/traveling-with-children.html. The website also offers helpful resources on flying with children, including tips for packing and keeping your little one
FAQ’s
It depends on your destination and how your infant will be traveling. For domestic flights (US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands), infants under 2 can travel for free as a lap child (no separate ticket required). However, for international flights (including Canada, Mexico, Guam) and for some routes between the US and Canada or Mexico to the US/Canada, even lap travel requires a paid ticket for your infant. The fare varies by destination, so be sure to check with United Airlines for specific rates.
Domestic lap travel is free, but for international flights and ticketed lap travel on certain routes (US-Canada, Mexico-US/Canada), the fare varies by destination. If you choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant, you’ll need to pay a discounted ticket price (lower than an adult ticket).
Absolutely! United Airlines allows you to check one car seat or stroller for free on top of your standard baggage allowance. However, make sure the car seat is FAA-approved for airplane use for your infant’s safety.
Unfortunately, only one lap child is allowed per adult passenger. If you’re traveling with more than one infant under 2, you’ll need to purchase a separate seat for each additional infant.
The good news is you can check one car seat or stroller for free on top of your standard baggage allowance. If your infant has a separate seat and ticket, they may be entitled to their own checked baggage allowance depending on your fare class.
You’re welcome to breastfeed your baby on board. For bottle-feeding, you can bring breast milk or formula exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) as long as it’s declared at security. Bringing bottles filled with water for formula or breast milk mixing is also a good idea. Flight attendants are happy to help with refilling water on board.
Yes, they do! A limited number of bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified infants. To be eligible, your infant must be under 20 pounds (9 kg) and unable to hold their head up unassisted. Requesting a bassinet at the time of booking increases your chances of securing one for your flight.
