Infants are always tough to carry and need constant attention for their safety. Most parents avoid flying with infants but if you are in urgent need of flying, you must follow extra precautions and take care of your child. So the American Airlines infant policy is important for everyone flying with infants so that they can enjoy the accessories and amenities provided by the airline for the infants. Here we will be discussing the policies, baggage allowance, fees, and many more in this article.
What is American Airlines Infant Policy?
If you are American Airlines traveling with infant, it is important for you to follow the American Airlines infant policy. These policies ensure a safe flight for you as well as your newborn baby. We will be discussing the policies in the following paragraph.
American Airlines Infant Policy And Rules
American Airlines’ infant policies are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the youngest travelers. Here’s a concise overview:
- Infants as young as 2 days old and those under 7 days can easily travel provided they provide doctor’s clearance.
- One infant per adult is allowed to travel on the lap without a separate seat.
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, is required for infants under 18.
- Families with infants under 2 years old may get access to an early boarding facility.
- One carry-on diaper bag per child is permitted to be carried on board.
- Approved safety seats by the FAA are recommended for use during the flight.
- Babies fly free on domestic flights, including routes to Puerto Rico.
- For international flights, infants are generally charged a percentage of the adult’s fare.
- Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft in the American Airlines fleet.
- Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft in the American airline’s fleet.
- If you are looking for bassinets in First/Business class, they are not available in those cabins.
How To Book An American Ticket For A Lap Child?
Booking a ticket for a lap child with American Airlines can be done through several convenient methods. Whether you prefer the ease of online booking, the personal touch of customer support, or the immediacy of airport service, American has you covered. Here’s how to ensure your little one is all set for their journey.
1) Making Bookings Online
The digital age makes booking travel arrangements a breeze, and securing a ticket for your lap child is no exception. Here’s how to add an American Airlines lap infant to your American reservation online:
- Navigate to the American Airlines website.
- Select your flight and fill in the required travel details.
- Look for the ‘Add a Lap Child’ option during the booking process.
- Enter the child’s information, including their name and date of birth.
- Review your reservation details to confirm the lap child has been added.
- Proceed to checkout, where you’ll receive a confirmation of your booking.
2) Making Bookings via Customer Support
If you need assistance or have specific requirements, American’s customer support is ready to help. Here’s how to book a ticket for a lap child over the phone:
- Call the American Airlines customer support hotline via the number mentioned below.
- Provide the flight details and mention that you’re booking for a lap child.
- The customer representative will guide you through the process and may request the child’s details.
- Once the booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation.
3) Making Bookings at the Airport
Sometimes, you need to make travel arrangements on the fly. Booking a ticket for a lap child at the airport is straightforward with American’s helpful staff. Here’s what to do:
- Visit the American Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
- Inform the staff that you need to book a ticket for a lap child.
- Provide the necessary details for the child as requested by the staff.
- The staff will process your request and provide a boarding pass that includes the lap child.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance for Infants
Travelling with infants, you are allowed to carry various items that are used only for the baby. In case you wish to carry extra items, you will have to check it in with the standard baggage rule and the charges will apply accordingly. Here are the American Airlines infant baggage and other items that you can carry-
Carry-On and Checked Bags:
- If flying internationally with an infant on your lap, the infant receives a ticket.
- You are allowed to check-in 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.
Strollers and Accessories:
- Families traveling with children under 2 years old can check in 1 stroller and 1 car seat for free.
- You are allowed to carry 1 carry-on diaper bag per child.
- Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item and you can carry them along with you as well.
- Playpens, wagons, cribs, and ‘pack and play’ count as regular bags, and you can check it in with your baggage.
Fees For Carrying Infants On Board American Airlines
American Airlines flying with infant does not cost you anything on a domestic route. However, if you are traveling on an international route, the fees will be a percentage of the adult fare for that specific route. The percentage will depend on the destination and interval of the flight.
Summary:
American Airlines offers a family-friendly approach to traveling with infants, providing clear guidelines and support for parents. The policies are designed to ensure that even the smallest travelers are accommodated safely and comfortably. While there are no fees for domestic lap infants, international travel may incur additional costs. For the most accurate information, checking the latest updates on American Airlines official website is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What safety seats are allowed for infants?
Most safety seats approved for motor vehicles are acceptable for aircraft use. They must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps, and an approval label.
2) How many carry-on bags can I bring for my infant?
Families traveling with children under 2 years old can bring 1 carry-on diaper bag per child.
3) Do infants need documentation for international travel?
Yes, children or infants traveling outside the U.S. require the same documentation as adults.
4) Can I check a bag for my infant?
Yes, if flying internationally with an infant on your lap, you can check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.
5)( Is early boarding available for families with infants?
Families can ask to board early at the gate when traveling with children under 2 years old.
6) What if my child travels without both parents?
If anyone under 18 travels internationally without both parents, they may need to present a Letter of Consent.