Many think flying solo is more challenging as you need to keep track of everything yourself. But have you wondered what it feels like to fly with infants who are on your lap? Well, it’s more challenging than anything else you can probably imagine. It majorly depends on the airlines you are flying with and the amenities they provide for flying with infants. Whether you’re flying with a newborn or a toddler, United Airlines’ policies and procedures are so sleek that they will help make your journey stress-free. Here in this article, we will learn the United Airlines infant policy and how you can travel with an infant on board.
What is the United Airlines Infant Policy?
United Airlines’ infant policy states that you can carry infants and children on board the aircraft even without buying tickets. However, this depends on the destination of travel. So, if you are willing to carry infants, make sure to follow these policies before you book and board the flight.
United Airlines Infant Policy and Rules
If you are traveling with an infant on United Airlines, you must follow some set of rules that are devised by the airline. These rules are as follows:
- Children under two years old can sit on a parent’s lap during flights to any destination.
- Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
- Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.
- Also, the United Baby policy says you can not store breast milk in United fridges or coolers.
- United Airlines infant documentation is required to prove the age of the infant you are carrying.
International Flights For Infants Below Two Years
If your child is under the age of 2, you will have to purchase their tickets as well. Even if you are flying internationally, you will have to have a ticket for their records; however, the tickets will only cost you 10% of the adult fare. If you are traveling from Mexico to the United States or Canada, or between the United States and Canada, with an infant, the United Airlines child policy states that infants won’t be charged with the fare price but only the taxes.
How To Book a United Ticket For a Lap Child?
If you are willing to book a seat for an infant, the procedure is almost the same as for an adult. However, there are some differences that we will list down in the steps you will have to follow:
- Visit the official website of United Airlines.
- Proceed to book your flight by entering the origin, destination, and date of travel.
- Then, enter the passenger details, and here, you will see an option to select the passenger as an infant.
- Now proceed to complete the booking by paying the required charges, and your confirmation will be sent to you via e-mail.
Family Boarding at United Airlines
If you are boarding with your family, you must be aware of these rules for family boarding at United Airlines:
- Families with children less than two years old can board with the pre-boarding group.
- Families with children under the age of 12 can book Economy and Basic Economy class tickets to get seats next to each other for free.
- If seat assignments change due to last-minute bookings or unscheduled aircraft changes, you can switch to another flight with availability in the same cabin for free.
United Airlines Infant Bag Allowance
If you are traveling with an infant, you can use the United Airlines infant baggage allowance international policy to carry additional baggage. However, this depends on these policies:
- If you’re traveling with an infant who has a ticket, you can check bags in their name following standard bag rules.
- Oversized or overweight infant bags will be checked under the traveling adult’s name, and additional bag fees may apply at the airport.
- Note that you cannot check bags in an infant’s name if they do not have a ticket.
Additional Tips for Travellers With Infant
Travelers always look for additional information that might help them in their journey, so here are some of the best tips for travelers traveling with infants:
- Charge your child’s tablet fully in case you aren’t sitting next to an outlet.
- In order to relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing, you need to have some snacks with you.
- You must have extra diapers, formula, bottles, and essentials packed in your carry-on bag in case of flight delays.
- Use United Airlines’ flying social story to help anxious or excited kids prepare for their trip.
Boarding At the Airport
Now, boarding the plane with a United Airlines infant on your lap, you must be aware of these things in case you are not aware of them:
- Children under 18 don’t need an ID to fly domestically but require a passport for international flights.
- Even if your child isn’t with you, make sure to carry breast milk or formula through security without interruption.
- Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to carry the child to the gate and then get them checked for free.
- You are allowed to store collapsible strollers in-cabin, and car seats can be used onboard your flight for the infant.
- You can nurse wherever is most comfortable for you.
- You can bring your own ice to keep milk or formula cold.
- You are allowed to breastfeed or pump from your seat or the bathroom.
Fees For Carrying Infants in Lap
United flying with an infant in a lap also incurs an additional fee depending on the route you are traveling on. The fee structure is as follows:
- If you are traveling domestically within the US, you won’t be charged any fees for carrying infants on board. You won’t require any tickets to carry them with you.
- If you are traveling on flights between the U.S., Canada & Mexico, there will be no fees for carrying infants on board, but you will have to pay for the taxes on it. You will have to book a separate ticket for the infant as well.
- While traveling internationally, you will have to buy a ticket for the infant. The fees charged on international flights will be in the form of partial payment of the fare based on the destination you are traveling to.
Summary
Adhering to the United Airlines infant policy will help you carry your baby on board without any trouble. The policies differ for different age groups, so ensure that your child’s age matches the policies. If you face any trouble, you can contact us via the toll-free number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I need to prove that my child is less than 2 years old?
Yes, you will have to present the birth certificate of the child to prove that he/she is less than 2 years old.
2) What can I carry if I am traveling with an infant?
United Airlines allows you to carry various items on board if you are traveling with an infant. Here are the things you might carry on board:
- FAA-approved car seat
- The compact folding stroller that meets carry-on bag size guidelines when collapsed, like the GB Pockit
- Milk
- Breast pump
- Formula
- Diaper bag
3) Which Aricrafts have a changing table on board?
The aircraft that accommodate changing tables on board are:
- Boeing 757-300
- Boeing 767
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 787
- Select Boeing 757-200
4) Can I use a CARES device?
Yes, if your child is up to 40 inches tall and can sit upright, you can use the CARES harness instead of a car seat to let them occupy their own seat. Make sure to learn the United Airlines car seat policy in detail.
5) Can I fly with a newborn baby?
No, if your baby is less than 7 days old, unfortunately, you will not be allowed to fly with them.
6) What items can I check in for my infant on board?
You are allowed to check in one United Airlines infant car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child with whom you are flying. You may check in at the gate or ticket counter.