When traveling with your infant on United Airlines, you must know its infant policy. However, traveling with an infant can be a challenging experience, but United Airlines makes it easier with the detailed guidelines and instructions outlined under its travel policies.
In this article, you will learn about United Airlines’ infant policy in detail which will cover everything from infant booking processes, and required documents, to baggage allowances, and charges.
What is the United Airlines Infant Policy?
United Airlines Infant Policy has specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of infants and their parents during flights. Here are the key points:
- Infants on Lap: United Airlines allows parents can carry their kid/infant on a lap under the age of 2 years for both domestic and international flights.
- Infant Seats: Parents traveling with United Airlines can purchase a separate seat for their infant, provided they bring an FAA-approved car seat.
- Age Restrictions: Infants younger than seven days old are not permitted to fly with United Airlines.
- One Infant Per Adult: Only one lap infant is allowed per adult on the reservation with United Airlines.
How to book a flight with United Airlines for infant travel?
When booking your flight with United Airlines, you can select the “infant on lap” option. If you have already booked your tickets, you can do the same during the check-in as you have to inform the airline prior that you are traveling with a child. However, you should be aware of the fact that United Airlines allows one infant per adult on the booking.
You can consider the following ticketing options with United Airlines for children:
- Infants on Lap: For U.S. domestic flights, infants can travel for free on a parent’s lap without a ticket. For flights between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, a ticket is required, but you only pay for the taxes. For international flights, a ticket is needed, and a partial fare based on the destination is charged.
- Infant Seats: If you prefer, you can purchase a separate seat for your infant and use an FAA-approved car seat.
Documents Required
You must ensure to have the necessary documentation when traveling with an infant on United Airlines which may vary for both domestic as well as international travel. Here are the required documents:
- Domestic Flights: Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically. However, you may need to show a birth certificate to prove your child is under two years old before boarding the flight with United Airlines.
- International Flights: As mentioned in United Airlines’ infant policy, a passport for infants is required for all international flights with United Airlines.
Baggage Allowance
United Airlines provides specific baggage allowances for infants:
- Checked Bags: As per the United Airlines infant policy, if you booked a ticket for your infant with United Airlines, you can check bags in their name, adhering to the standard baggage rules. Oversized or overweight bags will be checked under the traveling adult’s name, which will include additional fees.
- Car Seats and Strollers: When traveling with an infant on United Airlines, you can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child for free. Large or non-collapsible strollers and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter, which will also be free of charge.
Charges
On United Airlines domestic flights within the United States, infants can travel for free on a parent’s lap if they are under the age of 2 years.
Whereas for flights between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, you only pay for the taxes on the ticket for flying with an infant on United Airlines. For international flights, a partial fare based on the destination is charged by United Airlines for infants.
How to Travel with an Infant on United Airlines?
Traveling with an infant on United Airlines involves several steps to ensure a smooth experience:
- Family Boarding: Families with children under two years old can board with the pre-boarding group.
- Strollers and Car Seats: Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to the gate and check for free. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.
- Nursing: You can nurse wherever you feel comfortable. Many airports have designated nursing spaces, which can be located using the United app.
Helpful Tips For Parents Flying United Airlines With Infants on Lap
Traveling with infants on United Airlines will require parents to have extra preparation. Here are some tips to make your journey with United Airlines more manageable:
- Ensure your child’s tablet or electronic device is fully charged, and bring headphones.
- Keep snacks handy to help relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
- Pack extra diapers, formula, bottles, and other essentials in your carry-on in case of delays.
- Use United Airlines’ flying social story to help your child prepare for the trip.
Traveling with an infant on United Airlines can be easy if you are well-prepared and informed about the airline’s policies. By adhering to the rules and regulations, following the provided tips, and ensuring you have the necessary documents and baggage allowances, you can ensure a smooth journey for you and your kid with United Airlines.
ALSO READ: United Airlines Buddy Pass Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
To add an infant to your United Airlines reservation, you can select the “Infant on Lap” option during the booking process. If you have already booked your ticket, you can add an infant by managing your reservation online through the United Airlines website or by contacting United Airlines customer service.
Yes, you can add a lap infant to your reservation with United Airlines. During the booking process, select the “Infant on lap” option. If you have already completed your booking, you can add a lap infant by managing your reservation online or by contacting United Airlines customer service.
For U.S. domestic flights, United Airlines does not charge for lap infants & for flights between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, you will need to pay the taxes on the infant’s ticket. For international flights, a partial fare based on the destination is charged for lap infants.
Yes, an infant needs a boarding pass on United Airlines. Even if the infant is traveling on a parent’s lap, they will still require a boarding pass to board the flight.
For domestic flights, infants do not need identification. However, you may need to provide a birth certificate to prove that your child is under two years old.
If you do not see the infant option while booking tickets with United Airlines, you can add the infant to your reservation by managing your booking online through the United Airlines website or by contacting United Airlines customer service for assistance.
Yes, a passport is required for lap infants on international flights with United Airlines. For domestic flights, a passport is not necessary, but you may need to provide a birth certificate to verify the infant’s age.
United Airlines provides several amenities for infants, including free onboard bassinets on select international flights, a Children’s Travel Kit with an activity book, crayons, a puzzle, and a Sensory Calming strip to help soothe anxiety. Additionally, parents can request ice to keep milk and formula cool.
An infant seat on United Airlines refers to a separate seat purchased for an infant, where an FAA-approved car seat is used. This option provides additional safety and comfort for the infant during the flight.
You can provide infant information during the booking process by selecting the “Infant on lap” option. If you need to add an infant after booking, you can manage your reservation online through the United Airlines website or contact United Airlines customer service to provide the necessary information.
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