{"id":3180,"date":"2019-11-11T20:13:14","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T20:13:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=3180"},"modified":"2022-04-21T08:55:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T08:55:00","slug":"rules-for-flying-with-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/rules-for-flying-with-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Rules for Flying with a Baby: What you Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we tackle the question: What are the rules for flying with a baby? <\/strong> Even as a seasoned – lap infant and kids in tow – traveler, I still refer back to the rules and airline policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You wouldn’t know it, but I can be a nervous traveler with the kids. Who isn’t? I go over all the preparations and questions even as I’m walking out the door. For my sake, and yours, I am writing up this comprehensive guide on rules and ailine<\/g> policies for flying with a baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rules and policies can be a little confusing because different countries, TSA and each airline all have slightly different rules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I created a table of the general rules that apply for flying domestic and international with a baby. Further on in the article, you can find detailed information from TSA, different counties and examples of airline policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope this will make your flight smoother and safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cheat Sheet of Rules for Flying with a Baby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>Domestic Policies<\/strong><\/td>International Rules<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
How old does a baby have to be to fly?<\/td>Generally 7 days and 2 weeks old (earlier with a medical release)<\/td>Generally 2 weeks old (7 days  to 18 days, depending on the airline)<\/td><\/tr>
Booking a Ticket for an infant:<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
How much does a lap infant less than 2 yrs cost?<\/td>free up to 10% of the full fare<\/td>10% + taxes and fees<\/td><\/tr>
How much does a separate seat for a baby cost? <\/td>90-100% full fare unless a child fare is offered<\/td>10% plus fees up to Full fare<\/td><\/tr>
Necessary documents<\/strong>:<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
What documents are require by TSA for an infant to trave<\/td>none<\/td>Passport plus visa, proof of vaccination, and Letter of Consent (if required) <\/td><\/tr>
What documents do the airlines require for a baby? <\/td>passport or birth certificate as proof of age<\/td>Passport and visa (if needed)<\/td><\/tr>
Getting through security:<\/strong>

<\/td>		<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Is a stroller, baby carrier, and carseat allowed through security?<\/td>Allowed and screened through x ray<\/td>Allowed and screened through x ray<\/td><\/tr>
Is breastmilk, formula, and juice allowed through security?<\/td>yes in reasonable quantities (TSA)<\/td>Yes, onto the plane but the rules vary about importing into another country<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

** Note: read each section of the article for more information and the references for each conclusion in the chart. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cheat sheet above will help you get an overview of the rules for flying with babies. Since the airline policies for infant travel differ you will need to check with your airline. Let’s dive a little deeper into questions you are likely asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions that arise during booking and ticketing a baby for your next trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How old does a baby have to be to fly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How soon can you travel with a newborn? The answer actually varies depending on which airline you are flying. The general rule in the industry is that you can fly when your newborn baby is between 7 days and two weeks old<\/strong>, depending on the airline. Many airlines also have an exemption to travel earlier with a medical release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Air Canada<\/a>, Delta Airlines<\/a>, United Airlines<\/a>, and American Airlines<\/a> allow infants 7 days old without a medical release. Japan Airlines<\/a> allows babies to be 8 days old. Other airlines require the baby to be at least 2 weeks old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other airlines require the baby to be at least 2 weeks old. Southwest Airlines<\/a> and Jet Blue<\/a> requires babies to be 14 days old before flying with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I can technically fly with a newborn, but when is it safe to fly with a baby?<\/strong> Although a baby is allowed to fly within days or a week of birth, doctors recommend waiting a bit longer. Studies have shown flying with an infant (especially in your lap)<\/a> can be dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pediatricians generally suggest waiting until an infant is 2-3 months old before flying (source<\/a>). By this time the baby has developed a stronger spine, has more head control and a stronger immune system. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suggest talking to your pediatrician if you plan to fly with a new baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much does it cost for a lap infant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to save money on domestic air travel, you will likely consider traveling with your child as a \u201clap infant.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there is still much debate about the issue<\/a>, many parents choose to have a baby on their lap and avoid the fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a child to qualify to fly on the lap of their parent, they must be under 2 years of age.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Free lap infant on a domestic US flight: Photo Credit – Family Travel Fever<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Many airlines will allow a lap child for free or a small fee when you are flying domestically<\/strong> (United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Frontier all do). International airlines similarly offer a lap infant for free within their own region. If the ticket is not free, the fees are generally 10% of the full fare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, if you fly at during low traffic, the airlines will likely seat you next to a free seat. Your lap child is generally welcome to use that seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

International fees for a lap child flying between the different countries vary<\/strong>. Generally, the fee will be 10% of the full fare plus fees and surcharges (for example, Delta<\/a>). What the airline defines as full or applicable fare makes a big difference in the price of the ticket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: If you\u2019re using miles to calculate the ticket for your lap infant, the cost will vary depending on the airline. For example, Air Canada fixes a flat fee of 50% for economy tickets, while others like Cathay Pacific will require you to pay 25% of the standard charge in addition to taxes and fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We like to take advantage of this period when our babies and toddlers can be included in a family vacation with free airfare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much does it cost to buy a separate airplane seat for a baby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For both comfort and safety, buying a separate seat for your baby is a good option. You will likely have to pay for the seat but some airlines still offer an infant or child discount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Breaking the rules – infant in a separate seat needs to be restrained in car seat – Photo Credit – Family Travel Fever<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, many US carriers will charge between 90% and full fare for the extra seat. <\/strong> Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and Virgin America all charge full fare for an infant with a separate seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southwest<\/a> has a baby and a child fare that is a percent of the full fare. With their huge discounted fares, you may or may not save money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Airlines also offers both domestic and intentional fares for infants; you\u2019ll also have to call 800-433-7300 to book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawaiian Airlines only offer special infant fares for international flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s where some of the carriers outside the US become more family-friendly. Child fares for a seat on carriers outside the US vary from 10% plus fees to full fare<\/strong>. For example, Brussels Airlines <\/a>charges 25% to 30% plus fees, Air France<\/a> charges 20% plus fees, Qantas <\/a>charges 10%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From Norwegian Air “<\/em>International long haul<\/em><\/strong>, children aged between 2 to 11 years on the date of their return flight …travel on a child ticket, at 90% of the adult fare, plus any airport taxes.<\/em>“<\/p>Norwegian Air<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Note:<\/strong> For children older than two years, you have to pay for the seat on the flight. If the baby turns 2 years while on your trip, they have to get a separate seat from their parents as they can\u2019t travel as lap infants. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that many airways charge reduced fares for children aged between 2-11 years. Child fare tickets can be 25-50% cheaper.<\/strong> So contact the airlines directly to get information on whether they offer discounted rates for children on international flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do I need an ID for my baby to fly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When flying with a baby, the identification and documents that you will need are dependent on where you are going and the airline that you are traveling on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveling within the US will not require much documentation. In fact, you can see from the TSA website that you do not need identification while traveling domestically<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.”<\/em><\/p>TSA Identification<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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However, if you have a lap infant, the airline will likely need proof of the baby’s age. A birth certificate or passport will need to be presented to the airline at check-in. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What documents do I need for flying with a baby internationally?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When traveling internationally, the amount of documentation increases to the same amount as required for adults. Depending on your destination you will need a passport plus possibly a visa, proof of vaccination, and a Letter of Consent (if required)<\/strong>. The passport must be valid<\/g> for at least 6 months after the date you enter a foreign country.
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Travel Documents for Baby Photo Credit: Nicole Geri<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Note: To apply for an American passport<\/strong> follow these directions for applying at the USPS. You will require the following documents when applying for a passport for your minor:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n