The initial family vacation always creates an unforgettable experience. Moreover, flying with your newborn baby to create long-lasting memories becomes even more special and exciting. Furthermore, your family trip with an infant can become unexpected if you prefer to fly with American Airlines. This is because it provides various travel solutions to its passengers. In addition, the American Airlines Infant Policy gives customized guidelines and services to families, from booking experience to in-flight amenities. So, are you eager to know more about their infant policy and services? Then, move forward to read more about all these. 

What is the American Airlines Infant Policy?

When parents fly with infants on American Airlines flights, they have the choice to carry them on their lap and can take separate seats for them. However, travelers should acknowledge other factors before taking babies on a trip. Therefore, you can get them through the American Airlines Lap Infant Policy, which is as follows:

  • American Airlines lets infants under 2 years of age travel on their flight. 
  • A baby under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that the baby is medically cleared to fly.
  • A single adult can hold one baby on their lap, and they must add the baby to the flight booking.
  • If you are flying with more than one baby under 2 years old, then each extra baby needs their own ticket and must sit in a separate seat with an approved baby safety seat.
  • When an infant reaches the age of 2 or above, then they need to have their own seat.
  • Families who are traveling with an infant under (2) can board early.

How do I add an infant to my American Airlines ticket?

You can add an infant to your American Airlines reservation between booking and after completing the booking process. The AA Infant Policy gives you both the choice to make the travel arrangements trouble-free for your child. Thus, you can find details on both methods herein.

Add an infant to my American Airlines ticket during the booking

You can include your infant in your flight reservation during the booking process. This is because American Airlines Infant policy lets passengers choose their seating preferences while specifying whether they carry the child on their lap or take a separate seat for them. Further, you can begin the process of adding infants to your booking using the specified steps.

  1. Head to the American Airlines official website.
  2. Go to the home page and click on Advanced/Multi-city search.
  3. Further, fill out the details, including from, to, depart, and return.
  4. Then, go down and fill in passenger details by choosing the infant in the lap (under 2) or Infant in the seat (under 2) option.
  5. Now, select an available seat and proceed to pay the required fee, if applicable.
  6. After the payment, you will receive a confirmed flight ticket in your registered email.

Add an infant to my American Airlines ticket after the reservation

Passengers who have already reserved their flight can still include an infant in their existing booking. Moreover, the American Airlines Infant Policy states that an infant can be added for free on domestic flights and may incur some charges on international flights. You can get the steps below to add an infant to your previously reserved flight. 

  1. Reach out to the American Airlines website.
  2. Then, click the Manage trips/check-in icon on the home page.
  3. Further, submit the passenger's last name and booking reference number.
  4. Next, choose the section named Add Infant in Lap.
  5. Now, pick out the seat and pay the charges, if there are any.
  6. Finally, airlines will send an updated flight ticket to your registered email.

How much does American Airlines charge for infants?

The expenses for adding an infant with you on American Airlines flights depend on the flight destination and routes. However, you can get an overall knowledge of American Airlines Infant Fee by reading the further points.

  • Domestic Flights: Infants under 2 years traveling on an adult's lap can fly for free.
  • International Flights: They charge a fee of 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes for lap infants under 2.

American AAdvantage Loyalty Program For Infants

Children can smoothly become a part of American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty programs. However, legal parents/guardians must sign up their child who is 13 years old or younger to enroll in their program. This is because, under the American Airlines Infant Policy, babies who travel on an adult's lap can not earn miles. Therefore, they should have their own seat to enroll in the loyalty program and redeem miles. 

American Airlines Lounges For Infants

The Admirals Club lounges from American Airlines always consider families by offering facilities designed to meet the needs of traveling infants. Furthermore, American Airlines lets infants under 2 enter Admirals Club lounges for free. However, they must be with an adult who already has access to the lounge. Moreover, based on American Airlines Infant Policy, a baby under two will not count as a guest, so no extra fee is needed. However, bring the baby's ID or proof of age, as American Airlines may request. 

American Airlines Infant Stroller Policy

Parents traveling with an infant on American Airlines can bring strollers. However, before taking it to the flight, you must go with American Airlines Infant Stroller Policy, which is as such.

  • One adult is able to bring one stroller and one car seat for free on the plane.
  • If the stroller weighs more than 9 kg, it will be checked at the ticket counter.
  • When you bring more than one stroller, you must check it at the gate before boarding.
  • Only one can be checked at the gate when you have both a stroller and a car seat.

American Airlines Infant Baggage Policy

Information on baggage restrictions is crucial for all parents who need to travel with their infants. So you can get them through the American Airlines Infant Baggage Policy, which can be found at several points.

  • Parents can bring one diaper bag per child as a carry-on.
  • One stroller and one car seat can be checked for free.
  • Guardians can check one bag for their infant, and it will cost the same as the adult's first checked bag.
  • Regular luggage includes Playpens, wagons, cribs, and 'pack and play.'

Read More on American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor

American Airlines Infant Car Seat Policy

Parents can choose to bring Car Seats for their infants who are under 2. Moreover, Car Seats are allowed for infants who are flying in their own seats. However, reviewing the American Airlines Infant Car Seat Policy from the bottom is essential to ensure safety.

  • You can bring one car seat and check it for free with your ticket.
  • You can check only one item between a car seat and a stroller at the gate.
  • Each car seat must have a strong back and base, with straps to keep the child safely in place.

American Airlines Infant Policy: Acceptable Safety Seats

Safety is the most important factor to consider when parents fly with infants. That is why reading the American Airlines Infant Policy for acquiring a safe seat is crucial. So, you must get them using the points mentioned above.

  • The car seat needs to be FAA-approved, and it should have a label that shows it is certified for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
  • The label should state, 'This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft' or 'Conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.'
  • The seat must have a solid back, a secure seat, and restraint straps to hold the child in place.
  • You cannot use safety seats in exit rows, adjacent rows, or window seats.
  • You must purchase a separate seat for the child to use a safety seat. The gate agent will check for a seat at your destination if a seat is unavailable.
  • Due to seat angles, select aircraft do not allow safety seats in First or Business Class.
  • The child must remain in the seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing, and when the seatbelt sign is on.

American Airlines Infant Policy for Carry-on and Checked Bags

The correct packing of infant items will guide you to create a comfortable atmosphere during flights. Therefore, the American Airlines Infant Policy enables travelers to bring a particular carry-on and checked baggage items for infants. So, to learn more about them, follow the listed guidelines.

  • American Airlines allows one diaper bag for each infant as a carry-on item.
  • When flying on international flights, you may check one bag for the baby at the same price as the adult's check.
  • One flyer can check one stroller and one car seat for free.
  • Parents may bring a breast pump, a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk, and their carry-on or personal items.

International document for Infant Flying on American Airlines

Travel documents always need to show when you fly on flights. Similarly, American Airlines Infant Policy International requires some essential documents for infants when they travel on international flights. Thus, if you are willing to know what those are, then follow the mentioned points. 

  • Passport and other travel documents that an adult presents.
  • A birth certificate as proof of age. 
  • The doctor's approval letter should confirm that a baby under 7 days old is medically cleared to fly.
  • Some destinations may require a visa or participation in visa waiver programs.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed on American Airlines?

American Airlines permits specific child restraint devices on board to ensure the safety and comfort of infants. The detailed information on child restraint devices is at the bottom.

  • Airlines allow the use of child restraint devices that have been approved for airplanes.
  • American Airlines allows only those restraint devices that have a label named 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
  • American Airlines allows a child restraint device if another country's government approves it or if it has a label showing the seat meets United Nations standards.

Conclusion

In short, parents traveling with an infant on American Airlines can expect a smooth travel experience without facing any single difficulty. This is because they can prepare well and enjoy a stress-free journey with the correct information shared above. The detailed American Airlines Infant Policy also guides passengers to understand every step clearly. Moreover, it also allows essentials like strollers and car seats and offers the option to carry infants on laps, ensuring both comfort and safety.

Faqs

Do infants under 2 fly free on American Airlines?

Yes, infants can surely travel for free on domestic American Airlines flights when they are under two (2) and sit on their parent's lap. However, as per American Airlines Infant Policy, international flights have a small amount of fee, which is a must to pay regardless of a baby's age.

Does American Airlines require a birth certificate for infants?

Yes, when infants travel on American Airlines, parents must carry their birth certificate. American Airlines Infant Policy states that all children, including infants under 18, must present their birth certificate, no matter their destination and routes.

Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on American Airlines?

No, a diaper bag does not count as a carry-on item on American Airlines. Thus, you can bring one diaper bag per child, carry-on, and personal items.

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant on American Airlines?

No, you do not need to reserve a seat for your infant on American Airlines if their age is under (2). However, as per the American Airlines Infant Policy, you have the choice to book a separate seat for them, which you can do during the booking from their official website. More than that, parents must reserve their seats for infants aged (2) and above.

Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically on American Airlines?

No, you will not have to pay for your infant when you fly on a domestic flight with American Airlines. However, according to American Airlines Infant Policy Domestic, these rules apply only when a baby is under(2) and travels on their parent's lap. Other than that, when your child turns 2 years old or above, you must purchase a separate seat for them.

Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally on American Airlines?

Indeed, you will have to pay for your infant to travel internationally on American Airlines. So, in accordance with American Airlines International Infant Policy, you must pay 10% of an adult fare for infants under 2, regardless of whether they have their own seat or are sitting on your lap. Apart from that, you need to pay full adult fare for kids aged two or older. 

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy an American Airlines ticket for the return flight?

Yes, if your child turns 2 years old on the trip, you must buy an American Airlines ticket for the return flight. The American Airlines Infant Policy says tickets are free for lap children under two on domestic flights.

Can I sit in the Exit Row on American Airlines with my infant?

No, you can not sit in the exit row with an infant. The reason is that young passengers aged 15 and older can only sit in the exit row. Therefore, no infants, including American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor, are allowed to sit on the Emergency exit row.