Everything You Need to about American Airlines' Infant Policy

Travelling with kids excites people, but sometimes parents feel afraid about safety and lengthy regulations while taking a flight. But having the proper knowledge of the airline's policy will help you travel without stress. This blog will introduce you to every aspect of American Airlines' infant policy, from the booking process to document requirements to baggage allowance.

What is American Airlines' infant policy?

American airlines always work to make the airline more customer-friendly. Therefore, they had made the American Airlines infant policy, which allows passengers to travel with their infant. However, the rules of this policy vary based on the children's age:

Infants under two days:

Passengers are not allowed to travel with an infant under two days old.

Infants from two to seven days:

Infants under the age of two days to seven days are allowed to travel on a flight.
However, parents have to issue a medical certificate verifying that the infant is healthy enough to travel.
They can travel as an lap infant only.

Infant from seven days to two years:

Passengers can take a child from 7 days to 2 years as a lap child without a ticket.
If the parents feel a requirement, they can book a separate seat for the baby.
Passengers can add a child while booking or after booking.
They can book a separate seat for themselves while booking.
While traveling domestically, these infants can travel without fees.
While traveling internationally, parents must buy a ticket for the baby, even if the baby is an infant. The ticket costs depend on the destination.

Infant older than 2 years:

Infants older than 2 years can only travel in their seats.
For the infant ticket, you have to pay the standard amount.
They get the baggage allowance equal to that of an adult.

Document requirement:

American airlines lap infant policy clears that infants do not have any document requirements for domestic flights. However, it is advisable to take the baby's birth certificate for age verification.
American Airlines' infant policy international states that parents have to carry a passport and birth certificate with them; some countries also require a visa. Check the country's documentation requirements before booking and keep the required documents ready.

What is the baggage policy for infants on American Airlines?

American Airlines' lap infant baggage rules are very much customer-friendly. American airlines has provided so many reliefs to the passengers travelling with infants. Here are the baggage rules of American Airlines:

Passengers can carry a diaper bag, a breast pump, a milk cooler, and a car seat under carry-on luggage, besides the carry-on baggage and a personal item.
According to American Airlines' stroller policy, passengers can check in a car seat and stroller for free. If the stroller weighs under 20 pounds, you can check it in at the gate. If it weighs more than 20 pounds, it must be checked in at the ticket counter.
The car seat can be used during the flight; make sure it has a solid back and straps.
If your child is in a separate seat, carry an FAA-approved car seat. Fit it on the plane seat and make sure that your child is in it during takeoff, landing, or anytime the seatbelt sign is on.
Infants cannot sit in the exit row or the row in front of or behind it.
You can gate-check a car seat for free, and you can also check in one stroller per child for free. If you carry a stroller and a car seat, one must be checked at the counter and the other at the gate.
Extra items like playpens, wagons, cribs, and pack-and-plays count under regular check-in, and if they exceed your baggage limit, you must pay additional charges.

Conclusion

American airlines infant policy is designed keeping passengers' comfort in mind. This policy provides free travel for children under the age of two and lots of baggage allowance, such as a diaper bag, a car seat, and a stroller, for free. Passengers don't have to buy a ticket for domestic flights and don’t even have to carry any documents. Meanwhile, for an international journey, they have to buy a ticket and also have to provide documents like passports and a visa. Reading this policy will keep you stress-free while travelling and help you in enjoying the journey with your baby fully.

FAQs- American Airlines Infant Policy

Do you need a birth certificate to fly?

American Airlines does not ask for a birth certificate on domestic flights. However, it is advisable to keep it to avoid any hassle. For an international trip, you need a passport and a birth certificate.

Are infants free with American Airlines?

Yes, infants under the age of 2 can travel domestically without a ticket; for international trips, they must buy a ticket, the price of which depends on the destination.

Can I take my 4-month-old baby in flight?

Yes, with American Airlines, passengers can fly with their babies over two days old. If the child is less than seven days old, you must carry a medical certificate verifying that the child is fit to travel.

What are the rules for flying with an infant?

Passengers can take their child under 2 years old without a ticket; if they need one, they can purchase one. Babies above 2 years old have to buy a separate seat.