Tips for Traveling with an Infant by Plane

Infant travel is possible on an airline. An infant accompanied by an adult will be allowed. Nowadays, they must have a minor passport. A passport is helpful in certifying the age. Because most airlines consider the maximum age for infant travel to be less than 2. Those turning 2-year-old during the journey will not be considered an infant. Take a look at some conditions airlines impose on infant travel.

• You may book flights for infants only if they are at least 7 days old - For newborn infants, you will have to get medical clearance.
• Lap travel is only permitted for infants - No need to book a seat. But if you are traveling with 2 infants, you will have to book a seat for the other infant.
• Bassinets are available on a first-come first-served basis - Bassinets are limited on any flight. You must request it up to 24 hours before departure.
• Age of the person accompanying the infant - A minimum age is specified by each airline. It could be as less as 18 years on a few airlines.

You will have to bring an airline-approved car seat or child restraint system if you have booked a separate seat for the infant. Cabincrew members do not help you in setting up the car seat. Our Flyostudio blog will give you details on how airlines facilitate travel of infants.

How can I Book an Infant on a Flight?

Before booking an infant who is yet to turn 2, you must decide between having them travel as a lap infant or in their own seat. In either case, you may have to link the infant to your reservation. So that the infant’s name is listed on the flight manifest. Here are the key points you must remember about how to book flights for infants.

• You’ll have to pay 10% of an adult’s fare on international flight - Charges apply even if the infant is not occupying a seat.
• No charges for lap travel on domestic flights - None of the carriers charge you for lap travel of an infant within US.
• Book a seat if the infant will turn 2 mid-journey - On segments the infant turns 2 year old, you will have to book a seat.

When you book flight for infant or child international, you will get the same booking reference. Most airlines will also require linking of an infant traveling on lap with your reservation. A travel agent may assist you with booking a flight. For details or assistance, you may contact Flyostudio on +1-844-414-9223.

Do you have to pay Charges on Infant travel?

Infants have a free baggage allowance on most airlines. Even if you do not book a seat for them. Here is what most airlines may give you without you owing anything.

• 1 checked bag of 23 or 32 kg depending on the cabin class.
• A foldable stroller of up to 15kg can be checked free of charge.
• You may carry the stroller in the cabin if it is less than 7kg.
• 1 handbag of up to 10kg for adjusting the baby essentials.
• A bassinet if you have reserved it before departure.

How is Infant and Child Flight different?

Terms and conditions may differ vis-a-vis infant and child travel. The topmost difference is that child travel is not allowed on lap. Once an infant turns 2 years old, he or she must occupy his or her own seat. Here are the other differences between child and infant travel.

• Unaccompanied minor travel - Minors are not allowed to travel alone if they are below 5 on most airlines including Delta, Etihad and American Airlines.
• Unaccompanied minor service - You will have to book unaccompanied minor service for children aged below 5 traveling unaccompanied.
• Online check-in - Minors traveling alone are not allowed to check-in online.
• Traveling in a different cabin - A minor below the age of 5 may travel in a different cabin. But they will be considered unaccompanied.
• Child and infant bookings - When you are traveling with child and infant, your travel agent will have to link the reservation with yours. Linking may not necessary on all airlines if the child is traveling on lap.
• Availability of unaccompanied minor service - This service may be available only on flights marketed and operated by the airline.
• Baggage allowance - Infants typically have additional baggage allowance. You may check 1 bag of 23kg or 32kg depending on the cabin class. 1 stroller of 7kg is also allowed in the cabin if it is foldable.
• Only non-stop flights for unaccompanied minor - You may book an unaccompanied minor only on non-stop or direct flights. Flights with connections may be allowed with the approval of airline. Infant travel is allowed on all flights provided the accompanying person is eligible.  
• Seat selection - Online selection of seats for children may not be possible because online check-in is not allowed.
• Travel in upper cabins - A few airlines may not allow children to travel in Business class. Infant travel is not possible in Business class on many airlines. 

You may bring your own child restraint systems or infant car seats. But only selected FAA-approved brands and types are allowed. Understand how set up the system. When you book flight for child or infant international, cabincrew members will not assist you. Give us a call on +1-844-414-9223 for guidance.