Flying with a baby
under two?
A child who has not reached their second birthday may be permitted to travel on an adult’s lap, but charges, documents and seating rules vary by airline and route. Call to speak with an independent travel agent who can help you review the options for your booking.
Independent third-party travel assistance. Not affiliated with any airline. Service fees may apply if you choose to proceed.
Before you add a lap infant
Two ways a child under two can fly
Both are commonly allowed for a child who has not yet turned two. They differ in cost, in comfort and in what the FAA recommends.
- The child does not have a seat of their own and is held by an adult.
- On domestic trips there is often no fare for the child, though airline rules vary.
- On international trips taxes, fees or part of the fare may be charged.
- Airlines commonly allow one lap infant per adult, and may limit how many travel in a row.
- A car seat cannot be used, because there is no seat to fit it to.
- A seat is purchased for the child, so a fare applies.
- An approved child restraint system can be used for the whole flight.
- The FAA strongly urges this option for children under two.
- Buying a seat is the only way to guarantee a child seat can be used.
- Airlines may have rules about where a child seat can be installed.
The FAA states that the safest place for a child under two on a US airplane is in an approved child restraint system, not on an adult’s lap, because arms cannot hold a child securely during unexpected turbulence. Children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel on a lap, but the FAA strongly discourages it. See the FAA guidance on child restraint systems.
Details that catch families out
These are the points that most often cause problems at the airport. The specific rules are set by each airline, so check what applies to your booking.
Airlines may ask for documentation showing the child’s age, such as a birth certificate, so carry it even on domestic flights.
A child who turns two before a later flight on the same trip will generally need their own seat for that flight. Check every flight date, not just the first.
An infant traveling internationally generally needs their own travel documents, such as a passport, regardless of age.
A lap infant is generally listed on the booking rather than simply brought on board. Airlines commonly ask for this to be done in advance.
Three things set by the FAA and the airline
These are determined by federal rules or by the operating airline. We can help you review the information and where a request should be directed — we do not make these decisions.
Approved child seats
To be used on an aircraft, a child restraint system must be approved for aviation use. The FAA advises looking for a label stating that the restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Airlines may restrict which seats a child restraint can be installed in, and a wide restraint may not fit every aircraft seat. See the FAA guidance on approved child restraints and the FAA child safety seat tips.
Exit-row seating
Under US rules, a passenger younger than 15 cannot occupy an exit seat, and responsibilities such as caring for small children are among the conditions that disqualify a person from one. A family traveling with a lap infant should not expect to be seated in an exit row. Final seating decisions rest with the airline and its crew. See 14 CFR 121.585.
Lap-held carriers and harnesses
According to the FAA, there is no regulatory prohibition on using a lap-held device such as a baby carrier or harness-type vest during the cruise portion of the flight, but airlines have their own policies that may or may not allow them. Check with the airline before relying on one.
General information only, not advice about your trip. Rules and airline policies change — verify the current position with the operating airline or the FAA. SkyBuzzz does not make seating decisions and cannot guarantee how a child will be accommodated.
When families ask about lap infants
These are the situations we are asked about most often. If your situation is not listed, call and a travel agent can help you review the available options.
You want to add a lap infant to an existing booking
Airlines generally list a lap infant on the reservation, and some charges or documents may apply depending on the route.
You would rather buy your baby a seat
A purchased seat lets you use an approved child restraint system, which the FAA strongly urges for children under two.
Your trip is international
Taxes, fees or part of the fare may be charged for a lap infant on international routes, and the child will generally need their own travel documents.
Your child turns two before the return flight
A child who has turned two by a later flight will generally need their own seat for that flight, even if they flew on a lap earlier in the trip.
Two adults are traveling with more than one baby
Airlines commonly allow one lap infant per adult and may limit how many travel in a row, so a second child may need a seat.
The infant’s name or date of birth is wrong
Details on the booking should match the child’s documents. Correction rules vary by airline and by where the ticket was issued.
Questions about flying with an infant
A child who has not reached their second birthday is generally permitted to travel on an adult’s lap on US flights. Each airline sets its own rules about how a lap infant is booked, what documents are needed and whether any charge applies, so check what applies to your booking.
According to the FAA, yes. The FAA states that the safest place for a child under two is in an approved child restraint system in their own seat, and strongly discourages holding a child on a lap. Buying a seat is the only way to guarantee that a child restraint can be used.
Often not on international trips. On domestic flights there is frequently no fare for a lap infant, but on international routes airlines may charge taxes, fees or a portion of the adult fare. Charges vary by airline, route and fare.
Airlines commonly allow one lap infant per adult, and may also limit how many lap infants can sit in a single row. A second child under two traveling with the same adult will usually need their own seat.
A child who has turned two before a later flight will generally need their own seat for that flight, even if they traveled on a lap earlier in the same trip. Check the dates of every flight on the itinerary.
The seat must be approved for aviation use. The FAA advises looking for a label stating that the restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Airlines may restrict where a child restraint can be installed, so check with the airline before you travel.
No. Under US rules a passenger younger than 15 cannot occupy an exit seat, and responsibilities such as caring for small children are among the conditions that disqualify a person from one. Final seating decisions rest with the airline and its crew.
Airlines may ask for proof of a lap infant’s age, such as a birth certificate. For international travel the child will generally need their own travel documents, such as a passport. Requirements depend on the airline and the destination.
We can help you review the options for adding a child under two to your booking, explain how lap infant and purchased-seat travel generally differ, and identify where a request should be directed. We cannot assign seats, approve a child restraint, or override an airline decision.
No. SkyBuzzz is an independent third-party travel assistance service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized to represent any airline. All airline names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
No service fee for the initial consultation. If you choose paid assistance, we'll disclose our service fee before you agree. Airline charges and fare differences are separate. Any fare, tax or fee charged by the airline for the child is separate from our service fee and is paid to the airline.
Other ways we can help
If something has gone wrong with your booking, a live travel agent can help you review the available options on one call.
Flight Change
Review options to move to an earlier or later flight or change your dates.
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Flight Cancellation
Review what refund or travel credit options may apply to your booking.
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Seat Selection
Review seat requests, including seating together, subject to availability.
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Manage Booking
Review passenger details, baggage options and your existing itinerary.
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Pet Addition
Review whether a pet may travel on your booking and what the airline may require.
Learn more
Unaccompanied Minor
Review airline requirements before a child travels without an accompanying adult.
Learn moreReview your options for a child under two
Call to speak with an independent travel agent who can help you review whether a lap infant or a seat suits your trip. No service fee for the initial consultation. If you choose paid assistance, we'll disclose our service fee before you agree. Airline charges and fare differences are separate.