American Airlines Infant policy

American Airlines considers children under two as infants and allows them to travel on their parents' ticket. Generally, they can travel on the flight without needing their own seat. However, “Add Infant on Lap American Airlines” requires knowing the infant policy and following specific steps. 

Who Can Fly as an Infant on American Airlines? 

American Airlines welcomes passengers of all ages. However, traveling with a passenger under two requires specific guidelines that the accompanying passengers must follow. Additionally, only children younger than two are considered infants. The airline offers two options to families traveling with infants:

• Add infants as lap babies.
• Buy a separate seat and use it to install an FAA-approved car seat.

However, the babies must be under two to use these options, especially if a passenger wants to add lap infant American Airlines. Also, the airline’s infant policy permits a single lap baby to be accompanied by an adult passenger. 

What Are the Age Requirements for American Airlines?

In general, there are no specific age requirements for traveling on American Airlines, as children and adults of all ages are welcome. However, if any family travels with a baby, they must inform the airline in advance. 

Here are the age requirements for American Airlines:

• Children under two are permitted to travel without needing to buy a ticket. However, the family needs to choose the option of “American Airlines Add Infant”. 
• Infants under seven days old require a signed doctor’s consent form stating that the baby is fit to fly on a plane. 
• Children who are two and above are required to be seated in their own purchased seats. 
• Children who are under the age of five are not allowed to travel alone, and no excuse will be accepted. 
• Families traveling with children under 15 are advised to book the child’s seat adjacent to them. Due to the child's safety, it is suggested that the child under 15 sit next to the adult with whom they are traveling. 
• Children aged 5 to 14 are allowed to use American Airlines unaccompanied minor service.
• Unaccompanied minor service is optional for children aged 15 to 17; if they opt, they are required to pay the unaccompanied fee. 

Adding An Infant On American Airlines

Traveling with babies under two on American Airlines flights is a pleasant experience. However, it requires following the airline’s infant policy, especially when choosing the option “American Airlines Add Infant.” As mentioned, the airline only permits infants under 24 months of age to travel on their parents' or guardians' tickets. 

How To Add An Infant On American Airlines?

Flying with an infant American Airlines requires informing in advance regarding boarding the plane with a baby. Hence, it’s best to add the infant when booking the flight ticket with the airline. Multiple options are available to add the baby, including using the official website or contacting the airline at their customer support number. Passengers can add their infants when booking their flight ticket or even after the reservation.

Steps To Use The Official Website To Add An Infant During Initial Booking

To avoid the last-minute hassle to add infant on lap American Airlines, it’s best to include them when making the flight reservation. Here are the required steps to follow:

• Step 1: Open the official website of American Airlines in a browser.
• Step 2: Put the flight details, such as origin, travel dates, and even the number of passengers. 
• Step 3: Click the search button and choose a flight per your reference.
• Step 4: Share passenger’s information in the given section. 
• Step 5: Choose the option “add infant in lap”. 
• Step 6: Share the information of the infant. 
• Step 7: Cross-check the information.
• Step 8: Share the required documents of you and your infant, whom you add as a lap child. 
• Step 9: Pay the flight charges and check if there is any fee for adding the lap child. 
• Step 10: After the process is complete, wait to receive an official confirmation of the flight booking. 

Note: When booking flights with American Airlines, especially when traveling with infants, it is crucial to know about "Cancel American Airlines ticket within 24 hours" policy.

How To Add Lap Infant To Existing American Flight Booking?

Generally, it’s best to add the lap infant when booking the flight ticket with American Airlines. However, if any passenger missed adding them and seeks assistance to “Add Lap Infant to existing American flight booking”, they can follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Dial American Airlines official customer support number at 1 (800) 433-7300 to add the lap infant after the trip is ticketed. Alternatively, dial +1-800-633-0441 (OTA) to seek assistance from the flight expert, in case, the official number is busy due to technical difficulties.
• Step 2: After dialing the number, wait for the representative to pick up. Once they pick, share your query regarding “American Airlines Add Infant” to an existing booking. 
• Step 3: Share the flight booking details or the confirmation number with the representative. 
• Step 4: Inform how many infants you want to add and whether you wish to opt for “Infant in Lap” or “Seat for an infant.”
• Step 5: If asked, provide the infant’s documents and pay the fee. 
• Step 6: Once your process is done, the representative will share the official confirmation regarding the completion of including the lap infant. 

Other than this, passengers can add the infant using the official website. Just open the official AA website and navigate to the “Manage Trips” section. Find your existing reservation. Search for “Passenger Details” and choose the option to add lap infant to existing American flight booking. Provide the information of the infant and documents to support the query. End the process by paying applicable taxes and fees, if applicable. 

What Documents Are Needed For An Infant To Fly On American Airlines? 

Documents are required for passengers of any age flying with American Airlines. Therefore, if passengers are traveling with infants or young children, here are the documents necessary to submit to the airline:

• Birth Certificate: A birth certificate or any other government-issued document that verifies the infant's age. 
• A valid passport: If a passenger is traveling internationally with a lap infant, the baby's valid passport needs to be carried. No passport card will be accepted; only a standard passport book will be accepted.  
• Doctor’s Consent Form: A doctor’s signed certificate stating that the baby is fit to fly on American Airlines, especially if the baby is less than seven days old. 
• Custody or Court Orders: If a passenger has sole custody of their child, they must submit and carry the custody documents or court orders to travel internationally, proving the legal right.

What Are the Infant Ticket Fees on American Airlines?

Traveling with infant American Airlines does not require paying any charges, as lap babies are allowed to travel on an adult’s ticket. However, the AA infant policy works differently for domestic and international travel. Here is the breakdown of fees for the infants:

• Domestic Traveling: If passengers traveling domestically with their infants on American Airlines, they don’t require paying any charges. According to the airline’s infant policy, children under two can travel for free on domestic flights. 
• International Traveling: American Airlines passengers traveling internationally with their infants must pay the charges, which are typically 10% of the adult fare. Fees and taxes are also applicable even if the baby is added as a lap child. 

Here is a more detailed breakdown of infants' fees traveling with American Airlines:

The table above clearly outlines the charges required for infants according to the services passengers use. 

Adding Infants Online Vs. Through Customer Services

American Airlines offers multiple options to add the infant to the flight. 

Online Method: Use Of The Official Website 

Passengers can easily add the infant to their ticket by using the online method, which requires following the necessary steps:

Add The Infant During Initial Booking:

• Step 1: Use American Airlines official website.
• Step 2: Select the desired flight as shown on the homepage.
• Step 3: Enter the number of adult passengers at the same time. 
• Step 4: Appear on the passenger details section, look for the option to “add infant in lap”.
• Step 5: Put the infant’s name and date of birth. 
• Step 6: Follow the rest of the instructions, as shown on the screen. 
• Step 7: Submit the documents and pay the fee even for the infant if traveling internationally. 

Add The Infant To An Existing Booking:

• Step 1: Go to the official AA website.
• Step 2: Locate the booking through the “Manage My Booking” section.
• Step 3:  Look for passenger details section.
• Step 4: Find option to add an infant.
• Step 5: Follow the instructions and enter the required information.
• Step 6: Wait to receive the official confirmation via email. 

Through Customer Service: Using Contact Number

American Airlines allows passengers to make direct contact to add a lap infant both during the booking and after the booking. The steps are easily comparable using the official website:

• Step 1: Call the airline customer support number, 1 (800) 433-7300, or dial +1-800-633-0441 (OTA) if the official line is busy and speak with a flight expert. 
• Step 2: Once your call is connected, share the request to book the flight tickets and add the lap baby. Passengers can also ask the representative to add the baby if the ticket is already booked. 
• Step 3: Provide passengers’ information as well as infant’s details. 
• Step 4: Submit the documents and pay the applicable fees. 
• Step 5: Wait to receive the official confirmation via email.

American Airlines Car Seats And Stroller Policy

American Airlines travel with infant can be more relaxed if the passenger uses a car seat and a stroller. However, it's necessary to know the policies before bringing these items to the airport. 

American Airlines Stroller Policy And Check-In Rules

American Airlines permits passengers to bring a stroller, apart from adding a baby (under 2) as a lap child. However, there are some specific guidelines for this:

• A passenger is only allowed to bring one stroller to the flight. 
• No extra charges needed to pay. 
• If the stroller weighs more than 20 pounds, they need to get checked at the ticket counter. 
• Small or lighter strollers can be checked at the gate. 
• If carrying both a car seat and a stroller, one of them is required to checked at the gate. 

American Airlines Car Seat Policy And Guidelines

Any passenger who wants to provide a seat to their infant under two must buy a separate seat, particularly when using a car seat on American Airlines. However, there are some specific guidelines for it, which are mentioned below:

• According to American Airlines, one car seat and one stroller are allowed to be brought on a flight. 
• No extra charges are imposed to bring the car seat. 
• If you are carrying both a stroller and car seat, only one can be checked at the gate; the other one needs to be checked at the counter. 
• Only those car seats are applicable and can be installed if Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards approve them.
• The car seat must also require a label indicating it is approved for use on American Airlines flights. 

How To Use A Car Seat On American Airlines?

To use a car seat on American Airlines, it needs to be FAA-approved. Here are the other requirements for its usage on flights:

• The car seat requires a solid back and seat and should have restraint straps to secure the child. 
• The car seat can’t be installed in an exit row.
• The instructions require following as mentioned on the label when installing the car seat. 
• Install the car seat in the appropriate direction for the child's use. 
• If an infant is using a car seat, a separate seat must be bought and placed next to the accompanying adult’s seat. 
• Additionally, car seats might not be permitted due to seat angles in some first—and business-class configurations. 

What Are The Size And Weight Limits For Car Seat On American Airlines?

According to American Airlines' infant car and stroller policy, passengers are allowed to check one stroller and one car seat without paying extra charges. However, strollers over 20 lbs require checking at the ticket counter. There are no specific weight or size limits for using car seats on American flights. However, it’s suggested that the car seat be within the usual dimensions. 

Baggage Allowance For Infants

American Airlines generally allows carrying one bag and one personal item; however, certain things are required, such as the bags needing to fit in the sizer and personal items needing to fit under the seat. 

Any passenger traveling with a lap infant (under 2 years of age) can bring one bag free. However, the bag needs to be checked at the airport. The checked bag of an infant must be within the limit of 25 lbs and 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). 

Diaper Bags And Personal Items 

Generally, lap infants do not have a standard carry-on baggage allowance but are allowed a checked baggage allowance. Items that are allowed for families to bring on American Airlines are:

• A diaper bag
• Breast milk or formula in a cooler bag
• An FAA-approved car seat
• A stroller 

These things are part of standard carry-on and personal items. The airline only permits one carry-on bag per child.

Safety And Seating Tip For Infants On American Airlines

According to American Airlines infant policy, children under the age of two are allowed to travel on their parents’ laps. However, they must be added as a “lap child” to the ticket. If any passenger wants a separate seat for their child (under 2 years), they can purchase an individual seat next to their seat. 

A car seat can be installed in the purchased seat. However, the car seat needs to be FAA-approved. Any car seat used on a plane must be labeled as approved and meet specific safety standards. 

Acceptable Safety Seats On American Airlines

According to American Airlines, most safety seats permitted in motor vehicles are also allowed on planes. However, these seats must meet safety standards and have a solid back and seat. The label that signals to use them on the plane needs to be placed on such safety seats. It includes “This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”

 The label also needs to mention that the safety seat was made under the standards of the United Nations. Safety seats (Child Restraint Systems) cannot be used in First or Business class on specific aircraft, including Airbus 321T (First Class). Families traveling with infants are also advised to use bulkhead seats with extra legroom and space for a bassinet. 

American Airlines Bassinet Policy

Bassinet seat American Airlines is allowed for use by infants under two. However, they need to meet certain weight (9 kg) and age restrictions (under 2). Also, it is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Hence, it is required to contact the airline directly at 1 (800) 433-7300 or through a travel expert at +1-800-633-0441 (OTA). 

International Travel With Infants On American Airlines

Flying with infant American Airlines is generally free on domestic flights. But, when it comes to international traveling, a standard amount needs to be paid, even if the child is added as “lap infant”. 

According to AA infant policy, a child traveling as a lap infant typically charges 10% of the adult fare, along with applicable fees and taxes. In addition, if the infant turns two during the trip, they must sit on a full-priced ticket for the return flight (both on domestic and international flights). 

Passport And Documents Required

A lap infant traveling on international flights with American Airlines must submit and carry the same travel documents as an adult passenger. Here are the documents that need to be carried for the infants and children:

• Passport and government-issued IDs to verify the age. 
• Travel documents required by the countries visited. 
• Letter of consent if not traveling with the parent(s) or legal guardian.
• Documentary evidence of relationship, if a lap child travels internationally with a passenger below 18. 
• If a passenger has sole custody of an infant and is traveling internationally, they need to submit a copy of the court order.

Additionally, the passport is required to be issued at least six months before the day of arrival in some countries. Hence, it’s best to check the requirements when planning a trip to a particular destination. Also, keep the passport in good condition as American Airlines will not let a passenger to board the flight if it is found in miserable or damaged conditions. 

Noted: Passport cards are only allowed for domestic travel. According to American Airlines, a standard passport book needs to be carried for international air travel, including for lap infants. 

Taxes And Fees For Lap Infants On International Routes 

As already mentioned, lap infants traveling on International American Airlines flights are not required to pay full airfare. Still, they are subject to applicable taxes and fees depending on the route and destination. Also, the lap child must be added to the reservation, and a ticket will be issued for them. Typically, 10% of the adult fare is charged for lap infants, and additional taxes and fees are required to pay, which are imposed by the destination country. 

Why is a Letter of Consent Required for Infants on American Airlines?

A lap infant traveling internationally on American Airlines is required to submit a letter of consent. This document is especially important if the baby is not traveling with its parents or legal guardian. It ensures that the child has permission to travel when one parent accompanies them and shows that the baby is traveling with the consent of all legal guardians. 

Useful Tips For Flying With Infants

When adding the lap infant to the adult’s ticket, make sure that the baby is under the age of two. Here are the other things that need to be known:

• American Airlines only allows babies who are under two years old (23 months) to travel on their parents' or guardians' laps. 
• Bringing or adding an infant to a ticket is limited. The airline permits only one baby per passenger. 
• A passenger traveling with more than one infant must book a separate seat for each additional infant. Only one infant is allowed to be seated on the passenger’s lap; the other must be in a separate seat in an FAA-approved child restraint system.
• If the infant turns two during their trip, they need to have their own seat purchased by paying full airfare despite the booking being made months before. 
• American Airlines allows infants as young as two days old, but they need a fit-to-fly certificate. 
• A birth certificate or any other government-issued document needs to be carried, as it might be asked to verify the age of the lap baby.

Note: “Change Name on American Ticket” is also possible using the official website or phone. However, both policies must be known, as changing or correcting the name on the ticket has limitations and is subject to standard charges and fare rules.

Disclaimer: Okeyard Travel is an independent entity and is not affiliated, authorized, endorsed, or in any way officially connected with Airlines. We provide information about airlines policies and are not liable for any actions, policies, or decisions made by Official Airlines. For official inquiries or assistance, please contact Airlines directly.