United Airlines Infant Policy

If you want to be stress-free about the infant’s safety and comfort, booking a flight with a reputable airline is recommended. 

United Airlines is one such airline that always prioritizes the safety and comfort of passengers, irrespective of age. Hence, United Airlines traveling with infant is a wise choice considering the comfort, security, and stress-free flight experience. However, before getting on a plane, ensure you know the terms and conditions imposed on infants traveling. 

Overview Of United Airlines Infant Policy

United Airlines welcomes passengers of all ages. However, it creates policies and guidelines according to passengers' ages. For instance, babies (under two) are obliged to follow the United infant policy, whereas children (ages 5-14) must follow the minor policy. This shows the importance of following the airline's policies and guidelines.

Why Is It Essential To Understand United Infant Policy?

As stated above, flying with United requires following its policies. When a family chooses this airline as their traveling partner and books a flight with a young baby under two, it becomes highly necessary to familiarize themselves with United Airlines infant policy. Why? Knowing the airline's infant policy helps prevent unwanted surprises on the day of travel, such as unexpected fees, charges for securing a safe seating arrangement, or determining what documents are necessary to board a flight with a baby, among other things.

Additionally, the airline has specific rules for babies under two, which must be followed regardless of whether they are traveling in a Carry-on or securing seats. Below are the rules that require following for United Airlines traveling with infant:

• Babies under two are eligible to travel as lap infants.
• A single lap infant is allowed to be held by a sole adult passenger.
• Children two years old and older are required to have a ticket and a seat to fly on United Airlines. 
• Newborn infants (below a week old) are not permitted to travel on a United flight. 
• Infants, particularly those seven days old, need a fit-to-fly certificate to board a flight. 
• United flying with infant (under two) requires showing a birth certificate for age verification. 

Who Qualifies As An Infant On United Airlines?

As mentioned earlier, babies under two or 24 months of age are considered infants, which qualifies them to travel for free or at a reduced fare on United flights. However, certain rules must be followed, which are mentioned in the UA infant policy:

• Babies up to 2 years old are considered infants.
• Babies under two can be held on a lap or secured in a seat on a United flight. 
• Babies above two and older are considered children who need their own seat to fly on a United flight. 

5 Key Highlights of the 2025 United Infant Policy Update

United Airlines infant policy has no major updates as of now. However, it is still mandatory to follow the specific rules for infant traveling. These rules are:

• Traveling of infants (under two) is free on U.S. domestic flights, but they must be included in the reservation. 
• Infants must purchase a ticket for flights between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the cost is limited to an infant’s ticket.
• For international flights, lap infants require a ticket, which can be purchased after paying a partial fare that depends on the destination. 
• According to United infant policy, infants added to adult tickets must remain under two throughout the trip. If they turn two before completing the journey, they must pay the child fare for their next flight, particularly the return one. 

Guide to United Airlines Age and Seating for Infants

As is known, UA offers two options for infant traveling: one that can be held on the lap and the other that requires buying a separate seat. The purchased seat can be used to install a car seat that meets safety requirements. 

Infants' Age Limit And Requirements To Travel For Free Or At Reduce-Fare

Infants who travel for free are usually under the age of two; however, this facility is only available for domestic flights, particularly within the U.S. 

Below are the basic requirements and age limit for United flying with infant:

• The baby must be under two years old and remain this age to travel for free within the U.S.
• Babies who are two or above are no longer eligible to sit on an adult’s lap.
• A reduced fare is required to cover the travel of lap infants on international routes.
• Documents are important to carry for United traveling with infant, whether the flight is booked for a domestic or international route. 

 Lap Infant or Paid Seat: Which is Best for Your Baby?

Traveling with a baby on UA is relaxing. The airline considers the comfort of both babies and their parents, hence offering various options, including the use of a car seat. However, to use a car seat on a United flight, certain terms and conditions must be followed, which will be mentioned below:

• United Airlines infant car seat can be used for babies under two, but the seat needs to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 
• Only those car seats that are made after 1985 and have a certification sticker are allowed to be used. 
• A car seat can be used for children of any age without paying additional fees, as it can carry on and personal items. 
• A separate seat needs to be purchased to install the car seat on a United flight. 
• Car seats are not permitted in United Polaris business class on Boeing 767, 777, or 787 aircraft. 
• Car seats need to be installed in the window seat or middle seat, and the baby must remain in their seat during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. 

The above-mentioned rules apply to the use of a car seat on UA. If a family does not want to use a car seat/safety seat, they still have the option of holding their babies on their laps. The only condition is that the baby must be under two years old. Below are the other terms and conditions of the United lap infant policy:

• An adult passenger can hold a single baby on their lap throughout the trip. The only condition is that the baby is under two years old, and the passenger must carry a birth certificate to confirm the baby’s age.
• United traveling with infant as a lap baby on international routes is also permitted, but it’s not free like domestic traveling within the U.S. For international routes, a reduced amount of adult airfare is required to be paid. 
• For international traveling of a lap infant requires paying additional taxes and fees apart from paying a partial fare based on the destination. 
• United Airlines infant on lap must be under two till the date of their complete journey. By any chance, if the lap baby turns two, they need to pay the child fare for their return flight. 
• A ticket is not required for a lap baby on U.S domestic flights.
• A ticket is needed for a lap baby traveling between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ticket will be provided after the applicable taxes are paid.

What Are The General Rules For Children Under Two On United Airlines?

• United Airlines infant on lap requires to be held tightly during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
• Other than sitting on a lap infant, babies under two can be seated in their own seat, either in an FAA-approved car seat or a safety seat that meets the airline’s safety requirements.
• A passport card will work for United domestic flying, but for international flying, a valid passport and Visa will be required for babies under two. 
• Despite having a passport, it is still suggested that babies who are flying as lap children carry a birth certificate.
• If you are holding more than one baby as a lap child, secure a separate seat for each additional infant. Due to security reasons, a single adult passenger is only supposed to hold one baby on the lap. 
• When making the flight reservation, the passenger must choose the add infant in lap option or “infant in a seat” to fly with a baby below the age of two. If a passenger misses these options, they can contact the airline's customer service directly. 

Noted: As per the United infant policy, you must inform the airline before bringing a baby on board, whether flying domestically or internationally. 

How To Add An Infant To Your United Airlines Booking?

As stated before, the airline requires a passenger to inform the airline regarding the traveling of babies, particularly those under two years of age. The airline has multiple options regarding their flying, including the option to add infant in lap United. However, this option can be chosen when reserving the flight ticket. Below are the steps to include or add the baby to the ticket:

• Step 1: Go to the main website of United Airlines.
• Step 2: Enter the travel information, such as date, destination, and city.
• Step 3: After entering the details, choose the number of passengers under the tab “Travelers”. 
• Step 4: You will see two options for adding the baby: “Infant on lap” or “Seat for infant.” Choose according to your preference. 
• Step 5: Provide the baby’s information and the necessary documents.
• Step 6: If you choose to secure a seat for an infant, pay the flight charges and the amount imposed on securing the baby’s seat, or add lap infant to United reservation (especially for overseas traveling).
• Step 7: After completing these steps, check your registered email inbox to find the flight reservation details. 

Add Lap Infant United After Booking (Existing Reservation)

It’s not new to add infant to United flight after the reservation. Several passengers add their babies (under two) after making their reservation. Fortunately, UA has the option to include the baby in the ticket even if the booking is already made. However, the official site can’t be used for it. But the airline has other options for it: Below are the steps you can follow:

• Contacting the airline: Passengers can’t use the official website to add lap United after booking. However, they can contact the airline’s customer service official number at 1-800-864-8331 for such a change. In case the line is occupied or tough to connect due to technical issues, they can contact the travel expert at +1-800-633-0441. 
• Add Baby During Online Check-In: An alternative method for adding a baby to an existing UA reservation is during online check-in. However, this option is limited and depends on the booking or situation. Hence, review the website before using this method.

Steps To Add Lap United After Booking: Via Phone

Already, the steps for adding infant to United flight via the official website are shared. But for cases like adding a baby to an existing reservation, or for flexible booking. Passengers can opt for the option to connect with the United customer service directly. However, some steps are required to be followed mentioned below:

• Step 1: Before contacting the airline's customer service, gather the required information, including the PNR, baby’s details, and relevant documents (for an existing reservation). If you are looking for a new booking, simply provide the details and request to include the baby. 
• Step 2: To add lap infant United after booking, dial the United customer service number: 1-800-864-8331, or you can speak to a travel expert at +1-800-633-0441 regarding the same.
• Step 3: After dialing the number, wait for the representative to pick up. Once connected, provide the booking details, including the PNR and the last name. 
• Step 4: Once the booking is retrieved, it's time to request to add the baby and provide their information, including their full name and date of birth. 
• Step 5: When making the request to add the baby, you need to specify whether you want to add infant in lap United or secure a separate seat. 
• Step 6: If you opt for a seat, you need to pay the child fare, even for the infant. Additionally, traveling on international routes requires paying a reduced fare despite adding the baby as a lap infant. 
• Step 7: Pay the charges and provide the documents.
• Step 8: Wait for the official confirmation regarding your request and to get a separate ticket for the baby. 

These are the important steps to follow when adding an infant to a United flight in an existing reservation over the phone. 

Infant Fare And Ticketing Policy On United Airlines 

Details regarding the infant fare can be checked on the airline’s official website. However, the details can be complex to understand on the main site. Hence, below, we are sharing detailed information regarding United add infant on lap fare and ticketing policy. 

United Airlines offers several ticketing options for children, including sitting on a parent’s lap (under two) during flights to any destination. Children can also have their own seat if they bring an FAA-approved car seat. However, if the baby is two and above, they must pay for their ticket and secure their own seat on the flight. 

Domestic Flight Infant Fees 

Generally, United does not charge for infants who are added as lap babies on domestic flights. However, if the baby opts to sit in a separate seat or use a car seat on the flight, then the charges must be paid. A ticket is not required for an infant for domestic travel, and it is free to add the baby (under two) as a lap baby. 

United International Infant Ticket Charges 

According to the United Infant on Lap policy, charges must be paid for babies traveling as lap infants on international routes. Like domestic traveling, babies can’t fly for free on overseas flights. Below is the breakdown of the infant fare:

• Lap babies traveling between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands require tickets, which can be purchased after paying the applicable taxes. Alternatively, 10% of the adult fare can be paid. Depending on the fare rules, additional taxes are also added.
• For international flights, tickets are compulsory for lap babies, and they will be charged a partial fare. The amount depends on the destination. 
• In case a separate seat is purchased for the infant, a different fare structure applies, which is typically 75% of the adult fare, excluding taxes and fees. 

In addition to these charges, a baby who is initially added as a lap infant must pay the child fare for the return flight in case they turn two before completing the trip, according to the United infant on lap policy. 

 United Airlines Bassinet Policy

Parents or guardians who are traveling with their lap babies on UA have another option for a relaxing and stress-free travel experience. The airline offers bassinets; however, certain conditions apply to them. Below are the general rules that require following to secure the bassinet on a United flight:

• It is required to inform the airline in advance to secure the bassinet on a United flight. 
• It is a must to add the baby to the ticket before the United Airlines infant bassinet request. 
• To secure the bassinet, the baby must meet the age and weight requirements imposed by the airline. 
• A bassinet on a UA flight can only be used when the seatbelt sign is off.
• It is suggested to carry a birth certificate for age verification.
• Bassinets are free to use, but it’s need to be reserved in advance as the supply is limited. 
• To secure a bassinet for a lap baby, you must travel in United Polaris business class or on a select overseas flight in Economy class.

Availability of Bassinets on United Flights

Like other airlines, United Airlines offers bassinets, but they are limited in use. Hence, you must reserve them in advance. The airline offers it on a first-come, first-served basis and only available in bulkhead seats. Additionally, the bassinet seat is available on certain aircraft that include Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787. You can visit the airline’s official website to find the bassinet policy, but you can’t reserve through the website. 

 How to Request a Bassinet Seat On United Airlines?

As stated, bassinets are available in United Polaris business class or in certain international flights in Economy class. Hence, it is necessary to reserve it in advance. Follow the steps to request a bassinet seat on UA:

• To book the bassinet, call the airline’s customer service at 1-800-864-8331. If you need specific information about it and this line is occupied, you can call +1-800-633-0441 and speak to a travel expert. 
• Booking and adding a baby in advance is required to secure the bassinet. As said, it is limited to use and offer on certain aircraft. Hence, make the flight reservation accordingly. Additionally, you need a bulk seat for this reservation. 

Weight and Size Restrictions for Bassinets

 Apart from booking the bassinet on United in advance, it is also needed to meet the weight and size requirements, which are mentioned below:

• According to the United infant policy, bassinets are only for the use of babies who are up to 22 pounds and 27 inches. 
• Additionally, weight and size limits can vary by aircraft type and cabin; therefore, it is best to contact United Reservations to learn the details and book accordingly. 

 Baggage Allowance for Infants On United Airlines

An infant who is traveling on UA with a purchased seat can check bags in their name according to United airlines infant baggage allowance. Here are the rules:

• A baby who has a seat on a United Airlines flight can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item without paying any additional charges. 
• Overweight or oversized bags of infants require paying extra charges, and they will go under the name of an adult passenger. 
• A passenger can’t check bags in a baby’s name if they did not purchase a flight ticket.
• A car seat, a stroller, or a folding wagon is allowed to be carried on a United flight without any additional charges.

What Items Are Allowed For Infants On United Airlines As Carry-On Items?

Here is the list of items that can be brought on the plane for an infant's use:

• Diaper bag.
• Breast pump.
• Formula.
• Milk.
• Compact folding stroller. 

The United Airlines infant baggage allowance varies depending on the destination and the specific fare class purchased. 

Note: United Airlines Name Change policy allows corrections for passengers, including those traveling with infants. Ensure the infant’s and parent’s names match travel documents to avoid issues before flying.

Safety And Comfort Guidelines For Traveling With Infants

Safety and comfort of its passengers is the motto of United Airlines. Hence, when it comes to traveling with young passengers, particularly those under the age of two, the airline suggests that families follow its safety and comfort guidelines.

FAA-Approved Infant Restraint Systems

UA allows passengers to hold their babies on their laps if they are under the age of two, but it always recommends using a car seat to ensure the baby’s safety. However, the car seat must be FAA-approved and installed in an appropriate seat suggested by the airline. Additionally, the car seat or safety seat needs to meet the safety requirements. 

The car seat/safety seat is not allowed to be used in the emergency exit row and in certain business class seats. 

Here are the safety requirements to be followed to use the car seat on UA:

• The car seat must be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved and made after 1985.
• The car seat must be installed correctly in the appropriate seat. 
• The car seat is not allowed to be used on certain aircraft, including Boeing 767, 777, and 787. 

Cabin Safety Rules For Infants On United Airlines

Here are the cabin safety rules for infants required to be followed:

• Babies must be at least one week old to fly on UA.
• Only one infant is allowed to be seated on the lap of a ticketed adult. 
• For safety reasons, the airline suggested using a car seat.
• If the baby is sitting on the lap, they must be secured with an infant seatbelt extender, which can be provided by the flight attendant.
• Tickets are not required for domestic travel for lap infants, but they are necessary for international travel.
• A copy of the infant’s birth certificate is suggested to be carried.
• Book the infant’s ticket in advance to ensure that they are added to the booking. 

Tips For Feeding And Comforting Infants Onboard

• UA allows breastfeeding from the seat.
• If bringing milk and formula, it is recommended to bring ice, as the airline does not provide it. 
• Use a bottle or a pacifier during takeoff and landing.
• Bring the baby’s favourite toy or blanket.
• Use a carrier or bassinet to provide your baby with comfort. 

International Travel With Infants On United Flight

As previously mentioned, international travel of infants requires a ticket, even for babies traveling as lap infants. The airline has a clear policy for having a ticket for overseas routes regardless of age. 

Passport And Documentation Requirements 

Documents are important for traveling, whether it’s domestic or international. The number of documents can vary depending on the route, but it is a must to have the documents mentioned below:

• A valid passport is required for infants traveling internationally.
• A birth certificate is required for both domestic and international travel to verify the age requirements for a baby traveling as a lap infant. 
• If the baby is not traveling with both parents, a letter of consent is required.