Can you fly with a baby on your lap?

Can babies under two fly on airplanes? Yes, of course. Children under two can travel as a “lap” child on most airlines for free. The child has no assigned seat other than on their parent's lap.



Yes, you can fly with a baby on your lap, typically referred to as a "lap child" or "infant in lap," provided they are under two years of age. While the FAA and most international aviation authorities allow this practice for domestic flights (often for free), safety experts and the FAA itself strongly recommend purchasing a separate seat and using an FAA-approved child restraint system (car seat). If you choose the lap option, you must still include the infant in your reservation. For international travel, even lap infants usually require a ticket, which is typically 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. Note that only one lap child is allowed per adult; if you are traveling alone with two infants, one must have a purchased seat. Once a child turns two, they are legally required to have their own seat and pay a full or child-rate fare.

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Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat. The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

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Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers.

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To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.

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Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter. A stroller may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. This is based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant).

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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Babies who do not have their own seat must be held securely during takeoff and landing in a parent's lap as directed by the flight attendant. You should not use a sling or front infant carrier to hold your baby on an airplane.

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Tell the agent that you'll be traveling with a lap child, and they may be able to seat you and your baby next to a window and aisle in a three-seat row, leaving a middle seat vacant and lessening the chances that anyone else will fill it.

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Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it's always best to come prepared.

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Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

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Parents/guardians should remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in their arms through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.

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If you're traveling internationally, your baby will need a passport regardless of their age. For domestic travel, it's a good idea to bring a copy of your child's birth certificate in case you need to verify their age and/or your parental status.

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Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country. Just as if an adult was applying for a passport, babies must have Form DS-11 filled out and submitted.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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