Can you take a baby on a plane without a ticket?

We're here to take you and your family wherever you need to go. Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).



On U.S. domestic flights, you can generally take a "lap infant" (under age 2) for free without a separate ticket, though you must still notify the airline so they can add the child to your reservation. For international flights, however, a baby almost always requires a ticket, even if they are sitting on your lap. You will typically be charged around 10% of the adult fare plus applicable international taxes. In 2026, airlines like United and Delta allow you to add a lap child during the online booking process or at check-in. It is a peer-to-peer "safety essential" to bring the baby's birth certificate (for domestic) or passport (mandatory for international) to verify their age. While a "lap child" is a cost-saving option, the FAA and airlines strongly recommend purchasing a separate seat and using an approved car seat for the highest level of safety during turbulence.

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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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Due to FAA safety requirements, 1 adult passenger may only carry 1 lap-held infant. If an adult passenger is traveling with 2 infants, a seat must be purchased for the additional infant. Infants occupying a seat on domestic flights require a ticket and pay the applicable fare.

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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When you travel with a child under 2 years old, you may choose to travel with the child on your lap (infant-in-arms) or travel with your child in an FAA-approved child safety seat. To use a FAA-approved safety seat, you must purchase a ticket for your child so they have a reserved seat.

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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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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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If your upcoming trip is an international one, you're probably wondering whether or not your baby will need a passport. The answer is yes: Every person, no matter how young, needs a passport if she will be leaving one country and entering another.

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Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag:
  1. Extra clothing for you and your baby.
  2. Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
  3. Pacifier and clip (and backup).
  4. Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
  5. Extra diapers.
  6. Formula.
  7. Breast pump.
  8. Snacks (for you and your baby).


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Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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Babies age two and under can fly free on domestic U.S. flights with one paying passenger as long as they sit in the passenger's lap. It is safer for a child to ride in a car seat in the plane, and if you prefer that option, you'll need to pay full fare for a seat for the baby regardless of age.

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In general, pediatricians recommend that newborns not fly until their respiratory and immune systems are fully developed. This often means that a newborn should not fly until they're three to six months old. However, these dates can vary greatly from child to child.

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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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Once you're inside, assemble your supplies — diaper, wipes, and disposal bag — next to the sink and layer some paper towels or a changing pad on the closed toilet seat. Place your child on the seat, whip off the dirty diaper, stick it in an airsick bag or plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

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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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If you travel internationally, your baby needs their own ticket. Your baby is allowed to travel sitting on your lap with an extension seat belt supplied by the airline. For long-haul flights, check if you can book a bassinet for your baby to sleep in.

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