Do airlines charge extra for infants?

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.



In 2026, whether you are charged for an infant depends on whether they are a "Lap Infant" or have their own seat. For domestic flights within the U.S. and Canada, lap infants (under age 2) usually fly for free or for a very small tax-only fee. However, for international flights, most airlines (like British Airways, Emirates, and Delta) charge an "infant fare," which is typically 10% of the adult fare plus full international taxes and surcharges. If you want your infant to sit in their own FAA-approved car seat, you must purchase a full "Child Fare" ticket, which is usually 75% to 100% of the adult price. In 2026, budget carriers like easyJet and Ryanair often charge a flat "infant fee" (around £25/$30 per flight) regardless of the route. It is important to note that even for "free" domestic lap infants, you must still officially add them to your reservation so they appear on the manifest for safety and insurance purposes.

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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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Do babies fly free? Babies and toddlers under 2 years old aren't legally required to occupy an airplane seat and can instead travel as a lap infant on their parent's ticket. Lap infants are generally free of charge, although you may pay a percentage of the full fare if you're traveling internationally.

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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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You can either add the lap child at the time of booking or you can call at a later date and add the child. Note that even after your child has been born, most airlines have minimum age requirements to fly, usually starting at 7 days old. Check with your airline to confirm how young your baby can be when they fly.

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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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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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Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.

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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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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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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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Ways to Dispose of Diapers on a Plane Most planes do have trash receptacles in the lavatories. If your lavatory doesn't, you can find a flight attendant who isn't currently serving refreshments, and ask where you can dispose of the bag. Remember to bring extra sealable bags and disposable changing pads.

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Traveling with a diaper bag? Guests traveling with children under 2 years old are permitted to bring a diaper bag on board, free of charge, and it will not count toward the 1+1 (one free personal item and one paid carry-on) baggage allowance. The diaper bag must be able to be stowed on board.

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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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An infant is considered fit to fly if:
  • You can produce a passenger medical form, also known as a medical release for travel, signed by a physician stating that the baby is healthy enough to fly.
  • You have a copy of the baby's birth certificate as proof of age.


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A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together.

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