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Do I need any documents for my infant to fly?

What documents do I need to fly with my infant? 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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Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

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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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You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

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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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37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler
  1. Update Immunizations. ...
  2. Consult Your Child's Healthcare Provider. ...
  3. Collect Medications and Important Documents. ...
  4. Do Some Research. ...
  5. Allow Extra Time. ...
  6. Bring Those Baby Essentials. ...
  7. Don't Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets. ...
  8. Double Check Car Seats.


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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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The TSA will allow you to go through the metal detector while wearing your baby, although you may be asked to undergo an additional screening even if there is not an alarm. The additional screening will consist of having your hands swabbed for chemical residue, and potentially a pat-down.

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Will minors need an ID to fly domestically? Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. There is, however, an exception for Unaccompanied Minors traveling on Southwest Airlines.

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As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States.

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Children who are under 16 years old and U.S. citizens may travel with their original U.S. birth certificate with the raised seal. Children who are 16 and older, and are U.S. citizens, are required to travel with photo ID.

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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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Airlines allow baby food, formula, and breast milk in a carry-on bag, but the TSA has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, including all baby food items. Each passenger is allowed 3.4 ounces or less of liquid, gel, or aerosol products per container, and all containers must fit in one clear, quart-size bag per person.

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The Essential Packing Checklist for Flying with an Infant
  1. Diapers: In your carry-on, you'll need one for each hour of transit, plus extras. ...
  2. Diaper cream.
  3. Changing pad.
  4. Baby wipes for diaper changes and messes.
  5. Sanitizing wipes for cleaning tray tables and other surfaces.
  6. Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes and diapers.


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Lap infants are not allowed an extra bag. Your plane ticket allows for one carry-on bag, one diaper bag, one stroller, one car seat, and a breast pump with an associated cooler, free of charge.

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Don't forget the time you'll spend at the airport prior to the flight, and after landing at your destination, as well. A common rule of thumb is to pack one diaper per hour of travel time. It doesn't hurt to pack a few extra ones beyond the ones allotted for flight time.

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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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Items to include in your carry-on or diaper bag:
  • Passports and/or Birth Certificates. This is the #1 item to include on your packing checklist for baby. ...
  • Baby Wipes. ...
  • Diapers. ...
  • Disposable Changing Pads. ...
  • Change of Clothes. ...
  • Plastic Bags. ...
  • Pacifiers and Loveys. ...
  • Formula, Breastmilk, and Baby Foods.


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You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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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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