How many items can you gate check with a baby?

You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.



Most major airlines, including Delta, United, and American, allow you to gate-check two essential items for free: one stroller and one car seat. These do not count toward your standard baggage allowance. In 2026, "gate-checking" means you use the items through the airport and leave them at the end of the jet bridge just before boarding. For larger items like "Pack 'n Plays" or wagons, airlines usually require these to be checked at the ticket counter. Some airlines also allow an additional "diaper bag" as a free carry-on item that doesn't count against your personal item limit. If you are traveling with a "Lap Infant" (under age 2), they typically do not have their own checked bag allowance on domestic flights, but may get one 10kg bag on international routes. Always ask the gate agent for "Gate Check Tags" as soon as you arrive at the boarding area to ensure your gear is properly tracked and waiting for you on the jet bridge when you deplane at your destination.

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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.

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Luggage allowance for lap infants Infants flying on paid tickets get the same baggage allowance as adults on paid tickets, but that's not the case when your under-2-year-old is flying for free on your lap. Children not occupying a paid seat are not given a checked baggage allowance on most U.S. domestic airlines.

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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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If you think your toddler is likely to cry, yell and be noisy on the plane, you might want to book seats near the back of the aircraft. This section of the plane, behind the wings, is generally noisier, thanks to the engine, and the background hum might cover the sound of your child.

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Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). These don't count as your personal item or carry-on: Diaper bags (1 per child) Breast pump.

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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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Not only will you need to part with your bag, but you'll need to figure out where to pick it up after you land. In most cases, gate checked bags will be sent to the baggage claim along with all the paid, checked luggage. Meaning you'll have to say goodbye to that speedy exit at your destination.

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Most airlines will insist that your baby is at least two weeks old. There are no standard regulations, so it's best to check with your airline before you book. Some airlines may ask you to provide a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor if your baby is less than two weeks old.

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Technically, most airlines require you to show proof of age for your lap infant. This can include a birth certificate, passport or sometimes hospital or immunization records. In reality, most airlines will not ask you for that information unless your baby looks like a toddler who could be past that second birthday.

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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).

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Baby food and baby milk When travelling with a baby you're allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

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Gate checking is the process of checking your bag at the gate to be stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This is different from regularly checking your bag, as the process is normally completed at a check-in desk/ticket counter pre-security, rather than at the departure gate before you board your flight.

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