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What age can a baby fly internationally alone?

Children under 5 can't travel alone under any circumstances. If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we'll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they're traveling with.



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Most airlines' unaccompanied minor service is for ages 5 to 15 years. At 16 years, you are considered an adult and can travel alone for domestic travel. International travel for unaccompanied minor service is between 5 and 17 years of age. You are an adult at 18 years old and can travel alone.

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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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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. The form asks for general personal information, including your baby's social security number.

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He recommends traveling with the child's birth certificate and passport, as well as a handful of documents that only a parent would have, such as a school report card or health records, which can go a long way in defusing suspicion at a security checkpoint.

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Ticket fares for babies and children On domestic flights, infants under the age of two often fly for free if seated on their parent's lap, and some airlines charge a (discounted) fare. On international flights, airlines often charge 10% of the adult ticket price.

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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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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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International travel isn't possible until your baby receives an official passport. If you're feeling queasy about the idea of spending a whole lot of money on an airline ticket for a baby, ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines offer discounts of up to 50% for children under age 2.

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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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The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

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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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If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you'll need: The child's birth certificate. Notarized travel authorization from both parents.

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The best time to fly with kids While you can't always fly at the optimal time (based on your child's age, that is), it's great when you can. The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three.

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