What are the airline rules for flying with an infant?

The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.



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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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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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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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More often than not, you'll need to pay 10% of the regular fare. This price will be valid until your baby reaches his/her second birthday. This rate does not give you the right to have a separate seat for your child; he or she will fly as a LAP INFANT.

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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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If you're traveling with a child of any age, you can bring the following on your flight for free in addition to your carry-on and personal items: Diaper bag. Breast pump, milk or formula. FAA-approved car seat.

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Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers.

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Make sure you bring plenty of pacifiers and bottles with you on the plane so that your baby can use them as needed throughout the flight. If your baby is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consider using ear plugs or ear muffs while flying.

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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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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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Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.

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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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In fact, airplane bathrooms have only gotten smaller on many new airplane designs in the past few years. Many travel diaper changing pros recommend bringing a small removable diaper kit with you. It doesn't need to be fancy. A Ziploc bag with a few diapers, travel-size wipes, and perhaps some diaper cream will do.

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A Compact Diaper Bag
While flying with a baby, always carry a compact diaper bag with you especially one with a changing pad attached. The diaper bag should include essentials like 3 sets of diapers, soothing bottom wash spray, soothing diaper balm, changing pad, and hand sanitizer and a distraction toy.

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