What are the rules for flying with a child under 2?

When you travel with a child under 2 years old, you may choose to travel with the child on your lap (infant-in-arms) or travel with your child in an FAA-approved child safety seat. To use a FAA-approved safety seat, you must purchase a ticket for your child so they have a reserved seat.



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Passport and Photo I.D.
Children don't usually need a passport or photo I.D. for domestic flights; however, it's not a bad idea to have photo identification for your children when you travel together. All airlines require the same documentation for children as they would for an adult on international flights.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Parents/guardians should remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in their arms through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.

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Even better, car seats are not usually counted as luggage, so you don't have to pay a fee to check them! The same goes for booster seats; even though they cannot be used on the plane, they are typically considered checked baggage free of charge.

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Only small, collapsible and light strollers (up to 20lbs/9kgs) can be checked at the gate. Any stroller that weighs over 20lbs/9 kgs, is too large or is non-collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter.”

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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.

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Infants under the age of 2 years who are held by an adult are not allowed any hand luggage. Other children who occupy a seat are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults. You are allowed to bring a stroller or a baby basket on board in addition to your carry-on.

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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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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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You can travel with your stroller free of charge as checked baggage. Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter.

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Car seats and strollers can be checked just like any other item (at no charge at most airlines). If you do check items either at the ticket counter or gate, get your luggage tag for them straight away. Even if you're not boarding any time soon, attach your luggage tag to your items as soon as possible.

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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying. Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin's front wall.

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If you're feeling like a newborn about travel rules, let's get you up to speed. Baby food, milk and water are allowed. Containers can be over 3.4oz, but put them in a separate bin for x-ray screening.

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Other liquids (and formula) for your baby/toddler You can bring water, juice, milk, etc. for your baby or toddler through security and on the plane. You do not need to throw away liquids for a baby/toddler before passing through security.

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But what about the snacks!?!? Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, cereals, cracker, pretzel and cookies are all good options. Creamy items such as jams, peanut butter and yogurt however, are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item and will need to fit into a quart-sized bag.

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