What is a child on American Airlines?

Children (2 years or older) Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can't travel alone under any circumstances.



On American Airlines in 2026, the definition of a "child" depends on their age and whether they are traveling alone. Infants under 2 years old can travel as "lap children" for free (domestically) or at a reduced fare (internationally), but once they turn 2, they are required to have their own ticketed seat at an adult fare. For seating purposes, American's system identifies "families traveling with children under 15" to ensure they are seated next to at least one adult in their party at no extra cost. When it comes to flying alone, children aged 5 to 14 are required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service ($150 fee each way), while this service is optional for young adults aged 15 to 17. It is a "safety essential" to carry proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, for any traveler under 18, as gate agents may request verification to comply with FAA and international safety regulations.

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Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age.

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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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If you're a family traveling with children under 15, and do not already have seats assigned, our system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We'll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we'll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

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A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

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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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0 Acceptance Policy Children five (5) years or older may travel unaccompanied on American Airlines flights that do not change aircraft. Children must be eight (8) through fourteen (14) years old to travel unaccompanied on connecting flights.

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Typically, children above the age of 2 require their own seat and will need a flight ticket. While some airlines may allow children under 2 to travel for free on domestic flights when sitting on an adult's lap, it's recommended to purchase a separate seat for their comfort and safety.

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For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies. The unaccompanied minor fee is $150* each way, plus applicable taxes†, in addition to the ticket price.

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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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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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Can I take milk on a plane for my toddler? Travel with toddlers on planes, means you still need to think about food and drink for them. And yes, you can still bring milk or water on board for your toddler. It's usually advised to bring water in a sippy cup rather than a normal water bottle.

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Write out the details: Anyone younger than 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or guardian giving permission, destination and length of stay.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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Children under 24 months are allowed to fly as a lap child and can be added to an adult reservation when booking online. A birth certificate or another form of identification with a birthdate is required to provide proof that they are under 2 years old.

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