Airline Child and Infant Travel Policies: United States

Airline Child and Infant Travel Policies: United States

Below is a comprehensive list of airline child and infant travel policies for the United States.   Below you may click on the links to each airline (in alphabetical order) to be taken directly to the airline’s website page that describes their policies on domestic and international travel with children and infants, including ticket cost, approved travel restraint systems, baggage allowance, bassinet requests, and documentation requirements.

If you will be using a child restraint system, please make sure you check with the airline maximum size of the seat (sometimes approved car seats can be too wide for seats, especially in bulkhead).  Also note that there are typically restrictions on where a CRS can be used (E.g. no exit rows, aisle seats, etc.).

I will provide a brief summary of each policy (as of May 17, 2012).

You will also find a link to each airline’s customer service phone number and email addresses in case you need to ask customer service a specific question regarding your situation, or to request seats or special meals to make your journey more comfortable.  Happy flying!

Seat Guru run by TripAdvisor is also a fabulous resource which includes seat maps and information on different airlines globally, including detailed infant and child policies by each airline.  Check it out!

 

AIRTRAN Child and Infant Travel Policies

All contact information for Air Tran Airways can be found here.

SeatGuru for AirTran

Restrictions: Will not transport infants 14 days or younger unless written permission is provided by an attending physician approving travel

Required documentation: Birth certificate for infant-in-lap under age of two to verify date of birth

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap ticket is free of charge for domestic flights, infant-in-lap flying internationally is 10% of adult standard fare, all infants and children traveling in own seat pay full standard fare; if infant turns 2 during trip, own seat must be purchased for return flight

Checked baggage allowance: standard cost for each checked bag, car seats and strollers may be checked for free

Carry-on allowance: Baby is allowed as many carry-on items as possible for needs during flight, airline recommends carrying an “ample supply of baby care items in case of flight delays,” strollers may be checked at gate

Approved child restraints: For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets for infants are not available on AirTran Aircraft.

 

ALASKA AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All phone and email contact information for Alaska Airlines can be found here.

SeatGuru for Alaska Airlines

Restrictions: no minimum age restrictions for travel but recommend checking with doctor, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required documentation: proof of age for infant in lap (birth certificate or passport)

Ticket Price: free for infant-in-lap for domestic travel, full standard fare applies to infants or children with own seat; if child turns 2 during trip, own seat must be purchased for return trip

Checked baggage allowance: car seat and/or stroller may be checked free of charge

Carry-on allowance: diaper bag counts toward standard carry-on allowance for infant-in-lap, ticketed infant or child receives standard carry-on allowance

Approved child restraints: For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on Alaska Airline air crafts.

 

AMERICAN AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All contact phone numbers for American Airlines can be found here.

SeatGuru for American Airlines

Restrictions: infants over 2 days old are accepted to travel, but older than 7 days is recommended

Required Documentation: proof of age (birth certificate) for domestic infant-in-lap, passport for international travel

Ticket Price: free for infants under age 2 traveling domestically infant-in-lap, full standard fare for all infants and children purchasing own seat, fee is applicable (typically 10% of standard fare) for all infant-in-lap children under two traveling internationally (call for prices)

Checked baggage allowance: infant-in-lap is not allowed additional free baggage for domestic flights, infant-in-lap flying internationally allowed one bag up to 50 lbs., infant or child traveling in own seat on standard fare allowed standard baggage allowance, umbrella stroller and safety seat may be checked for free domestic or international,

Carry-on allowance: diaper bag allowed for free, umbrella strollers may be checked at gate or put in overhead bin if it fits

Approved child restraints:  An approved child restraint is required for infants under the age of 2 traveling in their own seat.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

The FAA-approved Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) four-point shoulder harness is approved.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets are available on a first come, first served basis on 777 and some 767 aircraft.  Bassinets cannot be reserved in advance.  Ask about availability at check-in.  Infant must be under 2 years old and weigh no more than 35 pounds (15.8kg).

 

DELTA AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All contact phone numbers globally for Delta can be found here.

SeatGuru for Delta

Restrictions: newborns under 7 days old require physician’s travel approval letter (Skywest will not allow an infant less than 8 days old on board, Comair requires a physician approval letter for newborns less than 12 days old, and Pinnacle requires a physician approval letter for newborns less than 7 days old); limit of 2 infants under the age of 2 per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate or passport) for domestic travel, passport for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free for domestic travel and 10% of adult ticket price + taxes and surcharges for international travel, no discount available for infants or children traveling domestically with their own seat, discount available for infants and children traveling internationally with their own seat

Checked baggage allowance: infant-in-lap domestically receives no baggage allowance, infant-in-lap international receive one checked bag up to 20 lbs, strollers and seat restraints may be checked for free for all flying infants and children, standard allowance for children with full tickets at least 50% of adult ticket price

Carry-on allowance: one carry on bag per infant-in-lap plus an FAA approved seat or a bassinet, standard for children with full tickets

Approved child restraints: An approved child restraint is required for infants under the age of 2 traveling in their own seat.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests:  Bassinets are available on a first come, first served basis on some aircraft.  Bassinets cannot be reserved in advance or at check-in.  They may be requested at the departure gate.  I was unable to find any information on their website about bassinet weight or height restrictions- call to ask.  On a personal note, we have never successfully secured a bassinet seat on Delta at the departure gate.  Bulkhead seats are almost always given to priority members rather than families on Delta.

 

FRONTIER AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Frontier contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Frontier

Restrictions: newborns may not fly until they are at least 7 days old, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate or passport), passport required for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free for domestic flights, infant-in-lap is charged taxes and surcharges for international flights, standard fare applies for any infant or child flying in own seat

Checked baggage allowance: standard baggage allowance applies depending on fare class of ticket, strollers and seat restraints may be checked for free for all flying infants and children

Carry-on allowance: one carry on bag per infant-in-lap plus an FAA approved seat or a bassinet, standard for children with full tickets, stroller may be checked at gate

Approved child restraints: An approved child restraint is required for infants under the age of 2 traveling in their own seat.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on Frontier Airlines aircraft.

 

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Hawaiian Airlines contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Hawaiian Airlines

Restrictions: no minimum age restrictions, but newborns under age 7 require physician approval letter, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate or passport), passport required for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free for domestic flights, infant or child in own seat domestically charged standard adult fare, infant-in-lap international is charged infant fare, infant or child seat purchase internationally is charged child fare

Checked baggage allowance: no baggage allowance for infant-in-lap ticket, strollers and seat restraints may be checked for free for all flying infants and children

Carry-on allowance: no carry-on allowance for infant-in-lap, stroller or car seat may be checked at gate for free

Approved child restraints: An approved child restraint is required for infants under the age of 2 traveling in their own seat.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinet requests are a request only and not guaranteed.  Bassinet requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure by calling Reservations.  Bassinets are available for request to and from the following cities: Sydney, Australia; Haneda, Japan; Osaka, Japan; Incheon, Korea.  If, on the day of departure there are unused bassinets, passengers may request them and are given on a first come, first serve basis. Please inquire at the ticket counter upon check-in if we will be able to accommodate the bassinet request.

 

ISLAND AIR Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Island Air contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Island Air

Restrictions: A maximum of one infant is permitted for each fare-paying adult. The child must be placed in an approved infant safety seat.

Required Documentation: Island Air reserves the right to request proof of age at anytime (birth certificate, passport). If passenger is unable to provide proof of age, WP will charge the applicable fare and require the child to occupy a seat.

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free, infant or child in own seat domestically charged standard adult fare

Checked baggage allowance: There is no baggage charge for car seats, child booster seats or strollers. Baggage fees do apply for a lap child’s luggage that does not qualify as a child restraint device.

Carry-on allowance: Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag not to exceed 16lbs and one personal item.  A diaper bag or infant supplies counts toward a “personal item.” If the stroller or infant carrier exceeds the size limitations for carryon items, the Customer Service Agent will “gate-check” the item (at no additional charge) to your final destination, and the item will be placed in the cargo compartment for transportation. When you reach your destination the item will be returned to you at the arrival gate.

Approved child restraints: An approved child restraint is not required but recommended for all infants under 40 pounds.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

No booster seats, vests, or harness-type child restraint devices are permitted.  While you may carry your baby on and off the aircraft in an infant carrier (provided it does not exceed the size limitations for carry-on items), it must be properly stowed either underneath a seat or in an overhead bin for taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on Island Air aircraft.

JET BLUE AIRWAYS Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Jet Blue Airways contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Jet Blue Airways

Restrictions: newborns must be 3 days old, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate or passport), passport required for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free for domestic flights, infant-in-lap international is charged infant fare (check with Jet Blue for infant fare), infant or child with own seat is charged standard adult fare

Checked baggage allowance: no baggage allowance for infant-in-lap ticket, strollers and seat restraints may be checked for free for all flying infants and children

Carry-on allowance: diaper bag allowed for infant-in-lap, stroller or car seat may be checked at gate for free

Approved child restraints: A child restraint is not required for infants or children traveling in their own seat as long as they can sit up on their own.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on JetBlue aircraft.
SPIRIT AIRLINES Child and Infant Travel Policies

All contact information for Spirit Airlines here

SeatGuru for Spirit Airlines

Restrictions: An infant must be at least 7 days old, unless medical clearance is provided.  Only one infant-in-lap allowed per traveler at least 15 years of age.

Required Documentation: Spirit reserves the right to request documented proof of age for any traveler 2 years of age or younger. Please be prepared to provide documentation (birth certificate, passport, etc) upon request.

Ticket price: Infants under the age of 2 fly free of charge; if a child has their second birthday between the outbound and return flight, a seat will need to be purchased for the return flight. Taxes and fees may apply for the infant, depending on destination.

Checked baggage allowance: Standard baggage fees apply.  One car seat and one stroller may be checked at the ticket counter per child, free of charge.

Carry-on allowance: In addition to one allowed personal carry-on item, an infant diaper bag is also allowed.  A car seat that is an FAA approved child restraint system may be carried onboard the plane if a seat has been purchased for the child. Strollers are not allowed onboard the plane; however, it can be checked at the gate free of charge.

Approved child restraints: A child restraint is not required for infants or children traveling in their own seat as long as they can sit up on their own.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on Spirit Airline air craft.

SOUTHWEST Airline Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Southwest Airlines contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Southwest Airlines

Restrictions: newborns must be 14 days old or medically certified to travel if younger, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate), and Boarding Verification Document available at the ticket counter on the day of travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant in lap is free, infant under two with own seat is charged a discounted infant fare, children age 2-11 with own seat qualify for a discounted child fare

Checked baggage allowance: no baggage allowance for infant-in-lap ticket but each ticketed passenger is allowed two checked bags free, strollers and seat restraints may be checked for free for all flying infants and children

Carry-on allowance: each person allowed one carry-on plus small personal item, infant-in-lap, stroller or car seat may be checked at gate for free

Approved child restraints: Although Southwest does not require use of an approved child restraint, they strongly recommend them for all infants and children that are flying.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.  If your device does not have one of the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.  This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Booster seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests: Bassinets do not appear to be available on Southwest aircraft.

 

UNITED AIRLINE Child and Infant Travel Policies

All United Airlines contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for United Airlines

Restrictions: minimum age requirement of 7 days old, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate), passport for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant-in-lap domestically is free, under age of 2 infant-in-lap internationally is charged 10% of standard fare, infant under two with own seat is charged full standard fare

Checked baggage allowance: no baggage allowance for infant-in-lap ticket domestically, one free checked bag allowed for infant-in-lap ticket internationally,  one stroller or one car seat is allowed to be checked for free internationally or domestically, but if both are checked one will have fees applicable

Carry-on allowance: diaper bag allowed in addition to maximum carry-on allowance, in addition to a stroller which may be checked at gate for free (strollers may not be brought on board), and a car seat

Approved child restraints: Approved child restraint systems are allowed for infants with their own seats and children.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.

The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Bassinet Requests:  A limited number of bassinets can be reserved for use, free of charge, on international aircraft (Boeing 747, 767 and 777). These bassinets are large enough to hold a child up to approximately six months old. They may not be used for takeoff, landing, or when the seat belt sign is illuminated. To request a bassinet for your flight, please contact United Reservations (1-800-UNITED-1) within the United States, or call the appropriate worldwide contact. Bassinet reservations are subject to availability. It is recommended that you make your request early, as bassinets may no longer be available for your flight once you arrive at the airport.

US AIRWAYS Child and Infant Travel Policies

All US Airways contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for US Airways

Restrictions: no minimum age requirement, one infant-in-lap allowed per adult

Required Documentation: any documentation verifying child’s age for infant-in-lap (birth certificate), passport for international travel

Ticket price: under age of 2 infant-in-lap domestically is free, under age of 2 infant-in-lap internationally is charged 10% of standard fare, infant under two with own seat is charged full standard fare

Checked baggage allowance: no baggage allowance for infant-in-lap ticket domestically, one free checked bag allowed for infant-in-lap ticket internationally,  one stroller or one car seat is allowed to be checked for free internationally or domestically, but if both are checked one will have fees applicable

Carry-on allowance: diaper bag allowed in addition to maximum carry-on allowance, in addition to a stroller or car seat which may be checked at gate for free

Approved child restraints: Approved child restraint systems are allowed for infants and children with their own seats, and are allowed for us for an infant-in-lap if a seat is available next to the adult.  For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.

The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Other restraint devices (e.g., belly belts, snugglies) are allowed only during the cruise portion of flight because they attach to the guardian or the guardian’s restraint system.

Bassinet Requests: I could not find any information on their website related to bassinet requests or weight/ height restrictions.  It appears that the only aircraft that may provide bassinets are on the 767.

 

VIRGIN AMERICA Child and Infant Travel Policies

All Virgin America contact information can be found here.

SeatGuru for Virgin America

Restrictions: A guest must be at least 15 years old to carry an infant onboard, and may only carry one infant under the age of 2 per guest.    Infants traveling under the age of 7 days may be required to have a doctor’s note with them indicating it is safe for to travel.

Required Documentation: Proof of age may be requested for all traveling infants-in-lap.  nfants traveling internationally are required to have a passport and are subject to the same travel and document requirements as adults.   Infants will need to have their own boarding pass issued at check in. if the infant is not traveling with both parents, or with persons other than the parents, click here to learn more about required international documentation.

Ticket price: Infants traveling in lap fly free, and a full adult fare if purchasing his/her own seat; if a child turns 2 during the trip, a full fare ticket will need to be purchased for his/her own seat on the return flight.  Also, lap infants exiting Mexico will be assessed APHIS and INS taxes of approximately $12.

Checked baggage allowance: Main Cabin guests may check up to 10 bags for a fee of $25 each. Guests who have purchased the fully refundable Main Cabin fare may check the first bag up to 50 lbs free of charge.  One stroller and one infant or child safety seat can be checked for each fare-paying guest at no charge.

Carry-on allowance: Guests are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item which includes an infant diaper bag.  An approved infant/ child safety seat is allowed on board if the child has a reserved seat and will be using the safety seat during the flight.

Approved child restraints: Virgin America will accept FAA approved infant/child restraint systems (car seats or CARES harness) when the accompanying adult has purchased a seat for the infant/child. The FAA recommends that children weighing less than 20 lbs. be placed in a rear-facing child restraint system. However, restraint systems are not required. For car seats manufactured in the United States after 26 February 1985, they must be US FMVSS #213 or FAA certified, bearing a red sticker with text that reads: “This restraint is certified for us in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Canadian car seats must be Transport Canada certified, European Union must be JAA certified, German must be TUV/958-01/2001 certified, and U.N. must be ECE R 44-03.

The only vest or harness-type child restraint device allowed is CARES restraint device.

Unlabeled child safety seats, vests, harnesses (except for CARES), or belly belts cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing.  Booster-type child restraint systems are not authorized onboard.

Bassinet Requests: It does not appear that infant bassinets are available on Virgin America aircraft.

 

Is there an airline missing from this list?  Is the link broken, or has a policy change?  Please contact me and let me know since airline child and infant travel policies can change!  (Last updated May 17, 2012)

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4 thoughts on “Airline Child and Infant Travel Policies: United States”

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  • I just got back from a trip to Sweeden with my family ( 3 years old and 4 months old daughter) We flew with Delta Airlines and I have to say they were the worst flight ever when traveling with kids. They have zero customer service skills. The attendants where not nice at all to us. I would highly discourage anyone from flying Delta if you are planning a relaxing trip with your family. In the past we have travelled with American Airlines and they have always seemed very accommodating to our needs. Don’t fly Delta if you are traveling with kids.

    • Hi Andrea- I agree completely and have written several posts about how much I dislike Delta flying as a family. My husband and I flew Delta exclusively before having kids, and now we never, ever fly with them. They are horrible. For international flights we typically choose Etihad if possible- they are the most family-friendly airline we have flown. We try to stay away from most US-based airlines- I think there isn’t a very family-friendly culture in the US in general, which manifests in the way families are treated on flights. Sorry you had a bad flight with Delta!

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