American Airlines Infant Policy: Everything You Need to Know
American Airlines has a comprehensive infant policy that outlines the requirements and restrictions for traveling with infants on their flights. The policy covers everything from eligibility and age requirements to seating and safety, in-flight comfort and amenities, and baggage policy and allowances. The aim of the policy is to ensure the safety and comfort of both the infant and other passengers on the flight.
Eligibility and age requirements are an essential part of the American Airlines infant policy. Infants under two years of age are eligible to travel as lap children, but they must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Additionally, infants over two years of age must have their seat and pay the standard fare. The policy also outlines the necessary travel preparations and documentation required for traveling with infants, such as passports, visas, and health certificates.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines’ infant policy covers eligibility and age requirements, travel preparations and documentation, seating and safety, in-flight comfort and amenities, and baggage policy and allowances.
- Infants under two years of age can travel as lap children, but they must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age.
- The policy outlines the necessary travel preparations and documentation required for traveling with infants, such as passports, visas, and health certificates.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
When it comes to flying with infants, American Airlines has specific eligibility and age requirements that must be met. This section will cover the proof of age requirements and age restrictions for flying alone.
Proof of Age Requirements
American Airlines requires proof of age for all infants traveling on their flights. Infants must be under the age of 2 at the time of travel to qualify as a lap infant. Birth certificates are the most commonly accepted form of proof of age. However, other forms of identification may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Age Restrictions for Flying Alone
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 may travel alone on American Airlines flights, but they must use the unaccompanied minor service. The service includes an escort who will accompany the child through security, to the gate, and onto the plane. The escort will also meet the child at their destination and hand them over to the designated adult.
Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on American Airlines flights. They must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other designated adult who is at least 18 years old.
In summary, American Airlines has specific eligibility and age requirements for infants and children traveling on their flights. Parents and guardians should be prepared to provide proof of age for infants and arrange for the unaccompanied minor service for children traveling alone.
Travel Preparations and Documentation
When traveling with an infant on American Airlines, it is important to prepare and bring all necessary travel documents. This section will cover the required travel documents for infants and special assistance and medical forms.
Required Travel Documents for Infants
All infants traveling on American Airlines must have a valid passport or other approved travel document. In addition, infants traveling internationally may require a visa or other entry documents depending on the destination country’s requirements. It is recommended that parents check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country for specific travel document requirements.
If the infant is traveling with only one parent or guardian, a letter of consent from the absent parent or legal guardian may be required. This letter should include the absent parent or legal guardian’s contact information, the dates of travel, and the names of the traveling parent or guardian and the infant.
Special Assistance and Medical Forms
American Airlines offers special assistance for passengers with disabilities or medical conditions, including infants. Passengers requiring special assistance should contact the Special Assistance Coordinator at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight to arrange for any necessary accommodations.
If the infant has a medical condition that requires special attention during the flight, a passenger medical form or doctor’s certificate may be required. This form should be completed by the infant’s physician and submitted to American Airlines at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight.
Pregnant women traveling with infants should also be aware of American Airlines’ policy regarding pregnant passengers. Pregnant women who are 36 weeks or more into their pregnancy may be required to provide a doctor’s certificate stating that they are fit to travel. It is recommended that pregnant women check with their physician and American Airlines for specific requirements before traveling.
Overall, parents traveling with infants on American Airlines should ensure that they have all necessary travel documents and have made any necessary arrangements for special assistance or medical needs.
Seating and Safety
When flying with an infant on American Airlines, it’s important to understand the airline’s seating and safety policies. American Airlines allows infants under the age of 2 to fly for free on domestic flights, but a ticket must be purchased for international flights. Here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to seating and safety.
Bassinets on International Flights
American Airlines offers bassinets on international flights for infants who are under the age of 2 and weigh less than 20 pounds. These bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved in advance by contacting American Airlines reservations. It’s important to note that there are a limited number of bassinets available on each flight, so it’s recommended to reserve one as early as possible.
Child Restraint Devices and Safety Seats
American Airlines allows parents to bring their own child restraint devices and safety seats on board for infants and children. These devices must be FAA-approved and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Parents can reserve a seat for their child and use the device during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. It’s important to note that the device must fit in the seat and cannot block any emergency exits.
Overall, American Airlines has clear policies when it comes to seating and safety for infants and children. Parents should take advantage of the airline’s bassinet and child restraint device policies to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for their little ones.
Baggage Policy and Allowances
When traveling with American Airlines, passengers are allowed to bring a certain amount of baggage and additional items for infants. It is important to note that baggage allowances may vary depending on the type of ticket purchased and the destination.
Carry-On and Checked Baggage
Passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, on board. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the destination and ticket type. Passengers can check their baggage at the airport or online before their flight. It is important to check the baggage allowances before packing to avoid additional fees.
Additional Items for Infants
Passengers traveling with infants under 2 years of age are allowed to bring additional items on board, including a diaper bag, stroller, and car seat. The diaper bag must fit under the seat in front of the passenger and can be in addition to the carry-on bag allowance.
Strollers and car seats can be checked at the gate or at the ticket counter. Passengers can also bring a small, collapsible stroller on board if it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger.
It is important to note that baggage allowances for infants may vary depending on the destination and ticket type. Passengers should check with American Airlines before traveling to ensure they are aware of any restrictions or additional fees.
In-Flight Comfort and Amenities
When flying with American Airlines, parents traveling with infants can expect a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and stress-free flight for both themselves and their little ones.
Feeding and Changing Facilities
American Airlines provides feeding and changing facilities on board all of their aircraft. Parents can request hot water for baby food or formula, and the airline also allows passengers to bring their own baby food and snacks on board. Breast milk can also be brought on board, and the airline will store it in a refrigerator if requested.
Changing tables are available in the lavatories on board all American Airlines flights. Parents can also request additional diapers and wipes from the flight attendants if needed.
Entertainment Options for Children
American Airlines offers a variety of entertainment options for children of all ages. In-flight entertainment systems on most aircraft include a selection of children’s movies and TV shows. The airline also provides children with activity books and crayons to keep them entertained during the flight.
For parents traveling with infants, American Airlines allows the use of a Cares harness, a safety restraint device designed for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. The airline also allows parents to bring their own toys on board to keep their little ones entertained.
Overall, parents traveling with infants can expect a range of amenities and services from American Airlines to ensure a comfortable and stress-free flight for both themselves and their children.
Partner Airlines and Codeshare Flights
American Airlines has a number of partner airlines, both domestic and international, that operate codeshare flights. Codeshare flights are flights where two or more airlines share the same flight, allowing passengers to book flights with one airline but travel on another airline’s flight.
Partner airlines for American Airlines include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar Airways, among others. These partner airlines offer a variety of benefits for American Airlines passengers, including access to more destinations, more frequent flights, and more seamless travel experiences.
For international flights, American Airlines codeshare flights with its partner airlines often means that passengers can enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. For example, American Airlines codeshares with British Airways on flights between the United States and London, allowing passengers to enjoy British Airways’ premium services, such as its luxurious first-class cabin.
On domestic flights, American Airlines codeshare flights with its partner airlines can also offer passengers more options and flexibility. For example, American Airlines codeshares with Alaska Airlines on flights within the United States, allowing passengers to book flights with American Airlines but travel on Alaska Airlines’ flights, which may offer more convenient schedules or better pricing.
Overall, American Airlines’ partner airlines and codeshare flights offer passengers a variety of benefits, including access to more destinations, more frequent flights, and more seamless travel experiences.
Special Services and Boarding Procedures
Priority Boarding for Families
American Airlines offers priority boarding for families traveling with infants and young children. This allows families to board the aircraft before general boarding begins, giving them extra time to settle in and get comfortable. Families with children under the age of 2 can also board during pre-boarding, which takes place before general boarding and allows families to get situated before other passengers board.
Traveling with Strollers and Car Seats
American Airlines allows families traveling with infants and young children to bring strollers and car seats on board the aircraft. Strollers can be checked at the gate or at the ticket counter, and can also be brought on board as a carry-on item. Car seats can be brought on board as a carry-on item or checked with the rest of the luggage.
American Airlines also allows families to bring wagons, cribs, pack and play, and play pens on board the aircraft, subject to certain restrictions. These items must be checked in at the ticket counter or gate, and will be returned to the family at the aircraft door upon arrival.
Overall, American Airlines provides a range of special services and boarding procedures to make traveling with infants and young children as easy and stress-free as possible. Families can take advantage of priority boarding, bring strollers and car seats on board, and check additional items like wagons, cribs, pack and play, and play pens.
Fares and Ticketing
Infant Ticketing Policy
American Airlines allows infants under the age of two to travel for free when they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. However, if the infant turns two during the trip, a ticket must be purchased for the return flight. If the infant is traveling alone or with a different adult, a ticket must be purchased for the infant.
Discounts for Children and Infants
American Airlines offers discounted fares for children and infants who are traveling with an adult. Children between the ages of two and 11 are eligible for discounted fares, while infants under the age of two can travel for free when accompanied by an adult. However, if the infant is traveling alone or with a different adult, a ticket must be purchased for the infant.
When traveling with an infant, parents or guardians have the option to purchase a seat for the infant at a discounted fare or to have the infant travel as a lap child. If the parent or guardian chooses to have the infant travel as a lap child, they must inform American Airlines at the time of booking. Lap children must be secured with a special seatbelt during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
In conclusion, American Airlines has a straightforward infant ticketing policy that allows infants to travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Discounts are also available for children and infants traveling with an adult. Parents or guardians have the option to purchase a seat for the infant or to have the infant travel as a lap child.
Policies for Unaccompanied Minors
American Airlines has specific policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of unaccompanied minors traveling alone.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are traveling alone are considered unaccompanied minors and must follow the airline’s guidelines. American Airlines requires that parents or guardians complete the necessary paperwork and pay the applicable fees before the child’s flight.
Once the child arrives at the airport, they will be escorted by an American Airlines representative through security and to their gate. During the flight, the child will be supervised by the flight attendants and will be seated in a designated area of the plane.
It is important to note that unaccompanied minors are not allowed to take connecting flights, and they must be picked up by an authorized adult at their destination airport. Additionally, American Airlines requires that the person picking up the child provide valid identification and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled arrival time.
Overall, American Airlines has a clear and comprehensive policy regarding unaccompanied minors traveling alone. Parents and guardians can rest assured that their child will be well taken care of during their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for traveling with an infant on American Airlines?
Passengers traveling with infants on American Airlines are required to follow certain guidelines. Infants must be at least 7 days old to travel on American Airlines. Infants under the age of 2 can travel on a parent’s lap for free or in a purchased seat with an approved car seat. Parents or guardians must also provide proper identification for themselves and their infant.
How does American Airlines accommodate passengers flying with a car seat?
American Airlines allows passengers to bring a car seat on board as long as it meets certain requirements. The car seat must be approved for use on aircraft and must fit in the seat dimensions of the purchased seat. Passengers must also purchase a seat for their infant if they plan to use a car seat during the flight.
Can I bring a stroller on board when flying with American Airlines, and what are the restrictions?
Passengers traveling with infants on American Airlines are allowed to bring a stroller on board as long as it meets certain requirements. The stroller must fit within the size limits for carry-on items and must be checked at the gate. American Airlines also allows passengers to check strollers and car seats for free at the ticket counter or gate.
What age does a child need to be to fly as an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are traveling alone are considered unaccompanied minors on American Airlines. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors must follow specific guidelines and fees may apply.
Is a birth certificate required for infants traveling on American Airlines?
American Airlines does not require a birth certificate for infants traveling on their flights. However, passengers may be asked to provide proof of age if the infant appears to be older than 2 years old.
Are diaper bags allowed as carry-on items for passengers with infants on American Airlines?
Passengers traveling with infants on American Airlines are allowed to bring a diaper bag as a carry-on item. The diaper bag must fit within the size limits for carry-on items and must be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger or in an overhead bin.
