Delta Infant Policy 2026 – Age Rules, Lap Infant Fees & Baggage Allowance

Traveling with an infant on Delta Airlines can be smooth and stress-free when parents know the rules ahead of time. The Delta infant policy clearly outlines age limits, seating choices, applicable fees, baggage allowances, and booking steps, helping families travel safely and comfortably with complete confidence.

Delta Airlines Infant Age Requirements

On Delta Airlines, a baby is considered an infant if they are under two years old on the day of travel. Parents can choose to have the child sit on their lap or book a separate seat, where an approved child safety seat can be used for extra comfort and safety.

Infants must be at least 7 days old to travel on Delta flights.
Babies under 7 days old may travel only with medical clearance from a physician.
Children under 2 years old are considered infants.
Once a child turns 2 years old, they must occupy a separate seat with a purchased ticket.

Delta Airlines Lap Infant Policy

A lap infant is a child under two years old who travels on an adult’s lap. Most airlines allow one lap of infants per adult, free on domestic flights, while international flights usually require a percentage of the adult fare.

Infants under 2 years can travel as lap infants, sitting on an adult’s lap.
One lap infant per adult is allowed.
On domestic Delta flights, lap infants usually fly free.
On international flights, lap infants are charged 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes.

Delta Airlines Seat for Infants

A seat for an infant is a purchased airline seat specifically for a child under two years old.

Parents may choose to purchase a separate seat for their infant.
A paid seat lets parents use an FAA-approved car seat, which adds an extra \
layer of safety for the infant. When an infant travels in their own seat, Delta charges the regular applicable fare.

Delta Airlines Booking and Adding an Infant

Delta has different rules for lap infants and infants with their own seats under the Delta infant policy, so it’s best to review these details while booking. Adding the infant early helps ensure proper seating, safety arrangements, and a more comfortable trip for both parents and baby.

Parents can add an infant to a Delta reservation in several ways:

Online through the “My Trips” section on Delta’s website
By selecting “Infant in Arms” under special service requests
By calling Delta customer service for help

It’s always better to add the infant ahead of time rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport.

How to Add a Baby on a Delta Economy Ticket?

When booking on Delta’s website or mobile app, you can include your infant during the initial reservation. If you forget to add the baby at first, you can easily update your booking later.

Choose “Infant (under 2)” or “Infant-in-Arms” as a traveler category.
Enter the baby’s full name and date of birth.

After Booking (Ticket):

Log into My Trips.
Under Special Service Requests, find Infant-in-Arms and add your baby for each flight segment.
You can also call Delta Reservations if you prefer phone support.

This lets Delta know that your infant is traveling with you and ensures the correct boarding documents are issued.

Delta Airlines Infant Baggage Allowance

The infant baggage allowance is the amount of luggage a child under two years old is allowed to travel with.

For lap infants, airlines usually allow a diaper bag or small carry-on, while infants with a purchased seat may receive a full checked baggage allowance similar to an adult.

Lap infants traveling free do not receive a standard baggage allowance.
Infants on international flights may be allowed one checked bag (up to 20 lbs) depending on the fare.
Parents can carry one diaper bag in addition to their carry-on.
Strollers and car seats can usually be checked free of charge.

Bassinet Availability

Delta offers limited bassinets on select long-haul international aircraft.
Bassinets must be requested in advance and are subject to availability.
Seating is usually in bulkhead rows and depends on the infant’s size and weight.

Do Babies Under 2 Fly Free on Delta?

Yes, on Delta Air Lines, babies under 2 years old can fly free under certain conditions:

Babies under 2 can fly free on domestic flights as lap infants.
One lap infant per adult is allowed.
Must be added to the reservation.
International flights usually require a small fare.
Optional seat purchase for safety is available.

Important Safety Rules

Airlines require specific safety measures for infants, including using approved car seats or restraints when in a separate seat, keeping lap infants securely on an adult’s lap during takeoff and landing, and following crew instructions at all times to ensure the child’s safety.

Infants must be held securely during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Lap infants are not allowed in exit rows.
Only FAA-approved child restraint systems are permitted onboard.

Items Parents Should Carry

To ensure a comfortable flight, parents should pack:

Diapers and wipes
Extra clothing
Baby food, milk, or formula
Bottles and snacks
Toys and comfort items
Stroller (gate-check recommended)

Informing Delta About Your Infant

This means notifying Delta Airlines that you are traveling with a child under two. You can add your infant during booking or later via Manage My Trips or customer service, specifying if the infant will be a lap child or in a separate seat, ensuring proper documentation and seating arrangements.

Yes, parents must notify Delta when traveling with an infant. Informing the airline helps:

Arrange seating properly
Request bassinets
Ensure compliance with safety policies
Avoid last-minute issues at the airport

How to Book a Ticket for a Lap Infant on Delta

Delta classifies lap infants as “Infant-in-Arms.” This means the baby travels on your lap instead of in their own seat.

Key points for a lap infant:

The baby must be under 2 years old on the day of travel.
On domestic flights (within the U.S.), lap infants can travel for free with one adult per infant.
For international travel, you must add the infant and pay about 10% of the adult fare plus taxes/fees.

Booking a lap infant means simply selecting or adding the infant as a traveler there is no separate full-price ticket for domestic lap travel.

How Much Is the Delta Minor Fee?

For infants under two traveling as lap children, domestic flights are usually free. A separate seat for the infant requires full adult fare, while unaccompanied minors (ages 5–14) incur additional fees.

Domestic Lap Infant Fee: Free when added as Infant-in-Arms on U.S. flights.
Unaccompanied Minor Fee (if applicable): Not for infants, but Delta charges about $150 each way for the unaccompanied minor service (ages 5-14).

Remember: lap infants don’t get a baggage allowance independent of the parent’s allowance unless ticketed separately on international routes.

Tips for a Smooth Infant Travel Experience

Parents should pack all the baby’s essentials, reach the airport early, and follow the airline’s infant rules.

Conclusion

Overall, Delta Airlines offers family-friendly services that help parents who travel with infants. The Delta Airlines Infant Policy provides domestic free lap infant travel and select flights with basic options to ensure comfort for parents and their babies. In addition, your journey will proceed without problems when you plan ahead and know the recommended luggage regulations and infant policies.