United Airlines always prioritizes the safety and comfort of passengers, irrespective of age. Hence, traveling with infant on United airlines is a good choice. It gives you comfort, security, and stress-free flight experience. You must be well acquainted with United rules before boarding.
What Is The Overview Of United Airlines Infant Policy?
United Airlines allows infants under two to fly as lap children for free on domestic flights. For international travel, you typically pay 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. One stroller and one car seat can be checked for free. Families with infants also enjoy pre-boarding privileges.
Who Qualifies As An Infant On United Airlines?
If your child celebrates their second birthday during the trip, they will require a purchased seat for any remaining flight segments. For safety, newborns must be at least seven days old to fly.
Who Qualifies As An Infant:
- Age Limit: Children must be under 24 months old to qualify for infant status and lap-child pricing.
- Minimum Age: Newborns must be at least seven days old to travel; those younger require a physician’s written approval.
- Accompanying Adult: Every infant must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old (or a parent/guardian).
- One-to-One Ratio: Each adult can only hold one lap infant. If you are traveling with two infants alone, you must purchase a seat for the second child.
- Proof of Age: You may be asked to provide a birth certificate or passport to verify the child is still under two.
Read more: What Happens if you Miss Your Flight with United Airlines?
Guide To United Airlines Age And Seating For Infants
United Airlines categorizes infants as children under two years old. You can choose between a lap seat (free domestically, 10% fare internationally) or purchasing a separate seat for use with an FAA-approved car seat. If your child turns two during your trip, a seat must be purchased for all remaining flights.
Age and Seating Key Pointers:
- Lap Child Option: Infants under 24 months can fly on an adult’s lap. You must add them to your reservation even if the fare is free.
- Ticketed Seat: You can buy a standard seat for an infant to use an FAA-approved car seat, which is the safest way for them to travel.
- One Infant Per Adult: For safety, each adult is limited to one lap child. If traveling with two infants, the second must have its own purchased seat.
- Birthday Rule: If your child turns two at any point during the journey, they legally require their own seat for all flights following that birthday.
- Prohibited Rows: Infants (lap or ticketed) are never allowed in emergency exit rows. Additionally, car seats are restricted in certain premium cabins with airbag seatbelts.
How To Add Infants To United Airlines Booking?
Steps To Add An Infant:
- During Booking: Select “Infant on lap” or “Infant in seat” under the traveler selection menu when first searching for flights.
- At Check-in: For domestic flights, you can often add a lap child during the 24-hour check-in window or at the airport ticket counter.
- Phone Assistance: If traveling internationally, call United Customer Contact Center to pay the infant fare (usually 10% of the adult price) and sync their ticket.
- Verify Documents: Ensure you have the infant’s birth certificate (domestic) or passport (international).
Read more: Does United Airlines Have Student Discounts?
What Are The Steps To Add United After Booking Via Phone?
To add an infant to your United Airlines booking by phone, call their Customer Contact Center at +1 (855) 510-7629. Provide your confirmation number, and the agent will register your child as a lap infant. For international trips, they will process the required fare usually 10% of the adult price and sync the tickets.
What Is Infant fare And Ticketing Policy On United?
For international travel, a ticket is required, typically costing 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. You can add a “lap infant” during booking. If you prefer a separate seat, you must purchase a full-fare ticket.
What Is The United Airlines Bassinet Policy?
- Eligibility: Bassinets are available for infants weighing less than (10 kg).
- How to Request: You cannot reserve these online; you must call United or visit a gate agent. Since they are located at bulkhead seats, United will typically provide accompanying seat assignments for one adult and a companion.
- Usage Rules: For safety, bassinets can only be used when the seatbelt sign is off and must be stowed during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
What Is The Weight And Size Restriction For Bassinets?
United Airlines has specific weight and size limits for their onboard bassinets.
- Weight Limit: Bassinets are designed for infants weighing (10 kg) or less.
- Size/Height Limit: Babies should be no longer than 26 to 32 inches (depending on the aircraft). In Polaris business class, the fixed bassinets are slightly smaller, fitting infants around 27 inches in length.
Read more: Does United Airlines offer a military discount?
What Is The Baggage Allowance For Infants On United Airlines?
- Free Essential Gear: This can be done at the ticket counter or at the gate right before boarding.
- Carry-on Bonus: In addition to your own bags, you can bring a diaper bag, breast pump, and milk for free.
- Checked Bag Policy: Lap infants typically do not have a checked bag allowance. However, if you purchase a seat for your infant, they receive the full standard baggage allowance for their ticket type.
What Items Are Allowed For Infants On United Airlines As Carry On Items?
Here is the list of items that can be brought on the plane for an infant’s use:
- Diaper Bag
- Breast pump
- Formula
- Milk
What Are The Safety And Comfort Guidelines For Traveling With Infants?
- Ear Comfort: To ease ear pain from pressure changes, encourage your baby to nurse, bottle-feed, or use a pacifier during takeoff and landing.
- Proactive Planning: Pack a diaper bag with essentials like extra clothes and snacks, which United allows as a free additional carry-on item.
What Are The Cabinet Safety Rules For Infants On United Airlines?
- Restraint Requirements: If you purchase a seat, you must use an FAA-approved car seat with the required certification sticker.
- Seating Restrictions: For safety, car seats cannot be placed in exit rows, the rows immediately before or after an exit, or in most United Polaris business class pods on 767, 777, and 787 aircraft.
The Tips For Feeding And Comforting Onboard
- Pressure Relief: Feed your baby during takeoff and landing.
- Comfort Essentials: Pack a familiar blanket or toy to help them feel at home. Using a white noise app can also drown out plane sounds, making it much easier for your baby to nap.
What Are The Passport And Documentation Requirements?
- A valid passport is required for infant travelling.
- A birth Certificate is required for both domestic and international travel
- The letter of consent is required, if the baby is not travelling with parents.
FAQ
Q1. Do Babies Need A Birth Certificate To Fly United?
Ans: While traveling with a child under two on a domestic flight with United Airlines, you have to provide a birth certificate to confirm their age. If the passenger is traveling internationally with their infant, they have to provide documents like a passport, visa, etc.
Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Fly With A Lap Child On United?
Ans: The passengers do not have to pay any amount to add a lap child on their United flight. However, they do ask to provide a birth certificate to prove the child’s age.
Q3. Will I Pay For My Infant To Travel Internationally On United Airlines?
Ans: Yes, as per the United Airlines infant policy international, a child under 2 years old is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the baby will spend the flight on another passenger’s lap.
Q4. What Is United Airlines Infant Policy?
Ans: With the United infant policy, kids who are under 2 years old can be seated on the lap of their parents. If your kid is more than 2 years old, you are required to buy another seat.
