Traveling with children? If it's about boarding a plane, it can be challenging. Airlines have different terms and conditions for infants and children. United Airlines infant policy is the most convenient and accommodating. If you want seamless travel experience then choose United airlines for travel.
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.
United airlines creates policies and guidelines according to passengers' ages. For instance, babies (under two) are obliged to follow the United infant policy, whereas children (ages 5-14) must follow the minor policy. This shows the importance of following the airline's policies and guidelines.
When a family choose this airline as their traveling partner and books a flight with a lap baby under two. it becomes imperative to familiarize themselves with United Airlines infant policy. Why? knowing airline’s infant policy helps you avoid last-minute surprises at the airport. It ensures you know about possible fees, seat requirements, and the documents needed for boarding. With the right information, you can travel more smoothly and stress-free with your little one.
Below are the rules that require following for United Airlines traveling with infant:
Babies under two are eligible to travel as lap infants.
A single lap infant is allowed to be held by a sole adult passenger.
Children two years old and older are required to have a ticket and a seat to fly on United Airlines.
Newborn infants (below a week old) are not permitted to travel on a United flight.
Infants, under seven days old are not allowed to travel
You need to show a birth certificate or passport that infant is under 2 years old.
Infant travelling (under two) is free on U.S. domestic flights, but they must be included in the reservation.
As mentioned earlier, babies under two years old (24 months) are considered infants on United flights. That means they can often travel for free or at a reduced fare, depending on how you choose to carry them. keep in mind that United does have a few specific rules for infant travel. it’s helpful to know them before you book.
Babies under two can be held on a lap or secured in a seat on a United flight.
Babies above two and older are considered children who need their own seat to fly on a United flight.
United offers two options for infant traveling:
(i) one that can be held on the lap
(ii) The other that requires buying a separate seat. The purchased seat can be used to install a car seat that meets safety requirements.
Traveling with a baby on UA is relaxing. The airline considers the comfort of both babies and their parents. It offers various options including the use of a car seat. However, you must pay heed to terms & conditions before using car seat on United flight :
United infant car seat can be used for babies under two. But, that seat needs to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Only those car seats that are made after 1985 and have a certification sticker are allowed to be used.
A car seat can be used for children of any age without paying additional fees, as it can carry on and personal items.
A separate seat needs to be purchased to install the car seat on a United flight.
Car seats are not permitted in United Polaris business class on Boeing 767, 777, or 787 aircraft.
Car seats need to be installed in the window seat or middle seat. Your baby must remain in their seat during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
The above-mentioned rules apply to the use of a car seat on UA. If a family does not want to use a car seat/safety seat, they still have the option of holding their babies on their laps. The only condition is that the baby must be under two years old. Below are the other terms and conditions of the United lap infant policy:
An adult passenger can hold a single baby on their lap throughout the trip.
United traveling with infant as a lap baby on international routes is also permitted. but it is not free like domestic traveling within the United State. For international routes, a reduced amount of adult fee applies.
United Airlines infant on lap must be under two till the date of their complete journey. if the lap baby turns two, then you need to pay the child fare for their return flight.
A ticket is needed for a lap baby traveling between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ticket will be provided after the applicable taxes are paid.
United Airlines infant on lap requires to be held tightly during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Besides traveling as a lap infant, babies under two can also have their own seat. You can secure them in an FAA-approved car seat or another safety seat that meets United’s requirements.
For domestic flights, your baby doesn’t need their own ID, your passport works as proof of age. But for international travel, infants under two must have their own valid passport.
Beside having a passport, we suggest you to carry birth certificate for your lap baby \.
If you are holding more than one baby as a lap child, secure a separate seat for each additional infant.
When booking your ticket, you’ll need to select either “infant in lap” or “infant in seat” if you’re traveling with a child under two. If you forget to add your baby during the reservation process. don’t worry, you can still contact United’s customer service and they’ll help you add the infant to your booking.
Noted: As per the United infant policy, you must inform the airline before bringing a baby on board, whether flying domestically or internationally.
As stated before, the airline requires a passenger to inform the airline regarding the traveling of babies, particularly those under two years of age. The airline has multiple options regarding their flying, including the option to add infant in lap United. However, this option can be chosen when reserving the flight ticket. Below are the steps to include or add the baby to the ticket:
Step 1: Go to the main website of United Airlines.
Step 2: Enter the travel information, such as date, destination, and city.
Step 3: After entering the details, choose the number of passengers under the tab “Travelers”.
Step 4: You will see two options for adding the baby: “Infant on lap” or “Seat for infant.” Choose according to your preference.
Step 5: Provide the baby’s information and the necessary documents.
Step 6: If you decide to book a separate seat for your infant. You will pay the applicable fare along with any charges for securing the baby’s seat. If you’re adding a lap infant especially for international trips. Just make sure to complete that step during the reservation process.
Step 7: After completing these steps, check your registered email inbox to find the flight reservation details.
It’s not new to add infant to United flight after the reservation. Several passengers add their babies (under two) after making their reservation. Fortunately, UA has the option to include the baby in the ticket even if the booking is already made. However, the official site can’t be used for it. But the airline has other options for it: Below are the steps you can follow:
Contacting the airline: Passengers can’t use the official website to add lap United after booking. However, they can contact the airline’s customer service official number at 1-800-864-8331 for such a change.
Add Baby During Online Check-In: An alternative method for adding a baby to an existing UA reservation is during online check-in. However, this option is limited and depends on the booking or situation. Hence, review the website before using this method.
Already, the steps for adding infant to United flight via the official website are shared. But for cases like adding a baby to an existing reservation, or for flexible booking. Passengers can opt for the option to connect with the United customer service directly. However, some steps are required to be followed mentioned below:
Step 1: Before contacting the airline's customer service. Gather the required information, including the PNR, baby’s details, and relevant documents. If you are looking for a new booking, simply provide the details and request to include the baby.
Step 2: To add lap infant United after booking, dial the United customer service number: 1-800-864-8331.
Step 3: After dialing the number, wait for the representative to pick up. Once connected, provide the booking details, including the PNR and the last name.
Step 4: Once the booking is retrieved, it's time to request to add the baby and provide their information, including their full name and date of birth.
Step 5: When making the request to add the baby, you need to specify whether you want to add infant in lap United or secure a separate seat.
Step 7: Pay the charges and provide the documents.
Step 8: Wait for the official confirmation regarding your request and to get a separate ticket for the baby.
These are the important steps to follow when adding an infant to a United flight in an existing reservation over the phone.
Note: Parents can modify or cancel United Airlines flights easily to ensure their baby’s comfort and safety, with refunds or credits based on the fare type.
Details regarding the infant fare can be checked on the airline’s official website. However, the details can be complex to understand on the main site. Hence, below, we are sharing detailed information regarding United add infant on lap fare and ticketing policy.
United Airlines offers several ticketing options for children, including sitting on a parent’s lap (under two) during flights to any destination. Children can also have their own seat if they bring an FAA-approved car seat. However, if the baby is two and above, they must pay for their ticket and secure their own seat on the flight.
Generally, United does not charge for infants who are added as lap babies on domestic flights. However, if the baby opts to sit in a separate seat or use a car seat on the flight, then the charges must be paid. A ticket is not required for an infant for domestic travel, and it is free to add the baby (under two) as a lap baby.
According to the United Infant on Lap policy, charges must be paid for babies traveling as lap infants on international routes. Like domestic traveling, babies can’t fly for free on overseas flights. Below is the breakdown of the infant fare:
In addition to these charges, a baby who is initially added as a lap infant must pay the child fare for the return flight in case they turn two before completing the trip, according to the United infant on lap policy.
Parents or guardians who are traveling with their lap babies on UA have another option for a relaxing and stress-free travel experience. The airline offers bassinets; however, certain conditions apply to them. Below are the general rules that require following to secure the bassinet on a United flight:
Note: Under the United Airlines Infant Policy, ensure your infant’s ticket details match travel documents. If errors occur, use the United Name Correction option to fix them quickly and avoid boarding issues or flight delays.
Like other airlines, United Airlines offers bassinets, but they are limited in use. Hence, you must reserve them in advance. The airline offers it on a first-come, first-served basis and only available in bulkhead seats. Additionally, the bassinet seat is available on certain aircraft that include Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787. You can visit the airline’s official website to find the bassinet policy, but you can’t reserve through the website.
As stated, bassinets are available in United Polaris business class or in certain international flights in Economy class. Hence, it is necessary to reserve it in advance. Follow the steps to request a bassinet seat on UA:
Apart from booking the bassinet on United in advance, it is also needed to meet the weight and size requirements, which are mentioned below:
An infant who is traveling on UA with a purchased seat can check bags in their name according to United Airlines infant baggage allowance. Here are the rules:
Here is the list of items that can be brought on the plane for an infant's use:
The United Airlines infant baggage allowance varies depending on the destination and the specific fare class purchased.
Safety and comfort of its passengers is the motto of United Airlines. Hence, when it comes to traveling with young passengers, particularly those under the age of two, the airline suggests that families follow its safety and comfort guidelines.
UA allows passengers to hold their babies on their laps if they are under the age of two, but it always recommends using a car seat to ensure the baby’s safety. However, the car seat must be FAA-approved and installed in an appropriate seat suggested by the airline. Additionally, the car seat or safety seat needs to meet the safety requirements.
The car seat/safety seat is not allowed to be used in the emergency exit row and in certain business class seats.
Here are the safety requirements to be followed to use the car seat on UA:
Here are the cabin safety rules for infants required to be followed:
As previously mentioned, international travel of infants requires a ticket, even for babies traveling as lap infants. The airline has a clear policy for having a ticket for overseas routes regardless of age.
Documents are important for traveling, whether it’s domestic or international. The number of documents can vary depending on the route, but it is a must to have the documents mentioned below:
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.
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.
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.
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.
To add an infant to United Flight, navigate to United Airlines official website > Click on the "My trips" section > Enter the last name and confirmation number in the required field > select the "Infant on lap" button from the "Add services option > Provide birth certificate and fill out other information.
No, United Airlines doesn't offer a separate baggage allowance for your infant. You can bring a diaper bag for an infant; however, it will be counted as your own baggage allowance.
Yes, if you are flying with your infant on United Airlines, you can use the infant's birth certificate as proof of age at the airport. Hence, keep it handy.
Yes, United Airlines offers bassinets to its passengers for international flights. You should request a bassinet at the time of reservation. For more information, call 1-800-864-8331 or +1-800-506-7805 (OTA).
Yes, infants can travel in both business or first class with United Airlines. Infants under two years can travel for free, by sitting on their parent’s lap or at a minimal cost on international flights.
Claire Dennis
I’m flying United domestic with my 6-month-old — do I need to show a birth certificate to prove their age?
Admin
Yes, you may be asked to present a birth certificate or other proof of age when traveling with an infant under 2 years old. We recommend you to carry a copy,
Zachary Sybouts
I’m flying internationally on United with my baby, do I need to pay for an infant ticket even if they’re sitting on my lap?
Admin
Yes. For international flights (including to Canada and Mexico), United requires a lap infant to travel with their own ticket—even if they sit on your lap. You’ll typically pay 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes, except on U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico routes where only the taxes apply. You must visit customer support to confirm the charges or fare.
Edward Smith
I paid for my lap infant when I booked the flight, but at check-in there was no ticket issued for them. Do I need a separate confirmation or e-ticket number for infants on award bookings?
Admin
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