Flying with an Infant: A Take on Infant Travel Policy by United Airlines

Is this your first time flying with an infant? Let’s be honest that this can be an intimidating experience as one tells you how dramatic it can be. From the moment you prepare to pack to the time you deboard the thing, nothing is guaranteed for the journey. There is a lot of luggage, one for clothes, the other for food, toiletries, etc. Then you prepare yourself for the usual airport chaos, the security lines, the boarding process, and when you are on your flight, the neck cramps, compact space, and your occasional crying toddler can be the challenge to face. But these are the situations you can neither avoid nor be prepared for beforehand. However, you can understand the infant travel policy set by your preferred airline, United Airlines, for a smoother travel experience. 

Headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines is known for its extensive international and domestic connectivity. It is one of the largest airlines in the world, providing passengers with an excellent in-flight experience. When traveling with infants, the airlines have set certain standards to make it a pleasant experience for all passengers. Before you are set to fly, here’s everything you need to know.

United Airlines Infant Travel Policy 

To ensure the safety of children and the convenience of other passengers, here are some policies set by United Airlines for infant travel. 

• The infant must be older than 7 days to fly with the airline.
• No separate seat is required for kids under 2 years of age.
• Only one child is allowed on a lap per passenger. If you are traveling with two or more children, another parent or guardian must accompany you for safety.
• The infant must be seven days old to fly with United Airlines. 
• Infants under the age of 2 can travel free of cost to any domestic destination.
• International travel requires a partial fare that may vary as per the destination. 
• When traveling from the USA to Canada or Mexico, parents have to pay government taxes for the infant as well. 

United Airlines Baggage Allowance for Infants

Traveling with kids means more luggage, which can sometimes result in paying an extra baggage fee. Here is a brief overview of the baggage allowance set by United Airlines for travelers with infants.

• There is no different baggage policy for parents traveling with an infant.
• The infant doesn’t get an extra carry-on bag, and standard charges may apply as per the baggage policy.
• Parents, however, can take diaper bags free of charge to the flight. Breast pumps, milk or formula, and FAA-approved car seats are also allowed in flight.
• You can use standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats to reach the gate and get checked for free.
• Strollers do not qualify as carry-on bags. Make sure you only carry collapsible strollers that can be stored in-cabin.

United Airlines In-Flight Facilities for Traveling with Infants 

United understands the hassle parents face while traveling with infants. To make it a pleasant experience, here are some in-flight facilities given by United Airlines to parents with infants.

• Parents can purchase a seat for an infant if they have a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved child restraint system (CRS) like a car seat.
• You can request a bassinet while booking a flight ticket.
• There is no restriction set on bringing formula, breast milk, or toddler drinks on the flight. You can also request ice on the flight to keep it fresh.
• You can breastfeed your child from your seat or use the bathroom.
• Some aircraft of United Airlines have changing tables.
• Priority boarding and seat selection options are available for parents traveling with infants.