If your travel plans include flying with a lap infant, this article is a lot of help. This article details the policies and procedures airlines have put in place around flying with a child in your lap rather than in their own seat to help you understand the regulations and become better prepared for your next flight.
The Points Guy ~ ” One of the best ways families can save money on domestic air travel with small children is by having a child fly as a “lap infant.” There is controversy about the safety of this practice even in non-pandemic times, but most parents appreciate the savings and small children often just want to be in their parent’s arms anyway.
To qualify as a lap infant, your child will have to be under 2 years old. The day they turn 2, that free ticket goes out the window. If you are looking to get away and your child is nearing his or her second birthday, moving your vacation a month or two earlier could save you money (though flying with a lap infant and a lap toddler are two very different things logistically).
Also, know that this is the same age cut-off for required face masks with most airlines. Those under 2 years do not need to wear a face mask (and shouldn’t for safety reasons per the CDC), but those children over 2 and over are largely required to wear a face mask while flying.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
Infants flying on paid tickets get the same baggage allowance as adults on paid tickets, but that’s not the case when your under-2-year-old is flying for free on your lap. Children not occupying a paid seat are not given a checked baggage allowance on most U.S. domestic airlines. Luggage will be checked with the child’s parents’ luggage and will be subject to the extra baggage fees charged by the airline.
Fortunately, families can check car seats and strollers can come on for no additional fee and they won’t count against your baggage allowance — regardless of whether your child is flying as a lap infant or on a paid fare. For carry-on bags, most airlines will allow you to bring a diaper bag on board in addition to the airline’s regular carry-on allowance. (Note that Alaska Airlines does not extend this generous diaper-bag policy to lap infants.) ” ~ The Points Guy
For more information about flying with a lap infant, click the link below.
** Please note: Due to the impact of COVID 19 on travel, we encourage people to always plan trips in accordance with the guidance provided by government and health officials.
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