If you're planning a trip with your little one, you might wonder about the policies and guidelines when United Airlines travels with an infant. Traveling with an infant can be challenging, but United Airlines strives to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible for you and your baby.
United Airlines has specific rules and services to help families traveling with young children ensure a stress-free journey. To provide a seamless experience, it’s essential to understand United Airline's infant policy, including guidelines for seating arrangements and infant items like strollers and car seats.
What is the United Airlines Infant Policy?
United Airlines makes traveling with your infant convenient and hassle-free by providing clear policies and helpful services. Here's an overview of the key points of the United Infant policy:
- Infants under 2 years old can travel for free on the lap of an adult passenger.
- You can purchase a separate seat for your infant, who must remain in an FAA-approved child safety seat.
- These are available on select international flights but must be requested in advance.
- You can bring a stroller, which can be checked at the gate or the check-in counter.
- Infants traveling domestically don’t require identification, but international travel may need a passport.
- You can bring baby food and formula onboard, subject to security regulations.
How Do I book a ticket for my infant on United Airlines?
Booking a ticket for your infant on United Airlines is straightforward, ensuring a smooth start to your travel. Here's how to book a ticket for your infant:
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Lap Infant
Select your seat and add your infant as a lap passenger when booking. The infant won’t require a ticket, but you must inform the airline when booking.
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Separate Seat
If you prefer a separate seat for your infant, purchase an additional ticket through the website, customer service, or travel agent.
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Infant in Car Seat
If you book a seat for your infant, ensure it is FAA-approved and installed correctly according to safety guidelines.
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Requesting a Bassinet
You can request a bassinet during booking or by contacting customer service for international flights. Bassinets are available on select aircraft.
What is the United Airlines Newborn Policy?
United Airlines has clear guidelines to ensure that traveling with a newborn is as safe and comfortable as possible. Here's an overview of the newborn policy:
- Newborns must be at least 7 days old to fly with United Airlines.
- Newborns under 2 years old can travel as lap infants at no additional cost, but they must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.
- If your newborn is under 7 days old, a doctor's note may be required confirming they are fit for travel.
- For added safety, you may book a separate seat for your newborn, provided you use an FAA-approved child safety seat.
- Newborns don't need special documentation for domestic flights, but a passport may be required for international travel.
Does United Airlines provide Bassinets?
United Airlines offers bassinets on certain long-haul international flights to comfort infants. Here’s what you need to know about United bassinet policy:
- Bassinets are available on select international flights, typically in premium cabins.
- You must request a bassinet before booking or contacting customer service.
- Bassinets are limited, so booking early is essential to secure one.
- Bassinets are generally for infants between 6 and 8 months old or up to a specific weight limit, typically around 22 pounds (10 kg).
What are the size requirements for a bassinet on United Airlines?
United Airlines provides bassinets on certain long-haul flights to ensure a more comfortable journey for your infant. Here are the size requirements for the bassinet:
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Weight Limit
The bassinet is suitable for infants up to 22 pounds (10 kg).
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Length Limit
Infants should ideally be under 29 inches (73 cm) long to fit comfortably in the bassinet.
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Age Limit
Bassinets are typically available for infants between 6 and 8 months of age, depending on their size and weight.
What is the United Airlines Stroller Policy?
United Airlines allows passengers to bring strollers on board to make traveling with young children more convenient. Here are the details on United stroller policy:
- You can bring your stroller to the gate, which will be checked before boarding and returned to you at the gate upon arrival.
- Small, collapsible strollers that fit under the seat may be allowed as a carry-on, but this is subject to space availability.
- Strollers must be collapsible for gate check, with larger strollers typically needing to be checked at the counter.
- Strollers can be used for infants during airport navigation, ensuring a smoother travel experience before boarding.
What is United Airlines Car Seat Policy?
United Airlines allows parents to bring car seats for infants and toddlers to ensure safety during the flight. Here are the key details of the car seat policy:
- Only FAA-approved car seats are allowed for use in an airplane seat.
- You must purchase a separate seat for your child if using a car seat.
- Car seats must fit within the seat dimensions, typically 16.5 inches wide, to be used on the plane.
- Car seats must be securely installed in the window seat, and the harness must be correctly fastened for safety.
- If you've purchased an additional car seat for an infant under 2, you can use it.
Wrapping Up
United Airlines offers various services and guidelines to make traveling with your infant as smooth and comfortable as possible. From lap infant travel to bassinets and car seats, their infant policy ensures safety, convenience, and peace of mind for parents. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, United Airlines strives to accommodate the needs of families every step of the way.
