Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, traveling with the kids in tow can be like landing on a strange planet. To help new parents (or even parents looking for new ideas) manage the ups and downs of traveling with their tots, the experts at Cheapflights.com, created a guide full of proven tips for every stage of the trip.
These encompass everything from managing the airport and the plane with car seats, diaper bags and strollers to when and why a bassinet might make sense or best snacks to pack.
Tips for traveling with infants and toddlers
Best time to travel with an infant? Keeping your child on a routine that’s similar to their regular daily schedule lessens the odds of crankiness and fussiness. Avoiding early morning or late night flights may work for some parents, while others may find that is the best time to fly. Avoiding peak travel times will potentially give you more space on board and fewer people to avoid should your child have a meltdown. Non-peak times include late mornings and Saturdays. Depending on the length of the flight and where you are headed, it might be advantageous to schedule nap time during your flight time.
“Do whatever you can to get your child to sleep. Sleep rules go out the window and it’s more like a ‘do what you have to do’ scenario,” says Christine Stevens, a certified sleep consultant at Sleepy Tots Consulting, who contributed to the guide.
Packing tips for traveling with infants and toddlers: Lap infants don’t typically get a carry-on or checked baggage allowance, so you’ll have to combine your baby’s stuff with your own. Airlines typically let passengers flying with infants and children check strollers and car seats for no additional cost (a few airlines may even let you bring these items on board as carry-ons too). Infants and children with their own seats typically get the same baggage allowance as adults. No matter what the baggage situation is, be sure to pack as light as possible. It may also pay to shell out a little extra to check bags rather than wrestle with keeping track of both carry-ons and kids at the same time. If you’re traveling solo, packing light and checking bags to free up your hands is ideal.
What to remember before you board: Check out the departure airport’s website ahead of time to see what amenities are offered – from nursing pods to family bathrooms to restaurants and children’s activities. At the gate, let your children walk around and let the baby crawl. This is the time for kids to use up some of that extra energy before they have to sit for a while.
Accidents/spills: Drinks spill, food falls over – especially during unexpected turbulence. Keep calm and carry on. If you have forgotten wipes, ask a flight attendant for napkins or a wet cloth.
Bad behavior: If you think your child might act up or get fussy, speak up. Pre-apologies to people around you for potentially fussy/tired children might work well, too.
What to remember once you land in your destination
- If you gate-checked your stroller, pick it up right as you get off the aircraft.
- If you’re making a connection, speak to the ground staff about amenities that can help, from the use of luggage carts to transport carry-on items to shuttle service between terminals. Some airlines have staff that will help passengers get from gate to gate.
- Check out the arrival airport’s website ahead of time to see what amenities are offered – from nursing pods to family bathrooms to the location of hotel shuttles and car rental desks.
INFLIGHT GUIDE TO TAKING TODDLERS ONBOARD
Air Canada
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants as young as seven days old can fly on Air Canada. An individual (16 year old and older) traveling solo cannot fly with more than one infant (under age two). Infants under two years old can sit on a parent’s lap or in their own seat in an approved child restraint device. On flights within Canada, infants can fly free when seated on the parent’s lap and only pay taxes on flights between Canada and the U.S. When flying internationally, the infant can sit on the parent’s lap but must pay 10 percent of the adult fare plus any taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Parents can purchase a seat for their infant by paying the adult fare on flights within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. For international flights, a child fare is applied; however, child restraint devices are not permitted in International Business Class.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children must have their own seat and pay the adult fare on flights within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. For international flights, a child fare is applied.
Special services: The following services are available on some flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: All aircraft except the Bombardier Dash 8-300 (DH3) and Dash 8-100 (DH1) have diaper-changing tables located in either the front or back lavatories.
- Ice: If available, extra ice may be provided to keep formula, breast milk and juice to the desired temperature.
- Bassinets: Bassinets for infants under 25 pounds who cannot sit upright are available in Economy class on some aircraft. Bassinets are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, availability is not confirmed until the flight’s departure.
- Infant/Child meals: Special meals for infants (strained fruit, vegetables, meat and dessert) and children (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, sandwiches, brownies and raisins) are available only on international flights and in Business Class within North America. Meals must be ordered via Air Canada Reservations at least 48 hours prior to departure.
What you can carry-on: Air Canada allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food in small containers are permitted in carry-on baggage.
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s child carry-on allowance as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
- Infant sling/wrap carriers: Infant sling/wrap carriers similar to Snugli or Baby Bjorn are accepted in addition to the infant’s carry-on allowance if required for use on board the aircraft, but these carriers are not approved for use as a child restraint device and may not be used during taxi, take-off, and landing, or at any time the seat belt sign is illuminated.
- Small stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them in addition to the carry-on and checked baggage allowance.
What you can check: Air Canada allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them in addition to the carry-on and checked baggage allowance. Small strollers (not exceeding 10 inches in diameter and 36 inches in length) can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. Large, heavy strollers can only be checked at the baggage counter.
- Car seat/booster seat: Infants and children may check a car seat or booster seat. Car seats and booster seats are not considered approved child restraint devices.
Alaska Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): There is no age minimum for infants to fly on Alaska Airlines. An adult (18 years old and older) traveling solo cannot fly with more than one infant (under age two). Infants under two can sit on a parent’s lap or in their own seat in an approved child restraint device. Lap infants travel for free on flights within the U.S., for approximately $17 flights from an international location to the U.S., and for $27 in boarding tax and $2 for baggage inspection fee from Costa Rica. For travel to destinations outside North America, the infant may be ticketed at a percentage of the adult fare plus taxes. Lap infants seated in First Class are not eligible for complimentary meals. If there is an empty seat on a flight, an infant can occupy the seat for no charge. An infant can travel on his or her own confirmed seat by paying an adult fare, which comes with its own carry-on allowance.
Seating – Children (age two and under 18): Children must have their own seat and pay the adult fare on flights within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. For international flights, a child fare is applied.
What you can carry-on: Alaska Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula and breast milk
What you can check: Alaska Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them. Strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or at the gate.
- Car seat/booster seat: Infants and children may check a car seat or booster seat at the baggage counter or at the gate.
Allegiant Air
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants as young as 15 days old can fly on Allegiant Air. An individual (15 years old and older) traveling solo cannot fly with more than one infant (under age two). Infants under two can sit on an adult’s lap or in their own seat in an approved child restraint device.
Seating – Children (age two and under 18): Children must have their own seat.
What you can carry-on: Allegiant Air allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance (note: Allegiant Air charges for bringing a carry-on bag):
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk and food in small containers
- Diaper bag: Each fare-paying passenger traveling with a child may travel with a diaper bag at no extra charge, and it doesn’t count toward the passenger’s carry-on allowance.
What you can check: Allegiant Air allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for fare-paying passenger for free. Strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate.
- Car seat: Fare-paying passengers may check one car seat at the baggage counter or boarding gate.
American Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants as young as two days old can fly on American Airlines, but infants younger than seven days old must have a medical form signed by a physician. An adult (16-years-old and older) traveling solo cannot fly with more than one infant (under age two). Infants under two can sit on an adult’s lap or in their own seat in an approved child restraint device. International taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply. Lap infants can travel on their own confirmed seat by paying an adult fare.
Seating – Children (age two and under 16): Children must have their own seat purchased at the adult fare.
Special services: The following services are available on some flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
- Bassinets: Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on 777-200, 767-300, 777-300 and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available on First Class or Business Class cabins.
What you can carry-on: American Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s child carry-on allowance as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
- Small stroller: Small, collapsible, light strollers up to 20 pounds can be carried on board if they fit in the overhead bin,
- Diaper bag: One carry-on diaper bag per child is permitted, and it doesn’t count toward the carry-on allowance.
What you can check: American Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them for free. Any stroller that weighs over 20 pounds, is too large, or is non-collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter.
- Car seat: Customers may check a car seat for free at the ticket counter or at the gate when traveling with a child or to adopt a child. Passengers checking both a stroller and a car seat can check both items at the ticket counter or one item can be checked at the gate and one at the counter.
Delta Air Lines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants seven days old or older can fly on Delta Air Lines; infants younger than seven days old must have a medical form signed by a physician. An adult (18 years old or older) traveling solo can bring up to two infants less than two-years-old; however, only one infant is permitted to fly on the lap and the other infant is required to purchase a ticket. Infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an adult’s (18-years-old or older) lap or is the infant’s legal guardian, and travel is within the U.S. Infants sitting on a lap on an international flight are typically required to pay 10 percent of the adult fare plus any international taxes and surcharges.
Seating – Children (age two and under 18): Children two years old and older are required to have a reserved seat. There are no child discounts when traveling within the U.S. Discounted child fares may be available when traveling outside the U.S. or when traveling between certain countries. The price of the ticket depends on the age of the child. Contact a Delta Reservations for details.
Special services: The following services are available on some flights:
- SkyCots: SkyCots (bassinets) for infants under 20 pounds and less than 26 inches are available for passengers assigned to a bulkhead seat on equipped aircraft for some international flights. SkyCots are limited to two per aircraft, so they are not guaranteed. Contact Delta Air Lines Reservations for more details and to reserve a SkyCot in advance.
What you can carry-on: Children’s baggage allowances are based on the fare paid for their travel.
- Un-ticketed infant (lap infant): No baggage allowance. Baggage is included in the accompanying adult’s allowance.
- Ticketed infant/Child on an international flight (10-percent of adult fare): One checked bag up to 20 pounds with maximum outside dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height), plus one checked, fully-collapsible stroller or push-chair.
- Ticketed infant/Child (50-percent of adult fare): Standard adult baggage allowance.
Delta Air Lines allows the following items to be carried on:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, medication and baby food in small containers
- Breast pumps:Breast pumps are allowed on board and do not count toward the carry-on allowance.
- Booster seat/infant seat/bassinet: One booster seat, infant seat, or bassinet may be carried on board for free. The infant seat or bassinet must be secured by a seat belt on an aircraft seat. If a seat isn’t available, the item will be checked at the gate.
- Small stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them.
What you can check: Delta Air Lines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them. Strollers can be checked at the curb, the ticket counter, or the boarding gate.
- Car seat/booster seat: Infants and children may check a car seat or booster seat. Car seat/booster seats can be checked at the curb, the ticket counter, or the boarding gate.
Frontier
Frontier provides a variety of help for families planning travel on its website, including a colorful “Mom Approved” logo that appears throughout the website next to family-friendly options on the budget airline. The website also includes free downloadable flight activities, including a flight certificate that the crew will sign onboard, colorful maps and activity pages.
Frontier offers The Works, a program that allows passengers to change or cancel flights without paying fees, one carry-on bag, one checked bag, priority boarding and the best available seats for $49 per person.
Seating – Infants (under two): An adult (18 years old or older) traveling solo can bring up to two infants less than two years old; however, only one infant is permitted to fly on the lap and the other infant is required to purchase a ticket.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children two years old and older need their own seats.
Special services: The following services are available on all flights:
- Kid Zone: The Kid Zone is a seating zone at the back of the airplane for families that offers easy access to lavatories with diaper-changing tables and quick assistance from flight attendants. Families with small children are also the first to board Frontier flights.
- Diaper-changing tables: Diaper-changing tables are located in the lavatories at the back of the aircraft, nearest to the Kid Zone.
- Frontier trading cards: Learn about the animals that appear on the tails of Frontier aircraft by collecting free trading cards from the crew inflight, including cards that feature Griz the Bear, Otto the Owl and Flo the Flamingo.
What you can carry-on: Frontier allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s/child’s carry-on allowance as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
- Breast pump: Frontier considers breast pumps to be a medical device. Breast pumps are welcome onboard and do not count toward the carry-on allowance.
What you can check: Frontier allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them. Small strollers (not exceeding 10 inches in diameter and 36 inches in length) can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. Large, heavy strollers can only be checked at the baggage counter.
- Car seat/booster seat: Infants and children may check a car seat or booster seat. Car seats and booster seats are not considered approved child restraint devices.
Hawaiian Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): There is no age minimum; however, infants less than seven days old must have a letter of approval from a physician and show proof of age (birth certificate or passport) for all Hawaiian Airlines flights; infants younger than seven days old must have a medical form signed by a physician. An individual (15 years old or older on Neighbor Island and North American flights and 18 years old on international flights) traveling solo can bring up to two infants less than two years old; however, only one infant is permitted to fly on the lap and the other infant is required to purchase a ticket and sit in an approved child seat. Lap infants on Neighbor Island and North American flights fly free. Infants sitting on a passenger’s lap on an international flight are required to pay 10 percent of the adult fare plus any international taxes and fees. Lap infants do not get a separate carry-on or checked baggage allowance and do not get complimentary inflight meals. Passengers also have the option to buy a reserved seat for their infant. For Neighbor Island flights and North American flights, the fare is a full adult fare. For international flights, the child pays 75 percent of the adult published fare plus taxes and fees. For flights between Pago Pago, Tutuila/Papeete, Tahiti and North America, the child pays 67 percent of the adult published fare plus taxes and fees. Children under the age of two with a purchased seat have the same standard baggage allowance as an adult.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children over two years old have their own seats and all foreign nationals must have a passport in order to travel. Children under 12 pay the full adult fare on Neighbor Island and North American flights, 75 percent of the adult published fare plus taxes and fees for international flights, and 67 percent of the adult published fare plus taxes and fees for flights between Pago Page, Tutuila/Papeete, Tahiti and North America. Children under the age of two with a purchased seat have the same standard baggage allowance as an adult.
Special services: The following services are available on some international flights:
- Bassinets: Bassinets for infants under 20 pounds are available on most international flights; however, the accompanying adult must purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat.
- Infant/Child meals: Special meals for children are available on international flights except from Pago Pago, Tutuila and Papeete, Tahiti for children age two to 11. Meals must be ordered 48 hours in advance via Hawaiian Airlines Reservations.
What you can carry-on: Hawaiian Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on if it meets the standard sizes and weight carry-on bag restrictions and as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child or, if flying as a lap infant, there are empty seats on the plane.
- Small stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller. Strollers must be checked if they are not collapsible and/or weight more than 50 pounds.
What you can check: Hawaiian Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller. Strollers must be checked if they are not collapsible and/or weight more than 50 pounds.
- Car seat/booster seat: Passengers may check one car seat.
JetBlue Airways
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants three days old or older can fly on JetBlue; however, infants three to 14 days old must have a letter from a physician with approval to fly. Lap infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an individual’s (14 years old or older) lap on flights within the U.S. On flights departing from an international destination to the U.S., infant fees will be assessed and vary based on international destination.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children over two-years-old must have their own seats.
Special services: The following services are available on all flights:
- Pre-Boarding: Pre-boarding for families traveling with children under two-years-old.
- Diaper-changing tables: Diaper-changing tables are located in all lavatories on all JetBlue aircraft.
- Infant/Child meals: Unlimited free snacks, including TERRA Sweets & Blues potato chips, Cheez-It crackers, and Skeeter Nut-free chocolate chip cookies, and juice (orange, cranberry, or apple juice) are offered. EatUp boxes are also available for purchase.
- Children’s television: Each seat has a seat-back television that includes channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet.
- Children’s movies: All flights longer than two hours offer at least one child-appropriate movie.
What you can carry-on: JetBlue allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s/child’s carry-on allowance.
- Diaper bag: One diaper bag is permitted for lap infants.
- Breast pump: Breast pumps are exempt from carry-on restrictions.
- Small stroller: Infants can bring one stroller.
What you can check: Infants flying for free do not qualify for a checked baggage allowance. JetBlue allows the infant, child and those traveling to meet their infants/children to check the following items at the ticket counter or at the gate for free:
- Stroller: One stroller can be checked.
- Car seat/booster seat: Either one or both are allowed.
- Child carriers: Child carriers and backpack carriers are permitted.
Porter Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants seven days old or older can fly on Porter Airlines. Infants less than seven days old must have a medical clearance certificate to fly. Lap infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an adult’s (16-years-old or older) lap; however, some fees may be charged on flights to the U.S. A maximum of five infants can be accommodated per flight. If traveling with an infant, a passenger cannot also travel with a pet or as an attendant to a traveler with a disability. Reserved seats can also be purchased for infants at the full adult fare, but the infant must travel in an approved child restraint device.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children are required to have their own seat and pay the full adult fare.
Special services: The following services are available on some flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: Short-haul aircraft are not equipped with diaper-changing tables.
- Complimentary snacks: Infants’ and children’s meals are not offered as part of Porter Airlines inflight service; however, a complimentary snack and beverage service is provided on all Porter Airlines flights. Milk is not included in the in-flight service.
- Pre-boarding: Porter Airlines offers pre-boarding for families traveling with children.
What you can carry-on: Standard carry-on allowance applies to infants and children with a reserved seat. Porter Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Gel and ice packs: Gel and ice packs can be brought on board if they are being used to refrigerate baby food.
- Diaper bag:A diaper bag can be brought in addition to the standard carry-on allowance.
- Breast pump: Breast pumps are exempt from carry-on restrictions. If available, flight attendant will allow moms access to empty rows to nurse or pump for added privacy. The airline doesn’t have power outlets, so manual or battery-powered breast pumps are suggested.
What you can check: Porter Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child. Small, collapsible strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. Large, heavy strollers can only be checked at the baggage counter.
- Car seat: Infants and children may check a car seat at the baggage counter or boarding gate.
Southwest Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants 14 days old or older can fly on Southwest Airlines. Infants under 14 days old must have a medical release form. Lap infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an individual’s (12 years old or older) lap; however, they are required to have a copy of their birth certificate and a Boarding Verification Document (available at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter on the date of travel) to fly. Lap infants must pay taxes and fees on international flights. Reserved seats can also be purchased for infants at an Infant Fare, but they must be seated in an approved child restraint device. Contact a Customer Representative at 1-800-435-9792 to purchase an Infant Fare, which has no restrictions, are fully refundable, and are offered on every Southwest Airlines flight (although seats are limited).
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children flying with adults can purchase a Child Fare.
Special services: The following services are available on all flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: All forward lavatories have changing tables.
What you can carry-on: Southwest Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s/child’s carry-on allowance as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
What you can check: Southwest Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers traveling with infants can bring one small stroller per infant.
- Car seat: Passengers traveling with infants can bring one car seat per infant.
Spirit Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants seven days old or older can fly on Spirit Airlines. Lap infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an individual’s (15 years old or older) lap; however, they may have to pay taxes and fees on flights to some destinations. Adults flying solo can only fly with one infant. Reserved seats can also be purchased for infants at the full adult fare.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children over two years old are required to have their own seat and pay the full adult fare.
Special services: Spirit Airlines does not offer in-flight entertainment. It does offer food and drink for sale.
What you can carry-on: Spirit Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
- Small stroller: in some cases, a stroller may be carried on. Strollers can be checked at no additional cost.
- Diaper bag: A diaper bag can be carried on in addition to one personal item.
What you can check: Southwest Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child traveling with them. Strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate.
- Car seat: Passengers can bring one car seat for each child traveling with them. Car seats can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate.
United Airlines
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants seven days old or older can fly on United Airlines. An adult (18 years old and older) traveling solo cannot fly with more than two infants (under age two). If flying with two infants, only one can fly as a lap infant; the second infant must have a reserved seat and be seated in an approved child restraint device. Infants under the age of two traveling within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can travel on the adult’s lap free of charge. Infants traveling internationally, including to Canada, Guam and Mexico) without a seat are required to have a purchased ticket and are subject to infant fares and taxes. Infants traveling between the U.S. and Canada, or from Mexico to the U.S. or Canada, only pay taxes on the ticket. Infants traveling without a seat to other international destinations, including Guam, are charged 10 percent of the adult fare at the time of infant ticketing. Infants traveling on an adult’s lap on front cabin awards or upgrades must pay 10-percent of the front cabin fare in applicable markets.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children over two-years-old are required to have their own seat and pay the full adult fare.
Special services: The following services are available on some flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: Changing tables are available on Boeing 747, 757-300, 767, 777, 787 and select 757-200. Flight attendants can direct passengers to the proper lavatory.
- Ice: Flight attendants may provide ice to help keep breast milk cool.
- Hot Water:Hot water can be requested for passengers to warm bottles.
- Bassinets: Bassinets for infants under 22 pounds are available on international flights only. Bassinets are available for customers traveling international segments in United Polaris business class on select 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft and in United Economy on 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available for customers traveling in United Polaris first class, United First, or United Business. Customers can request a bassinet by calling the United Customer Contact Center at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
- Infant/Child meals: Special meals for children age two to 12 are available in premium cabins on U.S. flights with scheduled meal service, including transcontinental flights, from the continental U.S. to Hawaii, and from Honolulu and Maui to the continental U.S. Children’s meals are also available on all international trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and most intra-Pacific flights as well as on South American flights to/from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Meals can be ordered at the time of booking up to 24 hours prior to departure. Gluten free meals are also available.
What you can carry-on: United Airlines allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers.
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
- Breast pump: A breast pump is allowed in addition to the one bag and one personal item carry-on limit. Not all aircraft are equipped with power outlets, so manual and battery-powered breast pumps are ideal.
What you can check: United Airlines allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each child in addition to the checked baggage allowance. Small, collapsible strollers can be checked at the baggage counter or boarding gate. Large, heavy strollers can only be checked at the baggage counter. United Airlines’ website says the airline is not responsible for damage that occurs to strollers that are not packed in a box and checked at the check-in counter.
- Car seat/booster seat: Infants and children may check a car seat or booster seat. Car seats and booster seats are not considered approved child restraint devices.
Virgin America
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants seven days old or older can fly on Virgin America. Infants under seven days old must have a medical release form. Lap infants aren’t required to have a ticket if they are flying on an adult’s (18 years old or older) lap. Lap infants must pay taxes and fees on international flights and must get a boarding pass at check-in. Lap infants exiting Mexico are assessed taxes that total approximately $17.50. Reserved seats can also be purchased, but the infant must be seated in an approved child restraint device.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children two years old and older must have their own seats paid at the full adult fare.
Special services: The following services are available on all flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: Infant-friendly lavatories are located at the back of the aircraft in Main Cabin and Main Cabin Select seating areas.
- Wi-Fi, standard plugs, and USB plugs: Wi-Fi, standard plugs, and USB plugs are available at every seat on every aircraft.
- Seat-to-seat delivery + Chat: Perfect for families who may not be seated together, Virgin America offers passengers the option to order food and drinks delivered to their seat or another seat. There is also on-screen chatting.
- Google Maps Terrain View: Calm the “Are we there yet?” pleas with having Google Maps Terrain View pop up on the seat back.
What you can carry-on: Virgin America allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: An approved child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child. If a seat hasn’t been purchased and there is an empty seat next to the parent in the same cabin, the child restraint device can be brought onboard and placed in the adjoining seat for free.
What you can check: Virgin America allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can bring one stroller for each fare-paying guest. Strollers cannot be brought onto the plane as carry-on; however, they can be checked for free at the gate.
- Car seat: Passengers can bring one infant or child car seat for each fare-paying guest.
WestJet
Seating – Infants (under two): Infants eight days old or older can fly on WestJet. Infants less than eight days old can fly; however, they must have clearance from a doctor. No passenger can be responsible for more than one infant on board. Lap infants must have a ticket if they are flying on an individual’s (12 years old or older) lap; however, they fly for free. Lap infants may be charged fees for flights to the U.S. If an infant turns two year old during the trip and has a return flight within 30 days of their birthday, contact WestJet to avoid issues or delays on the return flight. A confirmed seat can also be purchased for an infant for the full adult fare, but the infant must be seated in an approved child restraint device.
Seating – Children (age two and under 12): Children two years old and older must have their own seat paid at the full adult fare.
Special services: The following services are available on all flights:
- Diaper-changing tables: Lavatories equipped with changing tables are located at the back of the aircraft.
What you can carry-on: WestJet allows the following items to be carried on in addition to the carry-on allowance:
- Drinks and snacks: Formula, breast milk, juice and baby food in small containers
- Child restraint device: A child restraint device can be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant’s child carry-on allowance as long as a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
What you can check: WestJet allows the following items to be checked for free in addition to the checked baggage allowance:
- Stroller: Passengers can check one stroller.
- Car seat: Passengers can check one car seat.
- Playpen: A playpen may be substituted for either a car seat or stroller.
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