Most parents don’t realize they can fly with a baby under 2 without buying a second seat. American Airlines lets infants travel as a lap child, which means your baby sits with you and you skip the extra ticket cost. This guide walks you through the requirements, the exact steps to add your infant, and tips to make the flight easier.
Quick Answer
To add a lap infant on American Airlines, open your reservation on aa.com, go to Passenger details, and select “Add infant in lap.” Your baby must be under 2 for the entire trip. Domestic lap infants fly free; international trips may carry taxes and a percentage of the adult fare.
Key Takeaways
- Only 1 lap infant is allowed per ticketed adult, and you must add the infant to your reservation before you travel.
- If your child turns 2 during the trip, they need their own seat for all remaining flights.
- International lap-infant tickets can include taxes and a percentage of the adult fare.
- The FAA recommends a separate seat with an approved child restraint system as the safest option for infants.
Before You Begin
Gather these items before you add your infant to the reservation:
- Your baby’s date of birth — American Airlines will ask for it during the process.
- Proof of age — a birth certificate works for domestic trips; a passport is standard for international travel.
- Doctor’s letter — required only if your infant is under 7 days old.
- Your booking reference — you’ll need it to open the reservation on aa.com.
Lap Infant Requirements
American Airlines treats a child as an infant if they are under 2. Your baby must stay under 2 for the whole trip. If they turn 2 mid-trip, you must buy a seat for the rest of the flights.
Warning: If your child turns 2 on any date during the trip, buy them a seat for all flights after their birthday — or you may be denied boarding.
American Airlines welcomes infants as young as 2 days old. If your infant is under 7 days old, you must contact Reservations and bring a doctor’s letter confirming your baby is fit to fly.
You may need to show proof of age, such as a birth certificate. For international travel, infants generally need the same travel documents as adults, including a passport.
How to Add an Infant in Lap: Step-by-Step
The process takes about 5 minutes on aa.com. Follow the steps below based on your flight type.
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Domestic Flights (Including Puerto Rico)
- Go to aa.com and sign in to your AAdvantage account, or retrieve your trip with your booking reference.
- Open your trip and navigate to Passenger details.
- Select Add infant in lap.
- Enter your baby’s name and date of birth when prompted.
- Confirm the addition. No fare is charged for domestic lap infants.
International Flights
- Book your own ticket first, then add the infant after your trip is ticketed.
- Open your trip on aa.com and go to Passenger details.
- Select Add infant in lap.
- Enter your baby’s name and date of birth.
- Pay any applicable taxes and the infant fare percentage at checkout.
Pro tip: Add your infant as early as possible — especially for international trips — to avoid last-minute issues at the gate.
American Airlines explains these steps on its Traveling with children page.
Safety on the Plane
American Airlines allows lap infants, but holding a baby through sudden turbulence is hard. The FAA recommends an approved child restraint system in a separate seat whenever you can afford it.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Lap infant limit | Only 1 lap infant per ticketed adult. If you have more than 1 infant under 2, the extra infant needs their own ticket and seat. |
| Turbulence and seatbelt sign | Hold your infant close and follow crew instructions during taxi, takeoff, landing, and when the seatbelt sign is on. |
| Restraints | If you buy a seat, use an FAA-approved child seat or restraint. Devices that attach to an adult’s belt or position a child on an adult’s lap or chest are not approved. |
| Bassinets | Bassinets may be available at the gate on select wide-body planes, first come, first served, with size and weight limits. |
Tips for Traveling with a Lap Infant
- Time your flight: Pick a flight that lines up with your baby’s nap schedule when you can.
- Pack smart: Keep diapers, wipes, a spare outfit, and feeding supplies in one easy-to-reach bag.
- Know the bag rules: American Airlines allows 1 carry-on diaper bag per child. You can usually check strollers and car seats for free when you travel with a child.
- Ask for help: Tell the gate agent or flight crew you’re traveling with a lap infant if you need help boarding or stowing items.
Cost and Benefits of Flying with a Lap Infant
The main benefit is cost. On most domestic trips, your infant flies without a separate seat fare. Keeping your baby in your lap also makes it easier to feed, soothe, and settle them during the flight.
On international routes, you’ll pay taxes and a percentage of the adult fare — but the total is still far below a full child ticket. Check the fare at checkout before you confirm.
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Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
- Tight space: Consider extra-legroom seats or a bulkhead row. Ask about bassinets on eligible wide-body planes.
- Ear pressure: Feeding, a pacifier, or encouraging swallowing during takeoff and landing can help some babies.
- Delays: Pack extra diapers, a spare top, and more formula or milk than you think you’ll need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lap infant free on American Airlines?
On most domestic American Airlines flights, lap infants under 2 fly without an added fare. On international flights, taxes and a percentage of the adult fare apply.
How do I add an infant in lap after I book?
Open your reservation on aa.com, go to Passenger details, and choose “Add infant in lap.” If your infant is under 7 days old, call Reservations directly.
What proof of age do I need for my baby?
American Airlines may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate. A passport is standard for international trips.
Can I request a bassinet on American Airlines?
Bassinets may be available at the gate on select wide-body aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis. They have size and weight limits and are generally not offered in premium cabins.
Is it safer to buy my baby a seat?
Yes. The FAA says the safest place for a child under 2 is in their own seat with an approved child restraint system, especially during unexpected turbulence.
Can I add a lap infant to a codeshare flight?
For flights operated by a partner airline but marketed by American Airlines, infant policies may differ. Contact American Airlines Reservations to confirm the lap-infant rules for your specific codeshare itinerary before you travel.
Final Thoughts
Adding a lap infant to your American Airlines reservation is a quick process — do it early, especially for international trips and newborns under 7 days old. Bring proof of age and all required travel documents for every leg of the journey. If your budget allows, buying your baby their own seat with an approved child restraint is the safest choice.
Related reading: Best carry-on luggage for international travel.
References
- Traveling with Children — American Airlines
- Flying with Children — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)