Infant fares
U.S./Canada travel (within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands)
- One child less than 24 months of age may travel free when accompanied by an adult and not occupying a separate seat. For travel to and from Canada, taxes may apply.
- Only one child may travel for free per ticketed adult.
- One adult customer traveling with more than one infant must purchase an adjacent seat for each child except the first, at the applicable fare.
- Additional children must be properly secured in their seats.
- A passenger must be at least 18 years old in order to hold an infant as a lap child.
- Effective September 4, 2009, a child who reaches the age of two during travel may travel as a lap child on flights before his or her birthday, but will require a purchased seat on continuing and/or return flights. For portions of the trip requiring a purchased seat, a separate itinerary must be created.
International travel (outside the U.S., Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
- A ticket must be purchased for each child, regardless of age.
- Discounted fares may apply, depending on the international destination.
- One adult customer traveling with more than one infant must purchase an adjacent seat for each child, at the applicable fare.
- Children must be properly secured in their seats.
- Newborns up to 7 days old require a doctor’s authorization to travel. Passengers with newborns and infants may be required to show proof of age in order to travel.
Booking a seat for an infant
There are two options when traveling with an infant (child under two years of age):
- Infant not occupying a seat (lap child)
For travel within the U.S., between the U.S. and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and between the U.S. and Canada, infants are not required to occupy a seat. However, your reservation must be documented as having an infant on your lap. If you decide to fly with an infant on your lap, book your reservation on United web site and then contact United Reservations from the U.S. or Canada at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) or your local United Reservations office to advise that an infant will be traveling on your itinerary.
For international travel, an infant is required to have a ticket to travel as a lap child. Contact your local United Reservations office for details on how to purchase a ticket for your infant.
- Infant occupying a seat
For travel within the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and between the U.S. and Canada, you may purchase a separate seat for your infant for increased comfort. Infants occupying a separate seat are subject to the full adult fare. To book a separate seat on United web site for your infant, please contact United Reservations from the U.S. or Canada at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) or your local United Reservations office.
For international travel, infant discounts may be offered based on your destination. Contact your local United Reservations office to inquire about infant discounts or to book a seat for your infant for international travel. If you decide to fly with an infant on your lap, book your reservation on United web site and then contact United Reservations from the U.S. at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) or your local United Reservations office to advise that an infant will be traveling on your itinerary.
Child safety seats
You may use an approved infant car seat on board the aircraft when you purchase a seat for your child. The seat must be an FAA-approved child safety seat device.
If manufactured after February 1985, the car seat should also be certified for use in aircraft. You should seat your child in the child safety seat for takeoff, landing and during turbulence.
The FAA has approved the use of a child safety restraint system for travel. The system, named “CARES”, uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the back of the seat and attaches to the lap belt. Children weighing between 22 and 44lbs may use this device. More information is available at www.kidsflysafe.com.
The following child restraint devices may not be used on board the aircraft: booster seats, belly belts which attach to adult seat belts only, and vests or harnesses which hold the infant to the chest of the adult.
Bassinets
Bassinets are provided, free of charge, on all international aircraft (747, 767 and 777). When confirming your reservations, you may request a seat in an appropriate location for bassinet usage. These bassinets are large enough to hold a child up to approximately six months old. They may not be used for takeoff, landing or any time the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated.
Changing tables and diapers
We recommend that you have an adequate supply of diapers for your trip. Changing tables are available on certain types of aircraft. Your flight attendant will direct you to the proper lavatory.
Seating
In keeping with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, if you are traveling with an infant or any child under 15 years old, you cannot sit in a designated exit row. Only one infant may travel in each grouping of seats on the aircraft due to the availability of oxygen masks.
Strollers
Strollers may be checked to your final destination without a fee, in addition to your normal baggage allowance.
Children can be transported in their strollers throughout the airport. However, strollers must be checked at the gate. Your stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door upon request at your connecting city or destination.
United highly recommends using an umbrella stroller when traveling. Umbrella strollers may be accommodated onboard the aircraft when space permits in place of your carry-on bag. Large-sized, non-collapsible, or heavy strollers are awkward and facilities are not designed to accommodate these type of items. United is not responsible for damage that occurs to strollers that are not packaged in a box and checked at the check-in counter.
General information
We recommend that you bring your child's favorite toy, coloring books and storybooks. We also recommend that you give your child something to eat or drink when the plane is taking off and landing. This may help alleviate ear pain caused by pressure as the cabin adjusts to the altitude.