Traveling with Children On American Airlines: A Guide
Spending time with children is always a pleasant experience, and traveling with them becomes even more exciting. However, it’s really necessary to choose the airline carefully. And if you are traveling with children under the age of two, then it’s highly important to check their infant policy. Most airlines have similar infant policies, but checking them once is still suggested.
If you are looking for a good airline, then it is suggested that you travel on American Airlines. “American Airlines traveling with children” is not only a fun experience but also safer. The airline offers numerous facilities to make the traveling experience stress-free and relaxing. What are those facilities, and what is American Airlines infant policy? Let’s find out in this blog.
Traveling With Children And Infants: American Airlines Policy
American Airlines permits traveling children of any age. Even two-day-old babies are also allowed to travel, but it required to submit and carry a fit-to-fly certificate. This certificate ensures that the baby is fit to travel on the aircraft. Other things that need to be known for American Airlines traveling with children and infants include:
- Infants under the age of two are allowed to travel on their parents’ laps without needing their own tickets or seats.
- Per passenger per lap infant is granted.
- Children who are two or more years old need to have their secured seats to fly on American Airlines. The secured seat must be purchased with a full airfare.
- Lap infants generally travel for free, but travel internationally is subject to fare.
- Travel documents such as passports and a birth certificate are required for American Airlines traveling with children and infants.
- FAA-approved car seats can be used, but a separate seat needs to be purchased.
- Children who are younger than five are not permitted to travel solo.
- American Airlines provides unaccompanied minor service for children aged between 5 to 14.
- Unaccompanied minor service is optional for 15 to 17-year-olds. However, it is subject to a standard unaccompanied fee.
- Families with children under the age of two can request early boarding.
- Despite adding the lap baby to the American flight ticket in advance, they need to buy a full ticket for the round trip if they turn into two during the trip.
Documents Required For American Airlines Traveling With Children And Infants
A specific set of documents is required to submit for American Airlines Traveling With Children and Infants for age verification and international travel. Here are the documents:
- Birth Certificate: A birth certificate might be required to verify the age if traveling with lap babies.
- A Valid Passport: Both children and infants must carry a passport, particularly when traveling overseas. No passport card will be accepted for overseas travel. Only a standard passport book will be accepted.
- Permission Letter: If a parent travels solo with a child on an international flight, they must submit a permission letter signed by the non-traveling parent. This letter acts as proof of permission to travel.
- Custody Documents: A parent with sole custody of the child must carry the custody documents, as the airline staff can ask them to verify the claim.
- Medical Document: If traveling with a child under seven days old, a doctor’s note confirming that the baby is fit to travel on an American flight is needed.
In addition to these documents, it’s suggested that visa requirements for the destination country for American Airlines Traveling With Children be checked, as they can differ for children and infants.
What Are The Benefits Of Traveling With Children And Infants On American Airlines?
To ensure the safety of children traveling with American Airlines, the airline offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Early Boarding
- Fee-Free Family Seating
- Bassinet Service
- Stroller Service
- Permit infants (Under 2) to travel on the lap
How To Add Babies As Lap Children On American Airlines?
American Airlines offers several options for adding babies as lap children, including using the official website or contacting them over the phone. Below are the steps for both methods; pick one that works best for you.
Online Method: Use Of Website For American Airlines Traveling With Children And Infants
Follow the steps to add the child to the ticket using the official AA Website:
- Step 1: Open the official AA website.
- Step 2: Put in the information such as origin, destination, and travel dates.
- Step 3: Mention the number of passengers when filling out the flight details.
- Step 4: Provide passengers’ information. Here, you can choose to add the infant to your lap.
- Step 5: Provide the child’s information and attach the documents.
- Step 6: Pay the fees as needed or shown on the screen.
- Step 7: Wait to receive the confirmation from the airline.
Offline Method: Use Of Phone For American Airlines Traveling With Children And Infants
Follow the steps to add the baby to the ticket using the phone number:
- Step 1: Dial the American Airlines official contact number at 1 (800) 433-7300 or speak to a travel expert at +1-800-633-0441, in case the number is busy.
- Step 2: After the representative picks up the call, ask them to book the flight tickets for you and your child. You can also request to include the baby as a lap child.
- Step 3: Provide the information as asked and submit the documents. Also, mention the number of passengers.
- Step 4: Double-check the information and end the process with the required payment.
- Step 5: Ask the representative to share the official booking confirmation and add the babies to the ticket.
Conclusion
American Airlines offers numerous benefits to families who travel with their children and infants. However, like other airlines, AA has policies regarding infants and children that must be followed. Even documents such as a valid passport, a birth certificate, and other travel documents are required to be submitted. To avoid confusion, use the official website for details regarding traveling with children, or contact the airline at 1 (800) 433-7300. Meanwhile, speak with the flight expert at +1-800-633-0441 for quick assistance regarding different policies set by AA, including the “American Airlines name change on ticket policy”.