Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?
Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat for travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You must, however, inform American Airlines (1-800-433-7300) that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 15 years of age.
Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.
You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.
Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?
A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.
Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?
Yes, a child up to 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.
What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?
Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.
What types of child restraint devices are allowed?
| Country: | Certification: | Details: |
|---|---|---|
| United States |
US FMVSS #213
or Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA) |
Manufactured after 26 February 1985; red sticker bearing text "This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft" and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” Manufactured before 1985; it must state “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” |
| Canada |
Transport Canada
|
|
| European Union |
Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
|
|
| Germany |
TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001
|
|
| U.N. |
United Nations ECE R 44-03 (or later versions)
|
- Restraints manufactured outside the United States may be accepted provided that they bear either a label showing approval of a non-U.S. government OR a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations (U.N.).
- U.N. approval is designated by a label with a circle surrounding the letter "E" followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval, plus an indication of the category and mass group of the child restraint which will be affixed.
If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.
What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (i.e. bassinets)?
Infant amenities vary by aircraft. When you're on the airplane page, look for the Infant Amenity Icon. If it is present, clicking on it will tell you what infant services are available on that airplane. If you do not see it, infant amenities are not offered on that aircraft. You can always contact American Airlines for more information.
Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
Be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles and other related items. However, baby bottles can be heated on all flights operated by American Airlines.
Can I sit in the Exit Row with my infant?
Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that no lap children or infant seats are allowed in an Exit Row and that all passengers in an Exit Row must be at least 15 years of age. In addition, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly in front of or directly behind an exit.
