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. You must, however, inform United Airlines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.
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.
A passenger must be at least 18 years old in order to travel with an infant on his or her lap.
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 under 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. Infants traveling between the U.S. and Canada only pay taxes for their travels.
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?
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. Please note the following infant car seat placement restrictions: on one-aisle aircraft, car seats must be placed in window seats, on two-aisle aircraft, car seats must be placed in window seats or the middle seat of a center section. Car seats are not permitted in rear-facing seats on any aircraft.
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, CARES (child aviation restraint system), 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 44 pounds may use this device. Visit www.kidsflysafe.com for more information.
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.
A limited number of bassinets can be reserved for use, free of charge, on international aircraft (Boeing 747, 757-200, 767 and 777). These bassinets are large enough to hold a child up to approximately six months old. They may not be used for takeoff, landing, or when the seat belt sign is illuminated. To request a bassinet for your flight, please contact United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) within the United States, or call the appropriate worldwide contact. Bassinet reservations are subject to availability. It is recommended that you make your request early, as bassinets may no longer be available for your flight once you arrive at the airport.
What is United Airlines policy with respect to 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. No strollers of any size are permitted as carry-on baggage. Your child's stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door upon request at your connecting city or destination. Large-sized, non-collapsible strollers cannot be checked at the gate. Please see a United representative at the airport check-in counter to check your large-sized, non-collapsible stroller.
United is not responsible for damage that occurs to strollers that are not packaged in a box and checked at the check-in counter.
Which aircraft have baby changers in the lavatories?
Changing tables are available on certain types of aircraft.
Can I sit in the exit row with my infant?
If you are traveling with an infant or any child under 15 years old, you cannot sit in a designated exit row, in keeping with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Only one infant per each grouping of seats on the aircraft is acceptable due to the availability of oxygen masks.
