Airline baggage rules for kids: what flies free by age
On major U.S. airlines, children under two fly free on domestic flights when traveling on an adult's lap, while international routes generally charge 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. While lap infants do not receive a standard checked bag allowance, parents can universally check one stroller and one car seat for free.
Flying with kids means extra gear, extra questions, and policies that differ from one airline to the next. The rules hinge on your child's age on the day of travel, not the day you book. A child who turns 2 mid-trip needs a paid seat for every flight after their birthday.
This page breaks down infant and child baggage policies for the five largest U.S. carriers. You'll find the age cutoffs, what flies free, and where fees apply.
Airlines selector
Select an airline to see its infant and child baggage policy in full.
American Airlines
American Airlines enforces specific ticketing and age requirements for infant travel across domestic and international routes.
- An infant is defined as a child under 2 years old on the date of travel.
- Infants under 2 fly free on domestic flights when held on an adult's lap.
- International lap infants pay 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes.
- Only one lap infant is allowed per adult; additional infants require a purchased seat.
- Infants as young as 2 days old may fly, but those under 7 days require a Passenger Medical form.
- Children 2 and older must have a ticket and occupy their own seat.
- Age is assessed per flight segment, so a child turning 2 mid-trip requires a paid seat for the return flight.
American Airlines outlines distinct baggage rules for lap infants and accompanying baby equipment.
- Lap infants do not receive a separate checked or carry-on baggage allowance.
- Parents may bring one diaper bag per child as a carry-on.
- One stroller and one car seat can be checked free per child.
- Playpens, wagons, cribs, and pack-and-plays count as regular checked luggage.
- Standard baggage fees apply if you purchase a seat for your infant.
American Airlines accepts primary infant gear free of charge with specific drop-off and return procedures.
- Strollers and car seats are accepted free of charge.
- One stroller per child may be checked at the curbside, ticket counter, or gate.
- One car seat per child may be checked free or brought on board if a seat was purchased.
- FAA-approved car seats must display the required certification label.
- Gate-checked items are returned at the jet bridge on most flights.
American Airlines provides early boarding opportunities and loyalty program enrollment for traveling families.
- Families with children under 2 may board during Group 5 or earlier if traveling with a stroller or car seat.
- Children can be enrolled in AAdvantage, though lap infants do not earn miles.
- Bassinets are available on select widebody aircraft (777s and 787s) on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines establishes age limits, ticketing requirements, and fare rules for infants.
- Children under 2 years old are considered infants.
- Infants under 2 fly free on domestic flights when held on an adult's lap.
- International lap infants pay a reduced fare (typically 10% of the adult fare) plus taxes.
- Infants must be at least 7 days old to fly; younger infants require a doctor's note.
- Only one lap infant is permitted per adult; a second infant requires a purchased seat.
- Children 2 and older must have their own ticket and seat.
Delta Air Lines determines infant baggage allowances based on ticket type and fare percentage.
- Lap infants do not receive a separate baggage allowance.
- For unticketed infants, all items count toward the adult's baggage allowance.
- Infants on international tickets at 10% fare receive one checked bag up to 22 lbs (10 kg) with maximum dimensions of 45 linear inches, plus one collapsible stroller.
- Children on tickets at 50% or more of the adult fare receive the standard baggage allowance.
Delta Air Lines maintains an accommodating policy for transporting strollers, car seats, and related baby gear.
- Delta provides one of the most permissive stroller policies among U.S. carriers.
- One stroller per child is free at curbside, ticket counter, or gate.
- There is no published size or weight limit for strollers.
- One car seat per child is free and does not count toward the baggage allowance.
- Booster seats and bassinets (SkyCots) may be brought on board as additional free items.
- Gate-checked strollers return at the jet bridge, while counter-checked items return at baggage claim.
Delta Air Lines provides dedicated boarding access and special onboard amenities for traveling families.
- Families with young children receive Early Access boarding between Zone 2 and Zone 3.
- SkyCots (bassinets) are available on select long-haul flights for infants under 20 lbs upon advance request.
- Breast pumps and associated cooler bags do not count against the carry-on allowance.
United Airlines
United Airlines defines infant age requirements and enforces segment-based ticketing policies.
- United defines infants as children under 2 years old.
- Infants under 2 fly free on domestic flights when held on an adult's lap.
- International lap infants pay applicable taxes and fees, while front cabin lap infants pay 10% of the cabin fare.
- Infants must be at least 7 days old to fly.
- One lap infant is permitted per adult; additional infants require a purchased seat.
- Children 2 and older must have their own ticket.
- Age is assessed per segment, meaning a child turning 2 mid-trip needs a paid seat for flights on or after their birthday.
United Airlines regulates carry-on and checked luggage allocations for infants and accompanying gear.
- Lap infants on United do not receive a separate baggage allowance.
- All infant items count toward the accompanying adult's allowance.
- Standard baggage rules apply if you purchase a seat for your infant.
- Diaper bags may be carried on in addition to your standard personal item.
United Airlines accepts essential baby travel gear free of charge under specific liability conditions.
- Strollers and car seats are accepted free of charge.
- One stroller per child may be gate-checked or counter-checked free.
- One car seat per child is free and does not count toward the baggage allowance.
- FAA-approved car seats may be used on board if a seat is purchased for the child.
- United disclaims liability for stroller damage in its Contract of Carriage.
United Airlines provides boarding privileges and onboard bassinet options for families.
- Families with children under 2 may board early.
- Bassinets are available on select international flights upon advance request, subject to weight limits.
- Proof of age (birth certificate or passport) may be requested.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines specifies age thresholds, ticket pricing, and companion requirements for traveling lap children.
- A lap child is defined as a child between 14 days and 2 years old.
- Lap infants fly free on domestic flights.
- International lap infants pay applicable government taxes and fees.
- Infants under 14 days old require a medical release form to travel.
- One lap infant is permitted per adult, and the accompanying adult must be at least 12 years old.
- Children 2 and older must have their own ticket.
- If a child turns 2 between the outbound and return flights, the return portion requires a purchased ticket.
Southwest Airlines extends its standard baggage allowances alongside provisions for infant necessities.
- Ticketed passengers receive 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs each under Southwest's standard checked bag policy.
- Lap infants do not have a separate checked baggage allowance.
- Diaper bags and baby food may be brought on board without counting against carry-on limits.
Southwest Airlines permits complimentary check-in for strollers and car seats under limited carrier liability.
- Strollers and car seats are accepted free of charge.
- Each ticketed passenger traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat free.
- These items do not count toward the passenger's 2 free checked bags.
- Strollers may be gate-checked or counter-checked.
- Southwest transports strollers with a limited release of liability.
Southwest Airlines facilitates dedicated family boarding times and gate check-in documentation.
- Family Boarding occurs between the A and B boarding groups.
- A birth certificate or passport should be brought as proof of age, as Southwest may request verification.
- Lap infants receive a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) at check-in.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways outlines age criteria, ticketing fees, and seating guidelines for infant passengers.
- JetBlue considers children between 3 days and 2 years old to be infants.
- Lap infants fly free on domestic flights.
- International lap infants may pay applicable taxes.
- Infants must be at least 3 days old to fly.
- Only one lap infant is allowed per adult.
- Children 2 and older must have their own ticket and seat.
JetBlue Airways specifies luggage permissions and carry-on exemptions for travelers flying with infants.
- Lap infants on JetBlue do not receive a checked baggage allowance.
- Parents may bring one diaper bag per lap infant in addition to their carry-on and personal item.
- A diaper bag is permitted in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item, which are now included across all JetBlue fares (including Blue Basic).
- Breast pumps do not count against the carry-on allowance.
JetBlue Airways allows free transport of strollers and car seats while detailing fees and liability terms for larger items.
- Strollers and car seats are accepted free of charge.
- One stroller per child may be gate-checked or counter-checked free.
- One car seat per child is free and does not count toward the baggage allowance.
- Playpens and infant beds count as standard checked bags and are subject to standard fees.
- JetBlue explicitly disclaims liability for stroller damage under Section 19 of its Contract of Carriage.
JetBlue Airways offers early courtesy boarding and safety gear requirements for families.
- Courtesy Boarding is available for families with children under 2.
- Families traveling with a stroller or car seat may board early.
- Infants occupying a seat must use an FAA-approved child restraint system.
Age is measured on the travel date, not the booking date
If your child turns 2 during your trip, you'll need a paid seat for every flight on or after their birthday. Age is assessed per flight segment, not at the time of booking. Plan ahead if your child's birthday falls near your travel dates.
Stroller damage liability varies by airline
Delta does not publish a stroller-specific disclaimer, while JetBlue, Southwest, and United explicitly limit their liability. A padded gate-check bag can protect your gear when flying with any of these carriers.
International flights cost more for lap infants
Domestic lap infants fly free, but international routes typically charge 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. Budget accordingly and confirm the exact amount when booking, as the figure can vary by route and cabin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue all allow infants under 2 to fly free on domestic flights when held on an adult's lap. International flights typically charge 10% of the adult fare plus taxes.
Minimum ages vary: American accepts infants as young as 2 days old (with a medical form for those under 7 days), Delta and United require infants to be at least 7 days old, Southwest accepts infants under 14 days old with a medical release form, and JetBlue accepts infants from 3 days old.
No. Lap infants on all five major U.S. carriers do not receive a separate checked baggage allowance. Their items count toward the accompanying adult's allowance. However, diaper bags, strollers, and car seats are typically free.
Yes. American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue all allow one stroller per child to be gate-checked free of charge. The stroller does not count toward your checked baggage allowance.
You'll need to purchase a ticket for any flight on or after your child's second birthday. Age is assessed per flight segment, not at the time of booking. Plan ahead if your child's birthday falls near your travel dates.
Delta and United provide bassinets (SkyCots) on select long-haul international flights for infants meeting weight requirements. American Airlines offers bassinets on specific widebody aircraft (777s and 787s) on a first-come, first-served basis. Southwest and JetBlue do not provide bassinets.
Yes. All five major U.S. carriers allow one car seat per child to be checked free of charge. Car seats do not count toward your checked baggage allowance. FAA-approved car seats may also be used on board if you purchase a seat for your child.
Yes. Airlines may request proof of age at check-in or boarding. Bring a birth certificate, passport, or hospital birth record. Southwest and JetBlue explicitly state they may require age verification.
A diaper bag is a bag containing infant essentials such as diapers, wipes, bottles, and formula. Most airlines allow one diaper bag per infant in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item.
Yes. American, Delta, and United typically charge 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes for lap infants on international flights. Southwest charges government taxes and fees on international routes. JetBlue may charge applicable taxes on international flights.
Information in this article was last verified on 10/22/2026. Details such as prices, policies, and age requirements are subject to change. Always confirm directly with the airline before travel.
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