Flying with a baby can feel like preparing for a military operation. In 2026, the United Airlines infant policy remains one of the most comprehensive in the industry, designed to assist parents from the ticket counter to the clouds. Whether you are planning your first cross-country trip or a massive international adventure, understanding every nuance of the United Airlines infant policy is the key to a smooth journey.
As of early 2026, United has streamlined its digital tools to make adding a “lap child” easier than ever. This exhaustive guide breaks down the technical requirements of the United Airlines infant policy, reveals “Grey-Hat” strategies for scoring extra space, and provides a clear roadmap for handling strollers, car seats, and baby food. Let’s dive into the core of the United Airlines infant policy.
1. The Core Framework of United Airlines Infant Policy
At its heart, the United Airlines infant policy defines an “infant” as any child under the age of two. In 2026, you have two primary ways to travel under this policy:
Infants on Lap (Lap Children)
Under the United Airlines infant policy, children under two years old can travel on the lap of an adult (18+) for free on domestic flights.
- Domestic (U.S. and Canada): Lap infants fly for $0, but must still be registered on the adult’s ticket.
- International: The United Airlines infant policy typically charges roughly 10% of the adult fare plus international taxes and fees for lap infants.
Infants in Purchased Seats
The United Airlines infant policy and the FAA strongly recommend that all children have their own seat and an FAA-approved car seat. If you purchase a seat, you must pay the full adult fare (United rarely offers “child discounts” in 2026), but your child gains the same baggage allowance as an adult.
2. Adding Your Baby: The 2026 Ticketing Process
Don’t just show up at the gate! The United Airlines infant policy requires every child to be on the flight manifest.
- During Booking: Select “Infant on lap” or “Infant in seat” as a traveler type on the United website or app.
- Post-Booking: If you forgot to add them, you must call the Customer Contact Center to update your reservation under the United Airlines infant policy.
- Maximum Occupancy: Due to oxygen mask limits, the United Airlines infant policy allows only one lap infant per adult. If you are traveling alone with twins, you must buy a seat for at least one of them.
3. Strollers and Car Seats: The Logistics
The United Airlines infant policy is incredibly generous when it comes to baby gear. In 2026, these items do not count toward your standard baggage limit.
| Item | United Airlines Infant Policy Rule | Fee |
| Car Seat | One per child; can be gate-checked or checked at the counter. | $0 |
| Standard Stroller | One per child; can be gate-checked or checked at the counter. | $0 |
| Collapsible Stroller | If it fits in the overhead bin, it counts as a carry-on. | $0 |
| Wagons/Large Gear | Must be checked at the counter. | $0 |
The Gate-Check Hack
Under the United Airlines infant policy, you can keep your stroller until you reach the aircraft door. Upon landing, it will be waiting for you on the jet bridge. This is essential for navigating massive hubs like O’Hare or Newark.
4. Onboard Amenities: Bassinets and Changing Tables
For long-haul international flights, the United Airlines infant policy offers “SkyCots” (bassinets) to help parents get some rest.
- Eligibility: Available in Polaris, Premium Plus, and Economy on wide-body aircraft (B767, B777, B787).
- Requirements: Infants must be under 22 lbs (10 kg) and unable to sit up unassisted.
- How to Reserve: Bassinets are first-come, first-served. Call United immediately after booking to request a “Bassinet Seat” (usually a bulkhead row).
- Changing Tables: Nearly all United aircraft in 2026 feature changing tables in at least one lavatory. Ask a flight attendant which one to use.
5. Baggage and Food: What Can You Bring?
The United Airlines infant policy provides extra allowances for the “essentials.”
- Diaper Bags: One diaper bag per infant is allowed for free in addition to the adult’s standard carry-on and personal item.
- Breast Pumps: These are considered medical devices under the United Airlines infant policy and do not count against your bag limit.
- Liquid Exemptions: TSA and United allow formula, breast milk, and baby food in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz. Simply declare them for separate screening at security.
6. Hacks for Families (United Airlines infant policy)
Want to maximize the United Airlines infant policy for extra comfort? Use these professional traveler secrets:
The Empty Middle Seat Trick
If the flight isn’t full, the United Airlines infant policy often allows you to use an empty adjacent seat for your lap infant at no extra charge. Strategy: Book an aisle and a window seat in a row of three. Middle seats are the last to be assigned. If it stays empty, you can place your car seat there for free!
Pre-Boarding Advantage
The United Airlines infant policy grants families with children under two Pre-Boarding status. This is the ultimate “Grey-Hat” move to secure overhead bin space for your diaper bag and settle the baby before the crowd arrives.
Birth Certificate Preparation
While not always required for domestic travel, the United Airlines infant policy gives agents the right to ask for proof of age. Always keep a digital photo of your baby’s birth certificate on your phone to avoid a last-minute $0-to-Full-Fare ticket disaster if your toddler looks “too old” for a lap.
7. Summary Checklist for Parents in 2026
- [ ] Register early: Ensure “Infant on lap” is on your 2026 boarding pass.
- [ ] Check Car Seat Labels: Ensure your seat has the “Certified for Aircraft” sticker.
- [ ] Pack a “Spill Kit”: Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for you and the baby.
- [ ] Request the Bassinet: Call 1-800-UNITED-1 at least 48 hours before international flights.
- [ ] Leverage Pre-Boarding: Be at the gate 45 minutes before departure.
The United Airlines infant policy is designed to make the sky feel like home. By understanding these rules and utilizing the available hacks, you can turn a potentially stressful flight into a memorable family milestone.