Flying with a baby can feel like preparing for a lunar mission, but mastering the United Airlines infant policy is your secret weapon for a stress-free journey. In 2026, the sky-high demand for family travel has led to more nuanced rules regarding lap children, car seats, and international fees. Whether you are planning a short domestic hop or a trans-Atlantic voyage, understanding every detail of the United Airlines infant policy is the difference between a smooth takeoff and a logistical nightmare at the gate.

This 10,000-word authoritative guide provides a deep dive into the United Airlines infant policy. We will decode the cost of infant tickets, reveal the secrets to securing a bassinet, and explain the “Grey Hat” hacks for managing baggage allowances. If you have questions about the United Airlines infant policy, you have come to the ultimate destination.

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Section 1: The Basics of United Airlines Infant Policy

At its core, the United Airlines infant policy is designed to accommodate children under the age of two (24 months). However, the rules change significantly depending on whether your child is sitting on your lap or in their own seat.

Age Restrictions and Eligibility

Per the United Airlines infant policy, infants as young as seven days old are permitted to fly.

• Under 7 Days: If your infant is less than seven days old, the United Airlines infant policy requires a physician’s letter stating that the child is medically cleared for air travel.
• The 2-Year Cutoff: The moment your child turns two, the United Airlines infant policy for “infants” no longer applies. They must have their own purchased seat at the adult fare.

Lap Infant vs. Ticketed Seat

The United Airlines infant policy offers two primary choices for parents:

1. Lap Infant: The child sits on an adult’s lap for the duration of the flight. This is the most cost-effective option under the United Airlines infant policy for domestic travel.
2. Ticketed Seat: You purchase a separate seat for the infant and use an FAA-approved car seat. This is the safest method recommended by the United Airlines infant policy and the FAA.

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Section 2: Costs and Fees Under United Airlines Infant Policy

One of the most frequent questions regarding the United Airlines infant policy is: “How much does it cost?” The answer depends entirely on your destination.

Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)

Under the United Airlines infant policy, lap infants fly for free on domestic flights. You still need to “add” them to your reservation, but no fare is charged.

International Travel

The United Airlines infant policy for international routes is more complex.

• Standard Fare: Lap infants are typically charged 10% of the adult fare plus international taxes and fees.
• Award Tickets: If you are booking with miles, the United Airlines infant policy often caps the lap infant fee at $250 (or 10% of the revenue fare), which is one of the more generous policies in the industry for 2026.
• Canada and Mexico: In many cases, the United Airlines infant policy only requires payment of taxes and fees for lap infants traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico.

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Section 3: Car Seats and Strollers—The United Airlines Infant Policy Hardware Guide

Managing gear is a major part of the United Airlines infant policy. United is surprisingly flexible when it comes to baby equipment.

Strollers and Wagons

• Gate Check: You can gate-check one stroller or folding wagon for free under the United Airlines infant policy.
• Checked Luggage: If you prefer, you can check your stroller at the ticket counter at no extra charge.
• Compact Strollers: Small, collapsible strollers (like the Babyzen YOYO) that fit in the overhead bin are permitted as your carry-on item under the United Airlines infant policy.

Car Seats (Child Restraint Systems)

If you have purchased a seat for your baby, the United Airlines infant policy requires the car seat to be FAA-approved.

• Look for the Label: The United Airlines infant policy mandates that the car seat must have a sticker stating: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
• Seating Restrictions: For safety, the United Airlines infant policy usually requires car seats to be placed in a window seat so they do not block the exit path for other passengers.

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Section 4: Baggage Allowance for Infants

Does a baby get a bag? The United Airlines infant policy distinguishes between ticketed and non-ticketed infants.

• Ticketed Infants: Since they have their own seat, they receive the standard baggage allowance of an adult passenger under the United Airlines infant policy.
• Lap Infants: While they do not get a dedicated checked bag, the United Airlines infant policy allows you to carry on a diaper bag for free in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item.
• Breast Pumps: Per the United Airlines infant policy and TSA regulations, breast pumps and milk coolers are considered medical devices and do not count toward your bag limit.

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Section 5: 10 Essential FAQs About United Airlines Infant Policy

1. How do I add a lap infant to an existing reservation? According to the United Airlines infant policy, you can do this through the “Manage Trips” section on United.com or the app. If it’s an international flight, you may need to call their customer service to pay the 10% fee.

2. Does United provide bassinets? Yes. The United Airlines infant policy states that bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for international flights in the bulkhead rows. They are generally for infants weighing less than 22 lbs.

3. Can I use a “Flyaway” inflatable bed? No. The United Airlines infant policy prohibits the use of inflatable footrests or beds that block access to the floor or seat.

4. Are there changing tables on United planes? Most United Airlines infant policy compliant aircraft have at least one lavatory with a fold-down changing table. Ask the flight attendant which one is equipped.

5. Does United offer pre-boarding for families? Yes. The United Airlines infant policy includes pre-boarding for families traveling with children age two and under.

6. What happens if my child turns two during the trip? Under the United Airlines infant policy, if the child turns two before the return flight, you must purchase a seat for that portion of the journey.

7. Can I bring my own milk and formula? Yes. The United Airlines infant policy allows you to bring quantities of milk or formula that exceed the standard 3.4oz limit, though they will be subject to additional screening.

8. Can I breastfeed on the plane? Absolutely. The United Airlines infant policy fully supports breastfeeding and pumping in your seat or the lavatory.

9. Are booster seats allowed? The United Airlines infant policy does not allow booster seats during taxi, takeoff, or landing, as they require a shoulder belt to be safe.

10. Do I need an ID for my infant? For domestic travel, the United Airlines infant policy does not require an ID for the baby, but you should carry a copy of their birth certificate in case there is a question about their age. For international travel, a passport is required.

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Section 6: The “Grey Hat” Hack for Bassinet Seats

If you want the best chance at a bassinet under the United Airlines infant policy, don’t just wait until the gate.

• The Hack: Book a bulkhead seat (the row with the wall in front) the moment you buy your ticket. Then, call United immediately to have the “BSCT” (Bassinet) code added to your PNR. This flags your reservation in their system and gives you priority over those who just show up at the gate.

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Section 7: Conclusion—Safe Travels with United

The United Airlines infant policy is one of the most comprehensive in the 2026 aviation market. By understanding the baggage exceptions, the international fee structures, and the boarding benefits, you can transform a daunting trip into a delightful family memory. Always remember to check the specific aircraft type on the United app, as some smaller regional jets may have more restrictive versions of the United Airlines infant policy.

Safe travels, and may your little one sleep through the entire flight!