This 10,000-word comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource. We will break down everything from lap infant fees and bassinet availability to the “Grey Hat” hacks for securing extra space without paying for a full seat.

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Section 1: The Core of United Airlines Infant Policy (2026 Update)

United Airlines categorizes “infants” as children under the age of two (24 months). However, the rules change based on your destination and how you choose to seat your child.

The 7-Day Rule

According to the United Airlines infant policy, a newborn must be at least 7 days old to fly. If your baby is younger than one week, you will need a physician’s letter to clear them for air travel.

Lap Infant vs. Ticketed Seat

• Lap Infant (Infant-in-Arms): * Domestic (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands): Traveling with a lap infant is free. You simply need to add the “Infant on lap” status to your reservation via the United app or website.
  • International: For most international flights, lap infants require a ticket that typically costs 10% of the adult fare plus applicable international taxes and fees.
• Purchased Seat:
  • If you want the maximum safety and comfort, you can buy a separate seat for your infant. In this case, the United Airlines infant policy requires the child to be secured in an FAA-approved car seat for the duration of the flight.

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Section 2: Baggage & Baby Gear (What Flies for Free?)

One of the most parent-friendly aspects of the United Airlines infant policy is the generous allowance for baby equipment.

Free Checked Items

United allows you to check one stroller (or folding wagon) and one car seat per child for free. This does not count against your standard baggage allowance. You have two options:

1. Ticket Counter: Check the gear when you first arrive at the airport.
2. Gate Check: Use your stroller to get through the terminal and check it at the aircraft door. It will be waiting for you on the jet bridge when you land.

The Diaper Bag Exception

Under the United Airlines infant policy, a diaper bag does not count toward your carry-on or personal item limit. This is a massive win for parents who need to maximize their packing space.

International Baggage Allowance

If you have paid the 10% infant fare for an international flight, that infant is often granted their own checked bag (usually up to 50 lbs/23 kg). This is a critical detail of the United Airlines infant policy that many parents overlook!

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Section 3: Onboard Comfort—Bassinets & Changing Tables

For long-haul international flights, your best friend is the United airplane bassinet.

How to Secure a Bassinet

The United Airlines infant policy states that bassinets are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. They are primarily found on wide-body aircraft (Boeing 767, 777, and 787) in the bulkhead rows.

• Weight Limit: Most United bassinets can hold infants weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg).
• Pro-Tip: Call United Reservations as soon as you book to request a bulkhead seat with a bassinet attachment. If you wait until the day of the flight, they may already be taken.

In-Flight Changing Tables

Most United aircraft are equipped with at least one restroom that features a fold-down changing table. Ask your flight attendant which restroom is “baby-ready” when you board.

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Section 4: 10 Essential FAQs—United Airlines Infant Policy

1. Can I bring breast milk and formula through security? Yes. The United Airlines infant policy aligns with TSA guidelines, allowing “reasonable quantities” of breast milk, formula, and baby food through security, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces. You must declare them for separate screening.

2. Does a 1-year-old need a passport? For international travel, every passenger, regardless of age, needs a passport. For domestic flights, infants do not need ID, but you should carry a copy of their birth certificate to prove they are under two.

3. What if my child turns 2 during the trip? The United Airlines infant policy is strict: if the child turns two during the journey, they must have a purchased seat for all flight segments occurring on or after their birthday.

4. Are car seats allowed in United Polaris® (Business Class)? On certain aircraft (767, 777, 787), car seats are not permitted in Polaris Business Class due to the seat’s angled configuration and airbag seatbelts. Always check your specific aircraft seat map.

5. How do I pre-board with an infant? United invites families with children under the age of 2 to pre-board. This happens after Group 1 but before Group 2. This is the perfect time to get your car seat installed and diaper bag stowed.

6. Can I use a “CARES” harness? Yes. The United Airlines infant policy allows the FAA-approved CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) for children who have their own seats.

7. Is there a “Lap Infant” limit per row? Yes. Due to the number of oxygen masks in each row, there is usually a limit of one lap infant per row section.

8. Can I pump breast milk on the plane? Absolutely. You are welcome to use a breast pump at your seat. If you need a more private space, consult a flight attendant, though private “pumping rooms” on planes are not standard.

9. Do I get a refund if I decide not to bring my infant? Since domestic lap infants are free, there is no refund. For international tickets (the 10% fare), the refundability depends on the adult fare’s terms.

10. What is the “Grey Hat” hack for an extra seat? Check the seat map 24 hours before your flight. If the flight isn’t full, choose a row with an empty middle seat. Under the United Airlines infant policy, if that middle seat remains empty when the door closes, you can often use it for your infant’s car seat for free!

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Section 5: “Grey Hat” Pro-Strategies for United Parents

To truly master the United Airlines infant policy, you need to think like a pro-traveler:

• The Bulkhead Advantage: Even if you don’t need a bassinet, the bulkhead row offers the most floor space for a baby to play (while the seatbelt sign is off).
• The “Empty Seat” Gamble: Book the aisle and window seat in a row of three. Middle seats are the last to be assigned. If the flight isn’t packed, you’ve just secured a free seat for your lap infant.
• The App Tracking: Use the United app to track your gate-checked stroller. In 2026, the app provides real-time updates on when your stroller is loaded and unloaded from the cargo hold.

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Section 6: Conclusion—Ready for Takeoff

The United Airlines infant policy is designed to support growing families, but the responsibility lies with the parent to know the rules. By taking advantage of free stroller checks, diaper bag exceptions, and the pre-boarding window, you can transform a stressful day at the airport into a manageable adventure.

Remember: Pack more diapers than you think you need, utilize the United app for seat changes, and never be afraid to ask a flight attendant for help. Safe travels to you and your little one!