Questions about traveling with a child on an airplane?

Question

I will be traveling with my 6 month old son (not ticketed, lap seat) this weekend, and I have a few questions:

1. Do I need to inform the airline of my son? I booked through Priceline and noted that I would be traveling with my son, but it isn't indicated on my itinerary.

2. How does checking car seats work? I understand that my son is not allowed a carry on, but can I check his car seat for free?

3. Will it be enough to bring his social security card to get him on the plane?

I'm flying American Airlines.

Thanks!

Answer 1

1) Yes you have to inform the airline. As mentioned that is one of the questions asked when you are checking in



2) ALL carry on is charged except the 1 piece that you can take and put under the EXCEPT if the flight is an International flight; not saying every International route has free baggage and carry on but majority do.



3) Babies DO require SOME type of ID...AND they definitely need a passport/visa if traveling out of the country



Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

Call American Airlines as soon as possible and talk to them about having a lap child with you. They don't even make lap child reservations on their own website, you have to call them, so don't assume Priceline took care of it for you.



Note the information on American's website (link below) regarding baggage allowance and strollers.

If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on or checked baggage allowance. However, the following items are allowed over and above the carry-on allowance for the adult traveling with an infant:

Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child (may also be checked)

Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child (see details for stroller acceptance below)

Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child





Children do NOT need ID to get through TSA security for a domestic flight, but the airline may ask for proof that the child is under two, so bring his birth certificate. Leave the Social Security card home. Social Security cards are never accepted as ID.

Answer 3

1.) Yes, infants can fly free until two years of age. You will need a copy of their birth certificate when you check in. They can add the infant to your reservation. It is no extra cost.



2.) I would recommend gate checking your car seat. Car seats DO NOT count towards your luggage allowance. All children and infant equipment such as strollers and carseats are always free for all airlines. I say check it at the gate because there may be enough empty seats on your plane that you can strap the car seat onboard and put the infant in something their familiar with. If there aren't any open seats, then you can always just check it at the gate.



3.) As I said, you will need a copy of the birth certificate. They will need proof that your child is under two. Obviously at six months, you can tell; but you will still need the birth certificate.

Answer 4

Answer:



#1 , CALL THE AIRLINE ASAP about adding your baby to the intinerary

AGAIN............ CALL THE AIRLINE ASAP.

#2 Do NOT check the car seat as luggage. Check the car seat at the gate planeside. (tons of car seats lose those tags, label on the seat somewhere your contact info. also, baggage car seats tend to get banged up real bad, and if they get lost you won't have a car seat at the end of your destination) ** Car seats checked at the plane do not count as carry-on. Same goes for an UMBRELLA stroller (not the big strollers), and a diaper bag. **

#3 Bring the card AND his birth certificate (they need proof he is not 2. and they will not go by his looks. Birth certificate is needed for getting though TSA and the airline.)



http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/childrenTraveling.jsp



Here is the company website for what you need for baby.



(I carry my lil one through the airport in a ring sling )



Also, all formula must be in original packaging, Water can be picked up past security, If you breast feed, that is so much easier! And bring double the diapers, bring wipes, and one extra outfit for him in your diaper bag to bring in the plane. If you meet all carry-on limits, you won't have to 'check bags' when checking in. Carry-ons can go to the plane, they do have $$$ carts to rent to help you carry if you have alot of stuff.



EDIT ---- TIM and NEIL are CORRECT. I HAVE FLOWN MANY MANY TIMES WITH BABY. Do NOT check the car seat as baggage, you might never see it again, GATE CHECK THIS PLANE SIDE. Does NOT cost anything. And bring that birth certificate. I fly Delta, Southwest and AA. And in a rare pinch I go on AirTran. If any other people read the link --- the stroller, car seat, and diaper bag can be taken to the plane gate. The SMALL umbrella stroller and car seat go on the cart plane side, diaper bag goes with you. None of these count as a 'carry-on' towards your limit.

Answer 5

Yes, you need to call AA. Among other things, having a lap child affects what seat assignment you can have. You need to bring his birth certificate. They might not ask for it, but if they do and you don't have it you may have to choose between a very expensive last minute seat purchase and not going!



As a matter of policy you do have to pay for checking the car seat, even gate check. But in practice you may well not have to pay for gate check.

Answer 6

1: yes



2: you wil have to pay for it as it is not being used by him in the airplane seat. Only medical equipment is exempt from baggage fees.



3: no. Birth certificate. a SS card does not show age( although it's pretty obvious a 6 month old is not approaching 2 years old so you may not need to show it, but have it anyway)

Answer 7

1. Yes, you need to contact the airline before flying. Typically, it's one of the questions asked when getting your boarding pass.



2. No. With American Airlines and most other airlines, you are charged for each piece of check luggage unless you are in first class or have a special deal.



3. Children usually do not need any documentation when you get on the plane. When you talk to the representative, you can ask if there is anything that is needed.