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Who qualifies: An infant is typically defined as a child younger than 24 months on the day of travel. Most carriers allow a lap occupant for that age group; if you want a separate seat, buy a ticket for the child and use an FAA- or equivalent-approved child restraint device (CRD/child safety seat).
Hand/cabin allowance and equipment: Common practice: one diaper bag is permitted in addition to the adult’s standard cabin allowance. Strollers and car seats are usually accepted free of charge and can be used to the gate; many airlines require gate-checking larger strollers at boarding. If using a car seat in a purchased seat, confirm the label stating aircraft approval and the model’s width to ensure it fits the airline seat.
Fees and fares: Domestic flights on major U.S. carriers often allow lap infants at no extra fare, while international routes frequently charge an infant fare (common ranges: 10% of the adult fare or a fixed reduced fee, but policies vary). Low-cost carriers frequently apply different charges or restrictions; always review the exact fare rules before purchase.
Security and liquids: Breast milk, formula, expressed milk and food for immediate consumption are exempt from the 100 ml/3.4 oz limit at most security checkpoints but must be declared and screened separately. Pack measured portions in clearly labeled containers and allow extra time for inspection.
Documents and boarding: For domestic flights in several countries a birth certificate may be requested; for international travel a passport is required. If seating a child on a lap, some airlines ask for age verification at check-in–have a copy of the birth record or passport available. Reserve bassinets early when offered; availability is limited by weight and length limits specific to each carrier.
Packing checklist and counts: For flights under 3 hours: 4–6 diapers, 2–3 outfit changes, lightweight blanket, feeding supplies. For long-haul: 8–12 diapers, 4–6 outfit changes, extra formula/expressed milk enough for at least 24 hours, spare pacifiers, and a compact changing pad. Use clear resealable bags for used clothing and soiled items to simplify cabin storage.
Practical tip: Assign one adult to manage the child’s bag and gate items, board early where allowed, request bulkhead or adjacent seats for extra space if you purchased a seat, and confirm stroller gate-check procedures at check-in to avoid surprises at boarding.
Which airlines allow a free infant personal item (diaper bag) and how they define it
Most major airlines permit one free personal item for an infant traveling on an adult’s lap; that item is typically described as a diaper bag or small personal bag and must be stowed under the seat in front of the adult.
American Airlines – One free diaper bag for a lap infant; stroller and car seat can be gate-checked at no charge. A car seat may be used onboard only if the child has a purchased seat and the restraint is certified for aircraft use. The airline requires the bag to fit under the seat; no specific dimensions published.
Delta Air Lines – One personal item for a lap infant allowed free (must fit under the seat). Strollers and car seats gate-checked free; a certified car seat is permitted onboard when a separate seat is purchased for the child.
United Airlines – Lap infants are permitted one personal item (diaper bag) at no charge; stroller and car seat accepted at the gate for free. If the child occupies a paid seat, an FAA- or equivalent-certified car seat may be used onboard.
Southwest Airlines – Allows one free diaper bag for a lap child, plus free gate-check of stroller and car seat. The free bag must fit under the seat; if you purchase a seat for the child, the car seat may be used on board when certified for air travel.
JetBlue – One complimentary personal item for an infant on an adult’s lap; collapsible strollers and car seats can be checked at the gate without fee. Car seats may be installed in a purchased seat if certified for aircraft use.
Alaska Airlines – Permits one diaper bag or small personal item per lap infant at no charge; stroller and car seat gate-checked free. If a seat is purchased for the child, a certified car seat is allowed in the aircraft seat.
British Airways – One small hand bag for an infant free of charge; fully collapsible pushchairs and car seats can be checked at the gate. If a seat is purchased for the infant, a child restraint approved for aircraft use is permitted onboard.
Air France / KLM – Each infant may have one small personal item (handbag/diaper bag) free; pushchairs and car seats are accepted at the gate. A certified child restraint can be used when a seat is purchased.
Lufthansa – One small bag for an infant gratis; pushchairs and approved child seats can be checked at the gate. Car seats may be used on board only if the infant occupies a proper seat and the restraint is certified.
Emirates / Qatar Airways – Both carriers typically allow one small bag for an infant free of charge plus free check-in of a stroller and car seat; policies also permit use of certified child seats in purchased seats. Weight and dimensions for the infant bag are generally defined as “small” and must be stowed safely.
Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) – Rules vary widely: some allow a very small free personal item for an infant, others include the infant’s bag within the adult’s allowance or charge for an additional onboard item; always check the specific low-cost carrier policy before booking.
Practical recommendations: measure your infant bag to ensure it fits under the seat, choose a compact, soft-sided bag and a fully collapsible stroller for free gate-checking; confirm the exact wording on the airline’s website the day before travel. For compact folding options and single-traveler gear that works well for handling an infant item plus your own items see best luggage for solo travel.
Size and weight limits for infant bags and how to measure them at check-in
Use one soft-sided infant bag no larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in) and target a packed weight of 7 kg (15 lb) or less to minimize the chance of extra charges or gate handling.
Typical size and weight ranges
- Personal-item style (small onboard bag): about 40–45 x 30–35 x 15–23 cm (16–18 x 12–14 x 6–9 in).
- Cabin-sized infant bag: about 55–56 x 35–45 x 20–23 cm (21.5–22 x 13.5–17.5 x 8–9 in).
- Common weight guidance: no explicit limit for a small personal item, but many carriers apply caps from 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) when weight is enforced.
- Linear dimension reference (useful for comparisons): add length + width + height; e.g., 56 + 36 + 23 = 115 cm (≈45 in).
How to measure at check-in: a practical routine
- Measure the packed bag as you will board: include external pockets, wheels, and any protruding handles. Measure longest length first, then width (side-to-side), then height (top to bottom).
- Use a luggage tape or retractable tape measure. If you only have a measuring tape, place the bag on a flat surface and press it into its regular packed shape before measuring.
- Weigh the packed bag on a bathroom or digital luggage scale at home. If using a bathroom scale, weigh yourself holding the bag and subtract your body weight.
- At check-in, present the bag for measurement and use the airline’s gauge/frame if offered. If staff ask for a weight check, step on the counter scale or place the bag on the check-in scale exactly as you measured at home.
- For strollers and car seats: collapse or fold them as you will present them at the gate. Measure folded dimensions (including any travel bag or cover) and weigh if required.
- If the bag fails the size test: remove non-essentials into the adult’s personal item or into pockets, compress soft items, or accept gate-checking/checked handling.
- If weight is the issue: transfer bottles, extra clothes, or heavy accessories into a partner’s cabin piece, or wear heavier layers on the flight.
- Carry a compact luggage scale and a small folding tape measure when traveling; they save time and fees at check-in.
Security and boarding: rules for formula, breast milk, medications and baby food
Keep formula, expressed milk and prescription medicines in a clearly labeled, easily accessible personal item and declare them at the security checkpoint.
Liquids for child consumption: containers larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml) are permitted for feeding needs but must be declared and screened separately. Expect one of three outcomes at screening: X-ray, hand inspection, or chemical swab. You may request an alternative (hand) inspection instead of X-ray for milk; if containers are opened for testing, offer to pour or open for the screener. Ice packs, gel packs and frozen bottles used to keep milk cold are allowed; they must be frozen solid when presented. Partially thawed or slushy packs are subject to additional screening and possible disposal.
Formula specifics: powdered formula is allowed in reasonable quantities; containers larger than 12 oz (≈350 ml) may trigger extra screening procedures. Pre-portion dry powder into sealed single-serve containers to speed screening. Liquid formula and ready-to-feed bottles can exceed the 100 ml limit but must be presented separately for inspection and declared at the checkpoint.
Expressed breast milk: allowed in unlimited reasonable quantities for the flight. Inform the screener before the X-ray belt reaches your bag so they can separate milk for alternative screening if requested. Store expressed milk in clear, labeled bottles or bags; frozen solid packs will pass more quickly through security. Carry small plastic measuring cups or sterile syringes for sample collection if required by local security protocols.
Medications: prescription and over-the-counter medicines in pill or liquid form may exceed the 100 ml limit; always declare them and carry originals or a doctor’s note when possible. Injectable medications and syringes are generally permitted in cabin baggage but must be declared and packaged safely; bring documentation for controlled substances. Keep medications in their original packaging and place them in a separate, easy-to-open compartment.
Solid and semi-solid foods: jars, purees, pouches and snacks for a young child are permitted in cabin bags in quantities needed for the trip. These items must be presented separately at security for screening. Food with liquid content (yogurt, soups, jarred baby food) is treated like other liquids and should be declared.
Boarding procedures and gate etiquette: request family or pre-boarding at the gate if available; have proof of age for lap infants (birth certificate or passport) and prescriptions handy. If you prefer privacy for milk inspection, ask for a private screening room. Store bottles and food in an insulated organizer for quick presentation–see best luggage for long travel trip for bag options with insulated compartments. For distractions during long layovers, check nearby child-friendly attractions such as the best aquarium in louisiana.
Quick checklist to hand to security or keep at the top of your bag: 1) labeled milk/formula containers separated from other items; 2) powdered formula pre-portioned; 3) medicines with prescription labels; 4) frozen ice/gel packs presented frozen; 5) a short note with child’s name, flight number and caregiver contact details tucked into the personal item.
Gate‑check and cabin‑item rules for strollers, car seats and restraints
Bring a compact, foldable stroller onboard only if it fits the airline’s cabin‑item dimensions and can be safely stowed in an overhead bin; otherwise expect to gate‑check it at the aircraft door so it is returned at boarding or delivered at the jetbridge.
When a stroller qualifies as an onboard item
Measure folded dimensions before travel: many major carriers use a typical cabin‑item allowance around 22×14×9 inches (56×36×23 cm). Umbrella strollers that fold into that footprint are normally allowed as an onboard item; full‑size models that do not fit must be gate‑checked. Ask gate agents before boarding if you are unsure – decisions are made per aircraft and available bin space.
| Item | Onboard allowed when | Gate‑check/checked when | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umbrella stroller | Folded fits overhead bin or foldable under seat dimensions | Doesn’t fit overhead or blocks aisle; full frames with wheels | Collapse, remove loose accessories, secure with strap; keep travel documents on stroller |
| Full‑size stroller | Rarely – only very compact models | Typically gate‑checked at aircraft door; some airlines accept curbside check | Use a protective bag; photograph condition before handing over |
| Car seat (FAA/aircraft certified) | When a purchased seat is occupied by the child and seat is labeled “certified for motor vehicles and aircraft” | Checked at ticket counter or gate if not used onboard; gate‑check if brought to door but not taken aboard | Confirm aircraft seat width and car seat width – many economy armrests are 16–18 inches apart |
| Car seat (non‑certified) | Not allowed for use onboard | Must be checked; airline may refuse use in aircraft | Check manufacturer label for certification before travel |
Gate‑check procedure and damage prevention
At the gate: collapse the stroller, remove detachable items (toys, cup holders), fold straps into frame and attach gate‑check tag. Ask whether the item is returned at the aircraft door or at the jetbridge on arrival. If a car seat will be checked, secure it in a padded travel bag or wrap with a blanket and photograph serial number/condition before handing over.
Onboard use of a car seat: buy a regular ticket for the child and verify the car seat label states certification for aircraft; place the seat facing forward in a window or middle seat only when it fits between armrests and the aircraft seat belt can be threaded per the car seat manual. If uncertain, contact the airline with the car seat model and dimensions before travel.
FAQ:
Can I bring a carry-on bag for my infant without buying a separate seat?
Most airlines allow a single carry-on item for the adult and usually permit one small bag specifically for the baby, often treated as a personal item. If the infant is a lap passenger (no purchased seat), common practice is to let parents carry a diaper bag plus one additional small item like a baby carrier or blanket bag. Policies differ by carrier, so check the airline’s page before travel. At the airport, gate agents can clarify what will be allowed on board and what must be gate-checked.
How many extra items (stroller, car seat, diaper bag) can I take free of charge?
Airlines often allow a stroller and a car seat in addition to the regular carry-on allowance, usually free of charge. Diaper bags are commonly accepted as a personal item. Low-cost carriers may treat these items differently and might charge for extra checked items. If you plan to check a stroller or a car seat at the gate, arrive early and confirm the process with the check-in staff so those items are tagged correctly.
If I buy a seat for my baby, can I bring the car seat into the cabin as carry-on?
Yes. If an infant has a purchased seat, most airlines permit an FAA- or other local-regulation-approved car seat to be installed on board, provided it fits within the aircraft seat dimensions and can be secured with the airplane belt. Bring the car seat’s instruction manual and proof of approval label if available. If the seat does not meet the airline’s cabin size or rules, staff may require it to be gate-checked instead.
Are breast milk, formula and baby food allowed through security checkpoints?
Security agencies typically allow breast milk, formula, baby food and expressed milk in quantities exceeding standard liquid limits. You should declare these items at the checkpoint for inspection. Containers may be subject to additional screening procedures, which can include opening or testing. For international flights, check both the departure and arrival country rules; bringing insulated coolers and ice packs is usually accepted, but items used to keep milk cold may need separate screening.
What should I pack in the diaper bag to avoid problems in flight and at security?
Pack enough diapers for delays, several changes of clothes for the baby, a spare shirt for yourself, wipes, a compact changing pad, disposable bags for soiled items, any required medication, pacifiers, and a few small toys. Keep feeding supplies—bottles, formula, breast pump parts—in an easily accessible section. Place liquids and breast milk where you can quickly present them at security. Labeling items and having documentation for any medication or special feeding needs can speed up checks.
