Flying with Children

Flying with children is more common than ever before.  Here is some information to keep in mind when flying with children:

Domestic Travel

For travelers under 18 years of age who are flying in the domestic United States, no identification is required.

Over 14 days and less and two years of age:  some airlines ask that you have a birth certificate to validate age (check with the airline carrier directly).  For infants under 14 days old, contact the carrier directly for more information.

If your child is not occupying a seat (sometimes referred to as a "lap child"), he or she may accompany a paying passenger at no extra charge.  The airline will need to know that you are bringing a "lap child", since only one child per row is allowed and cannot occupy the exit row.

If your child is occupying a seat, you will need to purchase a ticket.  Some airlines offer a child fare, which is usually 50% of the adult fare.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends the use of a child safety seat for children under 40 pounds.  Children who weigh less than 20 pounds should be placed in an FAA-approved rear-facing seat.  Children who weigh from 20-40 pounds require a forward-facing safety seat.  For more information visit www.faa.gov

Over two years of age:  Accompanied children who are over two years old need to purchase a ticket and will be charged the applicable adult fare, although some airlines offer youth or children fares.  Children over 12 years of age are allowed to travel unaccompanied; however, check with the airline carrier directly for more information.  Travelers over 40 pounds may safely use an aircraft seat belt.

International Travel

When traveling internationally, all passengers need a passport.  For travelers over the age of 16, the passport is valid for 10 years.  For those under 16 years of age, it is valid for only 5 years. For more information on passports, visit http://travel.state.gove/passport_services.html

Be aware that airlines do not provide child safety seats, so you will need to bring your own.  Your child restraint systems will need to be FAA-certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts.  It is important to check with the airline to see if the child seat will fit the width of the airline seat. While airline seats vary in width, a safety seat no wider than 16 inches in width should fit most coach class seats.

Rules and policies may vary by airline; be sure to check with them directly.