What It Means
A lap infant is a child under 2 who travels on an adult's lap instead of in a seat of their own. The FAA allows a child who hasn't reached their second birthday to be held this way, but it strongly discourages the practice and recommends an approved child restraint in the child's own seat for the whole flight. Each airline sets the rest, such as fares, proof of age and what happens when a child turns 2 partway through a trip.
Try It: Can This Child Fly as a Lap Infant?
Four trips, four babies. Pick an answer for each and see what the FAA and American Airlines rules say.
1. An 18-month-old on a round trip that ends before her second birthday.
Right. She's under 2 on every flight, so a lap is allowed. The FAA still recommends her own seat.
A lap is allowed here, since she's under 2 on every flight. The FAA recommends a seat but doesn't require one.
2. A baby who turns 2 after the flight out and before the flight home.
Right. At American Airlines, every flight on or after the second birthday needs a seat.
Not quite. At American Airlines, a child who turns 2 mid-trip needs a seat for every flight on or after the birthday.
3. One adult flying alone with 9-month-old twins.
Right. American allows one lap infant per ticketed adult, so the second twin needs a ticket and a seat.
Not quite. American allows one lap infant per ticketed adult, so the second twin needs a ticket and a seat.
4. A 10-month-old on a parent's lap from the U.S. to London.
Right. American issues international lap infants a ticket at 10% of the adult fare plus taxes.
Not quite. On international trips, American issues lap infants a ticket at 10% of the adult fare plus taxes.
How People Say It
- "She's flying on my lap this time."
- "Do we buy him a seat or keep him as a lap infant?"
- "We booked the return before her second birthday."
The Breakdown
How to book a lap infant
- Check every flight date against the child's second birthday. American Airlines requires a lap infant to be under 2 for the whole trip, and a child who turns 2 partway through needs a seat for each flight on or after the birthday.
- Add the baby to the reservation, even without a seat. American Airlines asks for this.
- Count the adults. American allows one lap infant per ticketed adult, so a second baby needs a ticket and either an infant safety seat or a seat of their own.
- Expect a ticket on international trips. American issues lap infants an international ticket at 1010,000 stepsA popular daily step goal that began as the name of a 1960s Japanese pedometer; later studies find health benefits begin well below it. See more% of the adult fare, plus taxes and surcharges.
- Pack proof of age. Airlines can ask for a birth certificateBirth certificateThe official record of a birth, kept by the vital records office of the state or territory where the birth took place. See more or passport to show the child is under 2. Southwest, for example, accepts the original or a photocopy but not a screenshot or a photo on your phone, and if you can't show proof when asked, the child needs a paid ticket.
Try it today. Put the return flight date next to the baby's second birthday. If the birthday comes first, price a seat for the flight home.
Lap or own seat
| Lap infant | Own seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Under 2 for the whole trip | Any age |
| What the FAA says | Allowed, strongly discouraged | Recommended, with an approved child restraint |
| Car seat on board | Not guaranteed | Guaranteed with the ticket |
| International ticket at American Airlines | 10% of the adult fare plus taxes | A purchased seat |
Good to Know
The FAA says a parent's arms can't hold a child securely during unexpected turbulence, which is why it urges an approved child restraint in the child's own seat for the entire flight. Buying the child a ticket is the only way to be sure you can use one. Fares, age proof and birthday rules differ between airlines, so read your own airline's infant page before booking; the American Airlines rules here are one example.
FAQ
What is the age limit for a lap infant?
Under 2. The FAA lets a child who hasn't reached their second birthday ride on an adult's lap, and American Airlines requires the child to stay under 2 for the whole trip.
Can one adult hold two lap infants?
No. American Airlines allows one lap infant per ticketed adult. A second baby needs a ticket and either an infant safety seat or a seat of their own.
Do lap infants need a ticket on international flights?
Yes. American Airlines issues lap infants on international trips a ticket at 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes and surcharges. Check your own airline's price before you book.
Do It in Buhata
Countdown and Reminders
Add a Countdown in Buhata to the baby's second birthday and a Reminder to compare it with your return flight date before you book.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Flying with a baby
Air travel with a child under 2, which starts with one choice: a lap infant on an adult's lap, or a ticketed seat with an FAA-approved car seat.
- FAA-approved car seat
A child car seat labeled as certified for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft, so it can be used in a child's ticketed airplane seat.
- Gate check
Handing a stroller, car seat or carry-on bag to the airline at the boarding gate so it travels in the hold instead of the cabin.
- Travel budget
A plan for how much a trip will cost in total, split into travel, lodging, food, activities and a cushion, set before you book.
Sources
Federal Aviation Administration, "Does the FAA require children on commercial flights to be in child restraint systems (CRS)?"; Federal Aviation Administration, "Child Safety: Keep Your Little One Safe When You Fly"; American Airlines, "Traveling with children"; American Airlines, "Lap infant not occupying a seat: international flights"; Southwest Airlines, "Lap Child Documents"
- www.faa.gov/faq/does-faa-require-children-commercial-flights-be-child-restraint-systems-crs
- www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/child_safety_seat_tips
- www.aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.html
- www.saleslink.aa.com/en-US/resources/html/infant-ticketing.html
- support.southwest.com/helpcenter/article/lap-child-documentation
Last updated .