Traveling with a baby comes with countless questions—especially about fares, seating, and safety. We’ll cover:
- How infant fares work domestically and internationally
- The rules around lap children
- When airlines offer discounts if you buy a seat for an infant
- Bassinets and which airlines provide them
- Safety tradeoffs: lap vs. car seat
- Use cases when buying a seat makes sense
Infant Fares Explained: Free, Discounted, or Full Fare?
Lap Infant (Free or Near-Free)
In the U.S., most airlines allow one infant under age 2 to fly on an adult’s lap at no base fare, though you still pay taxes and fees. This is often called “infant-in-arms.” (See Delta’s policy: “you may choose to travel with the child on your lap… for free on all flights within the United States”) (Delta)
International & Discounted Infant Fares
Outside the U.S., infant fares are more variable:
- Many airlines charge ~10% of the adult base fare (plus taxes/fees) when booking a lap infant on long-haul international flights.
- American Airlines, for example, offers international infant fare at 90% discount—but parents must call rather than booking online. (TripSavvy)
- Hawaiian Airlines’ policy shows one route structure: infants without a seat under age 2 pay nothing domestically, but on international flights they may be charged 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. (Hawaiian Airlines Help Center)
So in many cases, infant fares are heavily discounted—especially on international flights—but rarely free altogether once fees are considered.
Lap Children: The Airline Rules You Must Know
- One infant per adult: Airlines typically allow one lap child per ticketed adult.
- Lap child limits per row: Some regulations mandate only one lap child per row side (aisle section) due to limited extra safety equipment like oxygen masks.
- Age cutoffs: On the child’s 2nd birthday, they are no longer eligible to be a lap infant and must have their own seat.
- Policy variations: American Airlines states: “Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult … the infant must be included in the reservation.” (American Airlines)
- Lap infants + infant-in-arms booking: On intermediate or domestic flights, airlines often permit adding an infant-in-arms during check-in or reservation changes.
When Airlines Discount a Seat for an Infant
Buying a separate seat for an infant is less common—airlines generally charge a full fare—but some do offer infant seat discounts or special child fares under 2:
| Airline / Region | Policy / Discount Notes |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | International infant fares discounted 90% when booking (by phone). (TripSavvy) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | For international flights, infants under 2 with a seat are charged based on age and route; discounts may apply. (Hawaiian Airlines Help Center) |
| Some European carriers (e.g. Air France) | They may let you buy a seat for the infant at a reduced rate or upgrade to a seat for bassinet eligibility. (Air France USA) |
Note: In many cases, the “discounted infant seat” is still a substantial portion of the adult fare. On One Mile At a Time, the writer notes that while some airlines offer minor discounts, often you pay full fare (or close to it) for the seat. (One Mile at a Time)
If you choose to purchase a seat for your infant, check with the airline whether a child fare or discounted rate exists—some airlines may require calling reservations.
Bassinets & Infant Seating Aids
On long-haul and international flights, airlines often provide bulkhead bassinets (sometimes called sky cradles). Key points:
- Airlines offering bassinets: Many major international carriers (e.g., Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates) provide bassinets. Some require that you purchase a seat or reserve a bassinet in advance. (Air France USA)
- Seat requirements: Bassinets are typically installed at the bulkhead walls or partitions. You usually need to occupy the adjoining seat to use it.
- Weight/size limits: Often limited to infants under ~20–25 lbs (9–11 kg).
- Booking advice: Always request the bassinet early (phone or special services), because they’re limited and allocated first to families with infants who purchased seats.
Safety: Lap vs. Car Seat
What the FAA Says
The FAA makes it clear: “The safest place for your child under the age of two on a U.S. airplane is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in your lap.” (FAA)
Because a parent’s arms or lap cannot reliably restrain a baby during turbulence or sudden maneuvers, the FAA strongly recommends buying a seat so a proper CRS or CARES harness can be used. (Safe Ride News)
Evidence & Risks
- Reports note that unrestrained lap infants are at greater risk of in-flight injuries, especially during turbulence or unexpected jolts. (FAA)
- The Delhi (Toronto) incident — a Delta flight with a crash-landing — revived debate about lap infants and safety in extreme scenarios. (AP News)
- A pilot commenter on Reddit put it simply: “A car seat is significantly safer in a plane … a baby is just a bowling ball that will fly out of your arms.” (Reddit)
Practicality & Limitations
- Even with a seat, your car seat must be FAA-certified and must install properly on the aircraft seat (often window position, not exit rows).
- Some car seats might not be allowed if they block escape paths or don’t fit standard airline seats.
- A CARES harness (FAA-approved aviation harness) is another compromise—easier to carry, intended for children 22–44 lbs.
When It Makes Sense to Buy a Seat for an Infant
You might consider buying a seat (rather than lap) when:
- You’re on a long-haul or overnight flight, and want your baby to sleep or stay restrained comfortably.
- You have an FAA-certified car seat or CARES to use.
- You want peace of mind and reduced risk.
- You’re booking through an airline that allows a discounted infant seat fare instead of full fare (see the section above).
Even though the added cost feels steep, the safety and comfort may justify it—especially on complicated itineraries or in turbulence-prone routes.
Flying with Infants: Balancing Cost, Safety & Peace of Mind
Infant fares and lap child policies offer deeply practical choices for parents. The standard U.S. option—free lap travel—is still dominant, but many international routes and carriers require fares even for lap infants. Some airlines allow you to buy a seat for your baby at a reduced rate, though full fares are common.
From a safety perspective, using a properly certified child restraint (CRS or CARES) in a purchased seat is clearly stronger than lap travel, according to the FAA. The question for families becomes not just “how much will it cost?” but “what can I live with given the route, duration, and infant temperament?”
