Traveling With Children and Infants
The following information will provide the answers to many common questions regarding children and infants traveling on American. Click on the links below to jump to the topic for which you need information.
Please note that Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked on AA.com. Please call Reservations for assistance.
Age Ranges For Travel
Passengers under the age of 15 who are traveling on American have special requirements that vary according to age. Please see the chart in this section to determine how your child may travel.
Fares
Children Traveling Alone
Fees for Unaccompanied Minors;Reservations and Travel Planning; Checking In (International) Picking Children Up From The Airport; Schedule Irregularities
Identification Requirements
Seating Restrictions
Child Held By An Adult ("Lap Child"); Exit Seats; FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices; FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Device Seat Locations; FAA Non-Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
Carry-On and Checked Item Allowances
Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
Special Amenities
Diaper Changers; Food; Entertainment
Traveling While Pregnant
Age Ranges For Travel
The following information applies to infants and children traveling within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For further information, please contact Reservations.
Passengers under the age of 15 who are traveling on American have special requirements that vary according to age. Please see the chart below to determine how your child may travel:
Age of ChildSpecial RequirementsUnder 5 years Infants are accepted two days after delivery, however, at least seven days is recommended.
Children under 5 years of age may not travel alone under any circumstances. Another passenger at least 15 years of age must accompany them. AA reserves the right to request documented proof of age for the adolescent accompanying a child under the age of 15.
Infants under 2 years of age who travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may be held in an adult's lap at no charge. AA reserves the right to request documented proof of age for any traveler 2 years of age or younger. Please be prepared to provide documentation (birth certificate, passport, etc.) upon request.
For the safety of your child, American recommends purchasing a seat and using an approved child safety seat.
See
Fares for information on a 50% discount for travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Children two years of age and older must travel in a purchased seat. See
Seating Restrictions below for additional information. 5 through 7 yearsChildren 5 through 7 years of age must travel with another passenger at least 15 years of age or they will be considered Unaccompanied Minors. See
Children Traveling Alone for more details.
Unaccompanied Minors in this age range may only travel on flights not requiring a change of aircraft. They also cannot travel alone on certain American Connection flights operated with aircraft not requiring a flight attendant.
Specific information may be obtained through AA Reservations representatives, or at any American Airlines ticket location.8 through 14 yearsChildren 8 through 14 years of age must travel with another passenger at least 15 years of age or they will be considered Unaccompanied Minors. See
Children Traveling Alone for more details.
Unaccompanied Minors in this age range are permitted to make connections to other flights only when allowed by the Unaccompanied Minor rules of the connecting carrier (including American) and when confirmed to the destination.
However, Unaccompanied Minors in this age range will not be accepted for co-terminal connecting itineraries (such as changing from New York LaGuardia to New York Kennedy) because an unaccompanied child under 15 years may not use ground transportation unescorted. See
Children Traveling Alone for more details.15-17Passengers 15-17 years of age are considered Young Adults.
Use of the Unaccompanied Minor service (see
Children Traveling Alone below) is not required for Young Adults, but is available upon request (subject to the same fees and provisions).
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When your travel involves the U.S. Virgin Islands, a ticket and payment of applicable taxes may still apply. Check with
Reservations prior to travel for more information.
Fares
International (outside the United States/Canada and Hawaii/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands)
For fare purposes...
- an infant is defined as a passenger under 2 years of age
- a child is defined as a passenger 2-11 years of age.
Availability of fares for infants and children varies depending on your travel plans. For more information regarding fares for children and infants traveling internationally, please contact
Reservations.
See
Seating Restrictions below for additional information.
Domestic (United States/Canada and Hawaii/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands)
Children two years of age and older must travel in a purchased seat, at an adult fare. See
Seating Restrictions below for additional information.
Infants under two years of age may be held in an adult's lap at no charge. However, for the safety of your child, American recommends purchasing a seat and using an
FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Device.
Infants under the age of two are eligible for a 50% discount off the applicable adult fare, but must be booked at the same time as the accompanying adult(s). This discount is subject to travel...
- Wholly within the United States on American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection
- Between the United States/Canada and Hawaii/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands on American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection
- Wholly within the United States on codeshare flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines
The 50% discount does not apply to any of the following:
- Any other discount, coupon, promotion, certificates or offer.
- Codeshare flights except those operated by Hawaiian Airlines.
- To any special charges such as excess baggage, service charges, cancellation and/or change fees.
- AA.com web fare specials or Net SAAver fares requiring instant ticketing.
- Companion fares.
Other restrictions based on discount fares may apply. In order to confirm this discount, please contact American Reservations at 1-800-433-7300
When your travel involves the U.S. Virgin Islands, a ticket and payment of applicable taxes may still apply. Check with Reservations prior to travel for more information.
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Children Traveling Alone
The guidelines for children traveling alone vary depending on the age of the child. For the specific guidelines, please refer to
Age Ranges For Travel above.
Please note that Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked on AA.com. Please call
Reservations for assistance.
AA reserves the right to request documented proof of age for children traveling alone. Please be prepared to provide documentation (birth certificate, driver's license, passport, etc.) upon request.
Fees For Unaccompanied Minors
Children who will be traveling alone will be required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service subject to the following fees:
Reservation/Ticket Issuance DateRegion of TravelFeesOn or after June 15, 2005
TO/FROM ALL LOCATIONS$60 USD each wayBefore June 15, 2005<LI>within the United States (U.S.)
<LI>between the U.S. and Canada
<LI>between the U.S. and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
between Canada and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
$40 each way for nonstop or same plane service
$75 each way for itineraries that include connecting segmentsBefore June 15, 2005<LI>Mexico, Central and South America
<LI>the Caribbean (including Jamaica)
TransAtlantic/TransPacific flights
$60 each way for nonstop/direct flights
$90 each way for itineraries that include connecting segments
Please also note the following:
- The fees listed below are in addition to the applicable airfare.
- When two or more children are booked and/or ticketed and traveling together, only one fee applies each way.
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Procedures - Reservations And Travel Planning
Children traveling as Unaccompanied Minors must be booked through our Reservations representatives. Children traveling under the Unaccompanied Minor program may use electronic ticketing.
Please note that no reservation will be accepted for an unaccompanied minor traveling on an itinerary that includes the last on-line connection to any American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection destination.
In addition, if your child's travel includes connections to any carrier other than American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection, please check the policies and age range restrictions of that airline.
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Procedures - Checking In (Domestic and International)
For domestic flights, please arrive at the airport two hours before departure in order to complete all necessary forms and check-in procedures.
For international flights, please plan to arrive three hours before departure. Please see additional information
below.
A parent or responsible adult must do the following when a child who will be traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor is brought to the airport:
- Complete an Unaccompanied Minor form at the ticket counter. This includes providing the name, address and phone number of designating the parent or responsible adult who will meet the child at his or her destination. A child may not travel unaccompanied until this form is completed.
- Obtain a boarding pass from the airport ticket counter (for clearance through the security checkpoint).
- Remain with unaccompanied minors until the child is boarded on the flight and the flight has departed the gate. This may not be possible at airports outside the United States. See below for additional information.
An agent will ensure that the flight on which your child is confirmed is operating as scheduled. If the flight is delayed and expected to misconnect or divert to another airport, please make alternate arrangements for your child's travel.
Upon completion of check-in, your child and the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport should be at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure for pre-boarding.
Please Note:
Requests for someone other than American Airlines to escort your child at the connection city will not be honored. American Airlines remains responsible for the unaccompanied minor from the origin city to the final destination.
At airports outside the United States, you may be required to release your child upon check in at the ticket counter. In these instances, an American Airlines representative will escort your child to the departure gate and your child will remain under the supervision of an American Airlines representative until the flight departs.
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Procedures - Checking In (International)
In addition to the information listed above, the following will help you know what to expect if your child is traveling across country borders.
Please plan to arrive three hours before departure. A check-in agent will ensure all documents are in order and assist in completing all forms prior to boarding. The agent will ensure that the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport completes all necessary Customs and Immigration forms before American Airlines or American Eagle takes custody of your child.
Upon completion of check-in, your child and the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport should be at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure for pre-boarding.
At the airport you may be required to release your child upon check in at the ticket counter. In these instances, an American Airlines representative will escort your child to the departure gate and your child will remain under the supervision of an American Airlines representative until the flight departs.
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Procedures - Picking Children Up From The Airport
The adult designated to pick up the Unaccompanied Minor should be at the arrival gate 20 minutes before the flight's scheduled arrival time. Please allow time to obtain a boarding pass from the airport ticket counter to clear the security checkpoint.
Schedule Irregularities
If schedule irregularities occur at any city, American may refuse to provide air transportation services at any originating city to an Unaccompanied Minor holding reservations if there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will not make a flight connection.
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Identification Requirements
Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have government-issued photo identification for travel within the United States. However, you may be required to present proof of age (such as a birth certificate) at the airport for any children under the age of 18 who are traveling with you.
Passengers under the age of 18 who are traveling outside the United States are subject to the same travel document requirements as adults. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for information on
passports as well as
visa and immunization requirements for international travel.
Note: Please contact the nearest Consulate for the latest updates.
Consent For Minor Traveling Without Both Parents/Guardians
Minors under the age of 18 who are traveling with only one parent may be required to have additional documentation if leaving their country of residence. Please contact the nearest Consulate of the country to which you are traveling for additional information.
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Seating Restrictions
Child Held By An Adult ("Lap Child")
Infants under 2 years of age may be held in an adult's lap at no charge when traveling within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, for the safety of your child, American recommends purchasing a seat and using an approved child safety seat. See
Fares for information on a 50% discount.
When one adult travels with two infants, the adult passenger may only hold one infant. An additional seat must be purchased for the 2nd infant. Seats may also be purchased for both infants (see
Fares above). The maximum number of infants per adult passenger is two.
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Exit Seats
Children (or adults with children) under the age of 15 may not be seated in an exit seat.
FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
Most restraints that are used in automobiles are acceptable for use in aircraft by an infant or small child. Acceptable restraints manufactured in the United States will bear one or both of the following labels:
- "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards"
Additionally, the restraint may carry a second label with red lettering which states the following:
- "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
Restraints manufactured outside the United States may be accepted provided that they bear either a label showing approval of a non-U.S. government OR a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations (U.N.).
U.N. approval is designated by a label with a circle surrounding the letter "E" followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval, plus an indication of the category and mass group of the child restraint which will be affixed.
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FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Device Seat Locations
If you are using an approved infant seat or child restraint device, please note that it...
- May face toward the front or rear of the plane in accordance with instructions on child seat label
- May not occupy an exit seat or the row in front of or behind an exit seat
- May not occupy the space between a customer and an aisle
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FAA Non-Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
The following may not be used when an infant seat or child restraint device is required:
- Any device without an approval label
- Booster seats without an approval label or shoulder harness
- Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
- Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult
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Carry-On and Checked Item Allowances
Carry-on and checked item allowances for children vary depending on whether or not a seat is purchased for the child.
If a seat is purchased for a child, the standard
carry-on baggage and free
checked baggage allowance apply.
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
- Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
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Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
If you do not purchase a seat for your infant (under two years of age):
- An approved child safety seat can be carried on board
- The device cannot be used in a seat unless there is an unoccupied seat available next to the adult traveling
- Due to many events that occur during the last several minutes before departure time, we cannot be certain that an unoccupied seat that meets the above criteria will be available until the final boarding process
- If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the infant seat/child restraint device to your final destination. Please check with the gate agent for further details
You may want to consider checking the infant seat or child restraint device at the ticket counter. However,
American is not responsible for damage to infant/child restraint devices and loss/damage of any items attached to the device, whether these items are checked at the ticket counter or the gate. Infant/child restraint devices include, but are not limited to, strollers and car seats.
For taxi, takeoff, landing, during turbulence, or when the Fasten Seatbelt sign is on, American accepts only
FAA approved infant seats/child restraint devices that are certified for use in aircraft.
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Special Amenities
Diaper Changers
Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all widebody aircraft.
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Food
If you are traveling with an infant, please be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles and other related items. However, baby bottles can be heated on all flights operated by American Airlines.
American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights are not equipped to heat baby bottles
Special children's meals are also not available. For more information on available food and beverage choices, please see our
Dining page.
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Entertainment
Parents may wish to pack an audio headset for their children to use during flight. Headsets may also be purchased onboard for $2 and kept for future use.
Traveling While Pregnant
A medical certificate is required if travel is within 4 weeks of the delivery date in a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy
Domestic Travel (Not Including Travel Over Water)
For domestic flights under 5 hours, travel is not permitted within 7 days before and after your delivery date. If you should need to travel within 7 days before or after delivery, a medical certificate is required as well as clearance from our Special Assistance Coordinator.
International/Over Water Travel
For international travel or any flights over the water, travel is not advised within 30 days of the due date, unless you are examined by an obstetrician within 48 hours of outbound departure and certified in writing as medically stable for flight. Travel within 10 days of the due date for International travel must have clearance from our Special Assistance Coordinators. Travel within 7 days after delivery requires clearance as well.
For more information, please contact a Special Assistance Coordinator through AA Reservations at 800-433-7300.
