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.
Age Ranges For Travel
American offers unaccompanied minor service for children from 5 to 17 years of age. This service is to ensure that your child is boarded onto the aircraft, introduced to the flight attendant, chaperoned during connections and released to the appropriate person upon arrival at their destination. Please see the chart below for special requirements based on age.
| Age of Child |
Special Requirements |
Under
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 16 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 16.
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. For transatlantic/transpacific travel or travel to/from Latin America, children under two years of age are required to have a ticket in their name for 10% of the applicable adult fare for the International portion. A 10% ticket does not entitle infants to their own seats. Contact Reservations for more details.
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.
Children two years of age and older must travel in a purchased seat.
See Seating Restrictions below
for additional information. |
5 through
7 years |
Children
5 through 7 years of age must travel with another passenger at least
16 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 nonstop or direct flights. (A direct flight makes a stop without a plane change.) They may not travel on connecting flights. They also cannot travel alone
on certain AmericanConnection® 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
11 years |
Children
8 through 11 years of age must travel with another passenger at least
16 years of age or they will be considered Unaccompanied Minors. See Children Traveling Alone for
more details.
For travel on American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection unaccompanied children may travel on nonstop, direct and connecting flights. If the itinerary includes a connection to/from another airline, including codeshare and oneworld partners, the unaccompanied children will not be accepted.
Also, 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 12 years may not use ground transportation unescorted. See Children
Traveling Alone for more details. |
12 through 17 years |
Use of the Unaccompanied Minor service (see Children
Traveling Alone below) is not required, but is
available upon request for children in this age group (subject to the same charges and provisions). |
†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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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. AA.com is currently unable to book a reservation for an infant traveling as a lap child.
When traveling outside the U.S., infants under age two who do not pay a fare may be required to have a ticket. In addition,
taxes may be assessed which can be significant.
Please contact Reservations for further assistance.
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.
†When traveling outside the U.S., infants under age two who do not pay a fare may be required to have a ticket. In addition,
taxes may be assessed which can be significant.
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.
Charges For Unaccompanied Minors
Children who will be traveling alone will be required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service subject to the following charges:
| Region of Travel |
Charges |
| TO/FROM ALL LOCATIONS |
$100 USD each way, plus tax |
Please also note the following:
- The charges listed are in addition to the applicable airfare.
- The charge will be assessed for each individual unaccompanied minor. Two or more unaccompanied children from the same family (immediate or extended), traveling on the same flights, will be assessed a single charge.
- The charge does not cover onboard snack purchases or meals during a layover.
- The charge is taxable for children 5 – 11 years old for travel wholly within in the United States.
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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.
American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection do not accept unaccompanied children when their itinerary includes a connection to/from another airline, including codeshare and oneworld partners.
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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. Please review the sample form to make sure that you have all the needed information. (Due to numerous signatures required, the actual form can only be completed in person at the airport).
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 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.
American Airlines has implemented cashless cabins onboard
flights within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Canada. However, international flights still accept cash as a possible form of payment. American
Eagle and AmericanConnection are not accepting credit cards for onboard purchases at this time.
If your child plans to purchase a snack during a cashless flight, we accept American Express® cards and other major credit or debit cards. Our
flight attendants use wireless handheld devices to quickly swipe the card and provide receipts upon request.
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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 at the destination airport should plan to arrive at the arrival gate 20 minutes before the flight's scheduled arrival time. Because airport concourses are secured to ticketed passengers only, the designated person should allow additional time to obtain the required boarding pass from the airport ticket counter to clear and proceed through the security checkpoint. After verifying identification and forms at the gate, the American Airlines employee will release your child to the designated individual.
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
Web site 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, however, taxes, fees or fares may apply. For the safety of your child, American recommends purchasing a seat and using an approved child safety seat. Please contact Reservations for further information.
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.
Additionally, AA.com is currently unable to book a reservation for an infant traveling as a lap child. Please contact Reservations for further information and assistance.
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Exit Seats
Children (or adults with children) under the age of 15 may not be seated in an
exit seat.
Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD)
The FAA-approved Aviation Child Safety Device
(ACSD) provides all the protection of a traditional
child safety seat by combining the use of
the aircraft's lap belt and a four-point
shoulder harness. Unlike typical child safety
seats, the ACSD weighs less than 1 pound
and fits into a 6" carrying case, making
it much lighter and easier to transport.
The ACSD is approved for aircraft use only and should not be confused with other non-approved vest/harness-type devices.
For more information or to purchase the ACSD, please visit the AmericanAirlines C.R. Smith Museum® Gift Shop. You may also email Info.crsmithmuseum@aa.com for information.
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 with no approval label or shoulder harness
- Vest and/or harness-type devices except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) bearing FAA aircraft approval labels
- 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 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 (see details for stroller acceptance below)
- Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
|
IMPORTANT NOTE
All strollers, car seats and similar infant/child items should be labeled with a name and contact phone number. |
When traveling internationally, ticketed infants without a seat have an allowance dependent on fare:
If the infant ticket price is 49% or less of the adult fare,
the bag allowance is: |
If the infant ticket price is 50% or more of the adult fare,
the bag allowance is: |
- one piece of checked baggage with maximum linear dimensions of 45 inches/115cm weighing 50lbs/23kgs
- one checked fully collapsible child’s stroller/push-chair
- one infant seat or child restraint seat
|
The same as the adult allowance of the accompanying customer |
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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/car 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.
Stroller Acceptance For a Ticketed or Lap Child
| Stroller Type |
Features |
Umbrella Stroller |
- AA highly recommends using this type of stroller
- May be taken onboard the aircraft as long as it fits in the overhead bin
- Exempt from carry-on allowance
and baggage charges
- May be checked at the gate
|
| Fully Collapsible Stroller Weighing Less Than 20 lbs. |
- May be checked at the ticket counter
- May be checked at the gate
- May not be carried on the aircraft
- Exempt from baggage charges
|
Large Stroller Jogging, Non-Collapsible Stroller or Heavy Stroller Weighing Over 20 lbs.† |
- Strongly discouraged to avoid damage. Facilities were not designed to accommodate these types of strollers
- Must be checked at the ticket counter†
- May not be carried on the aircraft or checked at the gate
- Exempt from baggage charges when accompanying a child or infant who is traveling
|
Please note: American is not responsible for damage to any stroller not properly packed in original packaging.
†Large, jogging, non-collapsible strollers, or those over 20 lbs are not accepted at the gate. Please check these types of strollers at the ticket counter. There is no charge as long as a child or infant is traveling.
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Special Amenities
Diaper Changers
Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
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 not available. For more information on available
food and beverage choices, please see our Dining section.
Entertainment
Parents may wish to pack an audio headset for their children to use during flight. Headsets may be purchased onboard for $2 and kept for future use.
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Traveling While Pregnant Or Within A Week Of Delivery
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 Coordinators.
International/Over Water Travel
For international travel or any flights over the water, travel is not advised
within four weeks of the delivery 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.
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