American Airlines / Eagle - Babies

1. Do I really need to reserve a seat for my baby when flying with American Airlines / Eagle?

If your baby is up to 2 years old, you only have to inform American Airlines that you will be travelling with an infant on your lap. Each adult is only allowed to carry one lap child, and seats will have to be purchased for additional infants, no matter their age. As long as you have a proper restraint device, you can choose to purchase a seat for your baby.

2. Should I pay for my infant to travel domestically?

American Airlines allows lap babies up to 2 years old to travel for free on domestic routes.

3. Should I pay for my infant to travel internationally?

American Airlines charges 10% of an adult fare, plus taxes, to all children under 2 years old, even if they travel on the lap of another passenger.

4. What are the types of child restraint devices allowed?

Child restraint devices should have one of the following certifications:
- US FMVSS #213 or Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA) certification
- Transport Canada
- Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
- TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001
- United Nations ECE R 44-03 (or later versions)

For the United States devices, the ones manufactured after the 26th of February 1985 should read "This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft" and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” Those manufactured before 1985 should have a sticker saying that “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”

Booster seats and other types of harnesses are not allowed.

5. What should I do if my child turns 2 before the return flight?

If your child is 2 years old when you board the plane, you should purchase a ticket.

6. What about infant amenities on the aircraft I'll be flying?

This depends a lot on the aircraft you will be flying, so best thing to do is to call the airline and ask for more information.

7. Am I allowed to sit in the Exit Row with my infant?

No, you can't - Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that no lap children or infant seats are allowed in an Exit Row, and all passengers in an Exit Row must be at least 15 years of age. Even more, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly behind or in front of an exit.