flying with 4 mo old and american airlines

kcp04

did you have to call the airline and inform them you had a lap child prior to your trip? or did you just show up with them? there isn't anywhere to enter that when you book a ticket online that i have seen.

 

thanks!

jeannarheinberger

I would call ahead.  Depending on how big  of a plane you are on, it can make a difference.  When DD was little they had to switch my seat because babies on laps weren't allowed on one side of the plane.  My ex and I where apart the entire flight, it kind of sucked. 

CeltiCutie

I just took her, but we flew United. No one bothered me about it on the way to my destination. On the way back the lady at the gate printed her a ticket as well. I don't really know why... I've heard many people who have called after I asked about it following my trip. So I would if I were you, just to be comfortable.

topazwind

I would call and have them out it into the reservation ahead of time. ?This way it should clear up any potential for an issue at check-in. ?Not worth the stress that day.

BeeLove

The airline needs to know in advance.  There may be a SMALL charge ($12) for them...some airlines even charge more, so you should definitely check. 

Chrysallys

I flew with DS a couple weeks ago. I flew with Air Canada through United. On the United site it said to book by phone if you were flying with a lap child and the guy took DS's info over the phone. DS was given a ticket with no seat number just a lap child notation. I would call to make reservations.

ETA: Since I was flying with DS alone I had to have my husband sign a notarized permission slip saying I could fly with DS alone. The airline said I had to have this but it may have only been because I was flying international.

linztuck

We just got back from a trip where we flew with our four month old. We flew through U.S. Airways.  I couldn't find any info on their website, so I called. They asked for LO's name and birthdate, and said they added her to the reservation.  When we got there, they simply asked for LO's name and birthdate (yes, again. i think the nice foreigner I talked to on the phone, messed it up.) Printed out a boarding pass for her and stapled it to mine. End of story. On the way home, they tried to charge me for having two pieces for her (stroller and car seat, which is one of those travel systems). Saying that I could only have one for free. I put a stop to that, saying they didnt charge me on the way here. ''Oh. They didn't?" So, the airline was just trying to squeeze out every last penny. Not from me!!! Sorry, went off in a different direction but hope this helps a wee bit.

MaliaMouse

i know on Alaska/Horizon you have to let them know that you have a lap child-but there is no charge.  And you can also bring a Diaper Bag in ADDITION to a carry on!

shinergirl

My little man has been on quite a few flights in his short 4 months.. Southwest, United, US Air, Delta and Northwest... just call and they will add them - TSA requires that your ticket shows Infant in Arms.. no additional cost and your carseat is free and diaper bag... you can also ask at the counter if the flight is full or not and if not they will give you an additional seat and let you keep the infant carrier onboard.. if you have connections and the 2nd flight is full, they will let you gatecheck the carrier. The only issue we have had at all is on our last flight (over Labor Day) we flew Southwest and they said I had to have his birth certificate.. which I didn't cause he was clearly not 2 years old. I normally put the little guy in my Moby-knockoff for the duration of the flight and on the trip on Northwest, the flight attendant made me take him out for takeoff and landing(?) which was a pain in the butt. Good luck!