United Airlines Policies For Flying With Infants And Toddlers Free Carry-On Items Checked Baggage And Lap Infant Rules

United Airlines offers specific policies for families traveling with infants and toddlers, including allowances for free carry-on items, complimentary checked baggage for baby gear, and rules for lap infants on domestic and international flights. These policies cover essential items such as diaper bags, breast pumps, formula, car seats, and strollers, as well as boarding procedures and meal options. Understanding these guidelines helps parents navigate the travel process more efficiently, from booking to arrival.

Free Carry-On Allowances for Families

When traveling with children, United Airlines permits additional carry-on items beyond standard passenger allowances. A diaper bag does not count against the regular carry-on or personal item limit. Parents may also bring a breast pump, milk, or formula without restriction. For families using a car seat, an FAA-approved model can be brought onboard if the child has their own seat, or it can be gate-checked. Compact folding strollers that meet carry-on size guidelines when collapsed, such as the gb Pockit, are also allowed in the cabin. Large or non-collapsible strollers and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter, but this service is provided free of charge. On most United flights, changing tables are available in the lavatories.

Checked Baggage for Baby Gear

United’s baggage policy for children is generous, allowing the same luggage entitlement as adult tickets for infants and kids. In addition to regular carry-on items, families can bring a diaper bag, formula, breast pump, car seat, and folding stroller. Each child is entitled to check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon at no additional cost. These can be checked at the gate or the ticket counter, provided they are small and collapsible. If a travel stroller fits within carry-on restrictions, it may be taken into the cabin, space permitting. For bulky items, checking them at the ticket counter is a free option to avoid carrying them through the airport.

Lap Infant Policies and Fees

Children under two years old can fly domestically within the United States for free when seated on a parent’s lap and do not require a ticket. However, the infant must be added to the reservation; they cannot simply be brought to the airport. This can be done during booking in the user’s account or at least 24 hours before the flight. Failure to add the infant properly may result in issues at check-in, as agents cannot manually add infants in some cases, potentially causing delays or missed flights.

For international flights, lap infants incur a fee of 10% of the adult fare, plus applicable taxes and airport fees. For flights to Mexico and Canada, only taxes and fees apply. This fee is added during checkout. Bassinets are available on United Polaris business class and select Economy international flights, but they must be requested at the gate and are only usable in bulkhead seats. Access to bassinets often requires booking more expensive seats.

Boarding and In-Flight Experience

United prioritizes early boarding for families with children under two, boarding immediately after Global Services, military personnel, and customers with disabilities. This allows parents extra time to settle without crowding. Flight attendants have generally been accommodating regarding strollers in overhead bins, even if slightly oversized, such as the GB Qbit, Ergobaby Metro+, or Joolz Aer.

In-flight service is described as adequate, though not comparable to international carriers like Emirates or Singapore Airlines. Basic Economy fares still permit a diaper bag, and United does not provide baby food but will warm bottles and provide ice for milk. However, milk cannot be stored in the aircraft fridge, making temperature management challenging on long flights. TSA allows larger quantities of formula, breastmilk, or toddler drinks, and United accommodates this with extra carry-on allowances.

Toddler Travel and Seat Assignments

Children over two years old require their own seat and are subject to child fares. United offers free seat selection to ensure an adult sits with each child, and if no adjacent seats are available, flights can be changed free of charge. However, on full flights, families may be split; for example, a two-year-old could be assigned to a middle seat rows away from parents. In such cases, gate agents may assist in reassigning seats to keep adults with children, though not always in the same row.

For meals, United provides special children’s meals on most long-haul flights if requested at least 24 hours in advance. Snacks are available for purchase, but bringing familiar snacks is recommended. Airplane beds or toddler beds, like the Flyaway bed, are not permitted due to safety regulations. The CARES harness is allowed for children over one year old with their own seat.

Additional Tips and Credit Card Benefits

Frequent United flyers may benefit from the United Explorer credit card, which offers miles, free checked bags, lounge access, priority boarding, and upgrades. Families have reported receiving upgrades to Premium Economy after obtaining the card. When gate-checking strollers, they are typically handled carefully and returned promptly upon landing, which many parents prefer for convenience and to avoid damage.

Gate checking is available for one car seat per child not used in transit. United tends to board families first, but after status members, so overhead bins may be full, potentially requiring stroller gate-check. Overall, United’s policies aim to support family travel, but careful planning—such as adding infants early and requesting special meals—is essential to avoid issues.

Sources

1. Parenthood Adventures: Flying United with Baby Toddler
2. Expedition Parenthood: Flying United with a Baby