United Airlines Pregnancy, Flying with Kids, Infants and Children Policies

United Airlines is an American airline based out of Chicago and is a founding member of the Star Alliance network of airlines. Here’s a recap of United’s pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.

*Please note, this page is for informational purposes only and may not reflect current airline policies. To find up-to-date travel policies, please click here or contact the airline directly.

Expectant Mothers Flying with United

Passengers traveling in their ninth month of pregnancy must have an obstetrician’s certificate dated within 24 to 72 hours prior to their flight departure.

The certificate must state:

The passenger has been examined by an OB and is physically fit to travel by air
Departure and arrival destinations and dates
The estimated birth date of the baby

Infants (under 2 years old) Flying with United

United does not accept infants in incubation or infants less than seven days old.

Children under the age of two traveling within the United States with a parent or with an adult 18 years or older can travel on the adult’s lap free of charge.

If there are two or more children under the age of two traveling with the same adult, only one of the children may travel as a lap child. Any additional children are required to purchase a seat.

When making your reservation you should indicate you are traveling with an infant, regardless of your destination.

A ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old and the child must occupy their own seat.

Infants under the age of two, traveling without a seat within the United States, do not require a ticket.

All infants traveling internationally must have a ticket which is subject to infant fares and taxes, even if no seat is purchased and they are traveling as a lap child.

Infants traveling between the U.S. and Canada only pay taxes on the ticket.

Infants traveling without a seat to other international destinations are charged 10% of the adult fare at the time of infant ticketing (it is usually less expensive to purchase the infant ticket in advance).

Infants traveling on an adult’s lap on front cabin rewards or upgrades must pay 10% of the front cabin fare in applicable markets.

United Baggage Allowance for Infants

One of the following infant articles may be carried on board, in addition to the maximum carry-on baggage allowance:

Diaper bag
Small collapsible stroller (space permitting)
Government-approved child seat (infant carrying seat or car seat)

United accepts one stroller or one carseat in addition to a customer’s baggage allowance. When checked as baggage, all oversize and overweight charges will apply. First and second bag fees do not apply to either a stroller or a car seat. If you are traveling with a stroller and a carseat in addition to the baggage allowance, only one of these items is carried free of charge.

Infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare will be granted a free baggage allowance of one stroller or one carseat and one other item (linear dimensions must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) and weight must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg). If the infant’s free baggage allowance is exceeded, the excess will become part of the fare paying adult’s baggage allowance and all restrictions and excess charges will apply.

Strollers, Bassinets and Child Restraint Devices

Strollers

Strollers may be checked to your final destination without a fee, in addition to your normal baggage allowance.

Children can be transported in their strollers throughout the airport. However, strollers must be checked at the gate. No strollers of any size are permitted as carry-on baggage. Your child’s stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door upon request at your connecting city or destination. Large, non-collapsible strollers cannot be checked at the gate. Please see a United representative at the airport check-in counter to check your large, non-collapsible stroller.

Bassinets

A limited number of bassinets can be reserved for use, free of charge, on international aircraft (Boeing 747, 767, 777 and 757-200). These bassinets are large enough to hold an infant weighing 22 pounds (10 kg) or less.

To request a bassinet and an accompanying seat assignment, contact United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1. There will be no fee for these seat assignments when arranged by United Reservations or with a United representative at the airport.

We recommend making your request early, as bassinets may no longer be available for your flight once you are at the airport. There are no bassinets available in United First®, United Global First and United Business® on international flights.

Child Restraint Devices:

Child restraint devices must have the labels noted below, or you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Country:	Certification:	Details:
United States	US FMVSS #213 or Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA)	Manufactured after 26 February 1985; red sticker bearing text “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.”Manufactured before 1985; it must state “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”
Canada	Transport Canada
European Union	Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
Germany	TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001
U.N.	United Nations ECE R 44-03 (or later versions)

Special Services for Families Flying with United

Changing tables are available on certain types of aircraft. Flight attendants will be able to direct you to the proper lavatory. Please bring an adequate supply of diapers for your trip.

If you are traveling with an infant please be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. United flights are not equipped to heat baby bottles. You may request hot water or ice from a flight attendant to keep items hot or cold.

United Airlines Pregnancy, Infant and Children Travel Policy