May 17, 2014, 3:00 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Infant and lap child fares and fees on international travel, including award & upgrades
On AA there is no charge for a lap child on domestic flights. In most instances for international travel the cost will be 10% of the adult fare in the cabin of travel (be aware in some instances / on some other airlines, it can be 25% of the cost of an adult ticket). From aa.com:
Are you traveling with an infant?
Passengers are considered infants if aged over 2 days and less than 2 years at the beginning of their journey. To travel with an infant, you must be an adult passenger aged 16 or older. Adults can travel with up to two infants and in these circumstances, can purchase an additional seat at a child fare.
Although infants can travel as early as 2 days after birth, you'll need to provide a medical certificate for infants traveling within 7 days after birth. Please contact Reservations for more information.
On U.S. domestic flights:
Infants not occupying a seat travel for free. If you prefer to book a seat for your infant, a child fare will apply.
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation. The lap infant will NOT appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may check in online, for domestic flights only, and the boarding pass will be annotated with the words "WITH INFANT" immediately after the traveler's name.
On international flights:
Infants not occupying a seat benefit from a 90% discount on most adult fares
If your infant turns 2 during your trip, we'll provide you with a complimentary seat on the return flight. If the return journey is not on American Airlines, please contact the other airline to check if a seat must be purchased. (Infants and children must provide passports with any required visas; all children not traveling with both parents may be required to have a Letter of Consent signed by both parents.)
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation, and will need to pay the fare at that time. The lab infant and fare WILL appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may NOT check in online for international flights and must check in at the airport.
NOTE: AA will not generally block a complimentary spare seat to be used by an infant or lap child. If seats are available at the airport, it might be possible to be assigned seating to include an adjacent empty seat if the flight will depart with sufficient empty seats.
Bassinets: These are portable, not bulkhead fastened, floor bassinet boxes. Not all aircraft may offer these, and generally are restricted to bulkhead seats.
See the bassinet thread here."]here.
See more here on aa.com.
For AA policies on required documentation for children, see here.
and
This thread regarding the use - and prohibition, on some aircraft - child safety seats.
For older threads on this topic, see:
N.B.: This thread is restricted to discussion of AA (and AA awards, upgrades) ticketing rules for infants. Please do not use this thread to discuss opinions on safety issues associated with travel with lap children versus infants with their own purchased seats. Those discussions should be carried out in the
Travel with Children forum, where many opinions have been shared and are welcome. Thank you for your cooperation.
Travel with Children forum, where many opinions have been shared and are welcome. Thank you for your cooperation.
Are you traveling with an infant?
Passengers are considered infants if aged over 2 days and less than 2 years at the beginning of their journey. To travel with an infant, you must be an adult passenger aged 16 or older. Adults can travel with up to two infants and in these circumstances, can purchase an additional seat at a child fare.
Although infants can travel as early as 2 days after birth, you'll need to provide a medical certificate for infants traveling within 7 days after birth. Please contact Reservations for more information.
On U.S. domestic flights:
Infants not occupying a seat travel for free. If you prefer to book a seat for your infant, a child fare will apply.
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation. The lap infant will NOT appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may check in online, for domestic flights only, and the boarding pass will be annotated with the words "WITH INFANT" immediately after the traveler's name.
On international flights:
Infants not occupying a seat benefit from a 90% discount on most adult fares
If your infant turns 2 during your trip, we'll provide you with a complimentary seat on the return flight. If the return journey is not on American Airlines, please contact the other airline to check if a seat must be purchased. (Infants and children must provide passports with any required visas; all children not traveling with both parents may be required to have a Letter of Consent signed by both parents.)
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation, and will need to pay the fare at that time. The lab infant and fare WILL appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may NOT check in online for international flights and must check in at the airport.
NOTE: AA will not generally block a complimentary spare seat to be used by an infant or lap child. If seats are available at the airport, it might be possible to be assigned seating to include an adjacent empty seat if the flight will depart with sufficient empty seats.
Bassinets: These are portable, not bulkhead fastened, floor bassinet boxes. Not all aircraft may offer these, and generally are restricted to bulkhead seats.
See the bassinet thread here."]here.
See more here on aa.com.
For AA policies on required documentation for children, see here.
and
This thread regarding the use - and prohibition, on some aircraft - child safety seats.
For older threads on this topic, see:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...-upgrades.html 2010-2015
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...paid-fare.html (2008)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...it-my-lap.html (2006)
dstan
AA Forum Co-Moderator
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...paid-fare.html (2008)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...it-my-lap.html (2006)
dstan
AA Forum Co-Moderator
Guide: Infant / lap child fares & fees for AA travel, including award & upgrades
Sep 21, 2018, 7:44 pm
#241
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
There can be times where domestic and international sectors could be ticketed separately and work out cheaper
e.g. book award on Qantas for SYD-LAX connecting to AA for LAX-ORD
it would be possible to get a SYD-LAX ticket for the infant just for the cost of the taxes if issued by Qantas and then just travel on AA domestically free of charge
This would be a lot cheaper than getting AA to issue an award ticket at 10% of the adult fare plus taxes
e.g. book award on Qantas for SYD-LAX connecting to AA for LAX-ORD
it would be possible to get a SYD-LAX ticket for the infant just for the cost of the taxes if issued by Qantas and then just travel on AA domestically free of charge
This would be a lot cheaper than getting AA to issue an award ticket at 10% of the adult fare plus taxes
Nov 17, 2018, 4:53 am
#243
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Junkymail - I would urge you not to try to establish a general rule - just recreate your flights in ITA Matrix and search fare rules for infants <2 years without a seat. I checked JFK-HKG and found a 10% I fare. I also checked JFK-PEK and found a 100% I fare.
Nov 17, 2018, 6:35 am
#244
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 15
hi 3Cforme, I don’t get what you mean. I’m still new to the ita
Last edited by junkymail; Nov 17, 2018 at 7:17 am
Nov 17, 2018, 7:18 am
#245
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
I was suggesting using ITA Matrix to find current fares (and the fare rules for infants <2 without their own seat). When I posted your picture in post #566 didn't appear. It looks like you determined infant fare pricing directly from CX. Looking at the fare rule for:
Cathay Pacific (CX) IXNYC NYC to BKK
ITA Matrix shows that infant fares are charged at 10%.
Category 19: Discounts
ACCOMPANIED CHILD 2-11 - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - UNACCOMPANIED CHILD 6-11 - CHARGE 100 PERCENT OF THE FARE
OR - 1ST INFANT UNDER 2 WITHOUT A SEAT - CHARGE 10 PERCENT OF THE FARE.
TICKET DESIGNATOR - IN AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - INFANT UNDER 2 WITH A SEAT - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT.
Now, that fare prices the adult at 4,707.10 one way in Business. I'm not sure how it's pricing at $13,303+ on your screenshot. The infant seat will be priced at xx% of the available adult fare at time of booking. Don't wait too long to book the infant fare - you may find only non-discounted J fares available.
Cathay Pacific (CX) IXNYC NYC to BKK
ITA Matrix shows that infant fares are charged at 10%.
Category 19: Discounts
ACCOMPANIED CHILD 2-11 - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - UNACCOMPANIED CHILD 6-11 - CHARGE 100 PERCENT OF THE FARE
OR - 1ST INFANT UNDER 2 WITHOUT A SEAT - CHARGE 10 PERCENT OF THE FARE.
TICKET DESIGNATOR - IN AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - INFANT UNDER 2 WITH A SEAT - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT.
Now, that fare prices the adult at 4,707.10 one way in Business. I'm not sure how it's pricing at $13,303+ on your screenshot. The infant seat will be priced at xx% of the available adult fare at time of booking. Don't wait too long to book the infant fare - you may find only non-discounted J fares available.
Nov 17, 2018, 9:07 am
#246
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 15
I was suggesting using ITA Matrix to find current fares (and the fare rules for infants <2 without their own seat). When I posted your picture in post #566 didn't appear. It looks like you determined infant fare pricing directly from CX. Looking at the fare rule for:
Cathay Pacific (CX) IXNYC NYC to BKK
ITA Matrix shows that infant fares are charged at 10%.
Category 19: Discounts
ACCOMPANIED CHILD 2-11 - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - UNACCOMPANIED CHILD 6-11 - CHARGE 100 PERCENT OF THE FARE
OR - 1ST INFANT UNDER 2 WITHOUT A SEAT - CHARGE 10 PERCENT OF THE FARE.
TICKET DESIGNATOR - IN AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - INFANT UNDER 2 WITH A SEAT - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT.
Now, that fare prices the adult at 4,707.10 one way in Business. I'm not sure how it's pricing at $13,303+ on your screenshot. The infant seat will be priced at xx% of the available adult fare at time of booking. Don't wait too long to book the infant fare - you may find only non-discounted J fares available.
Cathay Pacific (CX) IXNYC NYC to BKK
ITA Matrix shows that infant fares are charged at 10%.
Category 19: Discounts
ACCOMPANIED CHILD 2-11 - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - UNACCOMPANIED CHILD 6-11 - CHARGE 100 PERCENT OF THE FARE
OR - 1ST INFANT UNDER 2 WITHOUT A SEAT - CHARGE 10 PERCENT OF THE FARE.
TICKET DESIGNATOR - IN AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT OR - INFANT UNDER 2 WITH A SEAT - CHARGE 75 PERCENT OF THE FARE. TICKET DESIGNATOR - CH AND PERCENT OF DISCOUNT.
Now, that fare prices the adult at 4,707.10 one way in Business. I'm not sure how it's pricing at $13,303+ on your screenshot. The infant seat will be priced at xx% of the available adult fare at time of booking. Don't wait too long to book the infant fare - you may find only non-discounted J fares available.
Nov 17, 2018, 12:40 pm
#247
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
only if CX is prepared to issue a standalone ticket , then will be based on lowest that CX will sell, so then business standard should be ok
Jan 8, 2019, 11:53 am
#248
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
Programs: UA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 364
Buying a seat for baby if parents are on award fare
Hey all,
Wife and I are booking an award fare to EU (RDU-AMS), we are booking AA one way. It is 22.5K miles, so for my wife and I we are spending 45K... the problem is booking our son. As you all know, AA does crazy things where one way is like 2000-3000 one way to europe, while r/t is like 800. Since we are booking it a one way flight with miles, the agent on the phone informed me that it would be $2500 for one seat for my 18month old... OR I can spend $500 to buy 22.5 miles and just use that as his fare. Is there any way around it? I thought there was a way that when youre flying with a child in seat with an adult with a reward fare, they charge it based on a r/t fare?
Appreciate any suggestions or help!
Wife and I are booking an award fare to EU (RDU-AMS), we are booking AA one way. It is 22.5K miles, so for my wife and I we are spending 45K... the problem is booking our son. As you all know, AA does crazy things where one way is like 2000-3000 one way to europe, while r/t is like 800. Since we are booking it a one way flight with miles, the agent on the phone informed me that it would be $2500 for one seat for my 18month old... OR I can spend $500 to buy 22.5 miles and just use that as his fare. Is there any way around it? I thought there was a way that when youre flying with a child in seat with an adult with a reward fare, they charge it based on a r/t fare?
Appreciate any suggestions or help!
Jan 8, 2019, 11:55 am
#249
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Hey all,
Wife and I are booking an award fare to EU (RDU-AMS), we are booking AA one way. It is 22.5K miles, so for my wife and I we are spending 45K... the problem is booking our son. As you all know, AA does crazy things where one way is like 2000-3000 one way to europe, while r/t is like 800. Since we are booking it a one way flight with miles, the agent on the phone informed me that it would be $2500 for one seat for my 18month old... OR I can spend $500 to buy 22.5 miles and just use that as his fare. Is there any way around it? I thought there was a way that when youre flying with a child in seat with an adult with a reward fare, they charge it based on a r/t fare?
Appreciate any suggestions or help!
P.S. Our return is planning to be on UA.
Wife and I are booking an award fare to EU (RDU-AMS), we are booking AA one way. It is 22.5K miles, so for my wife and I we are spending 45K... the problem is booking our son. As you all know, AA does crazy things where one way is like 2000-3000 one way to europe, while r/t is like 800. Since we are booking it a one way flight with miles, the agent on the phone informed me that it would be $2500 for one seat for my 18month old... OR I can spend $500 to buy 22.5 miles and just use that as his fare. Is there any way around it? I thought there was a way that when youre flying with a child in seat with an adult with a reward fare, they charge it based on a r/t fare?
Appreciate any suggestions or help!
P.S. Our return is planning to be on UA.
Take the 18 month old as a lap child, possibly hoping there will be enough empty seats you might be able to reaccommodation once the flight is closed out.
On international flights:
Infants not occupying a seat benefit from a 90% discount on most adult fares
If your infant turns 2 during your trip, we'll provide you with a complimentary seat on the return flight. If the return journey is not on American Airlines, please contact the other airline to check if a seat must be purchased. (Infants and children must provide passports with any required visas; all children not traveling with both parents may be required to have a Letter of Consent signed by both parents.)
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation, and will need to pay the fare at that time. The lab infant and fare WILL appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may NOT check in online for international flights and must check in at the airport.
See more here on aa.com.
Infants not occupying a seat benefit from a 90% discount on most adult fares
If your infant turns 2 during your trip, we'll provide you with a complimentary seat on the return flight. If the return journey is not on American Airlines, please contact the other airline to check if a seat must be purchased. (Infants and children must provide passports with any required visas; all children not traveling with both parents may be required to have a Letter of Consent signed by both parents.)
You must call AA on the phone to add a lap infant to an existing reservation, and will need to pay the fare at that time. The lab infant and fare WILL appear in the online reservation and receipt.
Travelers with a lap infant may NOT check in online for international flights and must check in at the airport.
See more here on aa.com.
Buy a seat at the extortionate one way transatlantic rate (or buy a much cheaper round trip and “throw away” the return.)
See the Wikipost at the top of the page.
Jan 8, 2019, 12:03 pm
#250
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Here and there
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,551
Jan 8, 2019, 12:45 pm
#251
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
Programs: UA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 364
You have three options AFAIK.
Take the 18 month old as a lap child, possibly hoping there will be enough empty seats you might be able to reaccommodation once the flight is closed out.
Get an award seat if you can find one and get the miles. Buying 22,500 miles will cost, iirc, $675 plus fees.
Buy a seat at the extortionate one way transatlantic rate (or buy a much cheaper round trip and “throw away” the return.)
See the Wikipost at the top of the page.
Take the 18 month old as a lap child, possibly hoping there will be enough empty seats you might be able to reaccommodation once the flight is closed out.
Get an award seat if you can find one and get the miles. Buying 22,500 miles will cost, iirc, $675 plus fees.
Buy a seat at the extortionate one way transatlantic rate (or buy a much cheaper round trip and “throw away” the return.)
See the Wikipost at the top of the page.
Not sure this will work... I cant buy my son a r/t and throw away the return since they will not sell a r/t ticket to an 18 month old who doesn't have an adult with a return ticket. Does that make sense?
Jan 8, 2019, 2:28 pm
#252
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Does the infant need to have a seat. Travel as a lap child and the cost would be around $250
If needing a seat, then rather than use miles for one of the adults, purchase 1 x r/t $800 adult ticket plus 1 x approx $80 r/t infant ticket for a total of about $880
or , of course purchase the miles needed at $764.39 - but I would suggest that buying ticket rather than miles would be much better value
If needing a seat, then rather than use miles for one of the adults, purchase 1 x r/t $800 adult ticket plus 1 x approx $80 r/t infant ticket for a total of about $880
or , of course purchase the miles needed at $764.39 - but I would suggest that buying ticket rather than miles would be much better value
Jan 8, 2019, 8:54 pm
#253
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
Programs: UA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 364
Does the infant need to have a seat. Travel as a lap child and the cost would be around $250
If needing a seat, then rather than use miles for one of the adults, purchase 1 x r/t $800 adult ticket plus 1 x approx $80 r/t infant ticket for a total of about $880
or , of course purchase the miles needed at $764.39 - but I would suggest that buying ticket rather than miles would be much better value
If needing a seat, then rather than use miles for one of the adults, purchase 1 x r/t $800 adult ticket plus 1 x approx $80 r/t infant ticket for a total of about $880
or , of course purchase the miles needed at $764.39 - but I would suggest that buying ticket rather than miles would be much better value
Jan 8, 2019, 10:48 pm
#254
Jan 22, 2019, 11:38 pm
#255
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 80
upgrade with lap child?
I am planning a trip of ORD-CUN with an infant. Will adding a lap child to my ticket impact my chance of upgrade (I am a Plat Pro)? Or shall I wait until the 72hr window before I add the infant ticket (upgrade or not)?
I checked ITA, and it looks like the 10% for this route is actually a $0 base + tax in both economy and business, so does that mean even if I get upgraded, the infant ticket won't see a price hike?
TIA.
I checked ITA, and it looks like the 10% for this route is actually a $0 base + tax in both economy and business, so does that mean even if I get upgraded, the infant ticket won't see a price hike?
TIA.