Traveling during pregnancy

Any person who is pregnant and expecting delivery within 7 days may not fly unless the passenger provides a doctor's certificate dated within 72 hours of departure stating that the doctor has examined and found the passenger to be physically fit for air transportation.

Infants

An infant is anyone younger than 2 years (24 months) of age. Infants must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older on all flights in the same compartment. We recommend you travel with a birth certificate if your child is younger than 2.

There are 2 options available for traveling infants:

Infant (in lap)

On domestic flights, you're allowed to bring one infant (in lap) without charge if you are 18 or older and have paid for a ticket. On international flights, an infant (in lap) may require a paper ticket, may have to pay 10 percent of the published available adult fare and is subject to international taxes and any surcharges. Taxes and surcharges are not discounted.

Infant in a reserved seat

If you want your infant to travel in his or her own seat, you must buy a ticket and bring a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Safety seats

Acceptable safety seats

Systems approved for use in aircraft only should say 'FAA approved in accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d) approved for aircraft use only.' and include a warning label indicating it's not safe for use in motor vehicles.

Systems approved for use in aircraft and motor vehicles must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

  • The text 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircrafts.'
  • Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations
  • FAA approval through an STC
  • 'FAA Approved' in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d)
  • 'TSO C−100B'

Restraint devices approved for cruise portion of flight only

Other restraint devices (e.g., belly belts, snugglies) are allowed only during the cruise portion of flight because they attach to the guardian or the guardian’s restraint system.

Safety seat requirements

  • You must show a ticket for yourself and the child using the safety seat when you board.
  • You can't carry on a safety seat unless you bought a seat for your child or there is an open, available seat next to you.
  • The safety seat can't be in an exit row or the row in front of or behind an exit row.
  • If you're travelling with 2 children in safety seats, seat them in the middle and window seats, with you on the aisle.
  • During taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on, keep your child in the safety seat with the harness fastened.
  • You must install the safety seat in forward-facing aircraft seats according to the instructions on the label. Place the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child.