Planning Ahead When Flying with a Baby
Traveling with an infant begins well before boarding the plane—it starts the moment you book your flight. Ensuring your child is properly added to your reservation is more than a formality; it’s essential for safety, compliance, and comfort. A single overlooked detail can delay your plans or even result in denied boarding. For peace of mind, Delta Airlines’ customer support is available at 877-297-0699.
Delta’s infant travel policies are designed to support parents with flexibility and clarity. However, navigating the process requires a bit of know-how, especially for international routes. To avoid last-minute surprises at the airport, make sure to confirm your booking and documentation early. If questions arise later, assistance is also available by calling 877-297-0699.
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Delta’s Definition of an Infant Passenger
Delta classifies an infant as a child under the age of 2 years at the time of departure. This age benchmark determines whether your child qualifies to travel as a lap infant or must occupy a paid seat.
For domestic flights, infants may fly for free when seated on a parent’s lap. On international itineraries, lap infants are typically subject to taxes and a percentage of the adult fare—even if no separate seat is purchased.
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Booking a Flight with an Infant from the Start
When booking your flight through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, you’ll be prompted with a “Traveling with an infant?” option once you enter adult passenger details. Selecting this ensures the infant is linked to your reservation from the outset.
You’ll need to provide your baby’s full name, date of birth, and in some cases, passport information—especially for international routes. It’s vital the name matches any identification or documents the child will use.
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Adding an Infant After Booking Is Complete
Already booked your ticket? No problem. You can add an infant by going to “My Trips” on the Delta app or website. Locate your reservation and choose “Add Infant” under passenger options.
Make sure to do this well before your departure date to avoid system limitations or the need for last-minute support. If your online attempt fails, Delta agents are ready to assist you directly via phone.
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Flying with a Lap Infant: What You Need to Know
Flying with a lap infant (under age 2, seated on your lap) is convenient and economical. However, it comes with trade-offs. Your baby won’t have their own seat, and you’ll need to hold them for the duration of the flight, including during turbulence.
Lap infants don’t earn SkyMiles unless they’re booked in a seat, and there are limitations on baggage allowances unless you’re traveling with a stroller or diaper bag.
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Purchasing a Separate Seat for Your Infant
Buying a separate seat for your child offers added comfort and safety—particularly on long-haul flights. With a reserved seat, you’re allowed to use an FAA-approved car seat, which can help your baby nap and remain secured during takeoff and landing.
To book a paid seat for your infant, add them as a “child” during the booking process rather than selecting the lap infant option.
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Fees, Fares, and Taxes for Infant Travel
Delta allows free travel for lap infants on most U.S. domestic flights. However, international routes are different. Expect to pay approximately 10% of the adult fare, plus applicable international taxes and fees.
If you're using SkyMiles for your own travel, additional cash payments may be required to cover the infant’s portion—even if the seat isn’t separately ticketed.
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Requesting Bassinets and Infant-Friendly Seating
Delta provides onboard bassinets, also known as skycots, on select international flights in certain aircraft classes. These are usually installed in bulkhead rows and must be reserved in advance by calling customer service.
Ideal seating for parents often includes aisle seats near the front or bulkhead rows, where you’ll have extra space and easier access to lavatories equipped with changing tables.
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Required Documentation for Infant Travel
For domestic travel, you may be asked to provide proof of age—such as a birth certificate or immunization record. For international travel, infants are required to have a valid passport and, depending on destination, a visa or proof of vaccination.
Always ensure your infant’s full name is listed exactly as it appears on official documents to avoid security or immigration issues.
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How to Add an Infant Using the Fly Delta App or Website
To add your baby digitally:
1. Open the Fly Delta app or visit Delta.com.
2. Navigate to “My Trips” and select your reservation.
3. Choose “Add Infant” and enter your baby’s name and birth date.
4. Confirm whether your infant will sit on your lap or in a seat.
Avoid common errors such as incorrect birthdates or mismatched names that can lead to ticketing problems.
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Calling Delta Customer Service for Infant Bookings
If the app or website doesn’t allow modifications, call Delta directly at 877-297-0699. This is especially helpful for international flights, multiple infants, or seat reassignments involving bassinets.
Be prepared with your confirmation number, infant’s birthdate, and passport info (if applicable). Agents are generally efficient, but during peak hours, expect hold times of 10–30 minutes.
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Airport Check-In Tips When Traveling with an Infant
Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international when traveling with a baby. This provides time for check-in, document verification, and security.
TSA allows baby formula, breast milk, and juice in quantities over 3.4 oz, though they will be subject to extra screening.
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Boarding, Seating, and In-Flight Experience with an Infant
Families with young children receive priority boarding, allowing extra time to settle in. Once onboard, flight attendants may assist with warming bottles or providing extra napkins and water.
Look for aircraft with changing tables and choose seats close to restrooms. If traveling in Delta One or Premium Select, inquire about bassinet availability ahead of time.
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Traveling with Multiple Infants
If you’re traveling with twins or more than one child under 2, each must either have a seat or an additional adult to accompany them. The 1-to-1 adult-to-infant lap rule applies across all cabin classes.
Booking multiple infants often requires a call to Delta support to ensure safety compliance and proper seat assignment.
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What to Pack and Bring When Flying with an Infant
Delta allows you to bring:
A diaper bag
Breast pump and milk cooler
A stroller and car seat, both gate-checkable at no charge
Pack extra outfits, formula, pacifiers, and comfort items. A well-prepared bag can be the difference between a smooth flight and a stressful one.
