Traveling with Little Ones: Preparing for a Smooth Flight
Flying with an infant isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating a calm, prepared environment from check-in to touchdown. Planning ahead ensures your little traveler’s needs are met while avoiding unexpected snags at the airport. Whether you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned parent, understanding how to correctly add your infant to a Delta reservation is the first step toward a hassle-free journey. For personalized guidance, Delta’s reservations team can be reached at 877-297-0699.
Infants require special considerations that aren’t always intuitive. From documentation to seating arrangements, the nuances of flying with babies demand attention to detail. Having your child properly listed on your booking isn't just a formality—it's essential for safety, security, and compliance with both U.S. and international aviation regulations. Should you encounter issues post-booking, support is also available at 877-297-0699.
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Delta’s Infant Travel Policy at a Glance
Delta classifies an infant as any child under 2 years old on the date of departure. Parents have two primary options: travel with the infant on their lap (lap infant) or purchase a separate seat. Both have distinct rules and implications.
Lap infants are allowed on both domestic and international flights, but international routes typically incur taxes and fees, even when no seat is purchased. For added comfort and safety, many families opt to book a dedicated seat and secure an FAA-approved car seat—especially on long-haul itineraries.
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When and How to Add an Infant to Your Booking
Adding an infant can be done either at the time of booking or after the reservation has been created. If you’re planning ahead, you’ll see the “Traveling with a child or infant?” option during the online booking flow on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Already booked? You can modify your reservation through the Delta app or website, or call customer service directly. It’s important to note that lap infants aren’t automatically included unless you explicitly add them. For international flights, this step is crucial due to additional documentation and fee requirements.
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Booking a Lap Infant: What You Need to Know
A lap infant flies free of charge on most domestic U.S. routes when seated with an accompanying adult (18+ years old). However, only one lap infant is allowed per adult, and the child must remain in your lap for the duration of the flight.
On international itineraries, lap infants typically incur a fee equivalent to 10% of the adult fare, plus applicable taxes. Even though they won’t occupy a separate seat, they must still be added to the reservation to comply with safety and immigration standards.
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Purchasing a Seat for Your Infant
For longer flights or parents who prefer more space, purchasing a seat for your baby is a valuable option. With a paid seat, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat onboard, which often helps infants nap more comfortably and safely.
To do this, simply book the infant as a “child” rather than as a lap baby. Standard fare applies, but infants in their own seats earn SkyMiles if enrolled in the program. The additional cost comes with greater peace of mind and flexibility, especially during meal service or rest.
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Online Options: Adding an Infant Through Delta.com or the Fly Delta App
To add an infant while booking online:
1. Choose your flight and enter adult passenger details.
2. Select the option for “Traveling with an infant.”
3. Input your infant’s full name and birthdate.
4. Confirm whether the infant will be seated on your lap or in their own seat.
If modifying an existing booking:
Go to “My Trips” on the app or website
Select “Add infant” under passenger options
Input necessary birth details and confirm
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Calling Delta Reservations: Speaking with a Live Agent
Sometimes, it’s best to talk to a real person—especially if you're dealing with international bookings, multi-city itineraries, or travel with twins. Calling 800-221-1212 ensures accurate passenger info, correct fare assessments, and help securing infant-specific seating like bulkhead rows with bassinets.
When calling, have the following ready:
Your confirmation number
The infant’s full legal name and birthdate
Passport details for international travel
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Required Documentation for Infant Travel
For domestic flights, a birth certificate or immunization record is often sufficient, especially if age is in question. For international travel, your infant needs a valid passport, and depending on the destination, possibly a visa or proof of vaccination.
Delta also requires that the infant's name matches the legal ID exactly, so double-check spelling and dates when adding them to the reservation.
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Bassinets, Seating, and Comfort Considerations
Delta offers onboard bassinets (also called skycots) on select international flights, available in bulkhead rows in Delta One, Premium Select, or Main Cabin. These are first-come, first-served and must be reserved in advance by contacting Delta.
Pro tip: When selecting seats, aim for bulkhead locations for more legroom and proximity to bassinets, if available. Delta agents can help manually assign these over the phone.
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Fees and Fare Rules for Infants
Domestic lap infants are generally free, but international routes come with taxes and surcharges—sometimes up to 10% of the adult fare.
If you redeem SkyMiles for your own ticket, you may still owe cash taxes for the infant portion, even if their seat isn’t separately booked. Refunds and cancellations follow adult ticket rules but may differ if the infant seat was booked independently.
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Traveling with More Than One Infant
Delta allows only one lap infant per adult. So if you're traveling with twins, each child must either have their own seat or be accompanied by another adult traveler.
In such cases, the airline recommends calling in advance to coordinate seat assignments and confirm compliance with FAA regulations. Safety is paramount, and the airline will help find a solution that accommodates everyone onboard.
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Check-In and Boarding with an Infant
Families traveling with infants are often eligible for priority check-in and pre-boarding—a welcome benefit when juggling strollers, bags, and baby gear. TSA also offers expedited screening for families with small children, though you'll need to remove the baby from any carrier during security.
Arrive early, as infant documentation may need to be reviewed at the counter, especially for international departures.
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In-Flight Services for Infants and Parents
Delta offers a range of onboard amenities to help families, including:
Diaper-changing tables in select lavatories
Bottle warming upon request
Infant meals or snacks, depending on route and availability
While not luxurious, these thoughtful touches go a long way in making travel smoother for parents and children alike.
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Tips for a Stress-Free Flight with Your Infant
Pack essentials in a dedicated diaper bag: diapers, wipes, pacifiers, formula, snacks, and extra clothes.
Bring a baby blanket to regulate cabin temperature and comfort.
Time feedings for takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
Don’t hesitate to walk the aisle gently if your baby is fussy—it’s allowed once cruising altitude is reached.
