Note: All information on this page was found on the airline’s website.
Flying with kids can be challenging. We’re with you every step of the way to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Table of Contents
For more detailed information, visit the airline’s website below:
Lap Infant
Children under two can sit on a parent’s lap during flights to any destination.
We cannot fly infants younger than seven days old. Children of any other age are welcome to fly with us.
Children
Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.
Identification & Boarding Pass
Children under 18 don’t need an ID to fly domestically but do need a passport for international flights.
Lap children must be under the age of two. Whether they require a ticket and how much it will cost depends on where you’re traveling.
| Travel details | Ticket requirements |
|---|---|
| U.S. domestic flights1 | Free, no ticket needed. |
| Flights between the U.S., Canada & Mexico | Ticket needed, but you only pay for the taxes on it. |
| International flights2 | Ticket needed, and charged a partial fare based on the destination. |
1 Includes flights to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
2 Includes flights to and from Guam.
When flying with a lap child, you do still need to let us know you’ll have one with you whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. You can do this by selecting “Infant on lap” as a traveler during booking or at check-in. There can only be one infant on lap per adult on your reservation. You may also need to show a birth certificate to prove your child is under two.
For more detailed information, visit the airline’s website.
Proof of Age
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International Documentation
Children under 18 need a passport for international flights.
Bassinets
We provide free onboard bassinets in United Polaris® business class and in Economy on some international flights. They can be used anytime during the flight when the seatbelt sign is off. Contact us to request yours.
Changing Tables
There are changing tables in the lavatories on the following aircraft:
- Boeing 757-300
- Boeing 767
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 787
- Select Boeing 757-200
Just ask your flight attendant and they can show you the right lavatory to use.
Carry Ons
Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.
Personal Items
Your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for your personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).
Diaper Bags, Pumps, Coolers
If you’re traveling with a child of any age, you can bring the following on your flight for free in addition to your carry-on and personal items:
- Diaper bag
- Breast pump, milk or formula
Car Seats
Car seats made after 1985 are FAA-approved and will have a certification sticker attached to them. These car seats can be used on your flight. Children in car seats should sit in a window seat with the car seat secured to the seat itself. Your child should be in their seat during takeoff, landing and turbulence.
Find full safety seat requirements on the airline’s website.
Strollers
You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you’re traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter. However, they’re also free.
Additional Gear
- Booster seats and harnesses that hold an infant to your chest, such as a papoose, cannot be used onboard your flight.
- Pack ‘n Play®, collapsible cribs and other similar items must be checked at the ticket counter and will be charged at the baggage rate for your ticket.
- Fly Tot / JetKids BedBox: Unfortunately, you cannot use these or any similar items on our flights.
Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and traveling before your 36th week, you can travel on a United flight without medical documentation.
If you’ve reached your 36th week or after, you’ll need an obstetrician’s certificate — the original and two copies — stating that you’re fit for air travel. The certificate must be dated within three days (72 hours) of your flight departure. However, to best assure your safety, we’d prefer that your certificate is dated within one day of flight departure.
The certificate must state that the obstetrician has examined you and found you to be physically fit for air travel between the specified dates of your trip. Your baby’s estimated birth date must be after the date of the last flight on the itinerary.
Please give the original certificate to one of our representatives at check-in. The remaining copies are for reference during air travel.