How to Book Award Tickets for Lap Infants
How lap-infant awards typically work, which taxes still apply, and what to confirm before transferring points.
- Infants under two years old can travel on an adult’s lap, but international flights always require an issued lap infant ticket and government taxes.
- Certain programs (like Air Canada Aeroplan) charge a flat fee of $25 or 2,500 miles for international lap infants, while US domestic carriers often demand 10% of the full retail cash adult fare.
- On international long-haul business class tickets, a 10% cash infant fare can trigger an unexpected $500 to $1,200 out-of-pocket charge at the check-in desk.
- Once a child turns two years old, federal aviation regulations strictly mandate their own designated seat booked as a full adult ticket.
Traveling with an infant under two years of age is one of the most cost-effective phases of family life, as children can fly on an adult’s lap without occupying an independent passenger seat. However, when redeeming credit card points and frequent flyer miles for international travel, adding a lap child can lead to staggering billing surprises if you do not understand how different loyalty programs price infant tickets.
Lap Infant Award Pricing Across Major Programs
While domestic flights within the United States permit lap infants to fly completely free of charge, international journeys require custom ticketing, passport documentation, and government security taxes.
| Loyalty Program | Domestic US Flights | International Award Cost for Lap Infant | Booking Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Free ($0) | Flat $25 CAD or 2,500 Aeroplan points | Can be added online during initial booking |
| British Airways Executive Club | Free ($0 on domestic partners) | 10% of adult Avios mileage + government taxes | Online during booking or via phone agent |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Free ($0 on domestic partners) | 1,000 miles (Economy) / 5,000 miles (Upper Class) + taxes | Call reservations desk after booking adult seat |
| Air France / KLM (Flying Blue) | Free ($0) | 10% of adult cash fare or reduced award miles | Added online or via customer service chat |
| United MileagePlus | Free ($0) | 10% of adult international cash fare + full taxes | Must call reservations; expensive in business cabins |
| American AAdvantage | Free ($0) | 10% of adult international cash fare + full taxes | Must call international reservations desk |
The 10% Cash Fare Trap in Premium Cabins
The single greatest hazard in award travel with infants occurs when booking long-haul premium cabins through programs that charge “10% of the adult fare.” Many travelers redeem 70,000 miles for a $6,000 international business class seat, assuming the infant will cost a negligible sum. When they call the airline to add their child, the representative quotes 10% of the full unrestricted commercial cash fare ($600) plus $250 in government taxes—resulting in an unexpected $850 out-of-pocket invoice.
The Flat-Fee Program Advantage: Programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic are legendary among traveling parents because they charge a flat fee or minimal points for lap infants regardless of whether the adult is seated in economy or international first class. Booking through these partner programs saves families hundreds of dollars per direction.
When Does an Infant Require an Independent Seat?
Federal and international civil aviation safety rules dictate strict boundary conditions for child seating:
- The Second Birthday Rule: If your child turns two years old at any point during your trip (including the date of your return flight), they can no longer travel as a lap infant. The return segment legally requires an independent seat booked at full child or adult award rates.
- Safety Car Seats: If you wish to use an FAA-approved child restraint system (car seat) during the flight, you must purchase a separate ticket for the infant. Lap infants cannot be placed in car seats during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
- One Lap Child Per Adult: Aviation safety rules permit only one lap infant per seated adult. If a single parent travels with twin infants under two, one child must occupy a purchased adjacent seat.
Step-by-Step Lap Infant Booking Protocol
- Verify Program Infant Rules First: Before transferring credit card points into an airline loyalty program, confirm whether that specific program charges a flat fee, minimal points, or 10% of retail cash fare.
- Issue Adult Award Seats: Book and ticket the adult award reservations online to secure the limited saver award inventory.
- Call the Airline Immediately: Contact the operating carrier with your adult six-character Passenger Name Record (PNR) to link the infant ticket to the adult itinerary.
- Request Bulkhead Bassinet: Inquire about bulkhead seating equipped with an infant bassinet (carrycot), which must be reserved well in advance due to weight and aircraft dimension limits.
- Verify Boarding Credentials: Ensure the infant ticket shows a confirmed 13-digit ticket number (e-ticket), not merely a seat request note, before departing for the airport.
Traveling with family requires foresight and meticulous itinerary coordination. For broader award planning tactics, review our guide to timing award seat availability, learn how to pool points across family members in our household points combining guide, and discover how to navigate seat selection in our overview of avoiding hidden airline fees.
Frequently asked questions
Are lap infants free on awards?
Many programs charge taxes and fees only for a lap infant on international awards, but rules vary. Domestic US policies also differ by airline. Confirm at booking.
When does an infant need a seat?
When they turn two, or earlier if you want a seat and seat belt. A seat requires a real award or cash ticket.
Can I book online?
Sometimes. Partner awards and multi-city trips often need a desk. Have adult confirmation codes ready.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Card terms change; confirm current terms with the issuer.