United infant and child policy: lap infants, strollers and kids flying alone
Guide to United Airlines infant and child policies. Covers lap infants, baggage allowance, strollers, car seats, family seating for kids under 12, and solo travel.
United Airlines has a few specific rules for family travel that are good to know before you fly. For example, your ability to check a bag for a lap infant depends on whether your flight is domestic or international. The airline also has a policy to help families with children under 12 sit together for free when seats are open.
Airlines update their policies, so it is always a good idea to confirm the details for your specific flight directly with United when you are booking your tickets.
| Topic | What United says |
|---|---|
| Who counts as a lap infant | Children under two years old are permitted to travel on an adult's lap on flights to any destination.Source |
| Baby in its own seat | Infants can travel in their own seat if you provide an approved car seat for them.Source |
| Stroller | Standard strollers and folding wagons can be used up to the gate and then checked for free. Collapsible strollers are permitted to be stored in the cabin.Source |
| Checking a car seat | Car seats can be brought to the gate and checked for free.Source |
| Car seat on board | Booster seats and harnesses that secure an infant to your chest, like a papoose, are not allowed for use on board the aircraft.Source |
| Infant baggage | You can check bags for a lap infant without a purchased ticket on international flights, or for an infant with a purchased seat on any flight. You cannot check bags for a lap infant on a domestic flight.Source |
| Family seating | For families with children under 12, the first adult on the reservation can sit next to up to two children for free, provided seats are open.Source |
| Service required for | The unaccompanied minor service is required for children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling by themselves.Source |
| Service optional for | For teenagers aged 15 to 17 traveling alone, the unaccompanied minor service is optional.Source |
Lap infants and infant fares
On United flights, children under two years old can travel on an adult’s lap. While the airline strongly recommends using a child restraint system like a car seat, it is not required for a lap infant. If you prefer, you can purchase a separate seat for your infant and secure them in an approved car seat for the flight.
“Children under two can sit on a parent’s lap during flights to any destination, but we strongly recommend using a child restraint system (CRS) like a car seat.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Strollers and car seats
You can bring a standard stroller, folding wagon, or car seat to the gate and check it for free. Collapsible strollers can be stored in the cabin. Keep in mind that United does not allow the use of booster seats or chest harnesses, such as a papoose, on board the aircraft. Always check that your specific car seat is approved for use on a plane.
Full details, with the airline’s own wording: United car seat and stroller policy.
“Standard strollers, folding wagons and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. … Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Baby baggage
United’s checked baggage allowance for an infant depends on your ticket and destination. If your child is traveling as a lap infant on a domestic flight, you cannot check a bag for them. You can check bags for a lap infant on an international flight. For any infant who has their own purchased seat, you can check bags in their name on both domestic and international flights.
“If you’re traveling internationally with a lap infant (no purchased ticket), or on an international or domestic flight with an infant who has a seat (purchased ticket) you can check bags in their name. … If you’re traveling domestically with a lap infant, you cannot check bags in their name.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Sitting together
United has a policy to help families with children under 12 sit together. The first adult listed on the reservation can sit next to up to two children in their group for free. This is available as long as there are open seats to make the arrangement possible. It is a good practice to select your seats when you book to ensure your family is seated together.
“If you’re traveling with children under 12, they won’t have to sit by themselves. The first adult listed on the reservation can sit next to up to two children in their party for free, if the seats are open.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Kids flying alone
United requires its unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14 who are traveling alone. For teenagers ages 15 to 17, the service is optional, meaning they can fly by themselves without it. When picking up a child who used the service, you must show your ID and sign a release form before you can leave the airport with them.
Full details, with the airline’s own wording: United unaccompanied minor policy: ages, fee and rules.
“Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Related pages
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