Traveling with infants and children can be a fun adventure! To keep infants and children comfortable, we recommend bringing small "comfort" items in your carry-on bag, such as a child's security blanket or favorite pillow and small snacks. The TSA currently has a limit on the amount of liquids brought through the security checkpoint. Refer to the Traveling with Kids section of the TSA website for information regarding baby formula, breast milk, juice and other liquids.
In addition, we recommend bringing small toys, coloring books and crayons, and/or small electronic devices (such as portable DVD players with headphones) to help keep children entertained. Refer to our Onboard Guide for Air Travelers section for details on electronic items allowed onboard our aircraft.
Letter of Consent to Travel
A Letter of Consent to Travel (LOC), signed by the non-traveling parent(s), is not required when traveling domestically. When traveling internationally, some countries do require or recommend having an LOC when a minor is not traveling with both parents. Visit our
International Travel Documents page to determine the country requirements for which you are visiting.
Security Checkpoint
Even when traveling with infants and children, everyone must be screened at the security checkpoint. We recommend visiting the
Traveling with Kids section of the TSA website for suggestions to make clearing the security checkpoint easier for you and your children. The website provides information such as the screening process and traveling with children with disabilities.
Age Restrictions
There is no minimum age for infants traveling on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air. However, we recommend checking with your child's doctor if you are unsure your infant should be traveling via plane.
Children are no longer considered infants on the day of their 2nd birthday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all children who have reached their 2nd birthday to occupy a seat on an aircraft by purchasing a ticket.
Turning 2 on Trip
If a child turns two en route, a ticket must be purchased for all segments on which the child will be two.
Car Seats
Infants traveling on a regular fare are strongly recommended to be secured in an appropriate child restraint system (CRS). Lap infants sharing a seat with their parent may bring a child restraint seat on board provided there is an empty seat available for the infant. If the flight is full, the car seat will be checked at the gate using a claim-at-gate tag. The car seat will be returned to you at the gate upon arrival. All child restraint systems must bear the following two required labels:
- This restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety conditions.
- This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. (in red lettering) (NOTE: Labels that indicate U.S. or Foreign Government approval or show the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United nations are also valid.)
In addition to the standard CRS mentioned above, children between 22 to 44 pounds and 40 inches or less may use an Aircraft Safety Device (ACSD) for added security. Currently the AmSafe CARES Restraint is the only approved ACSD and must bear a label that reads:
FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
14 CFR 21.302(d) APPROVED FOR
AIRCRAFT USE ONLY
Use of the ACSD is the same as use of any approved CRS.
Any other child booster seats and other types of child restraints may not be used during take-off, landing, and surface movements regardless of what stamp/seal of approval these booster or harness devices carry.
The window seat is the preferred location for a child restraint system, although it may be placed in the middle seat if the window seat is vacant, or if the restraint system does not block access to the aisle. If you are uncertain, the Flight Attendant can assist in determining if middle seat is acceptable. For safety, a child restraint system must not be placed in the aisle seat. Child restraint systems are not permitted in the emergency exit rows or in the rows forward or aft of any exit row.
Carry-ons
A customer traveling with a lap infant may have one diaper bag in addition to the standard carry-on policy allowance. A seated (ticketed) infant would follow the standard carry-on policy allowance.
An adult traveling with a lap infant may check the infant's child restraint seat and/or stroller free of charge in addition to the regular baggage allowance. These items may be checked at the gate using a claim-at-gate tag if preferred.
Infant on Lap
As the lap infant will be sitting on the lap of the accompanying adult, seats cannot be reserved for the infant. Of course, the accompanying adult can pre-reserve his or her own seat. Only one lap infant is permitted per row (including both sides of aisle).
Lap infants are not eligible for meals.
How Many Infants
Each ticketed adult is allowed one infant as a free of charge lap infant.
Infant Seat Fare
Infant on Lap: Free* Child/Infant Occupying Their Own Seat: Full Fare
Note: No taxes are applicable on domestic flights for lap infants. All standard taxes are applicable on infant seat fares. A $7 (USD) immigration fee is applicable when an infant is traveling as a lap infant from either Canada or Mexico.
* Lap infants traveling to an international destination (outside of North America) must be ticketed at 10% of the accompanying adult's fare. This does not guarantee them a seat. Infants can travel as lap infants for free (limit one lap infant per accompanying adult). If there is an empty seat available on that flight, the infant may occupy that seat for no extra charge.
End accessible content.