How to Add Child Ticket in American Airlines?

Adding a child to an American Airlines reservation depends on the child’s age and the time of booking. The kids aged 2 years and older need their own ticket and seat. However, infants under 2 years may travel as lap children on eligible flights. Further, if traveling with children on separate reservations, American Airlines can also link the bookings upon request.

Can You Add a Child to an Existing American Airlines Reservation?

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers to add a child to an existing trip in many situations. However, the process varies based on the child’s age.

• Children 2 years or older: A separate ticket must be purchased.
• Infants under 2 years: Can usually be added as a lap infant after the booking is ticketed.
• Separate reservations: The carrier recommends contacting the officials so both bookings can be linked.

How to Add a Child Ticket to American Airlines?

For children aged 2 years or older, to add to an American Airlines booking, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Sign in to the American Airlines account or visit Manage Trips.
• Retrieve the booking using the confirmation code.
• Check whether passenger changes are available.
• If adding a child is not offered online, contact American Airlines Reservations.
• Provide the following documents:
  • Booking confirmation number
  • Child’s full name
  • Date of birth
• Purchase the child’s ticket.
• Ask the representative to link both reservations if booked separately.

How to Add a Lap Infant to an American Airlines Booking?

American Airlines lets its flyers add a lap infant online after their trips are ticketed. But for domestic and international flights, this process is different.

Domestic Flights:

• Open the reservation on aa.com.
• Go to Passenger Details.
• Select Add infant in lap.
• Save the updated reservation.

International Flights:

• Wait until the ticket has been issued.
• Open Manage Trips.
• Choose Add infant in lap.
• Pay any applicable tax or infant fare if required.
• Confirm the updated itinerary.

Child Travel Rules by American Airlines

Before flying with a kid, an American Airlines passenger must keep some specific rules in mind.

Children 2 years and older:

• Must have their own ticket.
• Occupy their own seat.
• Pay the applicable adult fare.
• Kids under 5 can not travel alone.

Infants under 2 years:

• One lap infant is allowed per ticketed adult.
• The infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants require their own ticket and seat.
• If the child turns 2 during the trip, they will need their own seat for the remaining flight.

Family Seating Policy

American Airlines tries to seat families together whenever possible. Hence, for the best chance of sitting together, consider the points listed below:

• Book all family members under one reservation.
• Reserve early.
• Select seats during booking if available.
• If seats are not selected, the airline attempts to place children under 15 next to at least one accompanying adult before departure.

Kids’ Documents Needed Before Flying

Depending on the destination, a passenger must keep these documents ready before booking their child’s ticket.

• Child’s passport (international travel)
• Birth certificate or proof of age (if requested)
• Visa (where applicable)
• Government-issued identification (when required)
• Parent or guardian consent documents for certain international trips

Final Words

After knowing the child’s age category, adding a child ticket to American Airlines is simple. Children aged 2 years and older require their own ticket and seat. In contrast, lap infants under 2 can usually be added through the Passenger Details section after ticketing.

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