Traveling with children requires careful planning, especially when flying with an infant or toddler. Before booking your flight, it’s important to understand Delta Airlines’ children travel policy, including age requirements, ticketing rules, baggage allowances, seating options, and safety guidelines. Delta allows eligible infants to travel on an adult’s lap or in their own purchased seat and offers services such as stroller assistance and bassinets on select flights. In this guide, we’ll explain the key rules and requirements to help families prepare for a smooth and stress-free journey.
What is Delta Airlines Infant Travel Policy?
As per the Delta Infant Policy parents can choose to hold child on lap or purchase a separate seat for safety. But rules are different for domestic and international. These are:
- A child under 2 allow to fly on lap with one adult (18 years or older).
- Infants can travel free on domestic flights, but international destinations require applicable taxes and charges.
- Parents can purchase a separate seat for kids by paying a fee.
- If a seat is purchased, infants should be secured in an FAA approved child restraint system.
- Proof of age (date of birth) required at check in.
- For international travel, children should have a valid passport.
- Kids have to be added to reservations before travel, if traveling as a lap infant.
Delta Child Travel Policy (2 to 17 Years)
Children two years and older should have own seat while traveling as they cannot travel on a lap. However, ticket cost depends on route and fare type. Children between 2-17 years can:
- Travel with a parent/guardian.
- Travel alone using Unaccompanied Minor Program.
- Receive special assistance if required.
What is Delta Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Kids flying alone should use (UM) based on age. Service provides assistance from check in to arrival and child is released to authorized adults. Terms are as follows:
- Ages 5–7: Should use UM services which allow on nonstop flights.
- 8 to 14: Allow to travel on nonstop and connecting flights
- 15to 17: For this group age service is optional.
- Service Fee: USD $150 which (covers up to 4 children).
- Check-in: Passengers have to be completed at airport.
- Pickup: Child released only to designated adults with valid ID. If document is not correct, airline will deny pickup.
- Restrictions: Not permitted on last flight of day or on connecting.
What Documents Are Required for Children?
Delta requires travel documents for children based on domestic or international travel. Minors traveling within US have ID requirements. International travel requires full documentation. These are:
- Proof of age like, birth certificate or similar document).
- No government issued ID required for children under 18 traveling with an adult on domestic destinations.
- For International travel, valid passport for the child (including infants).
- Required visa (if applicable based on destination).
- Consent letter if traveling with one parent or without parents (recommended and sometimes required).
Can I Bring a Stroller and Car Seat on Delta?
Yes, Delta allows parents to bring a stroller and car seat when traveling with a child. Check one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge. These items can be checked at ticket counter or gate before boarding. If purchase a separate seat for infants, use an FAA approved car seat onboard, as long as it fits properly in airline seat. These baby items do not count toward regular baggage limit.
Does Delta Airlines Provide Bassinets for Infants?
On Delta long haul flights, airline offers bassinets. These are available in limited numbers and should be requested in advance. Bassinets are installed at bulkhead seats and are subject to aircraft type and availability.
They are suitable for infants within specific weight and size limits. Parents should contact Delta as early as possible after booking to check availability and request a bassinet seat.
How Does Baggage Allowance Work for Infant or Lap?
The Delta Airlines baggage for children based on ticket type. Lap infants without a seat do not receive a separate checked baggage allowance. All items count toward the adult limit. Children with own ticketed seat receive standard baggage allowance based on fare and route. One stroller and one car seat per child can be checked free and do not count toward baggage limits. A diaper bag is also allowed in addition to the adult carry on.
Can Infants Earn SkyMiles on Delta?
Delta Air Lines allows children to earn miles through its frequent flyer program, Delta SkyMiles, if purchased ticket and own seat. Parents can create a SkyMiles account for child and add membership number to the reservation to collect miles. However, lap infants traveling free are not eligible to earn SkyMiles.
How to Add an Infant to an Existing Booking?
If you booked your ticket and did not add your baby, you must add the infant before travel. Delta Air Lines requires all infants, including lap infants, to be ticketed and linked to the adult’s reservation. This is especially important for international travel.
Ways to Add an Infant:
Online (Domestic Flights Only):
Delta Air Lines allows passengers to add a lap infant online for eligible domestic booking. Follow these complete steps:
- Visit Delta Airlines official website www.delta.com
- Click on “My Trips” at top of homepage.
- Enter confirmation number, first name, and last name.
- Open an existing reservation.
- Select option to Add Infant in Arms (if available for your booking).
- Enter infant full name and date of birth exactly as shown on birth certificate.
- Review updated itinerary and confirm required details.
- Complete process to issue infant tickets (even if the fare is $0 for domestic travel).
- Check updated confirmation email to ensure infant is listed on reservation.
Tip: If “Add Infant” option does not appear, contact Delta Reservations for assistance.
By Phone
Add an infant in booking by calling Delta Air Lines Reservations. Provide confirmation number, full name, and date of birth. Agents will add kids reservations and collect applicable charges. This method is recommended for international flights to ensure infant tickets are issued correctly.
At the Airport
The infant can be added at Delta ticket counter before check in closes. Inform agent that you require to add a lap infant or purchase a seat for a child. You should show proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. However, required fees or taxes should be paid at airport before boarding.
Does Delta Charge for Infants?
Delta Airlines charges kids based on route and seating choice. Kids with 2 years of age can travel as a lap. However, costs differ for domestic and international flights.
| Infant Travel Type | Domestic U.S. | International |
| Infant under 2 | Free should be added to reservations | 10% of adults fares plus taxes. |
| Infant with Own Seat | Full applicable fare | Full applicable fare plus taxes. |
| Infant turns 2 during trip | Should purchase own seat for entire journey. | Should purchase a seat for entire journey. |
Important: Only 1 lap infant is allowed per adult. Even if traveling free, the baby’s should have a ticket issued
Health and Safety Guidelines for Infant Travel
When flying, parents should check comfort and health. Delta follows safety rules, and parents are responsible for ensuring infants are ready for air travel. The terms are as follows:
- Use an FAA approved child (CRS): If a kid has a separate seat, secure car seat that fits in an aircraft seat.
- Manage ear pressure: Feed baby to help reduce ears discomfort caused by air pressure changes.
- Carry important items: Pack health documents, baby formula, and in cabin bags to avoid delays.
- Maintain hygiene: Bring wipes, and extra clothes to handle spills and make the cabin clean.
- Consult before long flights: If an infant has a medical condition, get advice before travel.
- Arrive early at airport: Extra time allows for smooth check in. Security screening, and proper installation of a car seat if required.
Conclusion
In short Delta Airlines Children & Infant Travel Policy is to provide safety, and comfort for families. Children 2 years old can travel as lap infants or with a separate seat. Two and above should have own seat. Delta offers an unaccompanied minor service for children traveling alone. Parents can bring strollers without extra charges, and families receive early boarding benefits.
See More Related Post Links:
Delta Airlines Change Flight Policy
Delta Airlines Manage Booking: View, Changes,
FAQs
Does Delta require age proof for infants?
Yes, passengers have to bring a birth certificate or passport to verify child age during travel.
Can children travel free on Delta Airlines?
Yes, babies under two can fly without paying as lap infants on domestic flights. However, International flights will include taxes and charges.
At what age can a child travel alone?
5 to 14 should use minor service when traveling alone. As without unaccompanied kids cannot board flights.
Can I bring a stroller for free on Delta?
Yes, one stroller and 1 car seat per child can be checked without paying any charges.
Do children earn SkyMiles on Delta?
Kids with purchased tickets can earn Delta Airlines SkyMiles, but lap infants traveling free do not receive points/miles.
