Traveling with a little one is a major milestone, but it also comes with a mountain of logistics—especially when you’re flying on a regional carrier like Air Wisconsin. Because Air Wisconsin operates as American Eagle for American Airlines, their infant policies are strictly aligned with the mainline carrier’s standards.

The Air Wisconsin Infant Policy is designed to be family-friendly, but there are specific rules on age, seating, and gear that you’ll want to know before you head to the TSA line. Here is everything you need to know about flying with your baby.

Age Limits: How Young is Too Young?

One of the most common questions is how soon a newborn can take to the skies. According to the Air Wisconsin Infant Policy, babies as young as two days old are welcome on board.

However, there is a small hurdle for very new arrivals:

• Under 7 Days Old: If your baby is less than a week old, you must provide a physician’s letter stating that the infant is medically cleared to fly.

• Over 7 Days Old: No medical clearance is required.

• The "Infant" Cutoff: A child is officially an "infant" until their second birthday. The day they turn two, FAA regulations require them to have their own purchased seat and a full-fare ticket.

Lap Infants vs. Ticketed Seats

When you book, you have two main choices for how your baby will travel.

1. Lap Infants (Infant-in-Arms)

If your child is under two, they can fly for free on domestic flights within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) while sitting on your lap.

• The Rule of One: Only one lap infant is allowed per adult passenger. If you’re traveling alone with twins, you must buy a seat for at least one of them.

• International Travel: If your Air Wisconsin flight is a leg of an international trip (like a flight from Appleton to Chicago that connects to London), you will likely have to pay 10% of the adult fare plus international taxes for the lap infant.

2. Purchasing a Separate Seat

The FAA and the airline strongly recommend that even infants travel in a dedicated seat secured in an FAA-approved car seat.

• If you choose this, you must buy a regular ticket at the current fare.

• This is often the best choice for longer regional flights where holding a wiggly toddler for two hours might be exhausting.

Adding an Infant to Your Reservation

Since Air Wisconsin operates as American Eagle, you manage your booking through the American Airlines website or app.

• How to Add: During the booking process, look for the "Add infant in lap" option in the passenger details section.

• Already Booked? If you forgot to add the baby when you bought your ticket, you can usually add them later through the "Manage Trips" portal or by calling American Airlines reservations.

• Proof of Age: Always carry a copy of your baby’s birth certificate. While agents don't always ask for it, if your baby looks close to two years old, they have the right to request proof before letting you board.

Strollers and Car Seats: What’s Free?

Air Wisconsin (as American Eagle) is quite generous with baby gear. You don't have to worry about these items eating into your baggage allowance.

• Free Gate Check: Each ticketed passenger can check one stroller and one car seat for free. You can use the stroller through the airport and leave it at the end of the jet bridge just before you step onto the plane. It will be waiting for you in the same spot when you land.

• Large Strollers: If you have a massive jogging stroller or a non-collapsible double stroller, you may be asked to check it at the ticket counter rather than the gate.

• Diaper Bags: You are allowed one diaper bag per child as an additional carry-on item. This does not count against your personal item or standard carry-on limit.

Onboard Amenities and Safety

Regional jets (like the CRJ-200 or CRJ-700 that Air Wisconsin flies) are smaller than big international planes, so space is at a premium.

• Changing Tables: Not all regional jets have changing tables in the lavatories. It’s a good idea to do a fresh diaper change right before boarding. If you find yourself in a bind, ask a flight attendant if there’s a preferred spot to use a portable changing pad.

• Seating Restrictions: For safety reasons, lap infants and passengers using car seats cannot sit in an exit row or the rows immediately in front of or behind an exit row.

• Oxygen Masks: Most rows on Air Wisconsin planes have an "extra" oxygen mask to accommodate a lap infant. However, this means there is usually a limit of one lap infant per row. If you’re traveling with another parent who also has a lap infant, you may have to sit across the aisle from each other rather than in the same row.

Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Equalizing Pressure: To help with ear pain during takeoff and landing, try to feed your baby or give them a pacifier. The sucking motion helps their ears pop.

• Pack Layers: Regional jets can be notoriously chilly or unexpectedly warm depending on the ground temperature. Layers are your best friend.

• Breast Milk and Formula: These are considered "medically necessary liquids." You are allowed to bring more than the standard 3.4oz through security, but be prepared to pull them out for separate screening at the TSA checkpoint.

The Air Wisconsin Infant Policy is straightforward as long as you remember that American Airlines is the one setting the standard. By packing smart and adding your little traveler to your reservation early, you can focus on the adventure instead of the paperwork.