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 CommuteAir. Because CommuteAir operates exclusively as United Express for United Airlines, their infant policies are strictly aligned with United’s mainline standards.

The CommuteAir 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 the lowdown on 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 CommuteAir Infant Policy, babies must be at least seven days old to travel.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind for very new arrivals:

• Under 7 Days Old: Generally, infants under a week old are not permitted to fly. In extreme cases (like medical emergencies), an exception might be made, but it usually requires significant medical clearance and coordination with United’s accessibility desk.

• 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. If your child turns two during the trip, they will need a seat for the return leg.

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 CommuteAir flight is a leg of an international trip (like a flight from a regional hub to a connection heading to Canada or Mexico), 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 for everyone involved.

Adding an Infant to Your Reservation

Since CommuteAir operates as United Express, you manage your booking through the United Airlines website or app.

• How to Add: During the booking process, look for the "Infant on 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 United Airlines reservations.

• Proof of Age: Always carry a copy of your baby’s birth certificate. While agents don't always ask for it on domestic routes, 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?

CommuteAir (as United Express) 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 (or folding wagon) 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 Embraer ERJ-145 that CommuteAir frequently 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. Additionally, car seats must be placed in a window seat so they don't block the exit path of other passengers.

• Oxygen Masks: Most rows on these aircraft 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 side-by-side.

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 adjust to the pressure changes.

• Pack Layers: Regional jets can be notoriously chilly or unexpectedly warm depending on the ground temperature and the plane's ventilation. 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 CommuteAir Infant Policy is straightforward as long as you remember that United 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.