Contour Airlines Infant Policy

Traveling with an infant requires careful planning, especially when flying. Airlines have specific rules regarding the age, seating, and travel guidelines for infants. Understanding the Contour Airlines Infant Policy helps families prepare for smooth, stress-free air travel. This guide explains age restrictions, lap infant guidelines, ticket requirements, and other important considerations for traveling with young children.

Contour Airlines operates regional and domestic flights, often serving short routes. This makes understanding their infant policy especially important for parents and guardians who want to ensure safety and compliance during the flight.

What Is the Contour Airlines Infant Policy?

The Contour Airlines Infant Policy defines the rules for traveling with infants under the age of two. Infants are children who are too young to occupy their own seat and typically travel on a parent’s or guardian’s lap. This policy ensures the safety, comfort, and convenience of both the infant and other passengers on board.

Infants traveling on laps are subject to age limits, documentation requirements, and safety rules. The airline also provides options for booking a separate seat for infants using an approved child safety restraint system (CRS).

Age Limits for Infants

Age is a critical factor in the Contour Airlines Infant Policy.

Standard Age Rules:

Infants are considered children under 2 years of age
After reaching 2 years, a child must have their own seat and ticket
Lap infants cannot occupy their own seat

Knowing the exact age cutoff is essential when booking tickets. Airlines often require proof of age during check-in, usually in the form of a birth certificate or passport.

Ticket Requirements for Infants

Infants traveling on laps do not usually require a separate seat, but a ticket or lap infant reservation is still necessary.

Lap Infant Tickets:

Often priced at a percentage of the adult fare
Includes taxes and fees
Allows infant to travel safely on a parent or guardian’s lap

Separate Seat for Infant:

Parents may choose to purchase a separate seat for infants under 2
Requires an approved child safety restraint system (CRS)
CRS must be FAA-approved and properly installed

Purchasing a separate seat increases comfort and safety, especially for longer flights or active infants.

Lap Infant Travel Guidelines

Lap infants remain on a parent or guardian’s lap during the flight. The Contour Airlines Infant Policy provides rules to ensure safety and compliance.

Key Lap Infant Rules:

One adult may travel with only one lap infant
Infant must be held securely during takeoff, landing, and turbulence
Airlines may provide safety belts or harnesses for lap infants

Lap infant travel is common for short flights and helps parents avoid additional seat fees, but it may be less comfortable for longer flights.

Child Safety Restraint Systems (CRS)

If a separate seat is purchased, a child safety restraint system is required. The Contour Airlines Infant Policy specifies approved CRS options and installation procedures.

CRS Guidelines:

Must be FAA-approved
Installed in a forward-facing or rear-facing seat depending on age and size
Provides additional safety during turbulence or unexpected flight conditions

Parents should review CRS compatibility with the aircraft before travel to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.

Documentation Required for Infants

Proper documentation is essential for traveling with an infant. Contour Airlines requires proof of age and identity for infants, especially for international flights.

Acceptable Documents Include:

Birth certificate
Passport
Government-issued ID for international travel

Having documents ready during check-in helps avoid delays or issues with boarding.

Fees for Infants

Fees for infant travel vary depending on whether the child travels as a lap infant or occupies a separate seat.

Lap Infant Fees:

Usually a small percentage of the adult fare
May include taxes and service charges

Seat Infant Fees:

Full child fare applies
CRS installation may not incur additional fees but must comply with airline rules

Understanding the fee structure ensures travelers budget properly and avoid surprises at the airport.

Booking Infants on Flights

Booking an infant on a flight requires careful attention to fare rules, seating arrangements, and age verification.

Steps to Book Infants:

Select the adult passenger first
Add the infant in the booking system
Choose seating arrangements (lap or separate seat)
Provide documentation for age verification
Pay applicable fees or lap infant fare

Booking early is recommended to ensure availability, especially for families traveling during peak seasons or on fully booked flights.

In-Flight Considerations for Infants

Traveling with infants requires extra preparation for comfort and safety. Contour Airlines provides guidelines to assist parents.

In-Flight Tips:

Bring diapers, wipes, and extra clothing
Carry bottles, formula, or breast milk in accordance with TSA rules
Use an approved car seat if a separate seat is purchased
Plan for infant sleep and comfort during the flight

These steps help make flights smoother and reduce stress for both parents and infants.

International Travel with Infants

International travel adds complexity due to additional documentation and regulations. The Contour Airlines Infant Policy emphasizes compliance with passport and visa requirements.

International Travel Requirements:

Passport for infant
Visa if required by destination
Additional health documents or vaccination certificates

Parents should check entry requirements for infants before booking and arrival at international destinations.

Special Assistance for Infants

Contour Airlines provides assistance for families traveling with infants, especially for those needing additional support.

Examples of Special Assistance:

Pre-boarding for families with small children
Assistance with strollers or car seats
Guidance on in-flight services for infants

Requesting special assistance ahead of time ensures smoother boarding and travel experience.

Baggage Considerations for Infants

Traveling with infants often means additional baggage for essentials like diapers, formula, and clothing.

Baggage Tips:

Check airline baggage allowance for infants
Use diaper bags or carry-on luggage for infant essentials
Ensure items like bottles and formula comply with TSA guidelines

Proper packing helps parents manage infant needs without disrupting other passengers.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health and safety are critical when flying with infants. The Contour Airlines Infant Policy addresses important safety points.

Health Tips:

Bring necessary medications and documents
Ensure infant is up-to-date on vaccinations
Follow airline safety instructions during takeoff and landing
Monitor infant for signs of discomfort during flight

Being proactive about health ensures a safe and comfortable journey for both infants and parents.

Refunds and Changes for Infant Tickets

Infant tickets are subject to refund and change rules depending on fare type and booking conditions.

Key Points:

Lap infant tickets may have reduced or waived fees for changes
Separate seat tickets follow child fare refund rules
Early notification of changes helps minimize fees and ensure availability

Checking the booking terms for infants ensures flexibility if travel plans change.

Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience

A few proactive measures make traveling with infants less stressful.

Helpful Travel Tips:

Arrive early at the airport for check-in and security
Keep infant documents easily accessible
Bring extra clothing for both parent and infant
Use approved CRS for added safety and comfort

Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience from check-in to landing.

Contour Airlines Infant Policy Summary

The Contour Airlines Infant Policy provides clear guidelines for parents and guardians traveling with infants. It covers age limits, lap infant rules, CRS usage, ticket requirements, documentation, fees, and special assistance. By understanding this policy, families can travel safely and comfortably while complying with airline rules.

Planning in advance, booking early, and following the guidelines helps families avoid surprises and ensures a smooth journey for infants on every flight.

Common Questions About Infant Travel

Can infants fly without a ticket?

No, all infants require a ticket, even if traveling on a parent’s lap.

Are car seats required for infants?

Only if a separate seat is purchased. Car seats must be FAA-approved.

How old must a child be to have their own seat?

Children must be at least 2 years old to occupy their own seat.

Can more than one infant travel on a lap?

No, only one lap infant is allowed per adult passenger.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with infants requires preparation and knowledge of airline rules. The Contour Airlines Infant Policy ensures safety, comfort, and compliance. Parents can make informed choices about lap travel, separate seating, CRS usage, documentation, and fees. Following these guidelines and planning ahead makes travel with infants smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Whether flying domestically or internationally, families benefit from understanding and adhering to the Contour Airlines Infant Policy, ensuring a comfortable journey for both infants and adult travelers.

Contour Airlines Infant Policy: Age Limits, Travel Rules, and Guidelines for Infants