Traveling with a little one can be a mix of excitement and logistics. When you're flying with a baby, knowing the fine print can save you a lot of stress at the gate. The Alaska Airlines Infant Policy is designed to be family-friendly, but like any airline, there are specific age limits, safety rules, and baggage guidelines that need to be followed to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Whether you're planning to hold your baby in your lap or you've decided to book them their own seat, here is a deep dive into how Alaska Airlines handles its youngest travelers in 2026.

Age Limits and General Requirements

First things first: who qualifies as an "infant" under the Alaska Airlines Infant Policy?

The Under-Two Rule

Alaska Airlines follows the industry standard where children under the age of 2 (24 months) are considered infants. As soon as a child hits their second birthday, the FAA requires them to have their own purchased seat and a full-fare ticket. If your child is turning two during your trip, you’ll need to book a seat for them on any flights occurring on or after their birthday.

Minimum Age to Fly

While Alaska doesn't have a strict "minimum age" like some international carriers, they generally advise that newborns should be at least a few days old. If your baby is less than 14 days old, it's always a good idea to have a quick note from your pediatrician stating they are cleared for air travel, just in case a gate agent asks.

Lap Infants vs. Ticketed Seats

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to travel with a "lap infant" or to buy a separate seat for your baby.

Traveling with a Lap Infant

If you choose to keep your baby on your lap, they can travel for free on domestic flights within the United States. However, even though the ticket is free, you still need to notify the airline.

• Adding them to your reservation: You can usually do this during the booking process online, but if you forgot, a quick call to Alaska’s reservations line will get them added to the manifest.

• International Travel: If you are heading to Canada, Mexico, or Costa Rica, lap infants aren't completely free. You’ll usually have to pay the international taxes and fees associated with the flight, which typically range from $18 to $50 depending on the destination.

Buying a Seat for Your Infant

Many safety experts and the FAA recommend that infants travel in an approved "Child Restraint System" (a car seat). If you choose this route:

• You must purchase a standard ticket for the infant.

• You must bring a hard-backed car seat that is FAA-approved for aircraft use. Look for the sticker that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Baggage and Gear: What Can You Bring?

This is where the Alaska Airlines Infant Policy really shines for parents. Lugging baby gear through an airport is a workout, but at least Alaska doesn't charge you extra for the essentials.

Strollers and Car Seats

Alaska Airlines allows you to check one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge. This is in addition to your regular checked baggage allowance.

• Gate Check: Most parents prefer to "gate check" these items. You use the stroller to get through the terminal, then leave it at the end of the jet bridge right before you board. It will be waiting for you in the same spot when you land.

• Checked Baggage: If you don't need the stroller in the terminal, you can check it at the front counter when you first arrive at the airport.

The Diaper Bag Rule

If you are traveling with a lap infant, your diaper bag actually counts as the adult's "personal item" or "carry-on." Unlike some airlines that give a "bonus" bag for babies, Alaska generally expects the baby's gear to fit within the adult's existing carry-on allowance. However, if you have purchased a separate seat for your infant, they get the same carry-on and checked bag allowance as an adult.

Onboard Seating and Safety Constraints

Not every seat on a plane is created equal when it comes to babies. Because of the way oxygen masks are distributed, there are some restrictions on where you can sit with a lap infant.

• One per Row: On most Alaska flights (numbered 1-1999), only one lap infant is allowed per row because there is only one "extra" oxygen mask in the overhead compartment.

• Exit Rows: For obvious safety reasons, you cannot sit in an emergency exit row with an infant.

• Inflatable Seatbelts: Some rows in Premium Class or First Class use inflatable seatbelts (airbags). Lap infants are generally not allowed in these seats because the airbag could cause injury during deployment.

Feeding and Comfort During the Flight

Alaska Airlines is generally very accommodating when it comes to keeping your baby fed and happy.

• Breast Milk and Formula: These are considered "medically necessary liquids." You are allowed to bring more than the standard 3.4-ounce limit through TSA, though you should tell the security officer you have them so they can be screened separately.

• In-Flight Milk: While flight attendants can usually provide warm water to help heat a bottle, they are not allowed to use the aircraft’s ovens to heat milk or food directly.

• Changing Tables: Most (but not all) Alaska Airlines aircraft have at least one restroom equipped with a fold-down changing table. It’s usually the one in the back of the plane—just ask a flight attendant which one to use.

Summary of the Policy

Planning ahead and double-checking your gear is the best way to ensure your flight is a breeze. Alaska Airlines remains a top choice for families because of their straightforward approach to these rules.

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