Traveling with a little one is always an adventure, but doing so on a smaller aircraft like those flown by Boutique Air adds a unique layer to the experience. Because Boutique Air operates the Pilatus PC-12—an executive-style turboprop that usually seats just 8 or 9 passengers—the environment is much more intimate than a standard commercial jet.

If you are planning a trip with a baby, understanding the Boutique Air Infant Policy is the best way to ensure your journey from the terminal to the tarmac is as smooth as possible. Here is everything you need to know about age limits, fees, and the logistics of flying with an infant.

Defining an "Infant" and Age Limits

Like most airlines in the United States, Boutique Air follows standard age classifications for its youngest travelers.

• Infant Category: An infant is defined as a child under the age of two (2).

• Minimum Age: While some airlines have a 7-day or 14-day minimum, it is generally recommended that newborns be at least 7 days old before flying. If you need to fly with a baby younger than a week, it is wise to have a doctor’s note handy, though Boutique Air is generally accommodating for family emergencies.

• The Second Birthday Rule: The day a child turns two, they are no longer considered an infant and must have their own purchased seat at the adult fare. If your child turns two during your trip, you will need to book a seat for the return leg.

Lap Infants vs. Ticketed Seats

When you book your flight, you have two main options for how your infant will travel.

1. Lap Infants (Flying for Free)

Infants under two years of age can fly as "lap infants." This means they do not have their own seat and will sit on the lap of an adult (18 years or older) for the duration of the flight.

• Fees: On Boutique Air, domestic lap infants typically fly for free. Unlike some larger carriers that might charge a small percentage of the fare for international hops, Boutique’s primarily domestic network keeps this simple and cost-free.

• Limit: There is a strict limit of one lap infant per adult. If you are traveling alone with twins, you will be required to purchase a seat for at least one of the babies.

2. Purchasing a Separate Seat

If you prefer for your baby to have their own space—or if you want to use a car seat—you can purchase a standard seat.

• Cost: Boutique Air does not typically offer "child discounts." You will likely pay the full adult fare for the extra seat.

• Benefit: This is often the safer choice for longer flights, and it ensures you have the extra elbow room in the cabin.

Car Seats and Safety Restraint Systems

Since Boutique Air uses the Pilatus PC-12, the seating configuration is a bit different than a Boeing 737.

• FAA Approval: If you purchase a seat for your infant, you must use an FAA-approved car seat (Child Restraint System). Check for the sticker on the side of the seat that says: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

• Fitment Issues: The leather executive seats in a Boutique Air plane are quite comfortable, but they can be wider or shaped differently than standard coach seats. Most standard-width car seats fit, but it’s always a good idea to mention you are bringing one when you check in at the counter.

• Placement: For safety reasons, car seats are usually placed in a seat that does not block the egress of other passengers (typically the rear-most seats or a window-aligned seat depending on the specific cabin layout).

Strollers and Checked Gear

Boutique Air is very generous when it comes to "essential" baby gear. They understand that you can’t exactly travel without your support system.

• Free Gate Check: You can usually gate-check one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge. You simply bring the stroller to the side of the aircraft, and the pilot or ground crew will tuck it into the pressurized cargo area just before departure.

• Size Limitations: The PC-12 has a large cargo door, but the space itself is finite. Massive, double "jogging" strollers can sometimes be a tight fit. If you have a particularly bulky stroller, calling the station ahead of time is a smart move.

• Retrieval: One of the best perks of Boutique Air is that your stroller is usually waiting for you right outside the plane door as soon as you land—no waiting at a baggage carousel for twenty minutes.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Because lap infants don't have a paid ticket, they don't technically get their own checked baggage allowance.

• Personal Item: You are allowed to bring a diaper bag in addition to your own carry-on/personal item. However, remember that the PC-12 does not have overhead bins. Everything you bring into the cabin must be able to sit on your lap or be tucked into the small storage areas available.

• Weight & Balance: Small planes are very sensitive to weight. The ground crew will likely weigh every bag you have (including the diaper bag). Try to pack only the essentials for the flight—diapers, wipes, formula, and a change of clothes—and check the rest of the heavy gear.

Tips for a Smooth Flight

Flying on a smaller plane means you'll feel the movement of the air a bit more, and the engine noise is a different hum than a jet.

• Feeding During Changes: The PC-12 is pressurized, but ear pressure can still be a thing. Feeding your baby (bottle, nursing, or a pacifier) during takeoff and the final descent helps their ears adjust to the pressure changes.

• No Onboard Lavatory (Usually): Most Boutique Air configurations do not have a bathroom on board. It is absolutely vital to do a "heavy-duty" diaper change immediately before boarding.

• Interaction with the Crew: Since the cockpit is often open or just behind a thin curtain, and the pilots are right there, don't be afraid to ask them for help if you need a hand with a bag while boarding. They are usually very friendly and accustomed to helping families.

Booking Your Infant

When booking on the Boutique Air website, you should see an option to add an infant. If you've already booked your flight and forgot to add your baby, don't panic.

1. Call Customer Service: Dial 855-268-8478.

2. Provide Details: Have your confirmation code ready and provide the infant’s name and date of birth.

3. Confirm the Lap Status: Ensure they have marked the child as a "Lap Infant" so the manifest reflects the correct number of souls on board for FAA compliance.

The Boutique Air Infant Policy is one of the most straightforward in the industry, largely because the airline operates more like a private charter than a massive corporation. By planning for the lack of a bathroom and the limited cabin storage, you’ll find that flying "Boutique" with a baby is actually much faster and less stressful than navigating a major hub.