Horizon Air Infant Policy: Age Limits, Lap Infant Rules, Fees, and Travel Guidelines

When you're preparing for a flight with a little one, the logistics can feel like a puzzle. If you’re flying with Horizon Air—the regional carrier for Alaska Airlines—the rules are designed to be family-friendly, but there are specific details about seating, bags, and age limits that can trip you up if you aren't prepared.

Here is a deep dive into the Horizon Air infant policy to help you navigate your next trip without the stress.

Understanding Age Limits and the "Lap Infant" Status

The most important rule to keep in mind is the age cutoff. Horizon Air (operating under Alaska Airlines' policies) defines an infant as a child under two years of age.

If your child hasn't reached their second birthday, they have two options:

Lap Infant: They sit on your lap for the duration of the flight.
Ticketed Seat: You purchase a separate seat and use an FAA-approved car seat.

The "Birthday Rule"

The age limit is strictly enforced based on the date of travel. If your child turns two during your trip (for example, on the day of the return flight), they must have a purchased seat for any flight segments occurring after their birthday. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require all passengers aged two and older to occupy their own seat with a seatbelt.

Lap Infant Rules: How It Works

Choosing to fly with a lap infant is a popular way to save on airfare, especially on shorter regional hops. However, there are a few "hidden" rules regarding safety and aircraft configuration.

One Lap Infant Per Adult

Safety regulations dictate that only one lap infant is allowed per ticketed adult (aged 15 or older). if you are traveling alone with twins, you can only hold one baby; the second infant must have a purchased seat and be secured in a car seat.

Aircraft Seating Restrictions

Horizon Air primarily operates the Embraer 175 (E175) jet. Because of the location of extra oxygen masks, there are limits on where you can sit:

One Lap Infant Per Side: In most rows on Horizon-operated flights (specifically rows 6–21 on the E175), only one lap infant is allowed on each side of the aisle.
No Exit Rows: This is a non-negotiable safety rule. Families with infants cannot sit in emergency exit rows or the rows immediately in front of or behind them.
Bulkhead Rows: While often preferred for the extra legroom, some bulkhead seats have fixed armrests that may make holding a baby more cramped.

Fees and Ticketing Costs

One of the best perks of the Horizon Air infant policy is the cost—or lack thereof—for domestic travel.

Domestic Flights

For flights within the United States, there is no charge for a lap infant. You don't have to pay for a ticket, though you must ensure the infant is added to your reservation so they appear on the flight manifest.

International Travel

If your Horizon flight is connecting to an international destination (like Canada, Mexico, or Belize), things change slightly. While the "fare" might be free or discounted (usually 10% of the adult fare depending on the destination), you will be responsible for international taxes and fees. These are often collected at the time of booking or during check-in.

Buying a Seat

If you prefer the safety of a car seat, you must purchase a seat at the standard adult fare. Horizon Air does not typically offer "child discounts" on tickets, so the price will be the same as yours.

Baggage Allowance: What Can You Bring?

Traveling with a baby usually means traveling with a lot of "stuff." Luckily, Horizon Air is quite generous with baby gear.

Free Checked Items

Regardless of whether your child is a lap infant or has their own seat, you can check the following items for free:

One Stroller
One Car Seat

You can check these at the front ticket counter or at the gate (gate-checking). Most parents prefer gate-checking so they can use the stroller to navigate the airport and then leave it at the aircraft door.

Carry-on Rules

For Lap Infants: The baby does not get their own carry-on allowance. Any diaper bags or infant supplies will count toward the adult’s standard carry-on and personal item limit.
For Ticketed Infants: If you bought a seat for your baby, they get the same carry-on and checked bag allowance as an adult passenger.

Documentation: Do You Need a Birth Certificate?

While TSA doesn't require ID for minors on domestic flights, the airline needs to verify that your child is actually under two years old to qualify as a lap infant.

It is highly recommended to bring a copy of your child's birth certificate.

Horizon Air reserves the right to ask for proof of age. If your child is a "big" two-year-old and you don't have documentation, you might be forced to purchase a last-minute seat at a very high price. A digital photo of the birth certificate on your phone is usually sufficient, but a physical copy is safer.

For international travel, every passenger, including newborns, must have a valid passport.

In-Flight Comfort and Safety

Regional aircraft like those operated by Horizon Air are smaller than major cross-country jets, which means space is at a premium.

Car Seat Guidelines

If you’ve purchased a seat, your car seat must be FAA-approved. Look for the sticker that says, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Width: The seat must fit within the aircraft seat (usually about 17 inches wide).
Placement: Car seats must be placed in a window seat so they don't block the exit path for other passengers.

Feeding and Diapers

Milk and Formula: You are allowed to bring breast milk, formula, and juice in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces. Just let the TSA agents know at the security checkpoint.
Changing Tables: Most (but not all) Horizon Air aircraft have at least one lavatory equipped with a fold-down changing table. It's a tight squeeze, so it’s always a good idea to do a "pre-flight" change right before boarding.

Summary Table: Horizon Air Infant Travel

Feature	Lap Infant (Under 2)	Ticketed Infant (Under 2)
Ticket Cost	Free (Domestic) / Taxes (Intl)	Full Fare
Baggage	No extra allowance	Standard adult allowance
Stroller/Car Seat	Free to check	Free to check
Seating	On adult's lap	FAA-approved car seat
ID Required	Birth certificate (recommended)	Passport (International)

Tips for a Smooth Flight

Add the Infant Early: Don't wait until the airport to tell the airline you have a baby. Call Alaska Airlines reservations or add the "Lap Infant" during your online booking to ensure the manifest is correct.
Choose the Right Row: Since only one lap infant is allowed per side, if you are a large family with multiple babies, you’ll need to spread out across different rows or across the aisle from each other.
Pressure Relief: Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can hurt tiny ears. Feeding your baby or giving them a pacifier during these times helps them swallow and equalize the pressure.

Flying with an infant on Horizon Air is generally a straightforward experience. As long as you have your documentation ready and understand the seating limits of the E175 aircraft, you'll be well on your way to a successful family trip.