Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a ...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
11 comments
Does a lap child need a boarding pass?
May 28, 2021
Does a lap child need a boarding pass?
Jarrod West
May 28, 2021
That will depend on what airline you are flying with. If you let me know the airline I can give you a more precise answer. Thanks for reading!
Jen
July 29, 2021
Great article, thank you! I had a question about the chart….do we look at the airline with whom we’re using points on? Or actually flying on?
For example, we’re flying on Delta but using Virgin Atlantic there’s one that charges 10% of the cash fare, and the other that charges just 1k – 5k miles? Thanks
Jarrod West
July 30, 2021
Hi Jen,
In this case, you would go by the airline you are actually flying with.
Ateka Shoaib Electricwala
December 15, 2021
Can I book my 2 year old child a ticket for the same flight my institute has already booked for? If yes, what will be the procedure? I am planning to fly internationally with my daughter, provided I am able to book her ticket on the same flight.
Thanks in advance.
Jarrod West
December 15, 2021
Hi Ateka,
If you call the airline you are flying with they can add your daughter to the reservation. Safe travels!
Jason
March 30, 2022
Great article and super helpful for soon-to-be parents!
Rob
July 06, 2022
Very valuable information. I’m currently trying to add a lap infant to a award ticket booked through American Airlines. American Airlines is telling me American leg of the flight is free, but I have to call Qatar and pay the 10% fee. When I call Qatar Airways, they say they can’t add any lap infant to a ticket booked through other airlines. What is the norm in this situation?
Chris Hassan
July 07, 2022
Hey Rob,
Unfortunately, this type of confusion is very common when flying and paying 2 different carriers. I had the same issue with United booked via TAP and it was only resolved when we physically got to the airport and it was clear we needed a lap child ticket. Long story short, we ended up paying United at the check-in desk. I would keep trying to call Qatar and make progress there, otherwise plan to get to the airport early to resolve it.
Michael V
December 16, 2022
Hi – Quick Question – if you’re two parents traveling with 1 child…. what would stop you from booking Adult + Baby in First class (on points), then booking the other parent in Economy (on points), and so you would technically have two seats in First Class, then in the flight just move forward? Specifically looking at AAdvantage points, for a Japan Airlines First Class NRT – SFO. The ticket costs $12,000 one way – whereas an additional economy class booking is 35k points. So, saving over $1,200 out of pocket.
I’m just wondering how risky that option is, as it seems so logical (if the flight attendants allow it).
Jarrod West
December 16, 2022
Hi Michael,
Booking a lap child ticket does not give you a second seat. Your child would occupy the same seat as you. Additionally, booking a lap child ticket is 10% of the cash fare through American Airlines, so the cost would be whatever the award price is for the first class ticket, plus $1,200 (10% of the $12,000 cash fare) to add a lap child ticket.
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