Traveling with Children
Tips from American Airlines
Benefits for first and business class passengers on select international flights: American provides a complimentary amenity kit that features two diapers, a baby spoon, bib and a coloring book. Child restraint seats 101: While American cannot require the use of child restraint seats, it strongly encourages their use. American advises parents to use approved child restraint seats on board its flights for children who weigh 40 pounds or less. U.S. manufactured restraints are "approved" if they have a label stating "This restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety conditions." Foreign manufactured restraints are "approved" if they bear a label showing approval for aircraft use by a governmental agency or bear a label showing the restraint was manufactured to United Nations standards. Takeoffs and landings 101: If your child is sleeping, consider waking him or her before the aircraft begins descent and provide the child with chewing gum, hard candy or a pacifier. Frequent swallowing also allows air to freely flow out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort. To help identify your family quickly at the airport, dress everyone in either the same color or matching colors. Always keep a recent photo of your child or children in your wallet. And place a photo of yourself in your child's pocket in case you become separated and need assistance in locating them.
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- Pack your children's bags or backpacks carefully and be sure to put all medicines and valuables in their carry-on. (Carry-on bags are welcome on board provided they fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.) This ensures that your child will be properly prepared in the cabin, and it reduces the chance of inconvenience should your child become separated from the checked bags.
- Be prepared to provide telephone numbers for parents and guardians when taking a reservation for a child traveler who will be unaccompanied. At check-in, you will also be asked to provide names, addresses and home and business phone numbers for you and for the party meeting your child.
- Take advantage of special waiting lounges for unaccompanied minors. American Airlines provides these in most of its major cities and in all domestic hub cities.
- In-flight activities 101: A children's activity book can be obtained from a flight attendant on transcontinental and international flights. The book contains travel-related games and puzzles. An audio channel for children is offered on all American's Boeing 757 aircraft and wide-body planes and features classic stories of children's literature and folklore.
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