Can I Fly Alone With Two Infants Under Two
Short answer: yes, you can fly alone with two infants with most airlines. The exception is any Canadian based airlines. I have further information on this below.
There are some procedures that you need to be aware of and which vary depending on the age of your infant.
If you are flying alone with two infants you cannot have both on your lap. Your options are:
- Purchase two seats and use a car seat for one, and hold the other as a lap baby.
- Purchase 3 seats and have both babies in car seats.
- Bring someone over 16 with you who can hold a baby.
However, before you happily go on your way and book your flight, and purchase at least two seats, bear in mind that not all airlines have the same rules regarding car seats. e.g some airlines place a limit on the age of the baby or say they must be a certain age to be in a car seat. Some dictate which way the baby must be facing e.g forward facing. Some airline car seat rules can be seen here.
If you are flying on a USA operated airline, the FAA have ruled that carriers under their jurisdiction MUST carry an infant in a car seat IF the car seat meets all the rules and regulations for airplane travel.
Please check car seat dimensions and safety requirements so that you know your car seat will fit safely into the aircraft seat and meet FAA or equivalent requirements.
Note: For flights to different countries your car seat might not be legal to use on the road.
Lap Baby
If you have paid for a separate seat for your infant and you don’t bring a child seat or AmSafe System, your infant must sit on your lap. Only one baby per lap is permitted on flights.
On non USA airlines, the flight attendant will give you an extension seatbelt which MUST be used during taxi, take-off, landing and turbulence (when the seatbelt sign is on). The cabin crew will provide the extension seat belt and show you how to use it.
Flying With More Than One Baby Solo Tips
Flying with more than one baby solo means you will need to factor in how much you can physically carry and how you will manage both babies and luggage. Things to consider are:
- Baby Carrier: Are both babies small enough to fit into a twin baby carrier?
- Stroller: Consider bringing a small, compact travel stroller which will fit into an overhead bin. This way you will have access to it when disembarking for customs queues and baggage reclaim. and can baby wear the other baby in a baby carrier.
- Backpack: A small backpack will be the best type of carry on luggage for you. It can go on your back, with a baby carrier on your front and keep your hands free to push a small stroller if needed.
Canada rules for flying with more than one infant.
You can not fly alone with two infant under two with any Canadian airline as they are subject to the below Canadian laws.
Use of Passenger Safety Belts and Restraint Systems
- 605.26(1) Where the pilot-in-command or the in-charge flight attendant directs that safety belts be fastened, every passenger who is not an infant shall
- (a) ensure that the passenger’s safety belt, including any shoulder harness, or restraint system is properly adjusted and securely fastened;
- (b) if responsible for an infant for which no child restraint system is provided, hold the infant securely in the passenger’s arms; and
- (c) if responsible for a person who is using a child restraint system, ensure that the person is properly secured.
- (2) No passenger shall be responsible for more than one infant.
