Airline

American Airlines

United States ยท IATA: AA

Strollers: Carry-on if under 56x36x23 cm Car seats: Allowed, FAA approved only Sleep devices: Allowed

Policies verified March 2026

American Airlines is one of the best US carriers for families with gear. Compact strollers can go in the cabin without counting as carry-on, and the airline approves a wide range of sleep devices including Flyaway Kids Bed, Plane Pal, and JetKids BedBox. Car seat policy is standard FAA-approved, and family boarding is available. A strong all-around choice for domestic and international family travel from the US.

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American Airlines Baby Gear Policies

Can I bring a stroller on American Airlines?

Conditions
Carry-on if under 56x36x23 cm
Gate check: Free

American Airlines is one of the best US carriers for strollers. Any fully collapsible pushchair that fits the overhead bin can come onboard and does not count toward your carry-on allowance. Gate check is free for one stroller per ticketed child. The one catch: if you are also carrying a car seat, only one of the two can be gate-checked. The other goes at the counter.

Can I use a car seat on American Airlines?

Conditions
Allowed, FAA approved only
Forward and rear-facing. FAA only certified.

American Airlines requires car seats to bear the FAA label "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Window seats are preferred, and some First/Business configurations with lie-flat or angled seats cannot accommodate them. Both forward and rear-facing are allowed. Only one item can be gate-checked, so choose between stroller and car seat.

Does American Airlines allow toddler airplane beds?

Allowed
Allowed

American Airlines is one of the most permissive US carriers for sleep devices. Flyaway Kids Bed, Plane Pal, JetKids BedBox, and Fly Tot are all explicitly approved for cruise use. Restrictions are sensible: stow during taxi and takeoff, window or middle seats only, and the child's head must face the back of their own seat.

Top compatible gear for American Airlines

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Does American Airlines have bassinets?

Limited

Bassinets available on 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft only. Not available in First or Business class. Max weight 9 kg (20 lbs). First come, first served at the gate.

What meals does American Airlines offer for children?

Yes

Baby meals (pureed food in jars) available if pre-requested 24 hours before departure. Kids' meals complimentary in domestic First/Business and all classes on most international flights.

Does American Airlines offer family preboarding?

Yes

Families with children under 2 can request early boarding at the gate. Gate agents will accommodate before general boarding.

How much checked baggage do infants get on American Airlines?

2 items free

One stroller and one car seat per infant checked free. Gate check available.

How much does a lap infant cost on American Airlines?

Free

Domestic lap infants fly free. International lap infant fares vary by route with applicable taxes.

Does American Airlines provide complimentary strollers?

No

American Airlines does not offer complimentary strollers at the airport.

Other family amenities on American Airlines

In-flight entertainment Yes
Kids' entertainment on seatback screens where available. No activity packs.
Changing tables Yes
Changing tables available in lavatories on all wide-body aircraft.
Baby kit No
No baby amenity kits. Breast pumps and cooler bags of breast milk do not count as carry-on items.
Family check-in No
Family seating Guaranteed
Children under 15 guaranteed to be seated next to at least one accompanying adult on the same reservation at no additional cost. If unable to accommodate, AA will rebook the party on the next available flight with adjacent seats.

American Airlines is decent for domestic family travel thanks to free lap infants and the ability to preboard. The guaranteed family seating policy for children under 15 is a genuine standout among US carriers. The breast pump carry-on exemption is a thoughtful policy.