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Traveling with Infants

Incubation and Infants Under Seven Days Old

Continental does not accept infants in incubation or infants less than seven days old.

Acceptance of Accompanied Children Under Two Years

Children under the age of two traveling within the 50 U.S. with a parent or with an adult 18 years or older can travel on the adult's lap free of charge. If there are two or more children under the age of two traveling with the same adult, only one of the children may travel as a lap child. Any additional children are required to purchase a seat. Children under the age of two traveling internationally without a seat are required to purchase a ticket and are subject to infant fares and taxes. Regardless of your destination, when making your reservation, you should indicate you are traveling with an infant.

Infant Seating

Children unable to sit upright with the seat belt fastened must be carried in an FAA approved infant seat if not being held by an adult. Continental does not provide infant seats.The infant seat must be secured in an aircraft seat and cannot be held in an adult's lap. The infant seat must remain properly secured to the aircraft seat at all times. An infant seat cannot be used in an exit row or in the row immediately before or after an exit row. Passengers traveling with infants may not be seated in exit rows. Due to oxygen mask constraints, only one lap child is allowed per seat section and, on some aircraft, passengers with lap infants may not be seated in certain rows.

Children who are over two years old are required to purchase a ticket and occupy their own seat.

Ticketing

Infants under the age of 2, traveling without a seat within the 50 U.S., do not require a ticket. All infants traveling internationally must have a ticket, even if no seat is purchased and they are traveling as a lap child.

Infants traveling between the U.S. and Canada only pay taxes on the ticket. Infants traveling without a seat to other international destinations are charged 10 percent of the adult fare at the time of infant ticketing (it is usually less expensive to purchase the infant ticket in advance). Infants traveling on an adult’s lap on front cabin rewards or upgrades must pay 10 percent of the front cabin fare in applicable markets.

In-flight Amenities

Bassinets

On most long-haul flights*, Continental offers bassinets for ticketed infants weighing 22 lbs (10 kg) or less on international flights operated with 777, 767 and 757-200 aircraft. Bassinets attach to the wall in front of the specific seats listed below.

Along with bassinet requests we will provide accompanying seat assignments for an adult traveling with an infant and up to one travel companion. Bassinets are limited in quantity, and while we recommend they be requested in advance, there is a possibility we may not be able to accommodate all requests. To request a bassinet and an accompanying seat assignment, contact Continental Reservations. There will be no fee for these seat assignments when arranged by Continental Reservations or with a Continental representative at the airport.

* Long-haul flights include Continental-operated flights to/from Houston/Newark and the following: Hawaii, Europe, Asia, India, Argentina, Brazil, Peru as well as flights between Honolulu and Guam.

Changing tables and diapers

Changing tables are available on certain types of aircraft. If available, your flight attendant will be able to direct you to the proper lavatory.

Food

If you are traveling with an infant please be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. Our flights are not equipped to heat baby bottles. You may request hot water or ice from a flight attendant to keep items hot or cold.

For information on available food and beverage choices, please see out In-flight Dining page.