Provide the airline with the name and age of your lap toddler when purchasing your airline tickets. If you are buying tickets online, you are required to input this information prior to finalizing your purchase.
Check with your airline to see if a copy of your toddler's birth certificate is required to board the flight. Some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, require that an adult traveling with a lap child present a birth certificate to verify the age of the child. Other airlines, such as Continental Airlines, do not have that requirement.
Obtain a boarding pass for your baby when you check in for your flight. Even though lap babies do not need tickets, they must have boarding passes to board the flights.
Bring snacks and entertainment for your toddler. You are permitted to bring baby formula and food through airport security checkpoints by declaring your items and permitting Transportation Security Administration officials to perform safety tests. Toys and books will keep toddlers from becoming bored during the flight.
