Delta Airlines Policies for Kids: Everything You Need to Know

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A Delta Airlines plane soars through a clear blue sky. — Photo Courtesy: Jeffry Surianto

Updated June 2006.

Author Note: This guide was updated in 2026 using Delta Air Lines’ official family travel, infant travel, baggage, boarding, and unaccompanied minor policy pages. As a parent and family travel planner, I always recommend checking airline policies before booking and again before departure, especially when traveling with infants, car seats, strollers, or children flying alone.

Planning a trip with Delta Air Lines and kids? Delta is often a practical option for families because it offers helpful policies for infants, children, strollers, car seats, bassinets on select international flights, and unaccompanied minors. Still, family travel rules can change by route, aircraft, fare type, and destination, so it is important to check the latest Delta policies before you book.

In this guide, we break down what parents need to know before flying Delta with children, including lap infant rules, family boarding, stroller and car seat policies, baggage allowance, bassinets, seat assignments, and children traveling alone. Understanding these details before your flight can help make your airport day smoother and reduce last-minute surprises.

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Why Fly Delta Air Lines With Kids?

A Delta Airlines plane flights over fluffy white clouds.

Not every family has the same experience with a particular airline, but Delta Air Lines can be a convenient choice for families, especially if you live near one of its major hubs or can book a nonstop route. For parents flying with babies, toddlers, or young children, Delta offers several family-friendly policies that can make travel easier.

Families can check strollers and child safety seats for free, and these items do not count toward the standard baggage allowance. Parents may also bring certain infant items, such as a child safety seat, booster seat, bassinet, breast pump, and associated cooler bag, subject to Delta’s carry-on rules. For babies under 2, families can choose to travel with an infant on their lap on domestic U.S. flights or purchase a separate seat and use an FAA-approved child safety seat.

Delta also offers onboard bassinets, called SkyCots, on some international flights for infants who meet Delta’s size and weight limits. These are limited and not available on every aircraft, so families should request them early and confirm availability before travel.

For boarding, Delta’s current boarding order includes Early Access for customers traveling with car seats and strollers. This can be helpful when you need extra time to get settled, fold a stroller, or install a car seat before the main cabin fills.

Families should still choose seats carefully, especially when booking Basic Economy or traveling during busy periods. If sitting together is important, it is worth selecting seats at booking and checking your reservation again before departure.

Where Does Delta Air Lines Fly Directly?

Before booking Delta Air Lines with kids, many families want to know whether they can fly nonstop. This matters because nonstop flights can make family travel easier, especially with babies, toddlers, strollers, car seats, or tight nap schedules.

Delta flies to many destinations across the United States and internationally, but nonstop routes change by airport, season, aircraft schedule, and travel date. Instead of relying on a fixed list, families should use Delta’s official route map or booking tool to check nonstop flights from their home airport for their exact travel dates.

Delta has strong route networks from major airports such as Atlanta, New York, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. From these airports, families may find more nonstop options to popular domestic, Caribbean, European, and long-haul destinations.

For family travel, I would prioritize nonstop flights when possible. Even if the ticket costs slightly more, avoiding a connection can be worth it when you are traveling with young children, checked strollers, car seats, or tired kids.

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Delta Airlines Policy for Kids

If you’re wondering about Delta Airlines’ policy for kids, you’re in the right place! Officially, the airline is called Delta Air Lines, but many families search for “Delta Airlines” when looking for child travel rules, infant policies, stroller information, and family boarding details.

Delta can be a convenient airline for families, especially if you can book a nonstop flight or fly from one of Delta’s major hubs. Before booking, however, parents should understand the airline’s current policies for infants, toddlers, car seats, strollers, baggage, bassinets, and unaccompanied minors. These details can make a big difference when flying with kids.

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Early Boarding for Families

Delta Air Lines currently offers Early Access boarding for customers traveling with car seats and strollers. This can be helpful for families who need extra time to fold a stroller, gate-check items, install a car seat, or get young children settled before the rest of the boarding process continues.

As always, listen for announcements at the gate, since boarding procedures can vary slightly by airport, route, and crew.

Delta Airlines Policies Specific to Infants, Toddlers, and Young Kids

There are a few Delta policies that are especially helpful for families traveling with babies, toddlers, and young children. Here is what parents should know before flying with tiny travelers.

Lap Seat / Infant-in-Arms

If you’re traveling with a child under the age of 2, Delta allows you to travel with your child on your lap as an infant-in-arms on flights within the United States. For international flights, additional fees, taxes, documents, or ticketing requirements may apply, so families should confirm the details with Delta before booking or before departure.

Some gate agents may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate, especially if your child is close to turning 2. I recommend keeping a copy in your carry-on or personal item just in case.

Children who are 2 or older must have their own ticketed seat. Families may also choose to purchase a seat for a child under 2 and use an FAA-approved child safety seat.

Bassinets

Families traveling with infants may be able to request a Delta SkyCot, which is Delta’s onboard bassinet. SkyCots are available only on some international flights and depend on the aircraft. They are designed for babies who meet Delta’s size and weight limits, so this is something to request early and confirm before your flight.

Delta does not guarantee SkyCot availability, so families should not rely on one as their only sleep plan for a baby on a long-haul flight.

Delta Airlines Car Seat Policy

Delta allows FAA-approved child safety seats to be used onboard both domestic and international flights. The window seat is usually the preferred location for an approved child safety seat because it keeps the aisle clear and avoids blocking other passengers.

If you plan to use a car seat onboard, make sure it is approved for aircraft use and that your child has a purchased seat. Not all child travel seats, booster seats, or sleep devices are approved for use during all parts of the flight, so check Delta’s current child safety seat rules before you travel.

Jet Kids BedBox™

A young girl sits on a plan in her JetKids by Stokke, which is allowed within the Delta Airlines policies for kids. — Photo Courtesy: Rahul Singh

Delta has previously approved the use of select comfort devices, including the JetKids BedBox™, when used according to airline rules and crew instructions. However, families should always verify Delta’s current policy before traveling, since rules around airplane beds, ride-on suitcases, and comfort devices can change.

If you plan to bring one, I would treat it as a helpful long-flight tool, not something guaranteed for every aircraft, seat, or crew decision.

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Delta Airlines Child Fares

Children age 2 and older must have their own ticketed seat and generally pay the applicable fare. Children under 2 may travel as an infant-in-arms on eligible flights, but international flights may still require taxes, fees, or a percentage of the adult fare.

If you are flying internationally with a baby, confirm the infant fare, documentation rules, and ticketing requirements directly with Delta before booking.

Unaccompanied Minors

Delta offers an Unaccompanied Minor Program for children traveling alone. The program is required for children ages 5 to 14 who are traveling without an adult, and it is optional for ages 15 to 17 if requested by a parent or guardian.

Children under 5 cannot travel alone on Delta. If your child is flying without you, review Delta’s unaccompanied minor rules carefully before booking, including flight restrictions, fees, required forms, and who is allowed to drop off and pick up the child.

Baggage / Carry-On Luggage

A mom and her two kids stand with their carry-on luggage at the airport, knowing the baggage allowance is critical to understanding the Delta Airlines policies for kids.

Luggage allowance is a common question among parents, and Delta has specific rules for children’s items.

Children traveling for free as lap infants do not receive their own standard baggage allowance, so their regular luggage usually counts as part of the accompanying adult’s allowance. Children traveling on their own ticket follow the standard baggage allowance for their fare.

However, Delta allows strollers and child safety seats to be checked for free. These items do not count toward the standard baggage allowance and may be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.

In addition to the standard carry-on allowance, Delta also allows certain infant and child items onboard, subject to space and carry-on size rules. This may include a booster seat, child safety seat, bassinet, diaper bag, breast pump, and associated cooler bag, subject to Delta’s carry-on size rules and available onboard space.

Food Policy

Families should bring enough snacks, formula, milk, baby food, or toddler food for the travel day, especially because kid-friendly meal options can vary by route, cabin, and flight length.

TSA allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. These items do not need to fit inside a quart-sized liquids bag, but they should be removed from your carry-on and screened separately at security.

Special Toys, Games, and Entertainment Options

Delta offers in-flight entertainment on many aircraft, including movies, shows, music, and games. Availability can vary by aircraft and route, so I still recommend packing a few backup activities for kids, especially for long flights, delays, or flights without seatback screens.

For younger kids, bring simple items like headphones, coloring supplies, small toys, snacks, and a comfort item. For older kids and teens, download movies, shows, audiobooks, or games before leaving for the airport.

Booking a flight for your family? Check out these 12 Best Airlines For Kids – International!

What Documents Do I Need to Fly with Kids?

A young girl stands on the jet bridge with her suitcase and travel documents, knowing what documents to bring for kids is helpful in planning your JetBlue Airlines flight. — Photo Courtesy: Gustavo Fring

While this is not strictly a Delta Airlines policy for kids, many parents also wonder what identification or travel documents babies and children need to fly. The answer depends on whether you are flying within the United States or traveling internationally.

For U.S. citizens, domestic flights are much simpler than international flights. However, families should still carry the right documents, especially when traveling with a lap infant, flying internationally, or traveling without the child’s other parent. If your child has citizenship from another country, check that country’s passport, visa, and travel-consent rules before departure.

What Documents Do I Need for U.S. Domestic Travel With Kids?

For domestic flights within the United States, TSA does not require children under 18 to show identification when traveling with an adult. This includes flights within the U.S. and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

That said, I still recommend packing a copy of your child’s birth certificate if you are traveling with a baby or toddler as a lap infant. Airlines may ask for proof of age, especially if your child is close to age 2.

If you are traveling domestically without your child’s other parent, a child travel consent letter is usually not required. However, it can still be useful to carry one, especially if your child has a different last name than you or if there is any possibility you may be asked questions by airline, airport, or government staff.

For domestic travel with kids, consider carrying:

A copy of your child’s birth certificate, especially for lap infants
Your child’s passport, if they already have one
A child travel consent letter, if only one parent or guardian is traveling
Any custody, adoption, or guardianship documents, if relevant
Medical documents or medication information, if needed during travel

What Documents Do I Need for International Travel With Kids?

For international air travel, babies and children generally need the same core travel documents as adults. This usually includes a valid passport and, depending on the destination, a visa or other entry authorization.

All U.S. citizen children, including babies, need their own valid U.S. passport for international air travel. Children under 16 must apply in person, and both parents or legal guardians generally need to approve the passport application. U.S. passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.

I also recommend traveling with proof of your relationship to your child, such as a birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship document. You may not always be asked for it, but some countries, airlines, or border officials may request it.

If a child is traveling internationally with only one parent, with relatives, with another adult, or alone, bring a child travel consent letter. Some countries require the letter to be notarized. The letter should usually include the child’s full name, date of birth, passport information, travel dates, destination, flight details, accommodations, the names and contact information for both parents or legal guardians, and permission for the child to travel.

Before any international trip with kids, check the entry requirements for your destination and any transit country. Some countries require visas, electronic travel authorizations, vaccination records, or additional documents for minors.

For international travel with kids, consider carrying:

Your child’s valid passport
Any required visa or electronic travel authorization
A child travel consent letter, preferably notarized if only one parent is traveling
A birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship document
Custody documents, if applicable
Vaccination records, if required by the destination
Copies of flight and hotel details
Copies of both parents’ or guardians’ contact information

If you travel internationally often as a family, you may also want to look into Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Global Entry, to make airport arrivals easier.

Tips for Taking a Long Flight With Kids on Delta Airlines

Little boy sleeping with a in the plane — Photo Courtesy: Tram Dao

When it comes to flying Delta Airlines with kids, a little planning can make the experience much easier for both parents and children. Long flights can be tiring, but the right seats, snacks, entertainment, and timing can make a big difference.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind before your Delta flight.

First, take advantage of Delta’s Early Access boarding if you are traveling with a stroller or car seat. This gives you extra time to gate-check your stroller, install a car seat, organize your carry-ons, and get everyone settled before the rest of the plane boards.

Choose seats carefully, especially if you are traveling with younger kids. A window seat can work well for children who like to look outside or sleep against the side of the plane. If sitting together is important, try to select seats when booking rather than waiting until check-in.

Pack more entertainment than you think you need. Books, coloring supplies, sticker books, small toys, card games, downloaded movies, headphones, and kid-friendly apps can all help. Delta offers in-flight entertainment on many aircraft, but availability can vary by route and plane, so I would still bring backup options.

Time your flight around your child’s natural rhythm when possible. For some families, an overnight flight works well because kids sleep for part of the journey. For others, a daytime flight is easier because everyone is less overtired. You know your child best.

Before a long flight, plan an active morning if your schedule allows. A playground visit, walk, swim, or time outside can help kids burn off energy before sitting for several hours.

During the flight, do not be afraid to take short walks around the cabin when the seat belt sign is off and it is safe to move. This can be especially helpful for toddlers and restless younger children.

Finally, bring a few comfort items from home. A small blanket, travel pillow, favorite stuffed animal, hoodie, or familiar headphones can help kids feel more settled on a long Delta flight.

If you’re traveling with a baby for the first time, check out our ten tips to prepare for your baby’s first flight.

Best Snacks for a Delta Airlines Flight with Kids

Kids love snacks, and packing the right ones can make flying Delta Airlines with children much easier. Even if your flight includes snacks or meals, I would not rely completely on airplane food when traveling with kids. Delays happen, meal service can vary by route, and children are not always excited about what is served onboard.

For a Delta flight with kids, choose snacks that are easy to eat, not too messy, and do not need to be heated. If you bring perishable food, pack it carefully and plan to eat it earlier in the trip. Delta allows perishables to be brought as carry-on or checked baggage at your own risk, as long as they are packed properly.

Some good snack ideas for flying Delta with kids include PB&J sandwiches, pretzels, crackers, popcorn, granola bars, energy bars, dry cereal, animal crackers, cookies, apple slices, grapes, bananas, clementines, fruit snacks, and mini muffins. For babies and toddlers, pouches, teething crackers, baby snacks, and familiar comfort foods can also be helpful.

Be careful with liquids and soft foods. TSA allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food, including puree pouches, in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. These items do not need to fit inside a quart-sized liquids bag, but they should be removed from your carry-on and screened separately. For older kids, regular drinks, juice boxes, and yogurt are generally subject to the standard TSA liquids rule, so buy drinks after security or bring empty refillable water bottles and fill them before boarding.

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Best Products for Taking a Long Flight on Delta Airlines with Kids

Bose headphone and accessories, one of the best travel accessories for families. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Bose Store via Amazon, Koala Kloud,

Product shot of a Koala Kloud Travel Foot Rest, blown up and within its carrying case. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Bose Store via Amazon, Koala Kloud,

A few smart products can make a long Delta Airlines flight with kids much easier. The best items are compact, easy to pack, and unlikely to create issues onboard. Before bringing any airplane bed, footrest, or seat extender, always check Delta’s current rules because some child comfort devices are not permitted.

Travel Pillows

A good travel pillow can help kids and parents rest more comfortably on longer flights. Look for one that is supportive but not too bulky. Options like the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow, The Ultimate Travel Pillow ®, or another compact neck pillow can work well, depending on your child’s age and sleep style.

Headphones

Comfortable headphones are one of the most useful things to pack for a long flight with kids. Noise-reducing or noise-canceling headphones can help children watch movies, listen to music, or block out some cabin noise.

Brands like Puro Sound Labs and Bose are popular options. For younger kids, make sure the headphones fit properly, have volume-limiting features, and are comfortable enough for several hours.

Quiet Activities

Do not rely only on in-flight entertainment. Delta offers entertainment on many aircraft, but screens and options can vary by route and plane.

Pack a few quiet, low-mess activities, such as sticker books, coloring supplies, reusable drawing boards, magnetic games, small card games, audiobooks, or downloaded shows and movies. For toddlers, bring a few small surprises and rotate them throughout the flight.

Sleep Comfort Items

For sleep, keep things simple. A small blanket, soft hoodie, favorite stuffed animal, travel pillow, eye mask, or familiar headphones can help kids feel more comfortable on a long Delta flight.

Avoid bulky items that take over the seat space or make it harder for your child to sit safely with a seat belt.

Airplane Beds, Footrests, and Seat Extenders

Be careful with airplane beds, inflatable footrests, ride-on suitcases with bed features, and seat extenders.

Before packing any travel bed, footrest, or seat extender, check Delta’s current child comfort item rules directly. When in doubt, choose simple sleep items like a blanket, pillow, and sweatshirt instead.

Parent Comfort Items

Parents need a few things, too. For a long flight, consider packing compression socks, lip balm, hand lotion, a wrap or scarf, an eye mask, your own headphones, and any medications you may need during the flight.

Then, read more hacks and products for sleeping on long flights with kids in our article!

Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Delta Airlines With Kids

Is Delta Airlines good for families with kids?

Delta Air Lines can be a good option for families, especially if you can book a nonstop flight, choose seats together, and use its family-friendly policies for strollers, car seats, infants, bassinets, baggage, and unaccompanied minors. However, families should always check Delta’s current rules before booking because policies can vary by route, aircraft, fare type, and destination.

Does Delta Airlines allow families to board early?

Delta Air Lines offers Early Access boarding for customers traveling with car seats and strollers. This can give families extra time to gate-check a stroller, install a car seat, organize carry-ons, and get young children settled before the rest of boarding continues.

Can a baby sit on my lap on Delta Airlines?

Yes, children under 2 can travel on an adult’s lap as an infant-in-arms on eligible Delta flights. On domestic flights within the United States, lap infants can usually travel for free. On international flights, additional taxes, fees, reduced fares, or documentation may apply, so confirm the details with Delta before booking.

Do children need ID to fly on Delta Airlines?

For domestic flights within the United States, TSA does not require children under 18 to show identification when traveling with an adult. However, if you are traveling with a lap infant, it is smart to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate in case the airline asks for proof of age.

Can I bring a stroller or car seat on Delta Airlines?

Yes, Delta allows families to check strollers and child safety seats for free. These items do not count toward the standard baggage allowance and can usually be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.

Can I use a car seat on a Delta flight?

Yes, Delta allows FAA-approved child safety seats to be used onboard when the child has a purchased seat. The window seat is usually the preferred location for a car seat because it keeps the aisle clear and avoids blocking other passengers.

Does Delta Airlines offer bassinets for babies?

Delta offers onboard bassinets, called SkyCots, on some international flights. SkyCots are limited, depend on the aircraft, and are not guaranteed. Families traveling with an infant should request one early and confirm availability before the flight.

Does Delta Airlines charge for children’s baggage?

Children traveling on their own ticket follow the standard baggage allowance for their fare. Lap infants traveling for free do not usually receive their own standard baggage allowance, so their regular luggage generally counts as part of the accompanying adult’s allowance. However, strollers and car seats can be checked for free.

What snacks can I bring for kids on a Delta flight?

Families can bring easy snacks such as sandwiches, crackers, pretzels, granola bars, fruit, dry cereal, animal crackers, cookies, and baby or toddler snacks. TSA allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags, but these items should be removed from your carry-on and screened separately.

Can children fly alone on Delta Airlines?

Yes, Delta has an Unaccompanied Minor Program. The program is required for children ages 5 to 14 traveling alone and optional for ages 15 to 17 if requested by a parent or guardian. Children under 5 cannot travel alone on Delta.

What documents do kids need to fly internationally?

For international air travel, babies and children generally need their own valid passport. Depending on the destination, they may also need a visa, electronic travel authorization, vaccination records, proof of relationship to the traveling adult, or a notarized child travel consent letter if traveling with only one parent or another adult.

Happy Travels!

A young girl wearing aviators smiles back as she pretends to drive a Delta plane, while chatting with the plane's captain. — Photo Courtesy: Antonia Grant

We hope you found this guide to Delta Airlines policies for kids helpful! Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, it is always worth reviewing Delta Air Lines’ child travel policies before you book and again before you fly.

From lap infant rules and car seat policies to stroller guidelines, bassinets, baggage, and unaccompanied minor requirements, knowing what to expect can make flying with kids much less stressful.

Enjoy your next flight with the kids!

Important Note: Airline policies can change at any time. Before your trip, always check Delta Air Lines’ official policies for traveling with children to confirm the most up-to-date rules for your route, aircraft, and destination.

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