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The Ultimate Guide To Flying United Airlines With Kids [2024]

Ashley Onadele

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Where United Flies

Elite status, united lounges, how to book united flights, flying with a lap infant, priority boarding for families, onboard amenities, entertainment, unaccompanied minor service, united credit cards, final thoughts.

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United Airlines flies to more than 300 destinations every day and is part of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. With thousands of flights daily, you may find United has the most convenient itinerary for your family. But before you book, you should know what to expect onboard and at the airport.

Here is everything you need to know about flying with kids on United.

United has several hubs in large and convenient airports, including Chicago (ORD) , Denver (DEN) , Guam (GUM), Houston (IAH) , Los Angeles (LAX) , Newark (EWR) , San Francisco (SFO) , and Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Flying from a United hub airport increases the likelihood of there being a lounge to relax in before your flight. Lounge access is exclusive to those flying in certain classes; however, you may have lounge access from a credit card you carry.

For destinations and airports United doesn’t fly to directly, you can take advantage of its network of 35 partner airlines , including those within Star Alliance . You can book codeshare flights with United miles or cash directly on United’s website .

United MileagePlus Loyalty Program

United’s loyalty program, MileagePlus , is free to join and makes it easy to redeem miles for free flights.

There are several ways to earn MileagePlus miles , including by flying with the airline or one of its partners. However, the best way to earn a lot of miles at one time is to open a United co-branded credit card (more on that below). Alternatively, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards -earning credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you can transfer points directly to MileagePlus to redeem for flights on United.

Other travel-related ways to earn MileagePlus miles include linking your Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards loyalty accounts to your MileagePlus account to earn miles each time you stay at either of those hotel brands. You can also earn miles on car rental reservations with Avis or Budget and cruises booked with United Cruises .

Lastly, get rewarded with bonus miles each time you shop online through MileagePlus Shopping or earn miles through MileagePlus Dining , which rewards you for eating out.

Make sure to create a MileagePlus account for your child so that they can also earn miles and status!

United has 4 elite status tiers : Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K.

Elite status is earned by flying at least 4 flight segments on United or United Express , as well as completing a certain number of premier qualifying flights (PQF) and earning a certain number of premier qualifying points (PQP). PQPs are earned by making qualifying purchases on United, United Express, Star Alliance partner airlines, and more.

Elite status benefits vary based on status level, with the top 2 tiers granting members coveted PlusPoints . PlusPoints are a benefit awarded to Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members that can be redeemed for a seat upgrade.

When flying on the same itinerary with someone with United status, there are certain perks. For example, those with Premier Platinum status receive complimentary access to Economy Plus for themselves and up to 8 companions.

Lounges are a great way to settle down between the excitement of getting through security and the rush of getting seated on the plane. When traveling with little ones, it’s good to take those moments of calm when you can, no matter how infrequent they may seem on travel days.

When flying on United, you can choose between 2 lounges depending on your airline status or the cabin you’re flying in: United Club and United Polaris lounge . The latter is only available to those traveling in United Polaris class.

United Club is available to travelers flying in the following classes:

• United business on either international or premium transcontinental flights
• United Polaris
• First or business class on a Star Alliance member airline

Star Alliance Gold status holders and those with United Club memberships or one-time pass holders also have access to United Clubs.

If you don’t have a United Club membership or one-time pass and you’re not flying in a premium cabin, you can still get United Club access with the United Club℠ Infinite Card or United Club℠ Business Card .

You can book flights with United and its codeshare partners, such as Singapore Airlines or Air Canada, directly through United.com . For families booking flights with children, you can add them to your reservation when searching for your flights. Alternatively, you can call the airline and have a lap infant added to your reservation.

For award flights with MileagePlus miles , you’ll choose the Book with miles option when searching for tickets.

Flying With Kids on United

United Airlines has made positive strides toward making flying more enjoyable for families. Just in the last year, United has introduced a new family seating tool, kids’ amenity kits, and brought back kids’ meals. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why you would choose to fly United with kids.

When searching for flights, you can add a lap infant to your booking directly on the United website. When adding passenger information, you must include your child’s full name as it appears on their ID (which could be their birth certificate or passport) , date of birth, gender, nationality, and country of residence.

After booking, you can add your lap infant to your reservation by calling 800-864-8331 . United does not require a lap infant to have a ticket when flying domestically.

A child is considered a lap infant when they are younger than 2 years old. For your child to qualify as a lap infant, they must be under 2 years old for the entirety of your trip . If your child turns 2 during your trip, you will be required to purchase your child a return ticket.

While your child can sit on your lap up to 2 years old, the FAA recommends that your baby fly in an FAA-approved car seat .

Bassinets are free in United Polaris business class and on select international flights in economy. You’ll want to call United directly to confirm that a bassinet is available on the plane scheduled for your itinerary.

Children younger than 7 days old cannot fly on United .

United has priority boarding for families traveling with children younger than 2 years old . Unaccompanied minors can also board during preboarding along with active military members, customers with disabilities, and select elite status holders.

United has family seating policy for those traveling with children under 12 years old to sit together for free. The airline’s seat map finds adjacent seats for you when booking, even for basic economy passengers. The seat map will even offer Preferred Seats if necessary.

Did you know that airline rows only have 1 more oxygen mask than there are seats in the row? That means a 3-seat row can only accommodate 4 people, meaning you can only have 1 lap infant per row. If you’re flying with more than 1 child under 2 years old, you’ll have to purchase a seat for at least 1 of them or split the adults traveling across rows.

United recently partnered with Sesame Street, offering a children’s travel kit with activities such as an activity book, crayons, and a puzzle to keep your little one busy during the flight.

Kids’ meals are also available on the following United flights for preorder:

• Domestic flights over 2,000 miles
• Premium transcontinental flights
• Flights between Hawaii and mainland U.S.
• Select short- and long-haul flights from the U.S. (not including Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean)

For those traveling with breast milk , United will provide ice to keep milk and formula cool and allow breast pumps on board at no additional cost.

Nursing pods and lactation rooms are a comfortable and secure way to pump or breastfeed when on the go. Check out our guide to Mamava pods before your next trip.

There are 2 options for inflight entertainment when you and your family fly on United.

Depending on which aircraft you’re flying on, there may be a seatback screen on the seat in front of you. In this case, you can watch TV shows and movies on DIRECTV or play games without needing your own device.

If no seatback entertainment is available, you can watch TV and movies for free on the United app with free inflight Wi-Fi on your own device.

Wi-Fi is available on most United flights , starting at $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for all other passengers. Wi-Fi day passes and subscriptions are also available. T-Mobile customers get free Wi-Fi on United .

Children aged 5 to 14 who travel without an adult must participate in United’s unaccompanied minor service . This service is optional for travelers between the ages of 15 and 17 traveling alone.

You can book your unaccompanied minor a ticket directly on United’s website. During the booking process, you’ll be required to share the name and contact information of the person dropping off and picking up your unaccompanied minor from the airport.

The unaccompanied minor program fee varies based on the number of children traveling. The fee is $150 one-way for 1 or 2 children, $300 one-way for 3 or 4 children, and $450 for 5 or 6 children. The fee doubles for round-trip flights.

Chase offers 4 personal and 2 business co-branded United credit cards . The following cards are listed in order from no annual fee to premium and from personal to business cards:

• United Gateway℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United Club Infinite card
• United℠ Business Card
• United Club Business card

You can transfer flexible rewards to your United MileagePlus account, including Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio. Or transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio with a 10,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.

Earn United miles through United credit cards or transfer points directly to the airline from Chase, Bilt, or Marriott.

United is one of the 3 big legacy carriers in the U.S., a member of the Star Alliance, and an increasingly family-friendly airline . In the past year, the airline has brought back kids’ meals, partnered with Sesame Street, and made it easier for families to sit together on the plane. With several hub airports and direct or partner flights to destinations worldwide, United is definitely worth considering for your family’s future travels.

The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do kids need to fly united.

Travelers under 18 years old are not required to have any additional identification when flying on United as long as they are flying with an adult. Only the responsible adult must present ID when a child is flying as an unaccompanied minor.

Will United seat families together?

United’s seating policy guarantees that families traveling with children under 12 will be seated together. This is the case no matter the class of service, even if you’ve booked Basic Economy seats.

Does a car seat count as a carry-on?

No, a car seat does not count as a carry-on. A car seat and stroller can be brought on the plane at no additional cost as long as they can be placed in the overhead bin or used in the seat. Otherwise, you can gate-check your car seat or stroller before boarding the plane.

Do families get to board first on United Airlines?

Families do not get to board first on United. However, they get priority boarding along with elite status members and those on active military duty.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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United Airlines Adds Children’s Activity Kit

Starting next month, United Airlines will trial a children’s activity kit on select flights and at select hub airports. If nothing else, it’s another step back to normalcy in our pandemic-compromised world.

United Airlines Introduces Children’s Activity Kit

United will “test” an ll-in-one travel kit for children to “help them keep safe and entertained during their flight.” Designed for kids between age 2-10, the kit will include the following:

• Adult-sized mask with mask sizer to adjust the fit to the child’s head
• Visual instructions on how to wear mask and sizer with a friendly message to parents/guardians
• Sanitizing wipe
• Travel journal activity book with crayons
• Eco-friendly, recyclable paper bag

Kits will be available starting on February 10, 2021. These won’t be available systemwide just yet. Instead, the kits will be offered to unaccompanied minors traveling from:

• Denver (DEN)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Washington (IAD)

The kit will also be available to all children on flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) from all United hubs.

Beyond kiddy wings, United has not had anything for children for years. Meanwhile, my son has a beautiful collection of airline kid’s items including a backpack from British Airways, a blanket and stuffed animal from Lufthansa, and numerous coloring and sticker books. Offering a little something like this goes a long way to creating loyalty, even from a very early age. Just ask me and my McDonald’s in-flight Happy Meal toys .

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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United Airlines New Children’s Travel Kit

Let imaginations soar! United Airlines now offers complimentary children’s activity kits on all mainline flights. Flight attendants will offer the kits to children during the inflight service with the goal of making the travel experience safe, less stressful and bringing a twist of fun for kids and their parents.

United’s Children’s Travel Kit is an all-in-one travel kit for children to help them keep safe and entertained during their flight. Designed in collaboration with Linstol for kids between age 2-10, the kit includes the following:

• Eco-friendly, recyclable paper pouch with printed activities • Child’s sized disposable face mask • Visual instructions on how to wear mask with a friendly message to parents/guardians • Sanitizing wipe • Travel journal activity book • Origami paper glider activity • Crayons

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United Airlines Unveils New Sesame Street Amenity Kits for Young Travelers

United Airlines announced an expanded partnership with Sesame Street to offer new onboard amenity kits for children.

The new United Children’s Travel Kit was created in collaboration with Sesame Street and features an Oscar the Grouch color and activity book with crayons, mazes, dot-to-dots and more fun.

In addition, the amenity kit boasts an Oscar the Grouch slide puzzle, which features a picture of the Chief Trash Officer in a trash can, and a sensory calming strip designed to help soothe anxiety and fidgeting, as well as help kids relax and maintain focus.

With 62 percent of millennial parents traveling with children younger than five years old, the amenity kits are also designed for parents who need relief and support while flying with kids.

The United Children’s Travel Kits are the latest in a long line of kid-friendly improvements the airline has made in recent years, which also includes adding Oscar the Grouch as Chief Trash Officer, implementing the Welcome Sesame initiative and making it easier for families to sit together for free.

Earlier this month, United announced new amenity kits that feature exclusive products from Venus Williams-backed wellness brand Asutra and Hawaiian brand Ua Body. The kits are available to United Business passengers on premium transcontinental domestic routes and offer cruelty-free skincare made without any parabens, phthalates or petroleum.

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Flying United Airlines With a Baby

By: Author Kenny

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of flying United Airlines with a baby or toddler. Whether you’ve already booked a flight or you’re considering United as the best option for your trip with a little one, we’ve got you covered with what you’ll need to know to prepare for the experience.  Read on to learn all about flying United Airlines with a baby !

About This Post

This post is  mostly  concerned with infants (under 2) who either need a car seat or fly as lap infants. That said, much of what we’ll have to say regarding seat selection and onboard experience will be relevant even once your little flyer can sit in their own seat unassisted. (Some information, like our discussion of onboard entertainment / tablet usage, is more relevant to older kids.)

You can find  official policy from United here . You should always confirm details of policy directly with the airline. This post discusses not only those policies, but how they impact your planning and experiences.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Booking United Airlines With a Baby

Well, for starters…

Can you bring a baby on United Airlines?

Yes. As long as your baby is at least 7 days old they can fly on United. United specifies, “We cannot fly infants younger than seven days old.”

Can my baby sit on my lap?

A child under two years of age can fly as a lap infant on United.

Does my baby have to sit on my lap?

No. You can buy a seat for your baby when flying United Airlines, even if the baby is under 2 years old. For safety reasons, small children should be restrained in an FAA approved safety seat (usually a car seat) when in their own seat. We discuss which seats may not allow car seats later in this post.

Do babies fly free on United?

Babies under 2 years old who fly on an adult’s lap (i.e. without their own seat) fly for free within the United States on United. On flights between the US, Canada, and Mexico, you have to pay taxes only. On other international flights, there is a partial fare that varies by destination.

Babies of any age who have their own seat will typically pay the full regular fare. Some destinations may have discounts.

How do I book a lap infant or a seat for my baby on United?

United makes it very easy to book a lap infant. When you make your initial search, you’ll be able to click into “Travelers.” There, specify the number of “Infants on lap.” If you wish to have a separate seat for the infant, you can instead add one “Infants (Under 2).”

Can you bring a car seat onboard United?

If you book a seat for your baby, you’ll be able to bring an FAA approved car seat onboard for their seat (subject to restrictions about which seats can have car seats, discussed below). United’s explicit policy is actually:

If you’re traveling with a child of any age, you can bring the following on your flight for free in addition to your carry-on and personal items:…FAA-approved car seat Cite

I suspect this is actually a bit mistaken (and if it isn’t I’d prepare myself for a crew to share my interpretation). Specifically, if you don’t book a seat for your baby then I’d expect you can only bring a car seat onboard if it can collapse into the size of a carry on . An ordinary car seat can’t fit in the overhead bin. Without a seat for it I don’t know where you’d put it. Here’s an example of a collapsible car seat (affiliate link).

You can check the car seat for free at the ticket counter (before security) or at the gate.

Can you bring a stroller onboard United Airlines?

You can’t bring a full-size stroller on the plane. You can check a stroller at the ticket counter or the gate for free.

However, United specifically notes that a stroller that collapses into carry on size is allowed onboard for free (to be stowed overhead as a carry on) when traveling with a child. They mention the gb Pockit as one such stroller (affiliate link):

United does not specify a size restriction for gate-checking strollers, but I would recommend checking large strollers or double wides at the ticket counter before security (or at least asking them if you’ll be able to gate check it).

Does United Airlines have bassinets?

Per United, they have “free onboard bassinets in United Polaris® business class and in Economy on some international flights.” This is ambiguously phrased, and I believe it actually should just say they have “free onboard bassinets on some international flights.”

Information as to exactly which flights is hard to come by. SeatGuru’s maps suggest some 787s and some 767s have bassinets available. In any case, I wouldn’t suggest banking on a bassinet. If a United flight best fits your international route, it is worth contacting them to see if one is available, though.

Does United Airlines allow Diaper Bags?

When flying with a child, United allows you to bring a diaper bag for free “in addition to your carry-on and personal items.” I wouldn’t bring both a personal item and diaper bag for a child with a seat, but the rules do seem to allow this.

Does my child need a birth certificate to fly United Airlines?

Any time you’re flying with a lap infant you should be prepared with a scan of your child’s birth certificate to show they meet the “under 2” age requirement. While we’ve never been asked for this, it’s the sort of thing airlines can and occasionally do request.

United Airlines With a Baby — Seat Selection

United Airlines has a huge fleet (851 planes as of publication) on around 20 different aircraft types. Almost all of these have multiple classes of seats, and within those classes there is variance in which seats are appropriate for kids. We definitely can’t cover every single one, but we’ll do our best to provide an overview.

United Seat Selection With a Lap Infant (Basics)

When traveling with a lap infant, you have a lot of freedom in picking your seat. Most notably, lap infants are not allowed in exit rows. The FAA requires everyone in an exit row to be 15 years or older.

I would also be hesitant to book a seat with an inflatable seat belt (or “airbag seat belt”). I can’t find any rule about this, but I know some airlines prohibit lap infants in these seats. Personally, I also can’t imagine it’s safe to have a lap infant in one of these since there’s literally an airbag ready to deploy from the seatbelt in case of an emergency.

These are typically seats at the front of a section, like the first row of First Class, first row of Economy, or any bulkhead row. That said, they seem relatively uncommon on United, and we’ve actually flown First Class bulkhead (on a plane without inflatable seat belts there) with Zoe as a lap infant:

I see when attempting a sample booking that United allows me to book a seat that I know has an inflatable seat belt with a lap infant, but I wouldn’t be surprised to have a crew member ask me to move.

United Seat Selection With a Car Seat (Basics)

United specifies, “Car seats aren’t allowed in United Polaris business class on most Boeing 767, 777, or 787 planes.” This is helpful enough, but unfortunately not the whole story. For example, car seats also aren’t allowed in exit rows, though the seat assignment system shouldn’t have a problem catching that.

As with the lap infant situation (above), I’d be careful about booking seats with inflatable seatbelts when bringing a car seat, too.

As is usually the case, “Children in car seats should sit in a window seat with the car seat secured to the seat itself.”

United Cabin Selection With a Baby

Above we covered the specific types of seats that babies and car seats generally cannot (or may not) be allowed in. Next, let’s cover some of the factors you might want to consider in picking the right cabin.

United Economy and Basic Economy

United Economy seats make up most of the seats on United’s planes. Since exit rows and rows with inflatable seat belts will usually be marketing as “Economy Plus,” you usually won’t have any restrictions on picking an economy seat when flying with a baby.

We’re reviewed United economy twice:

• Review of United 737 Economy
• Review of United A320 Economy

Basic Economy is the lowest cost United fare class , and it notably doesn’t include a carry on. You’ll only have a personal item. We’ve generally found a carry-on necessary for travel with a baby, so we don’t fly Basic Economy with a baby.

Basic Economy also doesn’t include complimentary seat selection. Update: United is rolling out a feature for families traveling with children that will allow them complimentary seat selection for one adult and one child, even on basic economy fares. So far the feature seems to be partially rolled out (I hope), as the best I can get is this “if seats are available we’ll put you together” notice:

United Economy Plus

Economy Plus seats are seats in the Economy cabin with extra legroom. If you purchase an Economy fare, you can buy an Economy Plus seat at the time of ticket purchase. If you buy a Basic Economy fare, you’ll usually have to wait until check-in.

Economy Plus doesn’t come with any special benefits besides the legroom and seat location. The only semi-exception to this is that on some planes ( this one, for example ), the only Economy seats with outlets are the Economy Plus seats. This is distinct from, say, Delta Comfort Plus, which includes a variety of benefits alongside the increased legroom .

We’re generally fans of extra legroom options when traveling with a baby. Since a lap infant goes on your lap, the extra space between you and the next row is obviously valuable. When flying with a car seat, the extra inches can be the difference between properly fitting a car seat and awkwardly squeezing it in angled between the two rows.

Once you move past the car seat age, the extra space is still nice because toddlers like to climb around a bit, though it’s much more nicety than necessity at that point.

As I mentioned above, Economy Plus is usually where you’ll find exit rows and inflatable seatbelts. United’s seat assignment interface will keep you from booking exit rows, but I’d also avoid the first rows of any sections (or at least Google some reviews, first) to avoid the potential of inflatable seatbelts issues.

United Domestic First

Domestic First is the class at the front of most United flights within the United States. Note that some longer domestic flights, like transcontinental flights or flights to Hawaii, might be flown on planes offering the more premium options discussed next.

Domestic First seats are usually in a 2-2 setup or a 1-2 setup on smaller planes. A two-seat row is perfect for a couple traveling with a lap infant or a lone parent traveling with a child their own seat.

On other airlines, we’ve booked a setup where one of us will sit with Zoe in a two-seat row while the other one sits in the aisle seat immediately behind in a three-seat row. This wouldn’t work as well on most United planes because of the partition between the two cabins:

Besides the extra space and better seats, United First comes with free alcoholic beverages (not useful for the child, but maybe useful for a parent) along with premium food (specifics depend on flight duration). There are also a variety of other benefits, like expedited security and more checked bags.

While we’ve splurged for United Domestic First on a flight or two with Zoe , it is hard to justify the price. Specifically, as a family of three we can do pretty well in our own row further back in the plane.

With a lap infant or a baby in a car seat, those babies tending to be younger, you’ll really have to think about how much you value your in-flight comfort vs. the stress of bothering other First passengers every time your baby makes a peep. We’re on the record as “babies everywhere” people, but that comes with the caveat that we try incredibly hard to avoid situations where our baby will be an excessive bother to other people.

United Transcontinental and International Premium Plus / Business / First / Polaris

These are the seats where it’s most important to do your research ahead of time. If you’re flying a long flight and considering a premium cabin, you’ll want to do a deep dive. Learn what you can about the experience (i.e. is there food? charging ports for toddler’s tablet?) but there are some less obvious things to consider, too.

For example, here’s a business class setup on British Airways (not United, just an example to make a point):

I wouldn’t want to sit my child with or without a car seat in a configuration like that because I wouldn’t be close to them anytime the seatbelt sign was on. (I would, and did, fly that product with a lap infant, though).

United Airlines With a Baby — Luggage

Every passenger with a seat gets a personal item. United’s personal item size is one of the more restrictive of the domestic carriers. United limits personal items to 9 in. x 10 in. x 17 in. (22 cm. x 25 cm. x 43 cm.). That said, I’ve never had a problem with packing my usual backpack that I use as a personal item on every airline and which slightly exceeds that size.

Customers flying on fares except Basic Economy fares also are entitled to a carry on. This can be a larger bag, up to 9 in. x 14 in. x 22 in. (22 cm. x 35 cm. x 56 cm.). Importantly, Basic Economy fares cannot add a carry on later. If you attempt to bring a carry on with a Basic Economy, you’ll be charged a fee to check the bag at the gate along with a $25 penalty.

As noted above, when we fly with a baby we almost always require a carry on. That means Basic Economy fares aren’t an option. Theoretically we could make separate bookings with two of us on Basic Economy fares and one of us on a regular Economy fare (with a carry on) to save some money, but that creates some logistical headaches we just opt to avoid.

Checked bags generally require a fee (exceptions are made for certain premium cabins).

Included Items for Families with Children

United specifies that families with children can bring the following onboard (without extra charge):

• Breast pump, milk or formula
• FAA-approved car seat
• Compact folding stroller that meets carry-on bag size guidelines when collapsed

As noted earlier, I assume the car seat policy is specifically that a car seat can be brought if a child has a seat or if it can collapse into a carry-on size. In any case, families can also check one stroller and one car seat per child for free. These items can be checked at the ticketing desk (before security) or at the gate.

Online Check In

As always, when flying with a lap infant you should be prepared for online check-in to not work. This is because some airlines have a policy of confirming lap infant ages at the ticket desk before issuing boarding passes. We never had any issues with online check-in on United when flying with Zoe as a lap infant.

United Lounge Access With a Baby

United has two levels of lounges—United Clubs and United Polaris Lounges, neither of which is particularly easy to get access to. In all cases, to access a United lounge you’ll need to be flying United or a Star Alliance partner. Specific access requirements can be found here , but I’ll give a brief overview of how to get in.

The usual way to access the lounge is by flying a premium cabin (business or first) on a transcontinental premium route or an international route. In this case, any properly ticketed passenger (including kids) can access the lounge. If you’re ticketed in the flagship “Polaris” cabin, then you’ll have access to Polaris lounges where available.

Importantly, business and first class passengers on most domestic routes will not have access to the United Club or Polaris lounges .

Alternatively, you can directly purchase access to United Clubs, via an annual membership (also available as a perk of the Chase United Club Visa Infinite Card or via one-time passes (you can get two free per year with the Chase United Explorer Card ). 

The membership includes access for 2 guests, which means it’s a feasible option for a small family.

The one-time passes do not include guests, except children under 2. This means that even our small family (two adults, one toddler over 2) can’t efficiently make use of our annual pair of guest passes.

Whatever airline you’re flying, you’ll often find Priority Pass is the easiest way to get lounge access. It won’t get you access to the United lounges, but Priority Pass has a network of lounges available at many airports.

Priority Pass is included as a benefit of several premium cards these days, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum . Guest policies for Priority Pass vary but typically include two guests, with additional guests allowed for a fee. A large family may want to find a way to have two Priority Pass accounts to maximize their guest count.

Finally, please keep basic etiquette in mind when visiting a lounge with a child. We fully support bringing kids into lounges, but finding a relatively isolated spot, not allowing your kid to run around, and leaving if they can’t control themself are the minimum steps you should take as a courtesy to other people in the lounge.

United Boarding With a Baby

United’s pre-boarding process technically includes families with children 2 and under. Practically, you’ll hear the announcement made in various erroneous ways (“families with children under 2” or “families with lap infants” being common ones).

If you technically qualify for pre-boarding, we recommend you attempt it even if the announcement is erroneously made. Just don’t argue if the gate agent gives you some wayward explanation for why it’s different today.

Onboard United With a Baby

Because of how diverse their fleet is, the specifics vary a bit plane by plane. Even United isn’t fully thorough in their explanations of offerings…

Changing Tables. For example, United lists the following planes as having changing tables:

• Boeing 757-300
• Select Boeing 757-200

We know from experience that this list is incomplete. For example, this is a lavatory on an A320 we flew a few months ago:

You can see directly above the toilet is a changing table. Generally, I believe almost all of United’s fleet would have at least one changing table onboard. You might not find them on smaller planes operated by United Express.

Nursing. United spells out their onboard nursing policy on their website, explicitly stating that nursing and pumping are allowed both in your seat and in the lavatory.

Entertainment. United planes offer either seat back entertainment or entertainment accessible on your device via the United app. We never like to rely on airlines to provide entertainment, so we travel with a tablet—an Amazon Fire HD 10 (affiliate link)—loaded with downloaded content.

I’ve opined before that I don’t think seat back televisions are a necessity on plane. But if a plane offers entertainment only on personal devices, then your child won’t have any entertainment unless they have their own device or use someone else’s.

Outlets. Charge up your tablet beforehand, because not every United seat has outlets . Most do, but on select planes the only Economy seats with outlets are the Economy Plus seats.

Wifi. Never count on wifi on planes. You should have wifi, including free messaging, on most United flights. More extensive options (i.e. for streaming) come at a cost. You might opt to pay for this, but we still recommend downloading some content onto a tablet if you’re hoping for tablet time.

Food and Drink. United provides complimentary beverages on all flights. They provide small snacks, usually a small pack of cookies, on flights at least 800 miles. Flights over 500 miles have snacks available for purchase , too. Additionally, premium cabins may have more food offerings.

Importantly, to buy anything on United you need to store a credit card in the United app on your phone. While you could theoretically do this with onboard wifi after departure, we highly recommend doing it before departure.

Baby wearing. United specifies that “harnesses that hold an infant to your chest, such as a papoose, cannot be used onboard your flight.” This is apparently an across-the-board ban on baby wearing onboard.

I’m entirely familiar with a prohibition on baby wearing anytime the seatbelt sign is on, but I can’t recall seeing a total ban like this. (Moreover, I suspect this is could be an FAA rule, which is strange because it’s relatively common to see people baby wearing in the aisle of long flights.)

We have a full post on all things baby wearing for travel if you’re looking for more details on that topic.

Special things for kids. Per United: “We’ve created a Children’s Travel Kit in partnership with Ranger Rick so they stay engaged and inspired while they fly. It includes an activity book with crayons and a toy. Ask your flight attendant to see if they’re available on your next flight.”

We’ve never asked for this, and no one has offered it to us.

United Airlines With a Baby — Conclusions

Overall I’d say United with a baby is an average experience. Their website offers a good amount of information , and they are pretty generous with their policies overall.

Free snacks and beverages on most flights are a plus. The lack of seat back entertainment on some planes is going to be a minus if your little one is old enough for some screen time but doesn’t have their own device. The fleet diversity can make some things tricky (just give every seat outlets), which is a little frustrating.

We’ve found the service on Delta to be better than United , but that isn’t enough to make us pick Delta every time at any cost.

In the end, I’d book United with a baby in a heartbeat, specifically if the Economy fare (not Basic Economy) had a reasonable cost.

7 Things to Know about Flying United with Kids

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: August 15, 2016

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We’ve flown United a few times within the past 12 months and I’m personally seeing some improvement for family travelers. Some. United was the source of our really bad seat separation saga last fall, but they’re still better than they once were overall.

Since the air travel experience is different from airline to airline, particularly for travelers with kids, it’s important to know what to expect before you book and before you fly. If you are considering booking a flight on United with kids, or have already booked one and need to know how to plan for it, here are the things to know.

United’s new self-service bag drop checkin counters at SFO.

1. United Offers Pre-Boarding with Kids 2 and Under

Like most domestic US airlines, United did away with family pre-boarding a few years ago. Luckily, they brought it back in the spring of 2016. If you are traveling with a child who is 2 and under, you can board early to have time to install a car seat or just to get settled without other passengers breathing down your neck. Just use this amenity wisely, especially if you have an active toddler whose time might be better spent running around in the airport and blowing off excess energy! Frankly, I’m very relieved to have this choice back.

2. Wi-Fi and Streaming In-Flight Entertainment is Finally on Most of the United Fleet

WiFi pricing on a regional jet.

Having (extra) ways to entertain your kids in-flight is always a bonus for family travelers. United was one of the last major US airlines to roll out WiFi and next generation streaming in-flight entertainment, but it’s finally mostly there. Using the WiFi costs a fee. The entertainment system, on the other hand, is free! The system offers free streaming of various movie and TV show options to smartphones and tablets. There are plenty of kid-friendly choices, so it’s an opportunity to stream something new.

One important tip: remember to download the United app to all your devices before your travel day. Many of the kid-friendly movies and TV shows won’t play direct from your browser unless you have that app installed.

Some of the many kid-friendly movie and TV shows that can be streamed for free to your own devices.

3. Complimentary Snacks are Back

Snacks are back!

Earlier this year, United made another change that families with hungry kiddos will like – it brought back snacks on flights longer than two hours. Morning flights offer a breakfast treat called a stroopwafel and all other flights offer a zesty snack mix (mostly pretzels). Granted, this is a very small benefit – and smart family travelers should always pack plenty of snacks for airplanes anyway – but we appreciated it on our most recent United trip.

4. You Can Buy Meals on Board, but Demand Often Far Exceeds Supply

United’s buy-on-board snack menu.

For longer flights, United has a buy-on-board meal service that has been around for a long time. This includes several hot meal choices, three snack boxes, a kids meal/snack box, and a variety of a la carte snacks. The food is pretty decent and even kids who are picky eaters will find something they like.

The problem is, you can’t really rely on United’s buy-on-board as a food option for your family. On my last several United flights, these catering choices have been woefully understocked every time. On my last flight, the hot meals were long gone before the flight attendants had served half the economy cabin. Even all but one of the snack boxes were gone by the time they got to our row (about 3/4 back). Family travelers often find themselves seated near the back of the plane, so don’t plan to rely on United to feed you a meal if you are there. Pre-pack what you need or buy in the airport.

5. Getting Seat Assignments with Your Kids Can be a Challenge

The realities of a late night flight with young kids… on United or any other airline!

Many frequently traveling families have had a seating horror story at one point or another. With so many more seats being saved for elites or designated as premium, that leaves fewer options for families to secure a row of seats together. I had my own trouble with United nearly separating me from my toddler last year .

Every time I have a friend tell me “the airline tried to separate me from my kids on our last flight,” I ask the friend which airline. Nine times out of ten the answer is United. While I know my information is anecdotal (and I’m sure my stats are a little skewed since I live in a United hub), I do think United has a bigger problem with family seating than with most other airlines. I’ve had far more luck addressing this potential problem earlier (before I get to the airport and certainly before I board the plane) with Delta, Alaska, and American than with United. And Southwest offers family boarding early in their open-seating boarding process which minimizes family separations there.

Luckily, Congress recently passed a new law that will require airlines to seat each child under 13 adjacent to a family member, but no word yet when that goes into effect. When it does, I expect United will have to get its act together. In the meantime, monitor your seat reservations aboard United in order to sit next to your kids. Be prepared for the seat separation curveball.

6. There’s a Fee for Checked Bags (But…)

Family travelers – especially those with babies and toddlers who require lots of gear – often need to check a bag. Most airlines except Southwest  charge for checked bags these days on domestic flights, and United is no different. First bags up to 50 pounds cost $25. Plan ahead for these charges when comparing airfares. Also be aware that while many airlines don’t usually charge for bags on international travel, United often does on flights to Mexico and Canada.

The silver lining for family travelers is that United doesn’t charge for checking car seats or strollers. Bring those as you need them without fear of racking up costs. And at least United doesn’t charge for carry ons like some of the ultra-low cost carriers do!

7. A Large Route Network Gives Families More Options in Cases of Cancellations and Delays

When you’re flying in style, take your kids to the United Club (pictured: SFO).

Even though I have my gripes with United, I think they are still a far better option for family travelers than some other airline choices – particularly the ultra-low cost carriers like Allegiant, Spirit, or Frontier. Why? Because United is just a much larger airline. When weather causes trouble or a mechanical problem delays or cancels your flight, a bigger carrier is going to give you more options to get home in time. Face it – it’s hard to accommodate families who travel in groups of 3, 4, 5, or more. An airline with a larger route network provides more flexibility, and United has that.

Have you flown United with kids? What have been your experiences and what tips would you offer other family travelers?

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Monday 26th of June 2017

Get The Kids United

[...] o effect. When it does, I expect United will have to get its act together. In th [...]

Simple Flying

United airlines expands sesame street partnership to help children who are in need.

The carrier will match the first million miles donated this year.

• United Airlines has extended its partnership with Sesame Workshop to support children in need worldwide through the 'Welcome Sesame' initiative.
• The carrier will match the first one million miles raised through its 'Miles on a Mission' platform.
• Welcome Sesame provides essential care and education to children impacted by crises, aiming to support their critical early learning phase.

United Airlines has extended its partnership with Sesame Workshop to support children in need worldwide. The carrier will spotlight the 'Welcome Sesame' initiative in September and match the first million MileagePlus miles raised this year.

United and Sesame Street to help children

Over September, United will highlight Welcome Sesame through its 'Miles on a Mission' platform - Welcome Sesame is a support initiative launched by non-profit Sesame Workshop, best known as the creators of Sesame Street , to provide essential care to children impacted by crises.

Josh Earnest, SVP and Chief Communications Officer, commented,

"We're rallying our most loyal customers to join us in supporting the incredible work that only Sesame Workshop can do – for children around the world who need it the most. In times of crisis, our United team routinely mobilizes our jets to help transport relief supplies where they are needed and get people out of harm's way."

Welcome Sesame states that there are over 400 million children worldwide affected by violent conflicts, with over 43 million of these forcibly displaced. The campaign will provide education and caregiving to children during their critical early learning phase through its beloved Sesame Muppet characters. Sesame Workshop maintains a presence in over 150 countries worldwide, " delivering early learning and nurturing care to young children and caregivers affected by crisis ."

How will it work?

For those unfamiliar with United's Miles on a Mission, it is a crowdsourcing platform that allows MileagePlus members to donate miles to charities and non-profits. The airline recently made the platform more accessible to charities by extending the length of campaigns from 30 days to 90 days and lowering the minimum miles threshold.

In this campaign, United has agreed to match the first one million miles. The partnership comes ahead of National Preparedness Month in September, which aims to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness.

Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying.

Extending the partnership

United and Sesame Workshop first collaborated earlier this year after United named Oscar the Grouch - a famous Sesame Street character who lives in a bin - as its first 'Chief Trash Officer' . Oscar has since appeared in over 30 original pieces of content to build awareness about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin said,

"Sesame Workshop is thrilled to collaborate with United's Miles on a Mission to bring education and joy to even more children and families through our Welcome Sesame initiative. We know children are remarkably resilient, and if they have access to quality early childhood development support, they can overcome adversity and build a brighter future."

United also recently released a Sesame Street-inspired Children's Travel Kit, featuring fun activities like coloring booklets, puzzles, and mazes. Who knows if we will see more of the likes of Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends in future United initiatives.

Have you ever used United Airlines' Miles on a Mission platform before? Do you think more airlines should have similar initiatives? Let us know in the comments.

United Airlines

IDEAS: United Airlines Appeals to Families with Sesame Street Travel Kits

Becca Smith , Skift

August 10th, 2023 at 8:20 PM EDT

United Airlines has unveiled Children’s Travel Kits in collaboration with Sesame Workshop.

The kits feature an Oscar the Grouch color and activity book with crayons, Oscar the Grouch slide puzzle, and a sensory calming strip designed to help soothe anxiety and fidgeting. All of these activities aim to keep kids occupied in the air and will be available onboard during select flights for flyers ages 2-12.

United had previously announced Oscar the Grouch as the airline’s Chief Trash Officer , who serves as an expert on how sustainable aviation fuel is created from waste like “banana peels, leftover cooking oil, woody biomass and, yep, trash.”

United has also recently revealed wellness-driven amenity kits, featuring products from Venus Williams’ brand, Asutra .

Skift Ideas   uncovers the most creative and forward-thinking innovations happening across travel. We celebrate innovation through our Skift  IDEA Awards  and hear from leaders on our Ideas podcast.

You can listen and subscribe to the Skift Ideas Podcast through your favorite podcast app  here .

Tags: airlines , family travel , united airlines

United Airlines Unveils Kid-Friendly Sesame Street Travel Kits

View this post on Instagram A post shared by United Airlines (@united)

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Guide to Flying United With Kids 2024

United Airlines is a popular airline for families with kids to use for a Disneyland or Walt Disney World trip. Flying United with kids is a seamless experience that is just one aspect of the airline's commitment to delivering when you fly the “friendly skies”.

While delivering on a high-quality of service with the newest layers of technology United Airlines offers reasonable prices for flights while also still maintaining reliable service that many families prioritize. United Airlines flies to almost all the airports near both major US Disney Parks so families should know how to best navigate their policies when using United with kids.

Keep reading for our full overview of flying United with kids including United's family boarding procedure, bag policies, and other good tips for traveling with children.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Flying United With Kids For a Savings

United Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States and a member of the Star Alliance. The airline offers fairly priced tickets in a range of options from Basic Economy to First Class. Throughout they make an effort to deliver a solid experience for kids and their parents. Though the airline has a strong business travel focus, they have leaned into servicing the whole family with the offerings and support for kids and families detailed below. Making sure that United is a great place for children has become an even higher priority with the decrease in business travel since the COVID lockdowns.

The company has accelerated out of COVID with some of the best service in the sky and their MileagePlus loyalty program is the top rated airline loyalty program among airlines. They have also made a sizeable investment in their mobile app and are the clear leaders in consumer technology among the airlines.

United is often the best option for flights in the US with pricing that even beats the pricing of some of the budget airlines that offer far worse customer service – looking at you Frontier and Spirit Airlines.

Flying United With Kids to Walt Disney World or Disneyland

United Airlines flies to most airports near Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

For Disneyland, the airline flies into:

• SNA John Wayne Orange County Airport
• LAX – Los Angeles International Airport
• Burbank International Airport
• Ontario International Airport

United Airlines does not fly into Long Beach Airport .

For Walt Disney World, the airline flies into:

• MCO Orlando Airport

United Airlines does not fly into the Orlando Sanford Airport.

If you are flying United with kids to travel to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, any place you can save money is helpful so picking an affordable airline is always a good choice.

How Do You Sit Together Flying United with Kids?

United Airlines recently implemented a new policy to allow parents or other adults traveling with children younger than 12 to be assigned two adjacent seats for no additional cost along with the option to upgrade to a preferred seat at the time of booking for a fee. This is a great option to take advantage of especially since it's at no additional cost.

If for some reason there aren't two seats next to each other, you will be able to change your flight at no additional charge. This policy change was implemented in response to the pushback airlines have received recently with the fees charged so families could sit together. Now you can be assured you can sit next to your kids without paying an additional fee for seats as you did previously.

If you are traveling with teens older than 12 and want to make sure you sit together then the best way is to pay for everyone's individual seating assignment. Otherwise, you will have to pick from whatever is left and there's a chance you will not be seated together. If you want to guarantee your family sits together, you need to purchase advance seats.

United with Kids Lap Children

Children age two and under can fly for free if they sit on your lap but you will need to select ‘infant on lap' when you purchase your tickets so United knows in advance. There can only be one infant on a lap per adult on each reservation. You may be asked to provide a birth certificate to prove your child is under two so it's good practice to bring a copy just in case.

Flying with Infants on United

You can request hot water at any time from a flight attendant to warm bottles and they will also bring you ice if you need to keep milk or formula cold. United will not hold formula for you in their onboard refrigerators.

If you are flying on select international flights in United Polaris business class or in Economy, bassinets can be requested if you contact United in advance of your flight.

United Airlines With Kids Car Seat/Stroller Policy

If you are flying with a car seat and stroller you are able to bring them for free if you're traveling United with kids. Large or non-collapsible strollers and non-folding wagons have to be checked at the ticket counter and picked up at the gate at your destination.

You have the option of using the car seat on the plane if you like too, just follow the instructions and guidance from the flight attendant when you board.

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program

United Airlines has an Unaccompanied Minor Program for kids that need to travel alone. Though Southwest charges $150 each way , United Airlines only charges for children aged 5-14 years old. Kids aged 15 and up can travel for free without paying for this service.

Once your kids get to the arrival airport, they should wait on the plane for an agent to come to get them. They will then bring your kids to the person picking them up, whether it’s you or someone else.

The cost does increase if you need this service for more than two kids traveling at the same time so keep that in mind.

United with Kids Family Boarding

United Airlines allows pre-boarding for families traveling with children under two years old. The gate agent will announce when it's time for family pre-boarding. This gives you more time especially if you need to wrangle a foldable stroller or set up your car seat on the plane.

If you are setting up a car seat on the plane for your child, United requires that they are seated in a non-exit row window seat.

United With Kids Airlines Snacks

Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary on all flights including soda, juice, coffee, and tea. Snacks are pretty limited but if you're in a pinch there are Pringles and snack boxes you can purchase with hummus, salami, crackers, etc. On longer flights United may also offer hardier food including a burger, a couscous salad, sandwiches, and more.

United recently brought back kids meals on flights greater than 2,000 miles, in cabins where complimentary meal service is offered. These kids meals include kid-friendly breakfast and lunch/dinner options.

Since United Airlines' menu is limited then it's helpful to pack enough snacks before you board the plane to keep your kids happy. My rule of thumb, when I started first traveling with my son when he was young, was to buy him enough snacks to keep him occupied. Let them go to the store with you to pick out their airplane snacks and let them pick a few treats that you normally don't buy. If they're old enough to chew gum, that can also be helpful as the plane is descending and landing to help their ears from popping.

United Free Kid Travel Kit

United Airlines also offers a free Children's Travel Kit with an activity book, crayons, and a toy. Ask your flight attendant to see if any are available on your flight. Getting something like this is always exciting for first-time flyers and may help calm some nerves.

Be sure to also say hello to the pilot at the front of the airplane who may have gold wings for your child.

United Airlines Bag Policy

United Airlines charges $35 or $40 per checked bag unless you purchase add-ons that include free checked bags or purchase a higher-level ticket with bags included. Certain levels of the MileagePlus program also include free checked bags.

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. This is handy as traveling with children often means you're carrying a lot of bags with you!

Will United Airlines seat families together?

United Airlines allows preboarding for families with children ages two and under. You also get to select a seat next to yours for no additional charge if you are traveling with children 12 and under.

Does United seat children with parents?

Not necessarily, it's the parent's responsibility to ensure you are seated together by taking advantage of the policy to seat parents and children together or by selecting advance seats for teens 13 and up when you purchase your tickets. You can wing it and see if you can get enough seats together without purchasing a seat but that's a gamble. Often the leftover seats will be middle ones that are not grouped together.

What do children need to fly United Airlines?

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly. If you are traveling with an infant that will sit on your lap, it can be good practice to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

Does United charge for car seats?

No, there is no additional charge for car seats when flying United Airlines.

That's everything you need to know when you're flying United with kids, preparing in advance will make your trip smoother for your entire family.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Disneyland?

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• Discount Disneyland Ticket Guide
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• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
• Guide to Parades at Disneyland

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Children’s travel kit is part of the airline’s partnership with Sesame Workshop.

August 9, 2023

Off the heels of the announcement of Oscar the Grouch as chief trash officer, United Airlines, there is now a “ Sesame Street ”-inspired United Children’s Travel Kit available from the airline.

 The United Children’s Travel Kit, created in collaboration with “Sesame Street,” offers interactive activities to make the travel experience fun for kids and stress-free for parents. The kit includes:

An activity booklet features coloring pages, mazes, dot to dots and more, featuring Oscar the Grouch and a few of his Sesame Street friends.  

 An interactive slide puzzle features a picture of the chief trash officer in his favorite environment – a trash can. Kids can spend time sliding the pieces around without parents having to worry about the hassle of making sure nothing gets lost.

Crafted to help soothe anxiety and fidgeting, the calming strip provides kids with a gentle, but textured surface to help them relax and maintain focus. 

 The new travel kits are a part of United’s larger collaboration with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street,” which also includes the chief trash officer campaign aimed at educating consumers on the benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and United’s support of the Workshop’s   Welcome Sesame, an initiative bringing early learning and care for children and caregivers impacted by conflict and   crisis.

Read more about:

About the Author(s)

License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global   reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo , Brand Licensing Europe , Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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Apr 1, 2024

United's stylish new Away-branded amenity kits are yours to keep

You're supposed to leave the pillows, blankets, premium headsets and most other service items on the plane after your flight.

Still, there's one item that you can always take home, and that's the premium-cabin amenity kit. Some of these pouches are too flimsy and cheap that they're not worth reusing.

Others, however, are a whole different story.

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United Airline 's newest kits, designed in partnership with popular luggage brand Away , definitely fit into the latter category.

The airline unveiled on Wednesday a new partnership with Away that includes new amenity kits for business and premium economy cabins.

Those flying in Polaris lie-flats on long-haul flights will receive the most luxurious kits. These "hard pods," as they're called, have a sturdy outer shell and interior elastic band to help keep your belongings organized.

The pods themselves are quite stylish thanks to the dark blue color and ridges.

In fact, just one day after the announcement, United already started stocking the kits on its newest route.

I flew on Thursday night on United's inaugural from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain , and every flyer — including those in coach — received a new Away x United hard pod amenity kit.

I was impressed both with the kit itself and the contents inside. It'll undoubtedly become a hit with fans of Away luggage, much like Delta's Tumi amenity kits back in the day.

I expect most flyers to bring the storage pods home, and reuse them to store chargers and other loose items.

United offers the most well-stocked amenity kits of the major U.S. airlines, and the new Away-branded ones build on that reputation. I found a pack of Sunday Riley hand lotion and lip balm in my kit, along with an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush, pen, tissues and socks.

While the hard pods will likely be the kits in the highest demand, United is also debuting new pouches and cases designed in partnership with Away for its Premium Plus and premium transcontinental business-class routes.

Travelers flying in United Premium Plus on long-haul international flights will receive a "sports pouch."

This kit features a soft, protective material that's not nearly as sturdy as the one featured in Polaris business.

Meanwhile, those traveling in business class on premium transcontinental flights should expect to receive a "zip case." According to the airline, the cases are water-resistant and are designed for storing liquids and moving quickly through airport security lines.

If my experience on United's Palma inaugural is any indication, these new kits will become a collectible. I myself grabbed one and already put some chargers and other loose cables inside.

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall