what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

i'm flying to south america next week w DD. we have a lay over in miami. i'm afraid of the worst case scenario - crappy weather, hurricane, something that will delay our flight and/or get us stranded.

i know that sometimes airlines provide cots for stranded passengers or hotels for them to stay in. since i'm traveling w an infant, should we get delayed, is there any special treatment that we're entitled to? we're flying american if that matters. i just don't even know where to begin looking for this info, figured i'd ask the pros

thanks!

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

I have not flown internationally with DS (though have traveled internationally with him) but I don't believe you have any special "rights" b/c you are flying with an infant. They may extend some courtesies to you, but that's about it.

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

I was stranded because of weather once. The only "courtesy" they gave anyone was booking them on the next available flight the next day....

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

I know when my sister got stranded in Chicago b/c of weather the airline (I'm not sure which one) did absolutely NOTHING for her. They said they cannot control the weather so it wasn't their fault. She ended up paying for her own hotel. They did give her a $5 voucher for food.

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

I fly internationally regularly with my son and have done since he was an infant, and you have no special rights. You will be treated the same as any other passengers in the event of a layover or whatever.

Have a good time and think positively...

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

Your rights as a passenger are exactly the same as someone traveling without an infant. That said, I know when I was working for Southwest I always tried to take extra special care of my passengers who were traveling with babies because I always found that happy baby=quiet baby=less stress to other passengers. Going above and beyond is a part of good customer service, but sadly not a requirement.

When packing your carryon bags, make sure you bring enough extra supplies *just in case* you have a delay (e.g. extra diapers, formula, food). Don't just bring enough to get you through the flight- bring extra.

Cots are usually provided when there are CRAZY weather related issues that strand passengers for over a day. Hotels are most definitely not provided due to weather delays.

Here's a link to AA Customer Service Plan: link

Good luck and fingers crossed everything goes off without a hitch.

Message edited 6/25/2009 10:54:42 AM.

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

I'm pretty sure you'll have no special rights. We were stranded trying to get home from DC last summer (It was DH & I & some friends. No kids.) We didn't even get booked on the next flight out- we got the 4th flight out the next day while everyone else had been scheduled earlier. We were given a discount coupon for one of the hotels in the area, but it wasn't much & I think we only got it because I raised hell about us being the only people who couldn't get on an early flight the next day.

Re: what rights do i have when flying with an infant?

thank you ladies, i appreciate the info