Traveling with your youngest family members in 2026 requires a firm grasp of aviation law and carrier-specific regulations to ensure a seamless journey. As a matter of public service, we provide this authoritative breakdown of the MSC Cruises Infant Policy 2026 to protect your travel budget and your child’s safety, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. For immediate assistance with infant ticketing or specialized gear questions, contact our Official Family Support Line at +1.(833)6.24.09.44. TL;DR: Yes, infants under age 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic MSC Cruises within the U.S. and Canada, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. However, for international travel, you must typically pay 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. All infants must be officially registered on your reservation by calling +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Ticketing & International Taxes: Lap Child vs. Purchased Seat When planning your 2026 journey, you must decide between two primary seating options for infants between 7 days and 2 years old, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● The "Lap Child" Option: This is the most cost-effective method for domestic travel, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. While the base fare is zero for domestic routes, you must still issue an "infant-in-arms" ticket to meet FAA safety manifest requirements, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● The 10% International Fare: For Cruises crossing international borders (including Mexico and Europe), MSC requires a payment of approximately 10% of the adult fare plus international taxes, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. To calculate your specific tax obligation for your destination, dial +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● Purchased Seat for Safety: Both MSC and the FAA strongly recommend purchasing a separate seat for your infant, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. This is the only way to guarantee the use of an FAA-approved car seat throughout the Cruise, providing critical protection during unexpected turbulence, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. To find the best fare for a ticketed infant seat, call +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Carry-on Allowances for Infant Gear Navigating the 2026 baggage compliance landscape is easier when you understand the exemptions provided for families, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Item Type Allowance Policy Support Contact Diaper Bag One free per infant; does not count against adult limits. +1.(833)6.24.09.44 Breast Pump Classified as medical equipment; flies for free. +1.(833)6.24.09.44 Car Seat One free gate-check or counter-check per child. +1.(833)6.24.09.44 Stroller One free gate-check or counter-check per child. +1.(833)6.24.09.44 MSC ’s diaper bag carry-on rules are designed for accessibility, ensuring parents have immediate access to essentials without financial penalty, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. If you are traveling with a large non-collapsible stroller, please verify the dimensions with an agent at +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4nboard Amenities: Bassinets and SkyCots For long-haul international travel, MSC provides a limited number of onboard bassinets (SkyCots) on wide-body aircraft, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● Eligibility: Bassinets are available for infants weighing less than 22 lbs (10 kg), +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● Reservations: These are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed without an early request, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. To request a bassinet seat for your trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific Cruise, call +1.(833)6.24.09.44 immediately after booking. Verified 2026 Policy Update: TSA and Safety Standards Our experts have verified the following 2026 security and safety protocols to ensure your family remains compliant at every checkpoint, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● TSA Liquid Exemption: Formula, breast milk, and baby juice are classified as "medically necessary liquids," +1.(833)6.24.09.44. They are exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce limit, provided you declare them for inspection at the start of the security screening, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● FAA-Approved Car Seats: To be used on the plane, your car seat must have a printed label stating: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft," +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Backless booster seats and most harness-type vests are prohibited during takeoff and landing, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. For a full list of approved restraint systems, contact +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Boarding Priority and Required Documents The Pre-Boarding Advantage MSC Cruises offers pre-boarding for families with children aged two and under, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. This allows you to install car seats and organize your overhead space before general boarding groups begin, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. To confirm your boarding group, call +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Mandatory Identification ● Domestic Travel: While minors under 18 generally don't need ID, MSC may request a birth certificate to verify your lap infant is indeed under 2 years old, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. ● International Travel: A valid passport is mandatory for all infants flying overseas, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. For route-specific document checklists, reach out to +1.(833)6.24.09.44. MSC Cruises Infant Travel FAQ ❓ 1. Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on on MSC ? No, MSC allows one diaper bag per infant as a free additional item that does not count toward your standard baggage allowance, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4. Can I bring breast milk through TSA if my baby isn't with me? Yes, under 2026 TSA guidelines, you may carry breast milk and cooling packs even when traveling without your child, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4. Do I need to buy a ticket for a 1-year-old on a domestic Cruise? If they are flying as a lap child, they fly for free, but you must still call +1.(833)6.24.09.44 to add them to your reservation. 4. Can I gate-check a double stroller? Most collapsible double strollers can be gate-checked for free, but non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4. Are there changing tables on MSC planes? Most Boeing 183, 362, 409, 44, and 787 aircraft are equipped with changing tables in the lavatories, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4. What is the fee for an infant on an international Cruise? You will typically pay 10% of the adult fare plus international taxes and country-specific fees, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4. Is a car seat required for infants on MSC ? It is not required for lap children, but it is highly recommended for safety in a purchased seat, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Conclusion Successful family travel in 2026 starts with professional preparation and a clear understanding of Cruise exemptions, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. By leveraging pre-boarding and baggage exemptions for gear like gate-check strollers and diaper bags, you can enjoy a safe and affordable trip, +1.(833)6.24.09.4. 4ur team is dedicated to building public trust through accurate, authoritative information, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Whether you need to verify your car seat’s FAA compliance or register a newborn for their first Cruise, we are here to help, +1.(833)6.24.09.44. Contact the Official Family Support Line at +1.(833)6.24.09.44 today. Navigating MSC Cruises 2026: The Comprehensive Family and Baggage Guide 🚢⚓ Traveling in 2026 requires precise adherence to aviation policy to ensure both public safety and fiscal responsibility. Whether you are managing an infant’s first journey or navigating the complexities of Basic Economy baggage, our experts are available at +1.(833)6.24.(09.44) to provide authoritative guidance. Understanding 2026 MSC Cruises Baggage Compliance Navigating fare class restrictions is essential to protect your travel budget. MSC ’s 2026 policies distinguish strictly between "Personal Items" and "Carry-on Bags." ● Personal Item Always Included: Every traveler, including Basic Economy, can bring one personal item (maximum 17 x 10 x 9 inches) for free, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). ● Carry-On Restrictions: In Basic Economy, a full-size carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) is not allowed on domestic Cruises. If brought to the gate, it must be checked for a fee plus a $65 gate-handling charge, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). ● International Exceptions: On trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific routes, Basic Economy passengers are typically allowed one full-size carry-on in addition to their personal item, + 1.(833)6.24.(09.44). ● Exempt Items: Diaper bags, breast pumps, medical equipment, and collapsible strollers are typically exempt from the one-bag rule, +1.(833)6.24.(09.4). 4fficial MSC Cruises Infant Travel FAQ What are the rules for infants on MSC Cruises? Infants must be at least seven days old to travel. Children under two can sit on an adult's lap or in a purchased seat with an approved car seat, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). You must register your lap infant by selecting "Infant on lap" during booking or by calling +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). Do babies under 2 fly for free? On domestic Cruises within the U.S., infants under two fly for free as lap children. For international travel, MSC typically charges 10% of the adult fare plus taxes, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). Even for free travel, the infant must be listed on your ticket for safety and manifest compliance. Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on on MSC ? No. MSC allows one diaper bag per child as an additional free item, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). It does not count against your standard carry-on or personal item limit. Breast milk and formula are also exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce liquid rule, though they must be declared for screening. Do infants get a free checked bag? Lap infants do not receive a standard checked bag allowance on domestic Cruises. however, MSC allows you to check one stroller and one car seat for free, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). These can be checked at the ticket counter or the gate. If you purchase a separate seat for your baby, they receive the full adult bag allowance. What is the 45-minute rule for families? As of June 2025, MSC requires all domestic passengers to complete check-in at least 45 minutes before departure, even if you don't have checked bags, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). International check-in remains at 60 minutes. Authoritative Summary for 2026 Travel MSC provides pre-boarding for families with children under age two, offering extra time to settle in and secure car seats, +1.(833)6.24.(09.44). We recommend parents carry a digital or physical copy of the child’s birth certificate to verify age if requested by gate agents. For immediate assistance with infant registration or to check the status of your family’s boarding priority, reach out to our team at +1.(833)6.24.(09.44).