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TPG reader question: Can I use Avios to book a flight for my unborn baby?

July 26, 2022

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3 min read

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TPG reader question: Can I use Avios to book a flight for my unborn baby?

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You’re never too young to start traveling.

Here at TPG we have heard impressive stories from readers about children obtaining elite airline status before the age of 5 or visiting 10 countries before they reach 10 years of age.

You may be aware that children under 2 years old can fly with a parent or adult guardian without requiring their own seat (aka as a "lap child"). This can make it a cheaper time of your life to purchase airfare. If all goes well, a newborn might sleep most, if not all, of the flight, which might make that trip to meet their grandparents just a little bit more bearable.

But what happens if you want to book a flight for a baby before it’s born (and named)? That brings us to this TPG reader of the week question.

Can we book a ticket for our unborn baby now using Avios flying with British Airways? The baby is due in the next couple of weeks but [we] want to lock in the tickets before we travel next March.Shimal, TPG UK Facebook Lounge Member

While Shimal is likely very busy preparing for a newborn, it is great to also be thinking ahead about the logistics of traveling with the baby next year.

Related: Here’s how to pack and prepare when traveling with a baby

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Obviously, the baby is not (officially) named yet and there's no way to get him or her a passport before birth.

The good news is that airlines — including British Airways — allow passengers to book flights for unborn children. You can do this by using a generic name like "Baby Jones" ahead of the birth. Once the child is born, named and given a birth certificate, Shimal can call the airline and update the child's information; this includes adding the baby's name as well as the date of birth and passport details.

It’s actually very common to book tickets for unborn children in this way.

Related: The ultimate guide to British Airways Avios

As far as the cost, while the baby doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t need a seat, they can't fly for free.

On a long-haul Avios redemption, Shimal will need to pay 10% of the Avios required for an adult, as well as 10% of the fees, taxes and surcharges. This means that for an Avios redemption requiring 50,000 Avios and $603 for the fees, taxes and surcharges, the "baby rate" would be 5,000 Avios and $60. This should not be subject to availability assuming the adults(s) have already booked their ticket(s).

Safe travels and best of luck with your new arrival, Shimal.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
Solid welcome bonus

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Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.