When creating airline reservations, one of the most misunderstood passenger types is the Infant with a Seat (INS).
Many beginners know how to book a regular infant (INF), but they become confused when the airline requires the infant to occupy a separate seat. Fortunately, all major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) support this type of booking with specific entries.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What an Infant with a Seat (INS) is
- The difference between INF and INS
- When airlines require an INS booking
- Fare rules
- Booking examples in Galileo, Sabre, and Amadeus
- Important notes before ticketing
What is an Infant with a Seat (INS)?
An Infant with a Seat (INS) is a passenger under two years old who occupies an individual seat during the flight.
Unlike a standard infant (INF), who travels on the accompanying adult’s lap, an INS passenger must have:
- A separate seat
- An individual passenger name
- A child or INS fare (depending on airline policy)
- A valid ticket
Many airlines also require an approved child restraint system (CRS) or infant car seat for safety.
Difference Between INF and INS
| Infant (INF) | Infant with Seat (INS) |
|---|---|
| Travels on adult’s lap | Travels in a separate seat |
| Usually pays only infant fare | Usually pays child fare or INS fare |
| No individual seat | Separate assigned seat |
| Linked to one adult | Still linked to an accompanying adult |
| No boarding seat assignment | Receives a seat assignment |
The exact fare depends entirely on the airline’s published rules.
Some airlines sell INS using the child fare, while others have a dedicated INS fare.
Always verify the airline fare rules before pricing or issuing the ticket.
When is an INS Required?
An airline may require an Infant with Seat booking when:
- Parents want the baby to travel in an approved child seat.
- The infant has grown large enough that the parents prefer purchasing an additional seat.
- Airline policy requires a seat for safety equipment.
- Long-haul flights where additional comfort is preferred.
Although the passenger is still under two years old, the reservation is treated differently from a lap infant.
Age Requirement
Generally:
- INF: Under 2 years old without a seat.
- INS: Under 2 years old with a purchased seat.
Once the passenger reaches their second birthday before completing the journey, the booking usually becomes a Child (CHD) reservation.
Always verify age restrictions with the operating airline.
Galileo Booking
In Galileo, the INS passenger is entered as a separate passenger type.
Add the passenger name
N.LASTNAME/FIRSTNAME MISS*P-INS
Example:
N.SMITH/EMMA MISS*P-INS
This creates the passenger as an Infant with Seat.
Add the INS SSR
SI.P2/INST*03JUL25
Example:
SI.P2/INST*03JUL25
Where:
- P2 = Passenger 2
- INST = Infant with Seat SSR
- 03JUL25 = Date of Birth
Sabre Booking
Sabre uses a different syntax but follows the same concept.
Add passenger
-LASTNAME/FIRSTNAME MSTR*03JUL25
Example:
-SMITH/EMMA MSTR*03JUL25
The date of birth identifies the passenger as an infant requiring a seat.
Add SSR
3INST/03JUL25
Example
3INST/03JUL25
This sends the required SSR to the airline.
Amadeus Booking
In Amadeus, the passenger is entered using the INS passenger type.
Add passenger
NM1LASTNAME/FIRSTNAME (INS)
Example
NM1SMITH/EMMA (INS)
Add SSR
SRINFTAF-LASTNAME/FIRSTNAME DOB 03JUL25/P1
Example
SRINFTAF-SMITH/EMMA DOB 03JUL25/P1
This associates the INS passenger information with the accompanying adult.
Why is the Date of Birth Required?
The Date of Birth allows the airline to:
- Confirm passenger eligibility.
- Apply the correct fare.
- Validate age restrictions.
- Determine applicable taxes.
- Ensure compliance with airline safety regulations.
Incorrect birth dates can result in pricing errors or ticketing failures.
Seat Assignment for INS
Because an INS passenger occupies a separate seat, airlines generally allow seat assignment during or after booking.
However, many carriers have restrictions regarding where infants may sit.
For example:
- Exit rows are not permitted.
- Bulkhead seating may have airline-specific rules.
- Some airlines require approved child restraint devices.
Always follow the operating carrier’s seating policy.
Ticketing Considerations
Before issuing the ticket:
- Verify the passenger type.
- Confirm the Date of Birth.
- Ensure the INS SSR has been accepted.
- Price the itinerary correctly.
- Check whether the airline uses a child fare or a dedicated INS fare.
- Confirm baggage allowance, as it may differ from standard child tickets.
Common Mistakes
Many beginners accidentally:
- Book the passenger as a normal child instead of INS.
- Forget to add the INS SSR.
- Enter an incorrect Date of Birth.
- Price the booking before adding the SSR.
- Assume every airline uses the same fare rules.
These mistakes may cause pricing errors or airline rejection.
Best Practices
For every Infant with a Seat booking:
- Add the passenger using the correct INS format.
- Enter the Date of Birth exactly as shown in the passport.
- Add the required SSR.
- Price the reservation after completing all passenger information.
- Review airline-specific INS policies before ticket issuance.
- Confirm seat availability for both the adult and the infant.
Summary
An Infant with a Seat (INS) is an infant under two years old who travels in their own seat instead of sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap.
Although the passenger is still considered an infant, the reservation process differs from a standard INF booking. Most airlines require a separate passenger record, an INS SSR, and either a child fare or a dedicated INS fare.
By understanding the correct entries in Galileo, Sabre, and Amadeus, travel agents can create accurate reservations, avoid ticketing issues, and ensure a smooth travel experience for families.
Whether you’re preparing for a GDS certification or working as a travel consultant, mastering INS bookings is an essential skill that will help you handle family reservations with confidence.
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