Spirit Airlines has given a baby born on one of its flights free lifetime travel

Newborn arrived between Florida and Texas

The baby was born before the plane could make an emergency landing (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

American carrier Spirit Airlines has given a baby born on one of its flights free lifetime travel.

Christoph Lezcano arrived during a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Dallas on 22 June.

His mother, Cristina Penton, was 36 weeks pregnant when she boarded Flight 971. With four weeks to go until her due date she realised 30 minutes into the flight that she needed a doctor.

She said: "I didn't think I was having the baby because it was too soon, but after a few minutes I knew I needed medical attention.

"Soon after that, it was clear I was having my baby, and I was in pure panic."

Cabin crew discovered that a paediatrician and a nurse were on board and the flight was diverted to New Orleans. However, before the plane could land the baby was born, less than 10 minutes after his mother’s water broke.

"It went really, really quick. There was no time to prepare or land or do anything," said Penton. "He did what he wanted. We were all just along for the ride."

Although a month early, Christoph is healthy with no complications, weighing 7lbs and measuring 19.5 inches long. Under Location of Birth, where there would usually be a hospital listed, it says "other - airplane." Mother and baby were taken to Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, Louisiana, when the plane landed.

Spirit has offered a free flight for Christoph and a guest on his birthday every year, to wherever the carrier flies. It is also planning a special sale in honour of his birth on board one of its planes.

Spirit spokesman Paul Berry said: "A baby being born during a flight is very rare. But our flight attendants are trained to handle medical emergencies in flight and they have access to doctors on the ground via inflight communication. In this case we were fortunate to also have a paediatrician on board who brought even more care and comfort to the situation."