Flying with Babies
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Information on all air travel with babies, including an airline comparison guide and FAQs
Air travel with a baby
Different airlines have different policies when it comes to flying with babies, and infant charges and baggage allowance can vary depending on your route. Our guide will help you determine the best airline for you, no matter where you are flying to!
FLYING WITH A CHILD?
Are you flying with a baby or an infant (above 2 years old)? On their second birthday, a baby is classed as an infant, and for most airlines different fares and policies will apply. For more information on flying with an infant or child, including top tips and FAQs, check out our guide to flying with children.
FLYING WITH A BABY
Some people avoid flying with a baby because they believe it's a lot to think about. But with almost every airline in the world offering services and support for those taking their baby away with them, it's much easier than you might think.
Baby Infant Ticket Age
The age that your baby can fly from will depend on the airline that you're flying on. Some airlines will only let babies fly if they're two weeks or older, whereas others will allow babies to fly from as young as two days old. If your baby is under two weeks old, you might be required to provide a letter from you GP stating that they're safe to fly.
Baby Ticket Price
Babies or infants fly free with almost every airline. Airlines allow passengers who are flying with a baby to sit on their lap during the flight, with some also giving the option to purchase a seat with a special seat restraint. Most airlines allow passengers to bring their own cot, pushchair or buggy onto the plane and also supply cots that are specifically designed to fit within the seating area within the aircraft.
Breastfeeding on a Plane
If you need reassurance and guidance about how to breastfeed on a plane, have a look at our top tips for breastfeeding whilst travelling. It also includes information about various airline policies.
What happens if I'm expecting a baby before I fly?
If you've bought a flight and are expecting to have a baby before you fly please contact us and we can let the airline know. You won't need to buy a ticket for your baby, as almost every airline doesn't require babies and infants to purchase a ticket. However, you will need to let the airline know so that are aware and can provide you with the correct assistance.
THE BEST AIRLINES FOR
FLYING WITH BABIES
AIRLINE COMPARISON
We’ve put together a table to help you understand whether your chosen airline charges an infant fee, allowing you to compare with other airlines. Along with understanding whether you will be allowed free hold luggage allowance, you can decide which airline will be best for you.
Be aware that the infant fee may be applied for babies sitting on an adult’s lap. Terminology and currency as per the airline’s website - exact figures can vary depending on route and fare type. This table is a guide and airline policies are subject to change at any time.
| Airline | Infant Fee | Free hold luggage allowance for babies | The cost of an additional seat for an infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adria Airways | 10-33% of the adult ticket price, route depending | 1 fully collapsible stroller/pushchair or car seat and 1 piece of baggage up to 23 kg | Adult fare |
| Aaegean Airlines | 10% of adult fare | 1 piece of cabin baggage up to 6kg. An infant car seat/collapsible stroller if own seat is booked. Free hold allowance depends on adult's fare | Child Fare |
| Aer Lingus | £19 each way 10% of accompanying adult fare on flights to/from the US |
1 stroller or pushchair + 1 car seat, booster seat or travel cot |
Full adult fare |
| Air Asia | Route depending | No Baggage Allowance. 1 x baby buggies, manual wheelchair, mobility device or walking frame. | Route depending |
| Air Canada | No charge on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 stroller + 1 car seat or booster sear free of charge |
Full adult fare for flights within Canada and USA Child’s fare on international flights |
| Air France | Free on domestic flights 15% of adult fare on short-haul flights and 33% on long-haul flights |
1 stroller + 1 car seat free of charge |
15-33% of the adult fare, depending on route |
| Air Malta |
10%of adult fare |
1 stroller free of charge |
Full adult fare |
| Air New Zealand | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat free of charge |
Full adult fare on domestic flights 75% of adult fare on international flights |
| Alitalia |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 10 kg of hold luggage | Children under 2 years are not allowed their own seat, and must be on an adult’s lap |
| American Airlines | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat free of charge |
Adult's fare |
| ANA | 10% of adult fare | 1 piece + one fully collapsible stroller or infant carrying basket/car seat | Up to 25% adult fare info |
| Austrian | 10% of adult fare | 1 baby basket or one child car seat or 1 fully collapsible stroller + baggage allowance up to 23 kg | Varies |
| Avianca | 10% of adult fare | 2 pieces up to 23 kg on flights to/from Europe and 1 piece up to 10 kg on all other flights | Child Fare |
| British Airways |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 10kg of hold luggage, included in adult allowance |
75% of adult fare |
| Cathay Pacific |
10%of adult fare depending on route |
1 pushchair + car seat + 10kg of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| China Eastern |
10%of adult fare depending on route |
1 piece of luggage + 1 totally folded or portable infant trolley |
Adult or Child ticket (route depending) |
| China Southern |
10%of adult fare depending on route |
1 piece of 22 lbs + 1 folded baby carriage, bassinet, or a child safety seat |
Adult or Child ticket (route depending) |
| Delta | Free on domestic flights % of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat free of charge |
Full adult fare on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
| easyJet |
£22 one-way |
2 of the following items: pushchair, baby buggy, travel cot, carrier, car seat, booster seat |
Children over 2 years of age must occupy their own seat Full adult fare |
| Emirates |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 carrier + 10kg of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| Etihad |
10% of adult fare |
10-23kg of hold luggage depending on route |
75% of adult fare |
| Flybe |
12% of adult fare |
1 stroller +1 car seat free of charge |
Full adult fare |
| Icelandair | 10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat |
75% of adult fare |
| Gulf Air | 10% of an adult fare | 1 piece of 15kgs for checked baggage + 1 collapsible stroller/pushchair + 1 infant car seat | Child Fare |
| Iberia |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair or car seat |
Infant fees for additional seats vary, depending on route and flight duration. |
| Jet2 |
£20 one-way |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat, combined weight 10kg |
Full adult fare |
| Jet Airways |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 carrier + 10kg of hold luggage |
Full adult fare |
| KLM |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat, combined weight 10kg |
75% of adult fare |
| Lufthansa | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair or car seat or carrier + 23kg of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| Malaysia Airlines | 10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + hold luggage, combined weight 10kg |
85% of adult fare |
| Norwegian | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 5kg of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| Oman Air | 10% of an adult's fare on doemstic flights 20% of an adult's fare on international flights |
1 piece of checked baggage up to 10 kg + 1 infant carrying basket, carry cot or baby stroller | Varies |
| Qantas | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 travel cot + 1 car seat +10kg of hold luggage on international routes | Full adult fare on domestic flights 75% of adult fare on international flights |
| Qatar Airways |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair or travel cot + 10-23kg of hold luggage depending on route |
75% of adult fare depending on route |
| Ryanair |
£25 one-way |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat or booster seat or travel cot |
Full adult fare |
| Scandinavian Airlines |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23kg piece of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| Singapore Airlines |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 travel cot or carrier + 23kg of hold luggage within US and 10kg outside of US |
75% of adult fare depending on route |
| South African Airways |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair or car seat + 23kg of hold luggage |
75% of adult fare |
| Swiss |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 23kg of hold luggage |
65% of adult fare |
| TAP Portugal |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 10kg of hold luggage |
70-96% of adult fare depending on route |
| Thai Airways |
10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair or car seat |
75% of adult fare |
| TUI |
Infant fees vary depending on route and length of flight |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 10kg of hold luggage |
Full adult fare |
| Turkish Airlines |
Up to 15% of adult fare depending on route |
1 pushchair + 10-23kg of hold luggage depending on route |
Infant fees for additional seats vary depending on route and length of flight |
| United Airlines | Free on domestic flights Infant costs vary on international flights |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23kg of hold luggage |
Full adult fare on domestic flights 75% of adult fare on international flights |
| Virgin Atlantic | 10% of adult fare |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23kg of hold luggage |
1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23kg of hold luggage |
| Wizz Air |
€8-27 one-way |
1 pushchair or car seat |
Full adult fare |
FLYING WITH A BABY
FAQS
What are the best international airlines for flying with babies?
In many instances, babies under two can travel wither for free or for a small percentage of an adult’s fare when travelling domestically. However, when flying internationally, the fares can be higher. Some airlines charge the full ticket price for an infant on transatlantic or long-haul flights.
Can I bring a cot, pushchair, or buggy on my flight?
Yes. Most airlines allow for passengers to bring at least one cot, pushchair or buggy onto their flight, free of charge. Some airlines will also supply specially designed travel cots that your baby or infant can sleep in. However, these are usually only provided on long-haul flights. If you're bringing your own cot, pushchair or buggy, please make sure that they fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state.
Can I bring baby milk on my flight?
Yes. You can bring baby milk on your flight. Most liquids that are over 100ml/3.4oz are not allowed in your carry-on baggage, however, for baby milk and milk formula, passengers are allowed to bring enough to feed your baby for the duration of the flight, even if it exceeds the 100ml/3.4oz limit. Please be aware that baby milk and formula must be removed from your bag and screened separately. FInd out more about which items are allowed on carry-on baggage in our prohibited items blog, or read our guide to bringing food on a plane.
How will I warm up my baby milk?
Cabin crew will be more than happy to warm up your baby milk for you. Don't hesitate to ask!
What is the difference between a baby and an infant?
There is no difference between a baby and an infant. Different airlines use different terminology. For the majority of airlines, any child under two years of age class as a baby or an infant.
Do I need to buy a plane ticket for my baby?
Passengers flying with an infant only need to buy a plane ticket for themselves. Your baby or infant is allowed to sit on your lap for the duration of the flight and many airlines allow you to bring a pushchair, buggy or cot onto the flight. If you don't want your infant to sit on your lap, some airlines will allow you to buy a separate plane ticket for your infant with a special child restraint.
Do I need to inform the airline that I'm flying with a baby?
Yes. You should inform the airline that you're flying with an infant at the time of booking your ticket. Please give Alternative Airlines a call and we'll happily inform the airline for you.
Can I bring my infant in a car seat for the flight?
Most airlines will allow you to carry your infant in an airline approved car seat. Car seats must fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state and must be forward facing.
Where can I change my baby on my flight?
There are baby changing tables in the toilets on every aircraft that you'll be able to change and dress your baby on.
