This article includes the best airlines to choose when flying with babies, top tips when flying with a baby, and an airline comparison guide and FAQs. Get clued up on all things baby travel and have peace of mind for a stress-free journey.
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.
Some people avoid flying with a baby because of the preconceptions that it's a challenging task, however, that doesn't always have to be the case. 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.
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 your GP stating that they're safe to fly.
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.
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.
If you've booked a flight and are expecting to have a baby before you fly, please contact us and we can let the airline know. It is important that the airline is notified as they can provide you with the correct assistance and support if needed.
Do you require any assistance with your booking, or perhaps have unanswered questions? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert customer service team who are there to help with any queries you may have.
We’ve put together a list 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.
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The age that a baby is able to fly is dependent on the airline, however, the majority allow babies who are 2 weeks or older to fly onboard their planes. It's always worth checking the airline-specific rules prior to booking your flights.
Some airlines do require proof of age for a child, in this case, it will be useful to travel with the child's birth certificate. Secondly, if you are not registered on the child's birth certificate as their legal parent, or it is not obvious you are the child's parent, the certificate may be useful in helpful to identify your relationship with the child.
