Flying with a child: everything you need to know

At what age can children fly?

Most carriers allow children over seven days old on board, so it largely depends on the parents' decision. Experienced travelers often find that the ideal age is under one year, as babies are generally content as long as they are fed, have a dry diaper, and their parents are nearby. Flying with older babies can be a bit more challenging as they become more active and may not sit still for long periods. However, creative entertainment can help manage this.

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While older generations might advise against flying with children under three, evidence-based medicine does not support this restriction. If your child is healthy and you are calm and prepared, feel free to proceed with your travel plans.

Booking tickets

• Children under two years (Infant) do not usually have a separate seat. Their ticket typically costs 10% of the full fare, and some airlines offer free flights for infants.
• Passengers aged two to eleven years (Child) require a separate seat. Tickets for this age group are usually cheaper than adult fares, with the discount varying by airline.

• From twelve years old, standard fare conditions apply.
• If you want to book a separate seat for a child under two, you will need to purchase a child’s ticket, and you must bring a certified child safety seat approved for air travel.
• If one adult is traveling with two children under two (the maximum allowed), a separate seat must be purchased for one child, while the other can sit on the adult's lap.

• On long-haul flights, airlines may provide bassinets for children under two years (typically up to 10-14 kg in weight and 85 cm in height), but availability depends on the aircraft type. As the number of bassinets is limited, you should book one in advance by phone.
• If the ticket includes meals and the airline offers a special children’s menu, be sure to order it in advance, at least two days before departure.

Baggage and hand luggage

• When traveling with a child under two years, you can transport a car seat OR a bassinet OR a foldable stroller for free (even if you purchased a ticket without baggage). Car seats, bassinets, and some types of strollers (like YoYo and similar models) can be taken into the cabin, while larger strollers should be checked in at the registration desk or at the aircraft door. However, low-cost carriers like WizzAir and Ryanair often require you to check in the stroller with your luggage, collecting it at the aircraft door.

• Large strollers and strollers for children over two years count towards the general baggage allowance of your ticket, and you may need to pay extra if you exceed the limit. If you purchased a ticket with only hand luggage, you might need to pay for the stroller separately (some airlines consider the stroller as part of the child’s hand luggage regardless of age, so check the conditions in advance).

• Children under two years are entitled to baggage and hand luggage allowances, which vary by airline. For example, Air France allows passengers with children under two to bring one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 12 kilograms and measuring up to 55x35x25 centimeters (such as a bag or backpack with food, toys, and hygiene items) per child. They also allow one piece of checked baggage (if the ticket includes free baggage allowance) and one small foldable stroller, bassinet, or car seat, regardless of class and fare (even if the ticket does not include free baggage). Those traveling with Lufthansa can bring 23 kilograms of baggage (except for Economy Light fare), but hand luggage (other than a stroller or car seat) is not allowed for the child. Conditions vary greatly by airline, so it’s best to check with the airline representative or their website in advance.

• When traveling with a child under two years, it's advisable to bring on board: sanitizer for surface cleaning, familiar food and water, a few new toys or books, a change of clothes, a supply of diapers, wet wipes, and a disposable waterproof changing mat. A sling or ergonomic backpack can also be very helpful to put the baby to sleep or calm them if they get fussy.
• For older children, bring new coloring books or sticker albums, books or a tablet with cartoons, as well as light snacks (crackers, fruits, nuts) and a foldable potty if needed. Some airlines provide entertainment kits for young passengers, but parents should also prepare activities.

At the airport: check-in and other nuances

• Bring your child's birth certificate and parents' marriage certificate if the last names are different. If a minor is flying with one parent or without parents, a notarized travel consent form is required.
• If you haven't completed online check-in (some airlines don’t allow online check-in for passengers with children under two), try to be among the first at the check-in desk to increase your chances of getting seats together.

• If you can manage without a stroller until boarding (your child is comfortable in a sling or walks confidently), check the stroller at the registration desk. Airport staff may not always promptly deliver it to the aircraft door, and there might not be time to wait (e.g., if you have a connecting flight). It's advisable to buy a cover: some airlines require it, and it protects the stroller from damage and dirt.
• Many airlines offer priority check-in and boarding for passengers with children. Take advantage of this opportunity.
• The general restrictions on the amount of liquids in hand luggage do not apply to passengers with young children. You can carry a sippy cup with water, juice packs, and jars of puree in reasonable quantities needed for the flight.

• Familiarize yourself with the airport layout: find play areas to pass the time before departure and mother-and-child rooms where you can change diapers, warm food, and even put your baby to sleep in a crib.
• If your child walks confidently but is too young for independent strolls, dress them in something bright and place a note with your name and phone number in their pocket.

On the plane

If your child is prone to motion sickness, give them their usual medication beforehand. To ease the discomfort from pressure changes, it's recommended to nurse or give a bottle to babies during takeoff and landing, while older children can be given a lollipop or chewing gum. There are also medicinal options (such as decongestant drops), but opinions on their use for young children vary among doctors.

If your child is flying without a separate seat, they must be on the accompanying adult’s lap and secured with an additional seatbelt during takeoff and landing. In some cases, flight attendants may allow the child to remain in a sling or ergonomic backpack, but regulations require the child to be facing forward.

To get hot water for formula or to warm food, ask the flight attendants.

If you didn't bring toys, you'll need to entertain your child with whatever is available. Useful items include:

• cardboard cups from beverages;
• in-flight magazines;
• safety instructions;
• any small items from your pockets.

Have a smooth flight!