Skyscanner has created an easy to read guide to the major airlines’ rules for flying with babies to ensure a stress-free experience.
If you’ve ever looked into flying with babies, you’ll know that there are so many variations in the charges and regulations involved with taking your baby on a flight. Different carriers have different rules. Some charge for one thing; while with another it’s free.
For example, Aer Lingus allows you to carry a stroller and a car seat, but it doesn’t let you book an additional seat for an infant under 6 months. On the other hand, easyJet allows two items to be carried for free in the hold, but you’re also able to purchase a seat for your infant, using their car seat (instead of having to pay for a CARES restraint). Airlines like easyJet also give you free priority boarding, which could make the difference between tears and happiness (or just peace and quiet for everyone – bliss!).
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Check the table below, which explains all the variations parents need to be aware of when flying with babies.
Flying with a baby: airline charges and regulations 2019
| Airline you’re flying with | Infant charge*: fare & cost of additional seat for infant | Number of items of baby equipment (i.e. stroller) that can be carried for free in the hold* |
| Aer Lingus | Europe: €20 (excl. taxes & charges where applicable) North America: 10% of the adult fare Option of an additional seat for 6-24 months Aer Lingus Regional: No baby/car seats allowed in the cabin | 1 collapsible buggy/stroller + car seat or booster seat or travel cot |
| Air France | Free on domestic flights within France & within the Caribbean 90% reduction on adult fare on international flights Additional seat: 20% of adult fare on short-haul flights or up to 33% on medium/long-haul flights | On your lap: 1 luggage (except Light fare)+1 stroller+1 car seat |
| British Airways | Infant fare on your lap Child fare on his/her own seat | 1 luggage (excl. Basic Fare) +two of the following: fully collapsible pushchair, car/booster seat, travel cot or baby back carrier |
| Delta | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights (route dependent) On their own seat: country-specific discounts may apply | 1 stroller + 1 safety seat |
| easyJet | €31 on adult’s lap Children <2 years of age must occupy their own seat Full adult fare | Two of the following items: travel cot, pushchair, buggy, car seat, collapsible / non-collapsible pram, booster seat, baby back carrier |
| Emirates | Infant fare on your lap Child fare on his/her own seat | 1 stroller/carry-cot + Weight Concept: up to 10kg Piece Concept: 1 extra luggage |
| Etihad Airways | Infant fare on your lap Child fare on his/her own seat | To/from USA and Canada: 1 bag (up to 23kg) To/from all other destinations: up to 10kg + stroller, pushchair, carrycot or approved car seat |
| Flybe | 12% of adult fare | 1 stroller +1 car seat free of charge (up to 23kg) |
| Jet2 | €29 one way Full adult fare on their own seat | 1 pushchair + 1 car seat, combined weight 10kg |
| KLM | Reduced fare | 1 buggy + 1 car seat + 10kg of hold luggage |
| Lufthansa | Free on German domestic flights 10% of adult fare on other routes 75% of adult fare on their own seat | 1 car seat / folding buggy / pram / a baby seat + 23kg of hold luggage (except Economy Class Light) |
| Norwegian | Free on domestic flights 10% of adult fare on international flights (Premium and PremiumFlex tickets) 90% + taxes of adult fare on international long haul | 1 stroller + 1 car seat + 5kg of hold luggage |
| Qatar Airways | 10% of adult fare on your lap Child fare on his/her own seat (on selected routes) | 1 stroller / collapsible carrycot / pushchair Same as adults for infants travelling on child fare |
| Ryanair | €25 one way Full adult fare on their own seat | 1 pushchair + 1 car seat / booster seat / travel cot |
| Thomas Cook Airlines | 10% of adult fare Full adult fare on their own seat | 1 pushchair + 1 car seat or travel cot + 10kg of hold luggage (except Economy Light) |
| TUI Airway | Infant fees dependent on route and length of flight | 1 pushchair or 1 car seat + 10kg of hold luggage (package holiday) |
| Turkish Airlines | €5 approx. (34 TRY) for domestic flights Child fare on his/her own seat | 1 foldable stroller + 10-23kg of hold luggage depending on route |
| Virgin Atlantic | 10% of adult fare | 1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23kg of hold luggage (except Economy Light) |
*Infant seating on parent’s lap
**Item terminology as is per airlines websites, eg buggy, stroller, pushchair. Please check with your airline for any restrictions on these items, eg foldable buggy.
***Approved car seat is required. Please check with your airline and relevant association bodies (i.e. FAA & JAA).
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*Updated 23 May 2019. Whilst information was correct at the time of publication, we’d recommend that you check the details with the airline or OTA before booking.
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