Travel tips
Flying long-haul with babies and toddlers: a practical guide
, 4 min read
A long flight to visit grandparents is a big trip with a little one. A bit of planning at the booking stage makes the journey much easier.
Infant fares and seats
Children under two usually travel on a parent’s lap on a reduced infant fare. Once they turn two, they need their own seat at a child fare. If your child has a birthday during the trip, the return flight may need a child seat, so tell us their date of birth when you book.
Each adult can usually only travel with one lap infant, which is why our booking form checks there are enough adults for the infants travelling.
Request a bassinet early
Many long-haul aircraft have a small number of bassinet positions at bulkhead seats, usually with weight and size limits. They’re limited and allocated on request, so ask for one as soon as you book.
Choose layovers carefully
Very short connections are stressful with a pram and nappy bag, while very long ones are tiring. A layover of a few hours is usually a good balance. On longer trips, a one-night stopover in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur can reset everyone.
Baggage for little travellers
Infant baggage allowances vary between airlines. Many let you check a pram or car seat free of charge, and some let you take a compact stroller to the aircraft door. We confirm the allowance before you book.
Documents
Your baby needs their own passport and any visa or travel authorisation required at your destination. If only one parent is travelling, carry a consent letter from the other parent. See our family travel documents checklist.
Planning a trip?
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