As summer approaches, families planning getaways should be aware of different airline policies for travelling with babies and children. While toddlers are generally accepted, airlines have specific rules for infants under two years old.
Ryanair does not allow babies under seven days old. Infants aged eight days to 23 months must sit on an adult's lap, with one infant per adult. Adults must sit in a window seat for oxygen mask access. A baby bag up to 5kg and 45x35x20cm is permitted. If the infant turns two before the return flight, a full fare applies. Written doctor approval is needed for travel 48 hours after birth or 10 days after a caesarean section.
British Airways offers an infant fare for lap babies or a child fare for a separate seat with an approved car seat. Infants without a seat get a 23kg checked bag. Complimentary carrycots are available on long-haul flights. Pushchairs must be fully collapsible.
Jet2 charges £20 per infant per flight. Babies under two days old are not allowed; those aged two to seven days need prior approval. Infants sit on an adult's lap with an extension seatbelt, or in a car seat if booked via customer service. Adults with a hold bag automatically get an extra 10kg luggage allowance per infant.
EasyJet considers infants as 14 days to two years old; babies under 14 days cannot travel. Children under five benefit from early boarding and two free hold items such as a pushchair or travel cot. Seat selection can be paid for in advance to ensure families sit together.
Pregnant women are allowed to travel, but should check individual airline policies for any restrictions.
