Jet2's Updated Family Travel Rules: Essential Guide for Children and Infants
Planning a family holiday is an exhilarating experience, but it can also be fraught with challenges, especially when navigating airline policies. For those flying with Jet2, understanding the latest regulations for children and babies is paramount to ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey. As one of the UK's largest airlines, Jet2 has specific guidelines designed to accommodate families while maintaining safety and compliance.
Age Restrictions and Unaccompanied Minors
Jet2 enforces strict age requirements for young travellers. Passengers aged 14 or above are permitted to travel unaccompanied, whereas those under 14 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older who assumes full responsibility. It is crucial to note that some destinations impose additional conditions for minors travelling alone or without their legal parent or guardian. Therefore, verifying the specific requirements of your destination is highly recommended.
Documentation for International Travel
When entering or departing Portugal, including Madeira, young people under 18 without a parent or legal guardian must carry a letter of authorisation. This document must be signed by the parent or guardian and include accurate details such as the young person's temporary address and the responsible person's contact information. To prevent delays at border control, Jet2 advises carrying a copy of the signatory's photo identification for verification purposes. Additionally, Portuguese residents or nationals under 18 leaving the country may need legally certified authorisation letters before departure.
Travelling with Children and Babies
Jet2 allows passengers to bring up to two items per child or infant at no extra cost, which can include:
- A pram or buggy
- A car seat
- A baby carrier
- A travel cot
Each item must not exceed 32kg in weight, and any additional items will incur excess baggage charges. Infants under two years old on the date of travel can fly free of charge, provided they are over 7 days old and have no underlying health conditions, which do not require prior clearance.
Special Considerations for Newborns
For babies aged between two and seven days old, prior approval from Jet2 is mandatory. Infants aged 2-14 days who have been incubated, ventilated, or experienced birth complications also need authorisation before flying. Jet2 does not carry infants less than 2 days old. Bookings can be made before an infant is born by entering the first name as 'Unborn' and the last name as 'Baby'. Once the infant's name is confirmed, Jet2 offers free updates upon contact.
Seating and Baggage Allowances
Infants typically sit on the lap of an accompanying adult, secured with an extension seatbelt provided by cabin crew; personal infant or extension seatbelts are not permitted. Alternatively, a seat can be reserved for the infant, requiring a car seat that meets specific criteria. For guidance and costs on booking a seat, contact Jet2 Customer Service. Additionally, if you are flying with an infant and have already added a hold bag, your allowance is automatically increased by 10kg per infant at no extra charge.
By adhering to these updated rules, families can enjoy a more organised and pleasant travel experience with Jet2, minimising potential disruptions and ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.
