Long-Haul Flights with Children: A Practical Guide for Families

Visiting family abroad with children is one of the most common reasons our customers fly long-haul. These practical tips make the journey easier, from booking to landing.

Booking Tips for Families

• Book early for school holidays. Family fares in August, at Christmas and at Easter sell out first.
• Choose flight times that suit your children. An overnight flight can mean children sleep for much of the journey.
• Prefer one ticket for the whole journey so connections are protected if a flight is delayed.
• Reserve seats together as early as possible. Some fares charge for seat selection, so check before comparing prices.

Flying with Babies and Infants

• Children under 2 usually travel on an adult's lap with an infant ticket, which is normally a fraction of the adult fare plus taxes. One adult can usually take only one lap infant.
• On long-haul flights, ask for a bassinet (sky cot) when you book. Numbers are limited and they have weight and size limits.
• Most airlines let you take a pushchair to the aircraft door and a car seat or extra item free of charge, but rules differ.
• Children aged 2 and over need their own seat and usually pay a child fare.

Passports and Documents

• Every child, including newborns, needs their own passport. Allow plenty of time for child passport applications.
• Check that passports are valid for the whole trip, and for at least 6 months after your return for many African and Asian countries.
• If a child is travelling with only one parent, or with someone else, carry a signed consent letter from the other parent and a copy of the birth certificate. This is especially important if surnames differ.
• Some countries have specific rules for children entering or leaving, so check GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice for your destination.

On Board

• Feed babies or give children a drink during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure.
• Download films, games and books before you go, and pack headphones.
• Walk the aisle with restless toddlers when the seatbelt sign is off.
• Keep a change of clothes for each child, and one for yourself, in your hand luggage.

Hand Luggage Checklist for Families

• ✓ Nappies, wipes and changing mat for the whole journey plus delays
• ✓ Baby milk and food (allowed in reasonable quantities through UK security)
• ✓ Medicines with prescriptions
• ✓ Snacks, a small blanket and a favourite toy
• ✓ Passports, tickets and consent letters in one easy-to-reach place

Need help booking a family trip? See our destinations or call us. We'll make sure everyone's seated together with the right baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions