📍 In this guide
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Flying with a baby can feel daunting, but with a bit of planning it’s very doable. Here are our best tips, from booking to touchdown.
Booking
- Fly direct whenever you can. One flight beats two, even if it costs a bit more.
- Time flights around sleep. Overnight flights work well for long-haul; for short flights, aim for nap time.
- Request a bassinet at booking, then call the airline to confirm. They’re first come, first served.
- Check infant fares. Under-2s on your lap usually pay around 10% of the adult fare on international routes (plus taxes).
- Consider buying a seat for babies over about 9 months, and bring an approved car seat.
Packing the carry-on
- Nappies: one per hour of travel, plus extras for delays.
- Two spare outfits for baby, one for you. Trust us.
- Milk or formula for the flight plus delays, pre-measured in a dispenser.
- New, small toys wrapped in paper. Unwrapping is half the fun.
- A muslin or swaddle for warmth, shade and spills.
- Medicine kit: baby paracetamol, a thermometer and nasal saline.
Grab our free baby & toddler packing list to tick everything off.
At the airport
- Gate-check the stroller. Most airlines let you use it to the aircraft door.
- Use family security lanes where available.
- Change a nappy right before boarding.
- Don’t board first if you don’t need to. Less time sat on the plane means less wriggling. If one parent can board early to set up, even better.
On the plane
- Feed during take-off and landing. Sucking helps little ears with the pressure change.
- Walk the aisles when the seatbelt sign is off.
- Keep to bedtime routines. Pyjamas, sleeping bag and the same song.
- Ignore the side-eye. Most passengers are kind, and you’ll never see them again.
After landing
- Get outside in daylight to reset body clocks.
- Plan a slow first day. No big activities, just food, sleep and a short walk.
Crossing time zones? Our free baby jet lag planner makes a day-by-day sleep schedule for you.
Frequently asked questions
How old does a baby need to be to fly?
Many airlines accept babies from 7 to 14 days old, and some from 48 hours with a doctor's note. Check your airline's policy, as rules vary.
Can I take baby milk and food through airport security?
In most countries, yes. Reasonable quantities of baby milk, formula, food and sterilised water are allowed beyond the usual liquids limit. They may be screened separately.
What is a bassinet seat?
A bulkhead row seat with a wall-mounted baby cot for long-haul flights. Weight and length limits apply (often around 10–11kg), and they're limited, so request one when you book.