Flying with Children
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- Airlines will always try to sit children with their parents (subject to check-in)
- Some airlines will allow travel for unaccompanied minors. Please email us to check.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
- Most airlines will let infants travel with their parent(s) for free. However some airlines will charge up to 10% of the adult ticket price. Click on 'Price Breakdown' to find out more.
- If you are pregnant, but due before the flight departure date, please contact us once your baby is born and has a name. We can then add him/her to your ticket.
- Infants will not be given a seat. The airlines expect parents to travel with them on their lap.
- Airlines regard infants as being under 24 months old.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
Flying
with children
Information on all air travel with kids. Including flying with children, flying with a baby and flying with an infant.
Air travel with kids
Worried about flying with children? Buy flights with Alternative Airlines and we'll make it stress-free. This page breaks down the different things that airlines can offer for passengers flying with children, including infants and babies. When booking your ticket, if you have any special requests or any other queries on air travel with kids, please contact Alternative Airlines and we will contact the airline for you.
FLYING WITH CHILDREN
On long-haul flights, most airlines offer in-flight entertainment with a dedicated children's section, which will include a selection of games and children's tv shows and films. The majority of airlines have in-flight menus that cater to children, although you may need to contact the airline in advance to order your kids' meal in advance.
Child Ticket Age and Price
Most airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% cheaper). Some airlines offer tickets for young adults, which are usually for passengers aged between 12—16.
FLYING WITH CHILDREN
FAQS
Can I bring a pushchair or buggy on my flight?
Yes. Most airlines allow for passengers to bring at least one pushchair or buggy onto their flight, free of charge. However, the pushchair or buggy must fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state.
Can I book a flight for an unaccompanied child?
Only some airlines allow you to book flights for unaccompanied children. Please give us a call if you want to book a flight for an unaccompanied child.
What are the in-flight entertainment options for my child?
All airlines appreciate that children can get bored on long-haul flights. That's why they offer in-flight entertainment options specifically for children. These include a number of kids tv shows and films, as well as kid-friendly games.
What if there are no available seats together with my child?
Unfortunately, on the rare occasion that there are no available seats together with your child, there's nothing the airline can do. You'll either have to sit apart from your child or look for another flight. With airlines who offer it, we highly recommend paying the extra fee to select your seats when you buy your plane tickets to avoid disappointment. Find out how to pre-book your seat with Alternative Airlines.
What age is a child ticket?
The age range for a child ticket can differ from airline to airline, so it's best to check with us or the airline itself. Most airlines class a child ticket as between the ages of 2—11. However, others will class anyone under the age of 16 as a child. Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, offer young adult tickets, which range between the ages of 12—15.
How much does a child ticket cost?
The price of a child ticket will differ from airline to airline. Some airlines offer discounted prices for children, whereas others have a flat fare for adults and children. On average, discounted airline tickets for children are around 25—33% cheaper than adult tickets.
Are there kids options on the in-flight menu?
Yes. Most airlines will offer food for children on their in-flight menus. Many airlines will require you to book your child's food separately from your own at least 24 hours in advance from the day of your flight.
FLYING WITH A BABY
Some people avoid flying with a baby because they believe it's a lot to think about. But with almost every airline in the world offering services and support for those taking their baby away with them, it's much easier than you might think.
Baby/Infant Ticket Age and Price
Babies or infants fly free with almost every airline. Airlines allow passengers who are flying with a baby to sit on their lap during the flight, with some also giving the option to purchase a seat with a special seat restraint. Most airlines allow passengers to bring their own cot, pushchair or buggy onto the plane and also supply cots that are specifically designed to fit within the seating area within the aircraft.
What happens if I'm expecting a baby before I fly?
If you've bought a flight and are expecting to have a baby before you fly please contact us and we can let the airline know. You won't need to buy a ticket for your baby, as almost every airline doesn't require babies and infants to purchase a ticket. However, you will need to let the airline know so that are aware and can provide you with the correct assistance.
FLYING WITH A BABY
FAQS
Can I bring a cot, pushchair, or buggy on my flight?
Yes. Most airlines allow for passengers to bring at least one cot, pushchair or buggy onto their flight, free of charge. Some airlines will also supply specially designed travel cots that your baby or infant can sleep in. However, these are usually only provided on long-haul flights. If you're bringing your own cot, pushchair or buggy, please make sure that they fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state.
Can I bring baby milk on my flight?
Yes. You can bring baby milk on your flight. Most liquids that are over 100ml/3.4oz are not allowed in your carry-on baggage, however, for baby milk and milk formula, passengers are allowed to bring enough to feed your baby for the duration of the flight, even if it exceeds the 100ml/3.4oz limit. Please be aware that baby milk and formula must be removed from your bag and screened separately. FInd out more about which items are allowed on carry-on baggage in our prohibited items blog, or read our guide to bringing food on a plane.
How will I warm up my baby milk?
Cabin crew will be more than happy to warm up your baby milk for you. Don't hesistate to ask!
What is the difference between a baby and an infant?
There is no difference between a baby and an infant. Different airlines use different terminology. For the majority of airlines, any child under two years of age class as a baby or an infant.
Do I need to buy a plane ticket for my baby?
Passengers flying with an infant only need to buy a plane ticket for themselves. Your baby or infant is allowed to sit on your lap for the duration of the flight and many airlines allow you to bring a pushchair, buggy or cot onto the flight. If you don't want your infant to sit on your lap, some airlines will allow you to buy a separate plane ticket for your infant with a special child restraint.
Do I need to inform the airline that I'm flying with a baby?
Yes. You should inform the airline that you're flying with an infant at the time of booking your ticket. Please give Alternative Airlines a call and we'll happily inform the airline for you.
Can I bring my infant in a car seat for the flight?
Most airlines will allow you to carry your infant in an airline approved car seat. Car seats must fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state and must be forward facing.
Where can I change my baby on my flight?
There are baby changing tables in the toilets on every aircraft that you'll be able to change and dress your baby on.
Tips For
Flying with children
Here are some tips that will make any parent's journey that much easier.
Be prepared
It might seem obvious, but the importance of preparing for flights with children can't be overstated. Pack extra clothes and wet wipes. There's nothing worse than a messy child and nothing to clean them up with.
Variety
Bring a selection of toys and books. Flights can be long, and although most airlines offer fantastic in-flight entertainment for kids, keeping your child occupied with a variety of toys or books will make the time go much quicker for them.
Ask for help
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Cabin crew and ground staff will be more than happy to help you carry baggage and with anything else you need.
Child Free Flights
Flying without children and want peace and quiet? Take a look at our page on child free flights and find out which airlines offer child free zones
Flying with Children News
15th June 2018
Lufthansa update its in-flight entertainment with more option for those flying with kids
Germany's lead carrier, Lufthansa, is updating its in-flight entertainment system on long-haul flights. Passengers will now be able to enjoy a total of 180 films throughout all travel classes. Among the new additions are 22 films and 31 TV programmes which are suitable for children, which is great news for passengers who are flying on Lufthansa with their kids.
