Tips for Flying With Babies

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Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve outlined some tips for flying with a baby and tried to answer the most common questions and concerns below. You can also check out our hand luggage rules guide for more on what you can bring onboard.

How old does a baby have to be to fly?

There are no standard regulations on flying with a newborn, so it’s imperative to check with your airline before flying with an infant of any age. Some airlines will allow babies as young as two days old onboard, while others will ask that you wait until your baby is at least two weeks.

Can you take baby milk on a plane?

Yes, you can take baby milk on a plane; it is exempt from the 100ml liquid rule for your hand luggage, but you must present all items at security.

How much baby milk can you take on a plane?

Whether it’s breast milk, cow’s milk, or any other milk for your baby, you are allowed to bring as much as you will need for the journey. Baby milk is exempt from the 100ml liquid rule for your hand luggage, but you must present all items at security, and you must be travelling with your baby.

Please note that airport staff still have the authority to remove or discard any of your items, and they may ask you to open containers.

Can you take baby food on a plane?

Yes, you can take baby food on a plane when travelling with your baby. You can bring enough baby food for the journey, even if the jars or containers are over 100ml (they are exempt from the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage, but you must have your baby present when going through security). Airport staff may have to open the containers at security.

Can you take baby formula on a plane?

Yes, you can take baby formula on a plane, both in liquid and powdered form. Liquid baby formula is exempt from the 100ml hand luggage rules as long as you are travelling with your baby and only bringing what is needed for the journey.

Can you breastfeed on a plane?

Yes, you can breastfeed your baby on a plane. You may want to bring a blanket or scarf to cover up if it makes you feel comfortable, but it’s up to you.

Can you take baby wipes on a plane?

Yes, you can take baby wipes on the plane, both in your hand luggage and your hold luggage.

Can you take a car seat on a plane?

Some airlines allow you to check two pieces of baby equipment free of charge (i.e. a car seat, buggy, or cot) when you are travelling with your baby. If you’d like to take a car seat on a plane with you into the cabin, first make sure that it complies with the manufacturer’s age, weight, and height recommendations, and that it will fit on the airplane’s seat (check with your individual airline for seat size). If you plan to use the car seat on the airplane, you will have to purchase a seat for your baby.

Can you take a buggy on a plane?

Buggies or pushchairs are unfortunately not allowed in the airplane cabin, but most airlines allow you to check one or two pieces of baby equipment free of charge (i.e. a car seat, buggy, or cot) when you are travelling with your baby; check with your airline to see their policies on baby equipment. If you are travelling with a pushchair, it must be fully collapsible as it will have to pass through security just like any other baggage. In most cases, airlines will allow you to take the pushchair all the way to the airplane before handing it over to staff to be placed in the hold.

Where do you change a baby on a plane?

You can change your baby in the toilet cubicles on the airplane, as there is a fold-out baby-changing table above the toilet. However, conditions are quite cramped, so you may want to bring only the essential changing supplies with you into the stall.

Tips for flying with a baby:

– Make sure to bring along plenty of nappies and outfit changes for the flight; it’s better to be prepared!
– Have your baby suck on a pacifier, teething toy, or bottle (or nurse your baby) during takeoff and landing, as his or her ears may hurt with the changing air pressure.
– A cloth carrier or sling may be a good alternative to carrying your baby so that you can still have your hands free.
– It’s a good idea to bring some anti-bacterial wipes in your carry-on. As babies can be susceptible to germs, wipe down the armrests and tray table on the plane before using them.
– Flying with a baby can seem like a challenge, but try to stay as relaxed as possible – your well-being is important, too. Besides, at the end of the flight, you have a holiday to look forward to!

You can also read about flying with toddlers or flying with kids, and we also have an article on flying while pregnant.

Please note, the information contained in this blog post is based on the best of our knowledge as at the date this post was created and is provided for your information only. It is not to be relied upon as reflecting the policies of all airlines and you should therefore refer to the policies of your airline before booking your flights and travelling.”