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Travelling with infants

Travelling with babies and toddlers can turn out to be a lot more expensive than expected, particularly when you add in the costs of tickets, luggage and meals. The table below compares prices and allowances for major airlines servicing UK airports.

Airline	Ticket Price for Infant	Hand Baggage Allowance for Infant	Checked Baggage Allowance for Infant	Cost to Carry Car Seats	Cost to Carry Prams	Meals	Priority Boarding
Aer Lingus	If the infant is under six months then they must sit on an adult’s knee and will be charged a flat rate of £19.00 one way on all short haul routes or 10% of the adult fare on flights to the USA. A seat may be purchased for them at a child's fare.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap can bring one additional small baggage item weighing no more than 6kg.	Short Haul: Must be included in the accompanying adult’s baggage allowance. Long Haul: 10kg.	Must be included in the accompanying adult’s baggage allowance.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed free of charge.	Short Haul: A selection of reasonably priced drinks and snacks are available to purchase on all European routes. Long Haul: On all long haul flights a meal will be provided free of charge. A special child meal can be requested so long as this is done 24hours prior to flight departure.	No but customers can pre-assign seats for a small fee. The fee is dependent on the route.
	Children under the age of 12 are offered a 10% discount on transatlantic fights.	When paying a child fare, the same hand baggage allowance applies as paying an adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Air France	If travelling on an adults lap, infants under 2 years fly free of charge on domestic flights. On international flights, infants receive a 90% fare reduction.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap can bring one additional small baggage item.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a baggage allowance of 10kg.	Option to book a seat for infants at a child fare and a car seat can be taken onboard so long as it conforms with official regulations.	Fold up strollers are allowed in the hold free of charge. Fold-up strollers, with dimensions that do not exceed 15 cm (l) x 30 cm (w) x 100 cm (h), are accepted in the cabin on long-haul flights.	On all flights of 2 ½ hours or more, infants and children receive meals adapted to their tastes. From nine years upwards, children are served like adults but they may still opt for the children’s menu.	Families travelling with infants will receive priority at boarding time.
	There is the option of booking a seat for infants at a child fare – a fare reduction of up to 33% on medium and long haul flights.	When paying a child fare, the same hand baggage allowance applies as paying an adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Alitalia	10% of an adult fare plus taxes even if the infant will be on the lap of another adult.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap are not entitled to hand baggage.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a baggage allowance of 10kg.	Either a car seat or fold up stroller can be carried onboard free of charge, so long as they conform with official regulations. The other must be placed in the hold free of charge.	Either a car seat or fold up stroller can be carried onboard free of charge, so long as they conform with official regulations. The other must be placed in the hold free of charge.	Infants (from 0-2years of age) will be provided with a selection of homogenised products. Children (from 2-12 years of age) will be provided with a selection of complete meals.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child fares are available for a percentage of the adult fare. Discount will be known only when you book.	When paying a child fare, the same hand baggage allowance applies as paying an adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
American Airlines	If travelling on an adults lap, infants under 2 years fly free of charge on domestic flights. On international flights, infants under two years may be held in an adults lap but taxes, fees or fares may apply.	If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on baggage allowance. However, one nappy bag will be allowed free of charge as carry on.	Infants not occupying a seat are allowed one piece of checked baggage not exceeding 23kg.	An approved child safety seat can be carried onboard free of charge.	Fold up strollers are allowed in the hold free of charge.	Customers travelling with infants must bring their own food and supplies as American Airlines does not provide baby food, bottles or other related items. Baby bottles can however, be heated on all flights. Special children’s meals are not available.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	There is also the option of booking a seat for infants at a child fare.	Infants occupying a seat and travelling on a child fare are allowed the same checked and carry-on baggage allowance as an adult.	Infants occupying a seat and travelling on a child fare are allowed the same checked and carry-on baggage allowance as an adult.
Atlantic Airways	£19.00 per infant per flight and they must sit on an adults lap.	Infants on a parent’s lap do not receive a hand baggage allowance.	Infants on a parent’s lap travelling on parent’s lap receive a baggage allowance of 10kg.	Option to book a seat for infants at a child fare and a car seat can be taken onboard so long as it conforms with official regulations.	Stroller/Pram can be checked-in and is included in customer’s free baggage allowance. If weight exceeds free baggage allowance £4.50 will be charged per extra kg.	Children’s meals are available upon request.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children. However you can make a request for this when you book.
	Children between two and 12 are charged 50% of the applicable fare plus taxes.	Children sitting on their own seat are entitled to the same baggage allowances as an adult.	Children sitting on their own seat are entitled to the same baggage allowances as an adult.
bmibaby	£25.00 per infant per flight and they must sit on an adults lap.	If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on baggage allowance.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 5kg.	Infant travel cots and car seats are permitted at the standard charge of £10.00/€12.50 per item, per one way flight	Pram/buggy can be carried free of charge providing an infant/child under 5 years of age is travelling.	A selection of drinks and snacks are available to purchase during all bmibaby flights.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	For children over two years, the price of flights is the same as for adults.	For children over two years, the hand luggage allowance is the same as for adults.	For children over two years, the checked baggage allowance is the same as for adults.
British Airways	If travelling on an adults lap, infants under 2 years fly free of charge on domestic flights. On international flights, infants receive a 90% fare reduction.	One piece of hand luggage for items infant may require in flight.	One piece of hold luggage.	Car seats are allowed free of charge for any infant paying an infant fare for a seat.	One fully collapsible pushchair carried free in hold.	Child meals are available upon request. Children can also choose an option from the main menu too.	Priority boarding available for families. There is also the opportunity to pre-assign seats so that families can guarantee they sit together.
	There is the option of booking a seat for infants at a child fare.	If a child fare was purchased then they are entitled to the same hand baggage allowance as an adult.	If a child fare was purchased then they are entitled to the same checked baggage allowance as an adult.
British Midlands	If the infant is to sit on parent’s lap, the fee will only be for taxes of the ticket.	Infants do not receive a separate hand luggage allowance.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 5kg.	Car seats are allowed free of charge for any infant paying an infant fare for a seat.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed free of charge.	There is an option for child meals.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child fares are available for a percentage of the adult fare. Discount will be known only when you book.	Same allowance as an adult fare.	If a child fare was purchased then they are entitled to have one bag weighing up to 10kg.
Cathay Pacific	Generally about 15% of the adult fare plus taxes.	Only infants that have paid the child fare for their own seat will be given a hand luggage allowance. They will also be allowed a car seat which will not take up part of the baggage allowance.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg.	Car seats are allowed free of charge for any infant paying a child fare for a seat.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed free of charge.	There is a separate child’s menu available. There is the option of pureed food for infants.	Priority boarding for people travelling with children and infants.
	There is the option of booking a seat for infants at a child fare of 75% of the adult ticket plus taxes.		If a child fare was purchased then they are entitled to have 20kg of hold luggage.
Continental Airlines	10% of the adult fare plus taxes.	No hand baggage allowance.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 23kg.	Either a fully collapsible push-chair or a car seat free of charge.	Either a fully collapsible push-chair or a car seat free of charge.	A child's menu is available and pureed food for infants on request.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child fares are 75% of the adult ticket plus taxes.	If you purchase a child fare seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	If you purchase a child fare seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Delta Air Lines	10% of the adult fare plus taxes.	Allowed a diaper bag, car seat and bassinet.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg.	If checking-in a push-chair, then a car-seat may be taken as hand luggage without an additional charge.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed free of charge.	Meals available for infants as well as a separate menu for children.	Priority boarding for people travelling with children and infants.
	There is the option of booking a seat for infants at a child fare of 35% of the adult ticket plus taxes.	If purchasing a child fare seat then they will be entitled to one piece of carry-on luggage with no weight limit but it must fit in the over-head compartment.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
easyJet	£15.00 per infant per flight and they must sit on an adults lap. They can have their own seat if customers pay full fare but this must be done through the call centre, not online.	No hand luggage allowance unless a full fare seat is purchased.	No hold luggage allowance unless a full fare seat is purchased.	A car-seat is allowed to be checked in free of charge or taken onboard providing a seat has been purchased.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed to be checked in free of charge.	Baby food can be taken onboard providing passenger is travelling with an infant or small child. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase onboard.	Passengers travelling as a family (maximum two adults and where at least one child is aged under five) are able to board after those who have purchased Speedy Boarding.
Emirates	If the infant is sitting on an adults lap then their fare will be 12-13% of the adult price.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap can bring one additional small baggage item up to 5kg.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg and free car seat OR pushchair.	Either a fully collapsible push-chair or a car seat free of charge.	Either a fully collapsible push-chair or a car seat free of charge.	A selection of proprietary brands of pre-prepared baby meals are available on board. There is also the option to warm any milk / meals carried onboard by parents. For children between the ages of 2 and 12 years, children’s meals are available.	Priority boarding for people travelling with children.
	If customers would like the infant to have their own seat then it is charged at 75% of the adult rate.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Flybe	Infant fare is 12% of the adult’s price, when sitting on their lap.	Will be allowed a diaper bag when paying infant fare.	Infant fare allows customers to check-in two items e.g. a piece of luggage and a pushchair.	Two free items are allowed to be checked in, this could be a car seat and one other item.	Two free items are allowed to be checked in, this could be a push-chair and one other item.	A selection of snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard.	Priority boarding for people travelling with children and infants.
	If customers would like the infant to have their own seat then it’s at the full adult cost.	Normal hand luggage allowance applies if paying for a full fare seat.	If paying full fare, normal luggage allowance applies.
Iberia	Infant fare is available when travelling on an adult lap at 10% of adult fare.	No hand baggage allowed for infant fare. Must be included in adult’s hand luggage allowance.	Normal hold luggage allowance applies for both infant and child fares.	Car seat will be considered as part of customer’s luggage.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed to be checked in or stored in the cabin, free of charge.	Meals for infants and children are available to pre-book.	Priority boarding for people travelling with infants.
	A child fare can be bought for the infant at 75% of adult fare.	If paying a child fare then normal hand luggage allowance applies.
KLM	Infant fare available at variable rates but generally about 20%.	If infant is travelling on parent’s lap, customers are entitled to bring aboard one piece of hand baggage containing items to care for their baby but it may not be any heavier than 10kg.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg.	If a separate seat has been purchased then a car seat will be allowed free of charge as long as it fits the dimensions.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed to be checked in or stored in the cabin, free of charge.	For infants there is a selection of sterilized meals available on all inter-continental flights. There are also special meals available for children.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child fares are available for a reduced rate.	If paying a child fare then normal hand luggage allowance applies.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Lufthansa Group	If travelling on an adult’s lap, infants under two years are required to have a travel ticket which is charged as a percentage of an adult fare plus taxes.	If infant is travelling on parent’s lap, customers are entitled to bring aboard one piece of hand baggage containing items to care for their baby.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg.	Car seats can be carried free of charge.	A fully collapsible push-chair is allowed free of charge.	Meals for babies and toddlers are always available aboard all Lufthansa flights and do not need to be pre-ordered. Meals suitable for children (two years and over) must be ordered separately.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child fares are also available.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Monarch Airlines	£15 each way no tax for an infant sitting on an adults lap.	Infants do not receive a separate hand luggage allowance.	Infants receive a 10kg luggage allowance when sitting on an adults lap. Travel cots may be carried in the hold but must form part of the 10kg luggage allowance.	Car seats can be carried free of charge.	Push chairs can be carried free of charge.	Infants do not receive a meal onboard however, parents are welcome to take their own baby food onboard but there are no heating facilities on boards the aircraft. Children’s meals are also available to purchase on board.	Passengers with families have priority when boarding.
	Child tickets or for infants having their own seat will be charged standard adult fare.	Children or infants with their own seat will be allocated the standard adult hand baggage allowance.	Children or infants with their own seat will be allocated the standard adult hold baggage allowance.
Quantas Group	If travelling on an adult’s lap, infants under two years receive a 90% fare reduction.	Infants do not receive a separate hand luggage allowance.	Infants travelling without a full-fare ticket are entitled to one piece of luggage not exceeding 10kg.	If a separate seat has been purchased for an infant at a child fare, then a car seat will be allowed free of charge as long as it fits the dimensions. Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take either one fully collapsible pushchair or carry basket, to be stored in the hold, in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take either one fully collapsible pushchair or carry basket, to be stored in the hold, in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Special child, toddler and baby meals are available but must be requested at the time of reservation.	Passengers travelling with infants and young children will be invited to board the aircraft before other passengers whenever possible.
	Child fares are available at 75% of the adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult baggage allowance.
Ryanair	£20.00 each way no tax.	There is no hand baggage allowance for infants. However, car seats can be carried in addition to checked baggage allowance at a rate of: £10.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online. £20.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online.	There is no checked baggage allowance for infants. However, car seats can be carried in addition to checked baggage allowance at a rate of: £10.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online. £20.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online.	In accordance with Ryanair Safety Regulations, car seats cannot be used onboard the aircraft. However, car seats can be carried in addition to checked baggage allowance at a rate of: £10.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online. £20.00 per item / per one way flight if booked online.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one fully collapsible pushchair in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	There are no infant or child meals provided however a selection of snacks and beverages are available to purchase on board. Ryanair are unable to reheat baby food or milk.	Priority boarding onto the aircraft is available online for purchase at a rate of: £4.00 per passenger / per one way flight if booked online. £5.00 per passenger / per one way flight if booked via the call centre.
South African Airways	If travelling on an adult’s lap, infants under two years receive a 90% fare reduction.	Infants are entitled to one carrying basket including bedding, napkins, feeding bottles and sufficient food for the journey provided the total mass does no exceed 8kg.	Infants travelling without a full-fare ticket are entitled to one piece of luggage not exceeding 10kg and one collapsible buggy.	If a separate seat has been purchased for an infant at a child fare, then a car seat will be allowed free of charge as long as it fits the dimensions.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one fully collapsible pushchair in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	There is the option to warm feeding bottles on board. Special child and baby meals are available on request.	N/A
	Child fares are charged at 75% of the adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	Child fare tickets will be entitled to the same standard baggage allowance as a full-paying adult.
Thai Airways	If travelling on an adult’s lap infants under two years are required to have a travel ticket which is charged as a percentage of an adult fare plus taxes.	There is no hand baggage allowance for infants.	Infants travelling on parent’s lap receive a luggage allowance of 10kg.	Either one fully collapsible push chair or an infant carrying basket can be carried free of charge.	Either one fully collapsible push chair or an infant carrying basket can be carried free of charge.	Infant and child meals are available on request.	Priority boarding for people travelling with children and infants.
	Child fares are charged at a reduced rate.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	Child fare tickets will be entitled to the same standard baggage allowance as a full-paying adult.
United Airlines	If travelling on an adult’s lap infants under two years will be charged 10% of the adult fare.	Infants without a seat are entitled to one piece of hand luggage.	Infants without a seat are entitled to one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 23kg and will also have a smaller bag size limit.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one car seat in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one fully collapsible pushchair in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Children’s meals are available for children who are 18 months or older and who occupy a seat.	No priority boarding for travelling with infants and/or children.
	Child tickets are charged at 75% of the adult fare.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	Child fare tickets will be entitled to the same standard baggage allowance as a full-paying adult.
US Airways	If travelling on an adult’s lap, infants under two years receive a 90% fare reduction.	Infants without a seat are not entitled to hand luggage.	Infants without a seat are entitled to one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 23kg.	Passengers travelling with infants are entitled to take either one car seat or one fully collapsible push chair.	Passengers travelling with infants are entitled to take either one car seat or one fully collapsible push chair.	Children’s meals are available on international flights.	Yes – for passengers travelling with children younger than five.
	Child fares are only sometimes available and when they are, they are not greatly subsidized.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	Child fare tickets will be entitled to the same standard baggage allowance as a full-paying adult.
Virgin Atlantic	If travelling on an adults lap, infants under two years receive a 90% fare reduction.	Infants without a seat are entitled to one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 6kg.	Infants without a seat are entitled to one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 23kg.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one car seat in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Passengers travelling with children or infants are entitled to take one fully collapsible pushchair in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.	Child meals are available to request but this must be done at least 72 hours before travel.	For passengers travelling with infants and children, priority boarding is dependent on airport discretion.
	Child fares are available at about 75% of the adult fare but this could be more or less.	If you purchase a child seat, they will be entitled to the standard adult hand-baggage allowance.	Child fare tickets will be entitled to the same standard baggage allowance as a full-paying adult.

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