Flying with children: a practical planning checklist

Check the airline's rules for infants and children

Airlines set their own rules for how infants and children travel. Some allow a baby on your lap, while others require a separate seat for older children. Age limits and fare rules differ between carriers.

Before you book, look at the airline's policy for your child's age. Check whether you need to bring proof of age, such as a passport or birth certificate. Some airlines also have rules about how many infants one adult can accompany.

If you are unsure, contact the airline directly. FindMyFlight shows you fares from many airlines, but the airline's own terms always apply.

• Confirm the age at which a child needs their own seat.
• Ask about lap-infant fees and any included baggage.
• Check if you need identification for your child.

Try to pick seats together when you book

Sitting together makes the flight calmer for everyone. Many airlines let you choose seats during booking, though some charge a fee. If you cannot select seats at first, try again at online check-in.

Airlines open online check-in at different times before departure. Set a reminder so you can log in early and look for seats together. Some airlines automatically seat families with young children, but this is not certain.

If you are split up, speak to the gate agent before boarding. They may be able to move other passengers, but this depends on how full the flight is. Being polite and arriving early helps.

• Choose seats during booking if the option appears.
• Check in online as soon as it opens.
• Ask at the gate if you are still separated.

Pack snacks, a charged tablet and small activities

Hungry or bored children make flights harder. Pack more snacks than you think you need, and choose items that do not melt or crumble too much. A charged tablet with downloaded shows or games can keep a child occupied for hours.

Bring headphones that fit your child, and consider a splitter if two children share one device. Small activities like sticker books, colouring pads or a deck of cards take little space. Rotate them so each one feels new.

Remember that cabin air is dry, so include a refillable water bottle to fill after security. Avoid too many sugary treats, which can lead to a mid-flight energy crash.

• Pack extra snacks in resealable bags.
• Download content before you leave home.
• Bring child-sized headphones and a splitter.

Carry essentials in the cabin, not the hold

Checked bags can be delayed or lost, so keep essentials with you. Nappies, wipes, spare clothes and any medicine should go in your cabin bag. Pack at least one full outfit per child, plus a plastic bag for soiled items.

If your child takes regular medicine, carry enough for the whole journey plus a little extra. Keep it in its original packaging, and bring a copy of the prescription if you have one. Security rules for liquids apply, so check the limits before you pack.

A small change of clothes for yourself is also wise. Spills and sickness happen, and you will be more comfortable if you can change.

• Pack nappies, wipes and a changing mat.
• Bring one spare outfit per child.
• Carry medicine in original packaging.

Pushchair rules vary by airline

Most airlines let you bring a pushchair, but the rules differ. Some allow it to the aircraft door, while others require you to check it at the desk. A few airlines count a pushchair as part of your baggage allowance.

Check the airline's policy before you pack. Look for weight and size limits, and ask whether you can use the pushchair in the terminal. Some airports lend pushchairs after security, but this is not universal.

If you plan to bring a car seat as well, confirm the rules for that too. Airlines have different policies on car seats, so ask about fees and whether you can use it on board.

• Confirm if the pushchair goes to the gate or the desk.
• Check weight and size limits.
• Ask about car seat rules at the same time.

Allow extra time at the airport

Children slow everything down. Security lines, toilet breaks and unexpected nappy changes all take time. Arrive earlier than you would when travelling alone, especially at busy times.

Airlines suggest different arrival times depending on the flight and airport. With children, add extra time on top of the airline's recommendation. This gives you time to find a family lane at security, which some airports offer.

Use the extra time to let children burn energy before boarding. Many airports have play areas or quiet corners. A calm child boards more easily than a rushed one.

• Arrive earlier than the airline suggests.
• Look for family security lanes.
• Let children move around before boarding.

Compare fares before you book

Flight prices for families can add up quickly, so it pays to compare. FindMyFlight lists results by price, low to high, and never adds anything to a fare. You book and pay the airline or partner directly.

Use the filters to narrow your search by airline, departure time or number of stops. Some airlines offer lower fares for children, but this varies. Check the final price for your whole family before you commit.

Set a price alert if you are not ready to book. You will get an email when the fare changes, and you can unsubscribe with one click. A little patience can save you money.

• Search for your whole family, not just one adult.
• Check if child fares are lower than adult fares.
• Set a price alert and book when the fare suits you.

Questions and answers

Do children need their own passport?

Passport rules vary by country and destination. Check with your airline and the official government sources for every country you will visit or transit. Carry identification for each child as required.

Can I bring baby food through security?

Security rules for baby food, milk and sterilised water differ by airport and country. Check your departure airport's guidance before you pack. You may need to declare these items at screening.

What if my child has a medical condition?

Tell the airline in advance if your child needs special assistance or medical equipment. Carry a letter from your doctor and keep medicine in your cabin bag. Check the airline's policy for oxygen or other devices.

Are there family boarding lanes?

Many airlines board families with young children early, but this is not universal. Check with your airline or listen for announcements at the gate. Early boarding gives you time to settle in before the cabin fills.

How can I keep my child entertained on a long flight?

Download shows, games and audiobooks before you leave. Pack small activities like stickers, colouring books and cards. Rotate them every hour or so, and let your child walk up and down the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off.