easyjet travel with baby

easyJet Infants Policy

• Planes & Seat Maps

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?

Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform easyJet that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 16 years of age. Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant. You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.

Will I pay for my infant to travel?

Yes, a child up to 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (i.e. bassinets)?

Can i sit in the exit row with my infant.

No lap children or infant seats are allowed in an exit row; in fact, all passengers in an exit row must be at least 15 years of age. In addition, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly in front of or directly behind an exit.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

• October 2, 2015

Flying with a Baby (Easyjet)

We’ve not long since returned from Oliver’s first holiday. He was just under 7 months when we left. We decided to go and spend a week in Tenerife at the end of September staying with my family. It’s handy having that option. I really didn’t fancy the prospect of a week in a hotel with the little man.

The one thing we were dreading was the prospect of a 4 hour flight each way from Manchester to Tenerife. Our little man isn’t afraid to exercise his lungs when he’s restless and the idea of a cramped Easyjet flight was one we were worried about, particularly as, on the way there, we were flying through his bedtime.

Flying with Babies on Easyjet

Say what you like about the no frills airline that is Easyjet, but we found them to be very accommodating in terms of what you can take on board for a baby. Unlike most other airlines, Easyjet allow you to check 2 additional items for baby at no cost. This might be a pushchair and a travel cot, or in our case, a pushchair and a car seat. We’d bought a popup travel cot that fitted in a suitcase, so that worked out well.

They also allow those travelling with infants to board first, which makes it much easier to get on board and settled without holding people up.

On the way out, Oliver fell asleep before take off and slept for a remarkable 3 hours. He always sleeps better when he’s lying on me or my husband so he didn’t seem to have a problem at all with being attached to me for the duration.

He woke about an hour before landing and as we started our descent and his ears popped, we had some tears. But it was brief. 5 minutes or so and by the time we landed he was chirpy again.

On the way back, we were flying at lunch time. He slept for an hour or so but was awake for the remainder of the flight and was quite happy just playing with his toys and noseying at the other passengers on the flight. No tears.

We were relieved to have had such a straightforward time of it, but I won’t get complacent! I’ll probably be equally as worried next time I’m flying with him.

It was well worth trawling all that stuff and flying out. Our little fella had a great time:

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Easyjet flying with babies

Are there any age limitations for acceptance of children on easyjet flights.

In order to help you, easyJet differentiates between infants and children as follows:

• An infant is a baby who is less than 2 years old .
• A child is someone who is over 2 years of age, up to 15 years .
• An adult is considered to be anyone over 16 years of age .

In this sense, babies can travel on condition that they are minimum 14 days old . Babies aged 13 days or less will not be allowed to fly.

When do I have to reserve a seat for my baby?

If your child is less than 2 years old, he or she can sit on your lap . Regarding the limit of how many children an adult can travel with, it is important to know that only one baby per adult’s lap is allowed , and only 2 infants are permitted with every accompanying adult , the second baby must be seated in a separate seat next to the parent and secured in a suitable car seat.

Even if your baby is younger than 2 years, you can book separate seats if you feel both of you will be more comfortable in that way. Babies in this situation need a car seat suitable for their age, weight, and height. Please keep in mind that booking a seat for an infant online is not possible. Instead, you will need to make the reservation through easyJet’s Customer Service . Please note that easyJet will not accept babies who have been booked as children .

When your child reaches his or her second birthday, you will need to book a separate seat for him or her at the full adult fare. All children must be booked as such because of safety concerns like the specific seats they and their parents can have.

Booking and Fees for Infants and Children

Babies under 2 are charged a flat fare of £25 per flight when traveling on an adult’s lap . These infants don’t need their own boarding pass.

If your child is older than 2 years , or you want to book a separate seat for an infant , you will need to pay the full adult fare for his/her seat . These infants need their own boarding passes, which can be printed at the airport.

If you are using a car seat for your child, your seats should not be adjacent to an emergency exit nor immediately behind or in front of such rows. The ideal place for a car seat is on a window seat. At least one seat next to a child seat should be occupied by a physically capable person, who is responsible for the child.

EasyJet’s Baggage Allowances for Infants and Children

Babies sitting on an adult’s lap do not qualify for free cabin baggage, but you can take on board the aircraft, for free, an additional small baby changing bag . This bag must be placed under the seat in front of you and can be no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm . Babies sitting on an adult’s lap do not qualify for checked baggage, but you can add hold luggage to your booking for an infant .

Infants with reserved seats have the same luggage allowance as adults , for both carry-on and checked baggage, plus an additional baby changing bag of 45 x 36 x 20 cm . 

Regarding the payment for the pushchair, travel cot, or car seat, easyJet determined that for each infant and young child , even if he or she is younger than 2 years old and travels on an adult’s lap, you can take a maximum of two of the following items with no charge: baby buggy, pushchair, collapsible / non-collapsible pram, travel cot, booster seat, car seat, and back carrier . If you need to travel with more than two of the mentioned items per your baby or child, you can always purchase checked baggage allowance .

The items must be tagged at the Bag Drop desk, but they can be carried to the aircraft, where a crewmember will store them safely for you. Except for the travel cot, the items can be tagged at the boarding gate if you have checked in online and you are carrying hand baggage only.

The items carried to the departure gate can be retrieved at the baggage claim points with the other baggage which you have checked in. Please have in mind that, in some airports, this fact might mean a long walk from the aircraft, so it is advisable that you pack your belongings according to that and that you consider taking a child carrier or sling on board the aircraft in order to make transportation easier.

Children with reserved seats have the same luggage allowance as adults . This is three items of hold baggage per person (fees apply) and one piece of hand luggage.

It is important that the airline knows if you have children in your reservation. This way it can assure that your children get an appropriate seat and are seated with you. When making the booking for your family, please clearly identify the children on the reservation. Just add the number of infants and/or children and include their ages.

EasyJet is well prepared for little ones having additional seat belts for babies so they can fly on an adult’s lap . However, it does not provide car seats nor the CARES child belt device , but you can carry your own according to the age, weight and height range as suggested by the manufacturer. It is the parents’ responsibility to guarantee that the seat is appropriate for the child. The car seat must fit in the 44 cm space between the armrests of the aircraft seat. Only forward-facing car seats are allowed on board. Cabin crew should ensure that the baby car seat is proper for using it on board, and that the child is satisfactorily secured. If you do not need the seat inside the aircraft, you must check it in the hold, at the Bag Drop desks.

You can still check in online even if you are traveling with babies because easyJet is an online check-in airline. You can check in online starting 30 days prior to the flight departure date, and until 2 hours before the flight. If you have paid for an extra seat through Customer Services , you will have to go to any of easyJet’s desks at the airport, and they will print out the supplementary boarding pass for you .

If you have checked in online, please go to the Bag Drop desk in order to drop off any hold baggage. If you only have hand luggage, you can go straight to the security point and departure gate. Please remember to carry with you the printout of your online boarding pass. There is no special Bag Drop desk for families with children, except if you are a Flexi fare passenger, an easyJet Plus Customer, or have bought an Extra Legroom or an Up Front seat.

If you are concerned about how far you can push your child’s pushchair and when you will be asked to hand it over, you can do it all the way to the boarding gate , but it is necessary to check local airport guidelines as these can diverge . A member of the ground personnel will take it from you at the boarding gate, at the lower part of the aircraft steps, or at the aircraft’s door. The pushchair does not count as cabin baggage.

You should arrive at the gate as soon as its number is displayed on the TV screens. The boarding gates close strictly 30 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time. Families with children board early .

Services Offered on easyJet Flights

You can transport baby food, milk and sterilized water in your hand baggage . This comprises: soya milk for babies; sterilized water that must be in a baby bottle; formula; breast or cow milk and baby food. In the case of milk and sterilized water for babies, the limitation of 100 ml per container does not apply, as long as the total volume is no more than 1 liter. The adult transporting it might be asked to taste the liquids, for security reasons.

About breastfeeding on board , you can do it at any time in the course of the flight even during take-off and landing, but only if your infant is secured to you with the special seat belt when the fasten seatbelts sign is on. Additionally, there are baby changing tables in the toilets of the aircraft, which are easy to fold down. Unfortunately, easyJet does not provide nappies or wipes so please remember to bring enough in your cabin luggage.

More information here >>

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When planning a trip the last thing you want is a stressful journey. Find out what services easyJet offers passengers travelling while pregnant, with infants or several children.

Check-in baggage

• Adults and children over 2 years: 20kg limit per passenger, regardless of the number of bags "purchased" (in other words, a fee applies to check-in luggage)
• online (£9 - £16 per passenger per flight, depending on the route)
• via call centre (£14 - £16 per passenger per flight)
• at the airport where the fee is £25 at the check-in and £40 at the gate
• If you need to take more than 20kg per passenger per flight you will be charged an excess weight fee of £10 per kg at each departing airport. However, you can pre-book excess weight online for £21 per every 3kg of additional weight per flight
• No single piece of hold baggage can weigh more than 32kg due to health and safety restrictions, and no passenger can check in more than 50kg of luggage or eight individual items
• Children under 2 years: no luggage allowance and a standard fee of £20 has to be paid
• For every baby or young child: you can take up to two of the following items free of charge - pushchair, travel cot, car seat. These items can all be taken to the boarding gate or aircraft door as appropriate. You can take car seats onto the plane if you’ve arranged this.

Note: A good tip is to book your hold baggage when you’re booking your flights - it’s much cheaper than paying for it at the airport

Carry-on luggage

• Adults and children over 2 years : One piece of hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm). There's no weight limit but you must be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself
• Children under 2 years: no carry-on luggage allowance
• Baby on lap: no carry-on luggage allowance
• You will always sit you next to your baby (under 2 years)
• There is Special Assistance boarding for families to help ensure families sit together
• You can purchase Speedy Boarding, which will guarantee that you will be amongst the first to board the aircraft
• Liquids are allowed in hand luggage, but only in containers of 100ml or less
• These containers must be inside clear re-sealable plastic bags 20cm x 20cm. Be aware that some airports may charge a small fee for these
• The total amount of liquids can’t be more than 1 litre (e.g. 10 containers of 100ml)
• You can take baby food, baby milk and sterilised water in your hand luggage. This includes soya milk for babies, sterilised water (which must be in a baby bottle), formula, breast milk or cows milk (specifically for babies) and baby food. You can take enough for the journey, even if this is over 100ml. The adult carrying it may be asked to taste it for security reasons
• easyJet are happy to provide hot water
• You can breastfeed during the flight with the exception of take-off and landing
• All meals are purchased onboard with no prior arrangement needed

Pregnant travel

• You can fly with up to and including your 27th week of pregnancy without a medical certificate
• Between the 28th and 35th week (inclusive) of your pregnancy you can only fly if you have a medical certificate issued by a Doctor of Medicine or Midwife stating that you are “fit to fly” and the number of weeks pregnant. This certificate must cover the duration of your trip
• From the 36th week of pregnancy, easyJet says it is not allowed to fly you at all. You must book your return flight for the 35th week at the latest
• All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However easyJet says it would review any request on an individual case relating to mums-to-be not being able to fly

Update as of April 16th:

Expectant mothers

• Expectant mothers can be accepted for travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies (therefore they can not fly from the 36th week onwards)
• Expectant mothers expecting more than one baby (e.g. twins) can only be accepted for travel up to the end of the 32nd week (therefore they can not fly from the 33rd week onwards)
• Medical certification is not required for expectant mothers to travel

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Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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Can you take a pram on a plane? Everything you need to know about travelling with a pushchair or a lightweight stroller

Travelling with a baby doesn’t need to be stressful. If you’re planning to jet off with the family, here’s everything you need to know about boarding a flight with a pushchair in tow, including tips and advice from parents.

By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Dec 18, 2023

No one said that travelling with kids was easy, but taking a pushchair on a plane is entirely possible, as long as you know all about airline restrictions and follow them carefully.

Whether you’ve booked a family holiday with Jet2 , Ryanair , easyJet , British Airways or Thomas Cook , we’ve got all the details you need to know before heading off on a family holiday .

Do you have to pay to take a buggy onboard a flight? What are the size and weight limits for strollers? Can you take my pram as cabin luggage ? Fear not. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

We strongly recommend double-checking with your airline before you fly but we’ve put together a handy guide that addresses all of the key questions to consider, including tried-and-tested pram recommendations that are perfect for planes, and travel tips from the Mumsnet forums .

Read next: The best lightweight strollers, according to parents

Can you take a pram on a plane?

As long as you’re travelling with a young child, most airlines will allow you to check in a lie-flat, collapsible pushchair free of charge. However, airlines have different rules and restrictions in place when it comes to pram size and where pushchairs can be stored onboard a flight.

Some airlines insist that your pram, pushchair (and car seat if you need to take one) are stored in the hold, while others allow smaller, fold-down buggies and strollers to be taken on board and stored in the overhead locker compartments. If you’re taking a pram onboard with you, there are strict size and weight restrictions to comply with so it’s important to be aware of the latest advice from the airline you’re flying with.

Read next: The best pushchairs to buy

Can you take a pram as cabin baggage?

Some airlines will allow you to take a cabin-approved stroller as carry-on/ hand luggage , subject to size and weight restrictions. It’s worth noting however that in most cases, this is instead of your own hand luggage (so you won't be able to have another bag of your own).

Read next: We've rounded up the best cabin bags for your next family escape

What size pram can you take on a plane?

As a general rule, pushchairs going into the hold need to be fully collapsible and weigh less than 10kg.

According to the International Air Transport Associations’ passenger baggage rules guide , a pushchair should have maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm to be ‘cabin approved’ (and be placed in the overhead lockers as carry-on/hand luggage).

That said, the size and weight of the pram you’re allowed to take on a plane varies from one airline to the next so we’ve looked at guidance from a range of airlines below.

Read next: Searching for the best suitcase for your next family holiday? See our top recommendations

Do you have to pay extra to take a pram on a plane?

No. In most cases, taking a pram or a stroller onto a plane is free of charge if you’re travelling with a child.

Read next: The best travel systems, as tried and tested by parents

What’s the best pram to take on a plane?

Whether you’re placing a pram in the hold or in the overhead lockers, here are the best pushchairs to take on a plane, as tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet users.

Read next: Keep things organised on the go with the best packing cubes

1. BabyZen Yoyo2

Price: RRP £430 | Buy now from John Lewis

When it comes to travel-friendly lightweight strollers, Mumsnet users can’t speak highly enough of the BabyZen Yoyo2 . This compact pram has cabin-friendly dimensions when it’s folded down (52 x 44 x 18 cm) so it’s small enough to meet most airlines' cabin luggage requirements. Being able to put a sleeping (or wriggly) baby straight into a pram as soon as you land can make for a smooth start to a family holiday. The downside? At £400+, it doesn’t come cheap but if you're a frequent flyer it’s worth the expense.

What Mumsnet users say

“Baby Zen Yoyo!! Fits in the overhead compartment!! I’ve flown with 6-month-old alone and checked a bag and brought buggy as a carry-on so I have it as soon as I leave the plane - also have a tiny flat so it takes up no space” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Fupoffyagrasshole

“We have three kids, four buggies and family in different countries. Seriously, if you will travel a bit or are planning more than one kid, get a Yoyo. Nothing else even comes close in terms of making flights with kids easier.”  - Recommended by Mumsnet user, badg3r

Related: The best scooters, tried and tested by Mumsnetters

2. Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller

Price: RRP £299 | Buy now from John Lewis

The Ergobaby Metro+ folds down to a very compact and slimline size making it a convenient option small enough to fit in most overhead cabin compartments. It looks similar to the BabyZen Yoyo but is a more affordable option.

“Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE our Ergobaby Metro+. And it's got the AGR seal of approval so designed to be good for bad backs!” - recommended by Mumsnet user, EisforElephants )

3. Silver Cross Pop

Price: RRP £245 | Buy now from Amazon

The one-handed ‘pop’ unfold of this lightweight stroller makes it an ideal travel companion. It’s too big to store in an overhead locker so you’ll need to check it in or drop it off with baggage handlers at the gate but this lightweight all-terrain pushchair is a popular choice to take on a family holiday, whatever your destination.

“Silver Cross Pop, I bought mine second hand and I’ve taken it on flights several times.” -  rated by Mumsnet user, Sakura03

"I love mine, it is so lightweight & a fab town buggy. Used it from when my DS was 3 and half months old... travelled to NZ with it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, bounty007

4. Joie Pact

Price: RRP £160 | Buy now from John Lewis

This affordable travel buggy is a fraction of the price of other cabin-approved pushchairs. With a large SPF sun hood, it’s ideal for summer beach holidays. It doesn’t sit entirely upright though and it’s better suited to smooth terrain.

“Joie Pact! Took it to Tenerife & it was great. Prefer it to my expensive Maclaren.” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, DigitalGhost

5. Micralite Profold

Price: RRP £240 | Buy now from Micralite

This great all-rounder works well as an everyday pram as well as a lightweight cabin-approved buggy. Weighing just 7kg, this compact, easy-fold stroller is surprisingly robust for its size, making it a great travel option when flying with toddlers.

“Have a look at the Micralite Profold. Much cheaper than the Yoyo.” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Monstamio

“I have the Micralite ProFold for my almost seven-month-old and love it. It weighs under 7kg and is cabin-approved when folded down (with one hand)!” - rated by Mumsnet user, Theeasypeasywoman

Do you need to use a pram cover when flying?

While it’s not compulsory to use a pram cover when putting your pushchair in the hold, we’d recommend using one to protect your stroller and prevent it from getting broken or damaged during transit.

“We've always used them - they're great" - recommended by Mumsnet user, IwishIhadtimetoreadnewspapers

Read next: The best double buggies to buy, as tested by parents

Top tips for flying with a pram from Mumsnet users

1. get a stroller bag to protect your pram.

Baggage handlers can be a little well…. haphazard when loading and unloading luggage, so if you’re putting a pushchair in the hold, a stroller bag is recommended. Not only are they waterproof to keep your pushchair dry and hygienic, but they can prevent scuffs and scratches to the frame, chassis or fabric.

“I've never had a pram be damaged while flying but they do get thrown around. Some airlines (Emirates and Air Canada that I've used) give you big bags to put prams and car seats in. They are only plastic though so wouldn't protect against more than scratches.” - experience of Mumsnet user, Jestem

“We had a stroller bag from Amazon (think the brand was Diono?) and it was great. We did 5/6 overseas trips with no damage.” - recommended by Mumsnet user Daisy2990

2. Opt for a pushchair you can take on board

Storing a pushchair in the hold is fine for most people, but if you have a very young child or struggle to carry a toddler, it’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t get it back until luggage collection, meaning the journey through passport control could be challenging with a babe in arms. Unless you’re using a baby carrier or a baby carrier backpack , you may find it easier to opt for a stroller that meets your airline’s hand luggage/carry on requirements, allowing you to travel with it from door to door.

“You can always take it to the gate when you board but I rarely get it back when we get off, it always goes to luggage collection. I ended up buying one I could take on board with me and put in the overhead bin or under the seat. Lifesaver when I travelled solo with my son.” - advice from Mumsnet user, MissMooMoo

“I’d definitely recommend a carry-on stroller. Super easy to use and no having to carry your baby through the airport if they don’t bring it up to the aircraft door.” - recommendation from Mumsnet user, TroubledLichen

Read next: How to clean a pram, including top tips from Mumsnet users

3. Protect it from knocks and scuffs

Before you put your pushchair in the hold, try and protect it as much as possible. You can wrap the handlebars in bubble wrap or foam to protect them or consider cable ties to hold the pushchair shut. You may also want to remove accessories like cupholders or bump bars to prevent them from getting lost or discarded. Some airports have a plastic wrap machine, which can be a useful way for sealing the entire unit if you don’t have a stroller bag.

“If you have to check in a pram with your luggage there’s that plastic wrap machine you could use. Squeeze it as tightly shut as possible and wrap away - may prevent some damage.” - tip from Mumsnet user, KathArtic

4. Buy a cheap stroller specifically for travelling

Unless you’re travelling regularly, it may not be worth investing in an expensive fold-down pushchair, particularly as they’re handled roughly at times. The alternative is to pick up a cheap stroller specifically for travel, one that will meet your short-term needs without being a huge loss if it gets lost or broken during the return trip.

“Don't take an expensive pram on a plane. They get chucked all over the place. It could get broken or lost. Get a cheap holiday one.” - advice from Mumsnet user, DearMrDilkington

5. Use a sling or a baby carrier

If you’re putting your pushchair in the hold, you may want to consider taking a sling or baby carrier in your hand luggage. The walk-through to baggage reclaim can be quite challenging without a pushchair and a sling will allow you to have both hands free for passport control and luggage reclaim.

“I'd recommend a sling as while you drop the stroller off at the gate on departure you often don't get it back till baggage reclaim on the other side and it's a bit of a walk sometimes!” - tip from Mumsnet user, Bipbipbipbip

Read next: The best baby car seats to buy

6. Check your insurance

If you’re travelling with an expensive pushchair, it’s worth checking your travel insurance before you leave in the event of loss or damage during your journey.

“Check out your insurance, I paid an excess waiver for less than £10 for a year. That way if it's damaged I'm covered.” - advice from Mumsnet user, wwwwwwwwwwwwww

Read next: The best buggy boards to buy

Alternatives to flying with a pram

If the thought of flying with a pram is enough to put you off booking a family holiday , there are some alternative options to consider.

Hire a pushchair

Many modern hotels now provide concierge or rental services, particularly at family-friendly resorts . While this won’t help at the airport itself, once you’ve got to your hotel it means your travel around the resort is covered for the duration of your stay

“We found a rental company that worked with our hotel. We hired a baby jogger city mini and a bouncer for £50ish for the week. Delivered & picked up from our hotel. Used a carrier at the airport. DS was 6 months then.” - recommended by Mumsnet user, anonymouse

“I wouldn’t take the risk and arranged to hire one. The guy from the hire shop was at the hotel as we arrived, left it with us and even collected it again so we didn’t have to traipse up with my daughter!” - a positive experience from Mumsnet user, ROSEgarden

Take a sling or a baby carrier

Depending on your destination and the age of your child, you might not even need a pushchair at all. When travelling with  younger babies, you may find it easier to simply take a baby carrier or a baby carrier backpack , which can offer a less restrictive and hands-free travel experience.

Read next: The best double buggies to buy

Can you take a pram on a Ryanair flight?

Yes, Ryanair allows two items of baby equipment per child (e.g. a pushchair and a car seat , a booster seat or a travel cot ) free of charge.

Ryanair doesn’t allow carry-on pushchairs, however, in most cases Ryanair will allow you to take your tagged pushchair right up to the aircraft steps, reducing the need to walk long distances while carrying your baby.

Can you take a pram on an easyJet flight?

Yes, easyJet allows two additional items for your child to be put in the hold free of charge (travel cot, pushchair, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and/or baby back carrier). The items can then be collected at baggage reclaim when you arrive at your destination.

easyJet also allows you to take a carry-on pushchair that meets its hand luggage dimension requirements (45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels) and weighs less than 15kg.

Can you take a pram on a British Airways flight?

Yes, a pram or pushchair can be placed in the hold on a British Airways flight, so long as it is a single-piece, slimline and fully collapsible pushchair. Pushchairs with maximum dimensions of 38cm x 117cm x 38cm can be taken up to the aircraft door, whereas larger pushchairs will need to be collected at baggage reclaim.

Pushchairs that fold down to meet carry-on baggage requirements can be taken on board, subject to space and in place of your own hand luggage bag. Maximum carry bag dimensions vary depending on your destination, so check your flight details before you travel.

Can you take a pram on a Jet2 flight?

Yes, Jet2 allows a collapsible pushchair and/or a car seat or a travel cot to be carried in the hold for free, subject to a maximum weight of 10kg.

Alternatively, you can use a carry-on pushchair in place of your own carry-on hand luggage, subject to a 10kg weight limit and maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including any wheels or handles).

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

Top 7 Tips for Baby’s First Flight

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: December 19, 2022

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Several years ago, my younger sister was planning to taking her first flight with her then 5 month old daughter. After many years writing a blog about traveling with babies and kids and traveling with two of my own, I had so much to tell her. Of course, that was also the problem. There is so much information about travel and flying with babies that it can be overwhelming for new parents. Many give up before they even get started, especially if they weren’t regular air travelers themselves before having kids.

Recognizing that new parents don’t have much free time, I distilled my in-the-trenches travel experiences into 7 basic tips for your baby’s first flight. These tips will serve you well if you are taking a domestic trip to a standard destination – a beach vacation, grandma’s house, Disney World, etc. International travel throws a few more considerations into the mix (passports, jet lag, and time zone changes). But the essentials remain the same. 

So, without further ado, here are my very best tips for baby’s first flight!

7 Tips for Flying with a Baby for the First Time

1. know your airline.

Not all airlines are created equal these days. Policies and practices among the US carriers can vary considerably, from checked bag fees , ease of securing seats together as a family , being able to purchase food in-flight, etc.

Depending on where you are located and where you are going, you may have only one or two choices of airlines for baby’s first flight. That is fine, as long as you know what to expect aboard the airline you do book. Check the airline’s website and make sure to read the sections about 1) Travel with Children (if the airline has one – not all do!) and 2) Baggage policies. This will cover 90% of the surprises you may encounter when traveling with kids.

If you do have more than a few airline choices, then may I recommend rewarding the airlines that work harder for traveling families with your business? Not all airline are created equal anymore in terms of how accommodating and sympathetic they are to traveling families. Confused about which airlines to consider that treat families better? Check out my post about the best and worst domestic airlines to fly with kids .

And when traveling with a baby for the first time, I’d avoid the ultra discount carriers unless you are used to traveling on them regularly. These airlines include Spirit, Frontier , and Allegiant in the United States and RyanAir, EasyJet , and others in Europe. There are simply too many traps for the unwary. 

I’d also avoid booking a basic economy fare with babies and toddlers , particularly if you are booking a seat for them to occupy. These fares do not come with seat assignments. As a result, you may find your child (or your spouse or partner who you need to help juggle the kiddo) assigned elsewhere in the cabin!

2. Pick Flights Where You and Your Baby Are Likely to Be at Your Best

This tip may seem quite obvious — if you pick flights where you and baby are likely to be at your best, then your chances for a successful flight are much greater. But I see many new parents ignore this simple tip in the interests of a few bucks. I’m a big fan of traveling on the cheap, but when you have a new baby, you sometimes need to pay a bit more for an improved travel experience. This is particularly true on your first flight with a baby. Set the stage for travel success.

Before you book any trip with your new baby, think about your child’s daily routine. Try as best you can to book flights that work WITH that routine rather than disrupt it. For infants who have settled into a two-nap-a-day schedule (this usually happens somewhere between 4-6 months), I happen to think a 10 am flight is a perfect choice for a baby’s first flight. You wake up at a normal hour, get to the airport, and time takeoff to coincide with a morning nap. If your baby is colicky or fussy, avoid flights at times where baby is likely to be at his worst — evening flights (6 pm is not called the “witching hour” for nothing), redeyes , etc.

Sometimes you simply won’t have a choice of an ideal flight time and that is okay too. But when there are options available, I recommend taking them if your budget allows.

3. Don’t Overpack…

One of the hardest things about having a new baby is all the gear that comes along with this little person. The reality is that babies don’t really need much. Resist the urge to pack everything and the kitchen sink on your first trip. You will only be frustrated and tired from carrying all of it on parking and rental car shuttles, through security checkpoints, and on airport trains. And the bag fees can really add up!

Worried you won’t have the essential gear you need at your destination? Amazon Prime to the rescue. Consider shipping duplicate baby gear items ahead . I’ve found it very helpful to have an extra Pack n Play and car seat at grandma’s house where we visit often. Both of our kids have been bouncy seat fanatics, so we found the cheapest $25 bouncy seat Amazon had to offer and made sure it was waiting at grandma’s house before our first visit. This actually turned out to be pretty economical because we used the same gear when Baby #2 came along, and other family members ended up using the gear when they visited too.

And remember: if you forget something essential, chances are you can buy it at your destination.

4. But DO Overpack the Following in Your Carry-On: Diapers, Formula, & Food

I always encourage traveling parents to do their best to travel light. But there are three essential  items on which you simply can’t risk being short with a baby: diapers, formula & food. These baby items simply aren’t available for purchase in the vast majority of airports. Babies mysteriously seem to go through more of them during travel days anyway. Add in a flight delay or cancellation and you could run through your entire supply. Consider how much food, formula, and diapers you will need for your trip and double it. If there is weather in the forecast at any points on your trip, triple it. You’ll thank me later.

If your baby is breastfed, congratulations! You just freed up some space in the carry on bag. Although you might be wary to nurse in public places like planes and airports, be aware that airlines are quite supportive of nursing moms and it is much easier and more portable to breastfeed. A lot of airports have installed Mamava pods in strategic locations the last few years. These are small rooms where moms can nurse or pump in private if they prefer.

5. Know and Use all the TSA Shortcuts

One of the biggest chokepoints in air travel is the airport security line. Do what you can to shortcut it if at all possible when traveling with a baby. Before your flight, research the airport and terminal you will fly out of to know how long security lines tend to be. If you are traveling at a peak time like around the winter holidays ( Related : Secrets to holiday air travel success with kids ), plan for extra time and much longer lines.

Some airports still offer a separate security screening lines for families (although these are fewer and farther between these days). If your home or destination airport has one, they are a life-saver. Sometimes these family lines have absolutely no line at all. I’ve saved hours of my life that would otherwise have been wasted in TSA lines by using the family lanes.

If family lanes aren’t an option, consider using one of these 7 tips for speeding through airport security with kids . TSA Pre-Check in particular is especially helpful for travel with a baby. Kids ages 12 and under can use these lanes if their parents have Pre-Check. So if you have it, you can bring your baby right on through!

A few tips for TSA when you do breeze right through airport security. First, remember that liquids in excess of 3.4 oz (prepared formula, milk /juice, etc.) may need special screening. Have larger liquids separated if you have Pre-Check (if you don’t have Pre-Check, you’ll need all liquids in a Ziploc bag). Second, I have good news for those of you aren’t a fan of the body scanners. You’ll always skip them if you have Pre-Chec! But even if you don’t have it, you don’t have to go through them with a baby. At least one adult in your party will get sent through the standard metal detectors with an infant in arms.

Finally, be aware that you will have to take your little one out of his or her stroller (and sometimes also out of baby carriers – your miles may vary) to go through the TSA checkpoint. This is a big pain if you happen to have a sleeping baby. I always try to keep my little one awake until we get through security, if at all possible.

6. While On-Board, Change It Up

Babies aren’t known for their long attention spans, so your best bet for surviving and thriving on the flight itself is being prepared with new things to do. Depending on the age of your baby , bring a variety of toys or items for him to look at or manipulate. Some of these should be new, and none of them should make serious noise so as not to disturb other passengers (rattles are okay, but nothing with music or bright lights). Sometimes simple is best. At 6 months old, our daughter entertained herself for 15+ minutes on one of our flights by meticulously tearing up our copy of the New York Times.

It is often helpful to get up and walk the aisles with a baby who is squirmy. You can often rock a fussy baby right to sleep this way if you put him or her in a carrier. Just be considerate of other passengers and try to stay out of the flight attendants’ way in the galleys.

7. Relax – You Can Do It!

Millions of traveling parents have flown with babies before you and lived to tell the tale. You will too! Your baby may fuss or cry at times, but most of your fellow passengers will be understanding, especially if they see you doing your best to manage the situation. And even if they aren’t, you don’t owe them an apology for bringing a little person on what is essentially public transit.

If things go wrong during your travels, stay calm and ask for help. Gate agents and flight attendants will be more willing to help you solve a problem if you are kind and in control. And also consider asking for or accepting help from a fellow parent. Now that my kids are a bit older, if I see another parent with a baby or toddler struggling, I’m always willing to help because I’ve been there! So many other traveling parents feel the same way.

More Tips & Tricks for Families Traveling with Babies & Toddlers:

• 11 Tips for Changing Diapers on a Plane
• Flying Solo with a Baby: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Where Should My Baby or Toddler Sleep in Our Travels?
• Tips for Surviving Travel During the Diaper Years

Questions about traveling with kids?  Other tips to share?  Please comment!

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Saturday 19th of November 2016

Thanks i need this I'm traveling with my infant in January and I'm super nervous

Tips voor de eerste vlucht met je baby. | Kids to Kids

Friday 15th of April 2016

[…] Voor de complete lijst, bezoek tripswithtykes.com  […]

A Winter Weather Travel Gamble that Paid Off (Plus Winter Air Travel Tips!) - Trips With Tykes

Thursday 18th of February 2016

[…] clothes and any other items you might need for an overnight stay if the worst happens. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, make sure you have plenty of diapers and any formula, milk or food that you might not […]

Friday 3rd of July 2015

I have the passport card for my 7 month old baby. Would that suffice instead of the birth certificate?

tripswithtykes

Monday 6th of July 2015

Yes, a passport card or passport should work, as they show the date of birth which is what matters!

Monday 13th of April 2015

One thing I'd add to the "know your airline section" is if your baby is a lap child (no purchased ticket), make sure you know what documents are required. We first flew with our baby at 4 weeks old and the SWA agents wanted proof she was under 2. I had to laugh because she was about 10 pounds and couldn't hold her own head up, but I had a copy of her birth certificate in hand just in case. I also like to ask the agent at the baggage check in if the flight is full, if not I opt to bring my carseat with me on board and snag an extra seat for baby. And I so agree with #7, you can do it! Smile and relax, it will be worth it.

Thanks for commenting. Yes and yes when it comes to having the right documents! Southwest is the only US airline that requires documentation for lap babies of all ages, but I always travel with a birth certificate for each child (lap baby or not) just in case.

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?

Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform easyJet that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 16 years of age. Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant. You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.

Will I pay for my infant to travel?

Yes, a child up to 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (i.e. bassinets)?

Can i sit in the exit row with my infant.

No lap children or infant seats are allowed in an exit row; in fact, all passengers in an exit row must be at least 15 years of age. In addition, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly in front of or directly behind an exit.

How I've kept traveling -- even after having a baby

Before I had a baby, I had traveled to almost 60 countries and was on a plane every other week.

A huge fan of solo travel , yoga retreats with friends and adventurous escapes with my husband, I was always on the move. Thanks to the ability to work remotely, travel was easy. Then COVID-19 hit, and shortly after, I got pregnant .

So life changed, and so did travel.

But now that travel is picking up again , I'm back at it — with my eight-month-old in tow.

Here's how — and why — I've navigated travel with a baby.

New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our daily newsletter to learn more about points and miles.

Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

I live in Europe and my entire family lives in the United States . Like it or not, my child will have to constantly go back and forth between the two continents, and I want this to become second nature for him. I started flying with my child when he was three months old. He's already on his 15th flight and 4th high-speed train ride -- and has a few road trips under his elastic waistband.

Have some flights been really easy? Yes. Have some flights been harder? Also yes. But it doesn't matter all that much either way, because we have to travel if we want to spend time with friends and family back in the United States. And most of the flights, with a few small exceptions, have been great.

Even you don't need to travel with a baby, just know it's possible. It may not always be easy, but you can absolutely do it if you want to.

I want him to experience the wonders of the world instead of material things

My apartment was recently broken into. As violating and frustrating as it was, I realized that I was able to get over the things they took from me (cash and jewelry) relatively quickly, even though some of the jewelry pieces were family heirlooms.

When I'm still traumatized emotionally about having my space invaded, the robbers couldn't take from me what I most valued: my family and our shared experiences, especially the ones we've had traveling.

My hope is that my son will grow up understanding these same lessons and placing value on experiences and connections instead of things. And the best way to show this is by modeling the same behavior for him, which is often what motivates me to plan that next family vacation .

Because it's fun

Playing with my son in the peaceful Caribbean ocean waves, watching him stare at the Chicago skyline with awe or seeing him smile at the iconic Eiffel Tower are memories I'll never forget. Although he definitely won't remember these trips, we will — and we'll have lots of photos to show him one day.

How I make travel with my baby easier

Traveling with a baby isn't always easy. From diaper blowouts during landing and bleary-eyed nights with a jet-lagged infant to nasty stares from passengers if my overtired son shrieks during take-off, traveling with a baby has its downsides and complications. Here are some hacks I use to make it easier.

I bring someone along to help

I know I'll travel alone with my child as he gets older. However, for now, whenever possible, I try to have another adult in tow to help out — whether that be my partner, a family member or friend.

While I'm not expecting a friend to deal with a crying baby or his meltdowns, it's helpful to have someone along to help carry luggage, make sure I don't forget my jacket in the airport, hold the baby while I head to the restroom or help me fold up the stroller at TSA .

These little things can really make a difference when traveling. Once my child can at least walk on his own, I'll start traveling with just the two of us.

I pack as light as possible

It's true that kids — and especially babies — can need a lot of stuff. And there are things I really don't want to be stuck without on a long plane ride like diapers or snacks (more on this in a moment).

When traveling with my baby, I try to bring everything I need but don't go overboard. I swear by lightweight travel strollers and always take along a baby carrier and diaper backpack for a hands-free airport experience.

I like to book rental properties with as many baby and kid amenities already present as possible, such as a crib, high chair and more to avoid taking extra stuff along. I've also used rental companies in destinations for key items such as car seats, too.

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

What you can carry with you when flying is obviously very different than what you can lug along on a road trip, which offers you more space and added flexibility. That being said, these are key items I always take in my carry-on when flying with a baby:

• Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case).
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy or blanket.
• Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay).
• Formula/breast milk/pump.
• Snacks (for you and/or your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).
• Anything that can help your baby fall asleep.

For more on what to pack and how to prepare for traveling with a baby, read this article .

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I love using my points and miles to fly in business class with my baby .

He's actually better behaved than other passengers in some cases. Also, having the extra space to stretch out makes a real difference for all of us, especially on long-haul flights where sleep is essential for the entire family.

I have also dipped into my stash of points and miles to buy three seats in economy, taking a car seat along so my baby can safely sit in his own seat, even though that isn't required at this age. The bassinet was once an option if I had enough points or miles for just two seats, although now my baby has surpassed the weight limit.

If you want to use the bassinet, always call the airline to see if this option is available and what the weight/size limits are, which can vary by airline or even route .

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

I'm well aware that my baby probably can't understand what I'm saying. But as he gets older, he is starting to recognize words, and I want "airplane" to be one of them as quickly as possible. Whenever we travel, I softly and carefully explain to him what's happening several days in advance each day before the trip.

I tell him we're going to fly high in the sky on a plane, that we need to be calm, quiet and happy. I tell him that we'll be spending time with many other people in a small space, so we need to not scream or kick the seat in front of us and bother other passengers.

I explain that we're visiting a certain destination or specific family members or friends, where we'll be sleeping and for how long we'll be gone.

One day, he'll slowly begin to associate these explanations with the journeys that follow them. Kids ask a lot of questions and want to understand what's going on, so I hope explaining things to him will help him feel safe and in control as he gets older, as well as excited to fly and to travel.

I fly or take a train trip at least every two months with my son

I realize that as someone who's worked remotely for more than 10 years, I'm afforded the flexibility to travel frequently and take my son along with me. I'm teaching my child how to eat properly and sleep well, and will pretty soon potty train, so I'm training him to travel, too.

With the convenience of low-cost air carriers and high-speed trains here in Europe (and a solid stash of points and miles), it's easy to get my baby on a plane or train every few months to get — and keep — him used to travel and make it part of a familiar routine.

I minimize travel stress with early arrivals, elite status and lounge access

Running through the airport with a baby and luggage is stressful and not at all how I want to start a trip.

I find the calmer I am, the calmer our whole family is — especially my baby, who tends to absorb my energy and mental state. Getting to the airport with lots of extra time helps me feel relaxed and in control — and these feelings transfer to everyone in my travel party, especially my son.

Having elite status and lounge access doesn't hurt, either, as I can avoid long lines and hang out in the lounge if I have time to kill before flying.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Expres s and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer lounge access, and considering my home airport of Madrid Barajas (MAD) has several really nice Sala VIPs that are part of the Priority Pass network, I find this credit card perk a valuable one.

My Oneworld Sapphire status makes flying on airlines like Iberia much more comfortable, too, allowing me to use the business class check-in area, board first and check a bag at no added cost.

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

While my son sleeps fairly well on planes, I prefer to plan flights strategically at times where he'll already be fed, calm and rested. Although I can't always make this happen, I do so whenever my schedule and flight schedules permit it.

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

When traveling, I always try to organize my days so that my baby can either nap at the hotel or vacation rental, or while we walk in his stroller.

Cobblestoned European streets are particularly helpful in coaxing my son to sleep in his stroller, as the vibration is relaxing for him. I also bring everything along possible to encourage sleep while on the road — a portable sound machine in the stroller, a portable night light, his lovey, a tent for the beach , our own sheet for the travel crib to remind him of home — really anything that will help him to nap and sleep, keeping him and the whole family calm and happy.

Bottom line

While I'm not hopping on a flight every other week like I was in those pre-pandemic, pre-baby days, having a baby hasn't ruined travel for me.

I know it can be more restrictive and more expensive, but I now look at travel in a whole new way. I see it as an opportunity to bond as a family, give my son new experiences and help him grow into a flexible, excited young traveler .

My hope is that starting with these experiences while he is young will make travel a habit for him, just like going to school or playing with friends — something he is familiar with and learns to love and do with joy.

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I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

Emily Siner

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect? Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect?

Last winter, my husband and I made the ambitious decision to fly 13 hours with our 8 month old for a two-week vacation around Japan.

We knew flying with a baby would be daunting. What if he has a meltdown on the airplane? What gear do we bring? How will he adjust to the 15-hour time change? And ... will we actually get to enjoy ourselves?

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane. Emily Siner hide caption

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane.

Preethi Harbuck, author of the travel blog Local Passport Family and a mom of six agrees that taking a big trip with young children — that is, babies and toddlers under age 2 — isn't easy. But with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be fun for everyone. You may even be able to "connect with people and places in a new way that [you] wouldn't have been able to experience without kids," she says.

To help set parents up for success, Harbuck and Christine Sarkis, editor-in-chief of the travel website Family Vacationist , share tips on what to pack, how to overcome travel challenges and set realistic expectations.

Take a practice trip

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child.

The first step to preparing for a big trip is to take a smaller one, like an overnight trip somewhere close by. It can give you a sense of what it's like to travel with your little one and grow your confidence, says Harbuck. "Find what feels comfortable and keep practicing. It will become easier."

Luckily, my husband and I had a chance to take some shorter trips with our baby before going to Japan. When our baby was three months old, we stayed overnight at a cabin about a half hour away by car. A month later, we took an 8-hour road trip to Chicago to see family.

How to take better (and more distinctive) photos on vacation

From these outings. I learned how important it was to pack a sound machine, which helps my baby fall asleep, and a portable diaper changing pad. I also learned that I didn't need to bring too many toys. My kid loved watching other people talk, walk and interact with each other.

So when we went to Japan, I put those lessons to use. I packed the essentials, left half the toys behind and made sure to sit in an aisle seat on the plane so that my baby, who sat on my lap, could get a good view of the passengers and stay entertained.

Make plans your future self will thank you for

When traveling with a baby or a toddler, everything becomes a little more complicated. There's a lot more to pack (more on that later) and a lot more considerations to make (like naps and kid-friendly meals, perhaps). So the key is to prioritize decisions that will simplify travel, says Sarkis. "Anything you can do to smooth your way [will make you] so happy with yourself."

Here are some planning decisions that our experts recommend.

Put your kid in their own plane seat. Many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly in your lap for a very low rate, sometimes even for free. While that can make travel more budget friendly, Harbuck says it's worth buying your child their own seat. Placing them in a car seat is the safest place for them to sit on an airplane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Plus, having your own seats can make long flights more comfortable for the both of you.

Consider their developmental stage. Keep in mind that your child's needs will change as they age. For example, if your kid is walking, it may be harder to "keep them busy and happy" on the airplane, says Sarkis. So you might enjoy your trip more if you choose a destination that's closer to home. Anticipate what stage they'll be in at the time of travel and plan accordingly.

Add more adults to the trip. My husband and I traveled with friends for part of our trip around Japan. They helped us carry luggage and held our baby while we ate. "If you have someone to trade off with, that's really helpful," says Sarkis.

7 tips to help you keep the peace when traveling with a group

Book a vacation rental. If you are traveling with a little one who still naps in the middle of the day or has an early bedtime, you may not want to book a single hotel room. Sarkis says she made that mistake on a trip once and had to bring pillows into the bathtub just to have a place to read after her kids went to bed. "Whereas in a vacation rental I could have sat on a couch."

Plan solo time. Carve out time for you and your travel partners to do things without the baby. On our trip to Japan, my husband and I decided we'd give each other as much time as we wanted in the guesthouse onsen , the heated communal bath, while the other watched our sleeping baby. Another night, we hired a babysitter so we could go out together and sing karaoke.

Pack well ... and lightly

It’s hard to travel light with a baby. So opt for the travel versions of strollers, cribs and car seats — they are often smaller and weigh less than the usual gear.

Credit: Becky Harlan/NPR

Portable cribs, high chairs, playpens and sleep canopies? There's no shortage of recommendations when it comes to choosing travel gear for your little one. But the No. 1 takeaway is to make sure "everything you're carrying is worth the stress of carrying it," says Sarkis.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Focus on the basic gear. At the minimum, your child will likely need a stroller or baby carrier to get around, a car seat for car trips and a safe place to sleep, like a portable crib. See if you can get travel versions of that gear, which are often lighter, smaller and easier to carry. Many airlines will let you check a stroller and a car seat for free, either before you go through security or at the gate. (If you do this, get some sort of carrying case to protect them.)

Cut down the big stuff ... There may be opportunities to leave some of that gear behind, says Sarkis. Check whether you can rent a stroller at your destination. Your accommodation may offer baby cribs. And some ridesharing apps may have vehicles outfitted with infant car seats.

... and the little stuff. "Kids live all around the world so you can access most of what you really, truly need" at your destination, says Harbuck. If your luggage is getting too full, consider buying diapers, wipes, formula or baby food when you land. In Japan, we did laundry halfway through our trip to minimize the clothing we had to pack.

Set your expectations

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip.

I'll be honest: There were a lot of moments on our trip when I felt overwhelmed and a bit disappointed. Like when my jet-lagged baby woke up crying at 1 a.m., 3 a.m. and somehow again at 3:30 a.m. — for two nights in a row.

Both Harbuck and Sarkis acknowledge that post-kid travel is harder in many ways. But there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Redirect your attention to the positive aspects of your journey. "If you're focused only on the challenges, you're going to miss the joys," says Sarkis. For me, it was delightful to witness my baby do new things in Japan. He ate new foods like udon, miso soup and smoked fish. He was mesmerized by the Ryoanji Temple's rock garden in Kyoto and even more mesmerized by the steady stream of tourists' faces to observe.

A flight expert's hot take on holiday travel: 'Don't do it'

See drawbacks as opportunities. If you have to go back to your hotel twice a day to let your child nap, see it as a moment to read, journal or "recharge for the next thing you do," says Sarkis.

Look out for special ways your child is helping you connect with the world. On flights, our neighbors told us about their own children or nieces and nephews. In restaurants, servers would come over to coo at him and make conversation with us in the process, despite the language barrier.

And finally, give yourself some kudos. For us parents, traveling was a big priority for us before he was born, and the experience made us proud to realize that yes — even with a small child, we can still see the world.

The audio portion of this episode was produced by Andee Tagle. The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

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Easyjet changed flight times (travelling with a baby) - Air Travel Forum

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Totally appreciate the schedule does not form part of easyjets contractual agreement and only a 5hr delay is considered a major delay. But just interested if anyone has had any joy in easyJet moving it to an earlier flight (since this one arrives the next day at 1:25am, so would get to the hotel at approx 3am)

9 replies to this topic

The email should give you options, if you are unhappy with the changes. I’ve had this even when the change has been as little as 10 mins.

Also, have you logged into manage bookings?

See if you can make the change to your preferred flight , free of charge.

Arriving originally at the hotel at 1am and now 3am and either before or after Midnight on the return?

Not that much difference with a baby.

If it matters to you, you’ll have to pay.

The joys of flying, disruption, delays, cancellations are all part of the norm, unfortunately.

These days schedule changes are quite common. We had one for our flight to Europe in June, We ended up with having to have the entire outbound itinerary redone, with us now having to depart 5 hours earlier and having two 3-hour layovers. In September our outbound flights were again changed, with us now having a 6+hour layover in PHL. I'm hoping there will be another schedule change before then that will lessen the layover time.

In the overall state of flying these days, 2-hours isn't the huge. If you were on a night flight and want to switch to one that is earlier, there may be a fare difference, which is why the are asking you to pay for the change.

If you are on an EasyJet package holiday then changing flights could cause complications/confusion with your transfer coaches so do bear that in mind.

BA have shifted my flight in September by about 8 hours each way.

Imagine your flight costs €140 and you want to change it to the next day (they'll allow you a free change because they've made a time schedule change), they'll ask you for €0 because the next day's flight is worth €90 (but when you change it you won't see the €90, you'll see €0). So you're being cheated out of €50. On the other hand, you could have cancelled provided you had a full refund and rebooked the cheaper flight .

Pay the difference and move your reservation to the earlier time is my advice.

HOWEVER, as others have said - it is what it is - you can either choose to pay whatever it takes to change to earlier flights or simply accept that you will be a couple of hours later. Luckily the baby probably will not notice the difference anyway

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