How to Book a Flight for a Baby or Infant
Compare flights, hotels, cars, and activities in one place.
How to Book a Flight for a Baby or Infant
Flying with an infant has its own booking checklist — fare rules, seat and bassinet requests, and the infant's own travel documents — that's worth working through before you book, not the week of travel.
1. Check the airline's specific age cutoffs and documentation
Infant fare eligibility and required documents vary by airline — check these directly rather than assuming a universal rule.
2. Request a bassinet or extra-legroom seat early
These are limited and allocated on request, so book or ask as early as possible rather than assuming availability at the gate.
3. Check baggage allowance for a stroller or car seat
This is usually handled separately from standard baggage — confirm the specific policy.
4. Check if the infant needs their own passport
Most countries require this regardless of age, along with any destination-specific entry documents.
5. Pack essentials in cabin baggage
Keep nappies, formula, and a change of clothes accessible in case of checked-baggage delays.
Quick tips
- Confirm whether the infant needs their own paid seat or can travel as a lap infant under the airline's specific age rules.
- Check if formula and baby food are exempt from standard liquid restrictions at security, since rules for this vary.
- Bring extra supplies beyond what you think you'll need, in case of flight delays.
- Check the specific bassinet weight and size limit if requesting one, since infants outgrow eligibility at a certain point.