Flying with children and babies: documents, seats, pushchairs

To fly with children and babies you need a travel document for each child, the baby added to the booking and a plan for seats, pushchair and bags. Babies under 2 usually travel on an adult's lap; from age 2 a child has their own seat. And if the flight is delayed or cancelled, children are entitled to compensation just like adults. Here is what to know before you go.

Travel documents for children and babies

Every child, even a newborn, needs their own travel document valid for the destination. Beyond that:

• if a child travels alone, with one parent or with an adult who is not their guardian, some countries ask for a consent letter signed by the parents; there is no single European rule, each country decides;
• transit countries can have their own rules;
• many airlines have their own forms for children travelling without their parents.

Before you travel, check the official advice for your nationality and destination (GOV.UK for British passports, the Department of Foreign Affairs for Irish ones) and apply for children's passports early: they expire sooner than adults'. Our guide to ID at the airport covers the general rules.

Babies, children and seats

Many airlines seat children next to an adult on the same booking free of charge, but the rules vary: with Ryanair, for example, children aged 2 to 11 must sit next to an accompanying adult. The details are in our guide to flying with children and infants on Ryanair.

Pushchair, car seat and luggage

Usually you can take the pushchair to the gate or the aircraft steps, where it goes into the hold with a tag added at the desk or gate. Many airlines carry one or more items of baby equipment per child for free (pushchair, car seat, travel cot) plus a small baby bag, but the number, weights and sizes differ between airlines. A car seat can only be used on board if it is approved for aircraft and the child has a paid seat.

At security there are normally exceptions to the 100 ml rule for baby milk and food in the quantities needed for the journey, but staff may test them, so keep them easy to reach.

Practical tips for the day of the flight

1. Arrive early: dropping off a pushchair and equipment takes time.
2. Pack a day bag with nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks and water bought after security.
3. During take-off and landing, feed your baby or offer a dummy: swallowing helps with ear pressure.
4. Bring small, quiet toys and a charged tablet with headphones.
5. Save everyone's boarding passes and take a photo of the children's documents.

Delays and cancellations: children are entitled to compensation too

Regulation EC 261/2004 covers every passenger with a confirmed booking: a child with their own ticket is entitled to the same €250, €400 or €600 as an adult, and so is a lap infant who is not travelling free. If the flight arrives 3 hours or more late, is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you are denied boarding, a family of four on a Dublin–Malaga flight could receive €1,600 in total. While you wait, the airline must also provide meals, drinks and, if needed, a hotel.

Our flight delay compensation page explains the rules. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes whether the whole family is owed compensation: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated.

Frequently asked questions about flying with children and babies

Does a baby need a passport?

Yes, every child needs their own travel document valid for the destination, even at a few months old.

Until what age can a child sit on my lap?

Usually until their second birthday. From age 2 they need their own seat at the child fare.

Do I have to pay for the pushchair?

Many airlines carry a pushchair and other baby equipment for free, within limits that vary by airline. Check your airline's rules.

Can my child be seated away from me?

Generally not: for safety reasons young children must sit next to an accompanying adult, and many airlines guarantee this free of charge.

Are children compensated if the flight is delayed?

Yes, €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, children included, if the delay on arrival is at least 3 hours and not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

Find out more

• Air passenger rights
• Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
• Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
• Overbooking: what you are owed
• What our service costs

Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.