Flying with a baby or toddler: the complete 2026 guide

Flying with a baby can feel like a lot to plan, but most of it comes down to a few rules: when your baby can fly, which ticket they need, and what gets through security. Sort those out before you go, and the flight itself is usually easier than you expect. And if the flight is delayed or canceled, your child can have the same rights as you, including compensation of up to €600 if they have their own seat.

At a glance: what you can bring and book

How old does a baby have to be to fly?

Most airlines accept babies from about 7 to 14 days old. Some ask for a doctor's note for very young or premature babies. The minimum age differs from airline to airline, so check before you book, not at the airport.

Your baby also needs their own travel document. For trips outside the Schengen area, that means their own passport. Within Schengen, airlines still usually ask for valid ID for every passenger, babies included. If you're not quite at the baby stage yet, our guide covers the rules for flying while pregnant.

Does your baby need their own ticket and seat?

Babies under 2 can fly on your lap, but that's not always free. Full-service airlines often charge around 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. Low-cost airlines usually charge a fixed fee per flight.

You can also buy your baby their own seat, often at a child fare. In that case, you'll need a car seat that's approved for use on planes. Check the label and your airline's list before you fly.

From age 2, your child needs their own seat. If they turn 2 during your trip, most airlines will ask you to buy a seat for the flights after their birthday.

On long-haul flights, many airlines have bassinets that attach to the wall in front of certain seats. They have weight and size limits, usually around 10 kg, and there are only a few per plane. Request one when you book. Your baby has to come out of it for takeoff, landing and turbulence.

What can you take through security when flying with a baby?

Baby milk, formula, breast milk, baby food and sterilized water don't count toward the 100 ml liquid limit. You can bring as much as you need for the journey. Pack it in a separate bag and tell the security staff, as they may ask to test it.

Liquid rules for everything else still vary from airport to airport, so check our guide to liquids on a plane before you pack. Snacks for older babies and toddlers are fine, and our post covers the rules for bringing food through airport security.

Most airlines let you take your stroller right up to the gate. Staff load it into the hold, and you get it back at the plane door or at baggage reclaim. Car seats can usually be checked in for free too.

Can you sit together as a family?

Today, most airlines in Europe try to seat young children with at least one adult. But some low-cost airlines charge for choosing seats, and random seating can split families up. Check in as early as you can, and contact the airline if you're not sitting together.

This is changing. The EU passenger rights reform adopted in 2026 will require airlines to seat children under 14 next to an accompanying adult at no extra cost. It's expected to apply from 2027, and our guide explains what the 2026 EC 261 reform changes.

Which rules catch parents out?

A few situations trip up even experienced parents:

• Traveling alone with two babies. You can only hold one baby on your lap, so the second needs their own seat and car seat.

• Baby carriers and slings. Most airlines ask you to take your baby out of a sling for takeoff and landing and use the loop belt instead.

• Traveling with only one parent. Some countries ask for a signed letter from the other parent, especially if you have different surnames. Check the entry rules for your destination.

• Extra baby gear on low-cost airlines. Some only carry a set number of baby items for free, such as one stroller and one car seat, and charge for anything extra.

How do you keep a baby calm during takeoff and landing?

Changes in cabin pressure can hurt little ears. Swallowing helps, so feed your baby or offer a pacifier as the plane takes off and when it starts to descend. Descent is often worse than takeoff, and it starts about 30 minutes before landing. Toddlers can have a drink through a straw or a snack for the same effect.

If you can, book flights around nap times. Long-haul night flights often work well for babies who sleep easily.

Boarding takes some planning too. Many airlines let families board first. With an active toddler, it can help if one adult boards early with the bags while the other boards last with the child, so there's less time sitting still.

What should you pack in your hand luggage?

Pack as if the flight will be delayed. That means bringing enough of everything for several extra hours.

What if your flight is delayed with a baby?

Delays are harder with a baby, but the airline still has to look after you. If a flight covered by EU rules is delayed by 2 hours or more, depending on the distance, the airline must give you meals and drinks. If you have to stay overnight, it must also provide a hotel and transport. Ask for a room together, and keep receipts for anything you buy for your baby while you wait.

If you reach your destination more than 3 hours late and the airline was responsible, each passenger with their own seat can be owed up to €600. A family of four could receive four payments. For babies on your lap, it depends on what you paid. If you only paid taxes and fees, they usually don't count, but if you paid an infant fare, it's worth checking. Our guide explains your rights when flying with kids in more detail.

Bad weather and other extraordinary circumstances don't qualify for compensation, but the airline must still look after you.