Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when you get to checkout and realise your “free” lap infant isn’t actually free. As a new mum navigating postpartum life, wellness, and travel at the same time, I quickly learned that no one really prepares you for the logistics of flying with a baby under two. Infant fees, baggage rules and airline policies vary widely, and most parents only learn this the hard way.

This guide breaks it all down clearly so you know what to expect, what you’ll pay, and which airlines are genuinely easiest to fly with when you have a baby under two. If you’re a parent who loves travel, values your peace, and wants to feel informed rather than stressed, this one’s for you.

Are Babies Really Free on Flights?

Flying with a baby under 2 explained

Short answer: usually no. And I wish I had known that before clicking through multiple booking pages late at night with a sleeping baby on my chest.

If your baby is under two and sits on your lap, most international airlines charge an infant fare, typically calculated as a percentage of the adult ticket plus taxes and fees.

Domestic flights and European budget airlines work differently, but on long-haul routes, you should expect to pay something.

How Infant Airline Fees Usually Work When Flying With a Baby Under 2

There are two main pricing models for lap infants:

Percentage-Based Infant Fares

Most full-service airlines charge around 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes and fees. Some airlines charge slightly more.

Flat Infant Fees

Most European budget airlines charge a fixed fee per flight, regardless of the adult ticket price. If you want your baby to have their own seat, you’ll usually need to buy a child fare or full adult ticket.

Infant Fees by Major Airline (Lap Infant Tickets)

Below is a practical breakdown of what most parents can expect. Always check your exact route before booking.

British Airways

• Lap infant costs about 10% of the adult fare plus taxes
• Includes stroller and car seat
• Generous baggage allowance on many fares

Virgin Atlantic

• Around 10% of the adult fare plus taxes
• Includes stroller, car seat and checked baggage
• Generally considered very baby-friendly on long-haul routes

Emirates

• Approximately 10% of the adult fare plus taxes
• Allows stroller and car seat
• Bassinet seats available on long-haul flights

Qatar Airways

• Around 15% of the adult fare plus taxes
• Excellent service but noticeably higher infant fees
• Bassinets available but limited

Singapore Airlines

• Roughly 10% of adult fare plus taxes
• Strong reputation for service and infant support

Air France / KLM

• Around 10% of adult fare plus taxes
• Infant baggage allowance included on most routes

Lufthansa

• Approximately 10% of adult fare plus taxes
• Good infant baggage allowances

American Airlines / United / Air Canada (International)

• Around 10% of adult fare plus taxes
• Policies vary by route and aircraft

European Budget Airlines Infant Fees for Babies Under 2

Budget airlines are often cheaper for infants, especially on short-haul flights.

easyJet

• Flat infant fee, usually around £25 per flight
• Allows stroller and car seat

Ryanair

• Flat infant fee, usually around £25 per flight
• Baby gear allowed but strict cabin rules

Jet2

• Flat infant fee, often around £20 per flight
• Very popular with families

Wizz Air

• Flat infant fee, usually around €30 per flight
• Pushchair and car seat included

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What Baggage Do Babies Get When Flying?

Most full-service airlines include baby gear with an infant ticket, but the exact allowance varies by carrier. In most cases, parents can expect to bring a pushchair or stroller and a car seat or travel cot at no extra charge, along with a checked baggage allowance for the baby. That baggage allowance can range anywhere from 10 to 23 kilograms depending on the airline and route.

Budget airlines tend to be more limited. They usually allow a pushchair and a car seat but do not include a separate checked baggage allowance for the infant. It’s also important to check whether your stroller can be gate-checked, meaning you can use it through the airport and hand it over at the aircraft door, or whether it must be checked at the desk before security.

Bassinets and Seating Tips for Flying With a Baby

On long-haul flights, many airlines offer bassinets for lap infants, usually located in bulkhead rows. These seats must be requested after booking and are limited in number, so it’s best to call the airline as soon as your ticket is confirmed. Bassinets are allocated on a first-come basis and are typically suitable only up to a certain weight or length.

Some parents choose to buy a separate seat for their baby, especially on longer flights. This allows you to use an approved car seat onboard and gives everyone more space. It can be more expensive, but for many families it significantly improves comfort and sleep. Be aware that if your baby turns two during your trip, most airlines require you to purchase a seat for the return leg.

The Best Airlines to Fly With a Baby (From a New Mum’s Perspective)

Best Overall for Long-Haul Travel

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines consistently rank among the easiest airlines to fly with when you have a baby, and as a new mum who prioritises calm, comfort, and wellness while travelling, these are the airlines I personally feel most at ease recommending. They combine predictable infant fees with generous baggage allowances and generally more supportive onboard service. These airlines are also reliable when it comes to bassinets, family seating and accommodating baby needs during long flights, which can make a huge difference on overnight or intercontinental routes.

Virgin Atlantic is often praised for its family-friendly attitude and helpful cabin crew, while British Airways offers straightforward policies and strong route coverage from the UK. Singapore Airlines is known globally for excellent service and tends to be especially accommodating to families traveling with infants.

Best for Budget-Friendly Infant Fees

Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair can be significantly cheaper when flying with a baby on short-haul European routes, especially if you’re travelling during maternity leave or planning lower-stress, shorter trips close to home. Their flat infant fees are often far lower than the percentage-based charges used by full-service airlines, especially if adult ticket prices are high.

Jet2 is particularly popular with families thanks to its clear policies and relatively generous approach to baby equipment. easyJet and Ryanair are best suited for shorter trips where you don’t need extra baggage, as their cabin and luggage rules are stricter. When used strategically, these airlines can be an excellent option for affordable travel with a baby.

Flat infant fees can be much cheaper than percentage-based pricing on expensive adult tickets.

Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress

• Always add your infant during booking to avoid pricing issues later
• Compare infant fees, not just adult ticket prices
• Request bassinet seats immediately after booking
• Pack essentials in carry-on; baby food and milk are usually allowed outside normal limits
• Consider whether buying a seat makes sense on long flights

Final Thoughts on Flying With a Baby Under 2

Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require planning. Understanding infant airline fees, baggage allowances and airline policies ahead of time can save you money, surprises and unnecessary stress at the airport.

If you’re planning your first flight with a baby, this information alone can make the experience feel far more manageable — and even enjoyable.