How much do plane seats cost for your baby?

Your baby or toddler may still be relatively small, but the cost of flying with them can end up being huge due to the various fees charged by airlines.

We've taken a look at what it costs to fly with your baby on airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair and Tui, plus find out how to avoid baby holiday essentials costing you an arm and a leg in excess baggage fees.

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Do I need to pay for a plane seat for my baby or toddler?

When travelling with a little one under the age of two (referred to in the travel industry as an 'infant' and a 'child' after that) it's likely you'll pay something, even if they're a 'lap infant' rather than having their own seat.

• One lap infant is allowed per adult lap If you're travelling solo with two infants under the age of two, you'll have to book a seat for one of them and they must sit in the seat in an airline-approved car seat or restraint device.
• An additional seat for an infant might cost you the same as an adult fare Some airlines such as Jet Airways and Ryanair charge the full adult fare, whereas others such as Delta charge just 10% of it on international flights. 
• Some domestic flights are free for lap infants Airlines that offer this include Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Qantas and United Airlines. 
• International flights for lap infants may be discounted There may be a percentage reduction (sometimes up to 90% off the adult fare) or a flat fee (such as £20 one way with Jet2), but some airlines will charge you the full adult fare.

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Which airlines charge to fly with a baby on your lap?

When we looked, we found there isn't a one-size-fits-all policy when you're flying with a baby. 

What you get for free and what you're charged for varies considerably between one airline and the next.

*_{Charge may be applied for infants sitting on adult's lap.}

^**_{Figures depend on the route and the fare type. Charges may vary if you book through an online travel agent rather than the airline directly. Always check the terms and conditions applicable to get up-to-date information.}

***_{Item terminology is taken from the airlines' websites (for example, stroller, pushchair, travel cot). Please check with your airline for any restrictions on these items.}

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What baby essentials and equipment can I take on a flight? 

Pushchairs and baby car seats Our pushchairs on planes guide has a breakdown of specific airline policies, including weight or size restrictions. Our child car seats on planes guide is packed with information, including which baby car seats are certified for use in an aircraft.

Foldable travel cots These may be an option in your airline's free luggage allowance, but some don't list it as an option, including British Airways, Emirates and Virgin.

Baby changing bag While some airlines allow you to take a baby changing bag in addition to your own carry-on allowance (such as Ryanair and EasyJet), some don't (such as Aer Lingus and Jet2), which will mean making space for their essentials in your hand luggage or popping your things in their bag. Check our table to see what your airline's policy is.

Baby food and baby milk The UK government says there's no legal limit to how much baby food, baby milk and sterilised water you can take as hand luggage for your flight (except for frozen breast milk) or in the hold. However, airlines tend to have their own rules about the weight and volume of carry-on bags, and you'll more than likely find that baby food and baby milk will count towards these restrictions.

Policies and pricing for travelling with baby equipment vary from one airline to the next and also between routes, so check before you jet off to avoid any surprises, including extra charges.

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What happens if my baby's luggage goes over the allowance?

The free luggage allowance for baby equipment in the hold varies from one airline to the next (see the table above), with some airlines allowing just 10kg combined to take a pushchair and car seat/travel cot.

Our research shows that, on average, pushchairs weigh about 8-10kg, car seats weigh 4-7kg and travel cots weigh 5-9kg, so it wouldn't be difficult to exceed this and end up in excess baggage territory.

To avoid excess baggage fees, try:

• Making your baby's bag your carry-on luggage If your airline says you can only have one piece of hand luggage between you and your infant, a backpack with different compartments will mean you can take everything you both need and be hands-free.
• Check if you can take a handbag, too Some airlines allow you to bring a small personal items, such as a laptop case or handbag, in addition to your carry-on luggage (for example, Tui), which may be worth knowing about if baby's belongings are already filling your hand luggage. 
• Pre-purchase an additional baggage allowance Some airlines, including Qantas, allow you to do this up to three hours before your scheduled flight. Others, including easyJet, also allow you to pay for a 'large cabin bag' to bring on as carry-on luggage for stowing in an overhead locker (size restrictions apply, so check before buying).
• Buy for baby at the airport, even if it is a bit more expensive Especially if they use up space or are weighty, such as cartons of formula, nappies and snacks. Use a click and collect service, such as Boots, and pick up your provisions at departures. Then only take essentials from home such as medication, special toys and dummies you know will get them to sleep/help with air pressure during the flight.
• Use in-flight and destination baby essentials where available It's not the norm, but some airlines carry a few essentials so you don't have to – for example, Emirates has baby food, formula milk and baby bottles on board. Also, when booking your holiday, request a cot/travel cot so you don't have to take your own. 

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How do I book a bassinet for my baby?

A bassinet – an airline cot that fixes to the bulkhead seat wall – can be a lifesaver on long-haul flights, especially if travelling with a lap infant.

Although bassinets tend to be supplied free by airlines, there are limited numbers on flights. So booking in advance is merely a request rather than a guarantee, depending on a range of variables, including type of aircraft (for example, Delta have only two SkyCots per flight) and how many other parents have also requested them. 

To be in the running, book a bulkhead seat as early as you can because although airlines may try to prioritise passengers with infants, these seats are also popular with other passengers because of their legroom.

Seek advice from your airline or agent when booking because some bulkhead seats might not have bassinet fittings or it might not be indicated on the seat plan when you're booking. 

Also, don't just book and hope for the best. Call again 48 hours before departure to make sure your request is definitely in the system, then get to the airport early on the day because airlines often allocate bassinets at check-in on a first-come-first-served basis.

Finally, if you haven't managed to book a bulkhead seat or requested a bassinet, don't assume that you won't get one – you may be lucky enough on the day to get both if you turn up and check in early enough.

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