Whether it’s your first time travelling with British Airways with kids, or you just need some information. I have put together all the basic info you need to know before flying on BA.
British Airways is the largest UK airline based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations. British Airways flights operate to and from London City, Gatwick and Stansted airports. As well as it’s home hub London Heathrow Terminals 3 & 5. Voted the best airport terminal in the world six times since opening in 2008 (Skytrax World Airport Awards). Terminal 5 offers a seamless airport experience with stylish shops, restaurants and luxurious lounges.
*This blog post is for informational purposes only. For specific questions on travelling with British Airways, please click here or contact the airline directly.
Flying BA when pregnant
For your and your baby’s safety, you cannot fly after:
- the end of the 36th week if you are pregnant with one baby
- the end of the 32nd week if you are pregnant with more than one baby.
We recommend you carry a letter or statement from your Doctor or Midwife confirming:
- Whether your pregnancy is single or multiple.
- Your expected due date.
- There are no complications with your pregnancy.
The letter should be dated as close to your travel date as possible and covers you for your entire journey (outbound and return). Provided you do not require any medical care during your trip.
It is not necessary to complete our medical form.
Other considerations for travel during pregnancy:
- Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance coverage in case of preterm labour abroad.
- Some countries have entry restrictions for non‑national pregnant women. Check with the local consulate or embassy if you’re in any doubt.
Flying BA with a newborn
Newborn babies must be at least 48 hours old and have been born without any complications before they can travel with us. If you plan to fly soon after your baby’s birth. Please check with your treating doctor if it’s safe for both you and your baby to travel.
If you had a Caesarean section or other surgery was needed during or after the birth. You can travel 10 days after with medical clearance from our Health Services. We would advise that your treating doctor approve your travel first.
Flying British Airways with an infant under two years old
British Airways will always try to sit families together where possible. When you travel with an infant (on your lap), you can choose a seat for yourself and everyone in your booking, free of charge (up to a party of nine). Subject to availability, one person in your booking can choose a carrycot/seat position.
If you don’t choose a seat in advance, BA will select suitable seats for you before the flight. When you are travelling with children under 12 years will always be sitting next to a responsible adult in your party.
If you’d like to book a separate seat for your infant (under 2 years old), contact British Airways directly and they will arrange it for you. However, please note that this cannot be booked online.
British Airways infant baggage allowance
If you’re travelling with an infant (under 2), you’ll be able to bring one extra nappy bag for them for in-flight essentials. However, this is different if you have paid for a plane seat for your infant. They will be booked as a ‘child’ and are given the same baggage allowance as an adult.
Infants also get a free checked baggage allowance which includes one standard 23kg bag in the hold, for all cabins. This does not apply when you and your infant are on a hand baggage-only (Basic) fare, where there is no free checked bag allowance.
In addition, each infant can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare:
- Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller)
- Car or booster seat
- Travel cot
- Baby back carrier
If you’re travelling from London Heathrow Terminal 5, check in at their dedicated family zone located in Zone E. They offer easy access to oversize baggage belts for car seats and pushchairs, as well as a child-friendly waiting area.
Flying British airways with children over two years
If you don’t choose a seat in advance, BA will select suitable seats for you before the flight. If you are flying British Airways with kids under 12 years will always be sitting next to a responsible adult in your party. Any children travelling who are over 12 years may be seated separately if not rebooked. You can pre-book seats to avoid this.
Baggage allowance for children flying with British Airways
British Airways offer kids (aged 2-11) the same hand baggage allowance as an adult. They also will have the same free checked baggage allowance as you, which will vary depending on the cabin that you’re travelling in.
In addition, each child can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare:
- Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller)
- Car or booster seat
- Travel cot
- Baby back carrier
If you’re travelling from London Heathrow Terminal 5, check in at their dedicated family zone located in Zone E. They offer easy access to oversize baggage belts for car seats and pushchairs, as well as a child-friendly waiting area.
Onboard facilities
You’ll find changing tables in the bathrooms so you can comfortably change your baby on board.
British Airways strollers, bassinets and car seat policies
Taking a car seat on British Airways
You can take the car seat on board the plane if you’ve booked a seat for your infant or child and intend to secure the car seat into it. Alternatively, your car seat must be checked into the hold as one of the two free essential extras allowed for children. Even on a hand baggage-only (Basic) fare.
If you’ve booked a seat for your baby or child, you can bring your own single piece car seat as long as it meets airline safety regulations. Please note that two-part car seats (a seat and separate base) are not suitable for aircraft seats.
- The age/weight of the child is in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- The width of the car seat should be no more than 43cm (17 inches) to ensure it fits in the aircraft seat.
- The child in the car seat must face the same direction as the aircraft seat to which it is secured.
- The aircraft seat belt buckle must not lie over any part of the frame or under the structure of the car seat after tightening.
- The frame of the car seat must be metal or plastic/polycarbonate material.
- The car seat harness must secure the lap, torso and lower body, but does not need to have five individual straps.
Only compliant car seats or approved seat comfort devices are permitted for use onboard. Any device that obstructs the floor or attaches to the seat to restrict its movement are not allowed.
Taking a Pushchair/stroller on British Airways
Walking distances from arrival terminals to baggage collection vary across airports and some may be longer than others. To help you with the journey, BA offers a service that returns your pushchair back to the aircraft door at certain destinations.
There are strict parameters on the size of pushchairs, so please check below if your pushchair qualifies for this service –
- It must be a single-piece, slimline, fully collapsible pushchair.
- Maximum dimension size including wheels:
Height 38cm
Length 117cm
Depth 38cm - If your pushchair is within the dimensions it will be tagged with an orange Return To Aircraft Door label, with your customer information included, before being placed in the hold. You can then collect it on arrival at your destination. Please contact the cabin crew for assistance.
- If your pushchair is bigger than the dimensions it will not be delivered to the aircraft door on arrival. Instead, you can collect your pushchair on the baggage carousel in the baggage hall at your destination, along with your checked baggage.
Please note, the above service is not offered at all destinations, so please ask at check-in whether aircraft pick-up is possible.
Requesting a Bassinet on a British Airways flight
On our long haul services, BA provide carrycots and infant seats free of charge for babies up to 2 years old, weighing under 12.5 kg (27.5lbs). These can be used during the flight when the seat belt signs are off. If you’ve chosen a carrycot seating position, your crew will offer you a carrycot or infant seat for your baby, subject to availability and aircraft type.
British Aiways Carrycots
Our specially designed carrycots are only for infants up to 6 months old, weighing no more than 8kg (17.5lb), so your baby can sleep in comfort in the best seat on the flight. You can bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover to lessen distractions from light and movement.
British Airways Infant seats
Infant seats can be used by little ones from birth up to 24 months, who weigh no more than 12.5kg (27.5lbs). These seats are secured onto the carrycot position by the cabin crew and are adjustable to two positions: reclined or upright. For infants under 6 months, the seat should always be used in the reclined position. For infants over 6 months, either position can be used.
What sleep devices, leg rests and ride-on suitcases do British Airways allow?
Sleepers and leg rests and extensions on British Airways flights
| Approved to be used onboard | Not permitted for use onboard |
| AmSafe Child Aviation Restraint System (Cares)* | Seat extenders (including suitcases that convert into a leg rest or bed) |
| Car seats that meet safety requirements | Leg hammocks |
| Cozi-Go/FlyBaBee Sleep Easy Cover for infant bassinets | Baby hammocks |
| Approved seat support systems | Inflatable footrests |
| Oversized inflatable head pillows | |
| Flexible seat supports | |
| All headrest attachments | |
| Knee defenders |
Ride‑on suitcases on British Airways flights
British Airways have teamed up with Trunki, a brand known for kids’ ride-on suitcases and travel accessories. They have created an adorable British Airways Trunki: Amelia the Aeroplane. It’s the ultimate travelling companion for globe-trotting tots. Designed to be used as hand baggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belongings while parents keep them in tow.
British Airways baby and children’s meals
British Airways offers a range of nutritionally balanced children’s meals. The child’s meal is suitable for children who are able to eat solid food and are available on long haul flights. BA also have a ‘Feed Kids First’ policy means that your little ones are happy, so you can enjoy your own meal in peace.
You can order your child’s meal at least 24 hours before you fly, which you can do using Manage My Booking. Go to ‘Special requests’ and under ‘Special meals’ you’ll find the ‘Child meal’ option.
Bringing baby food with you
BA do carry some tinned baby food on long haul flights, but recommend you bring your own un-opened baby food, sterilised bottles and any other equipment, in your hand baggage. Unfortunately, they are not able to sterilise bottles or provide sterilised water on board.
Children’s in-flight entertainment
When travelling British Airways with kids, little ones can get creative in the clouds with their free Skyflyers activity pack, including a fun eye mask, paw print socks, crayons and a postcard to send home from your holiday.
Collect yours at the Family and Club World check-in zones at Heathrow Terminal 5, Gatwick and London City. Just ask a member of our staff.
BA also offer a massive selection of children’s movies, cartoons and games onboard the seatback entertainment screens.
If you found this post useful, why not check out some related posts on destinations or other airlines
