What Is Cathay Pacific Infant Policy?

Cathay Pacific Infant

Flying with a baby can be both rewarding and challenging, but with Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s most family-friendly airlines, traveling with an infant becomes a smooth and comfortable experience. The airline has carefully designed its infant travel policy to ensure safety, convenience, and peace of mind for parents.

Whether you’re booking your first family vacation or returning home with your newborn, understanding the Cathay Pacific lap infant policy — including seating, baggage, bassinet service, and how to add an infant before or after booking — helps you plan your journey effortlessly.

Age Requirements For Infants On Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific defines an infant as a child under two years of age at the time of travel. Infants must be at least seven days old to board, unless medical clearance has been granted by a doctor and the airline’s medical team.

If your child turns two before the return flight, they will need a child fare ticket for that segment. Parents should always double-check birth dates during booking to prevent any discrepancies at check-in.

Seating Options For Infants

Cathay Pacific allows parents to choose between two seating options, depending on their comfort preferences and fare type:

  • Lap Infant (No Separate Seat): Babies under two years old can travel on an adult’s lap for a reduced fare. An infant seat belt is provided by the crew to attach safely to the adult’s seatbelt.
  • Infant in a Separate Seat: If parents prefer added comfort and security, they may purchase a seat for the infant and use a CAA- or FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS). The car seat must meet safety standards and be properly installed according to manufacturer's instructions.

According to the Cathay Pacific traveling with infant policy, each adult can travel with one lap infant only. If you are traveling with two infants, the second must have their own seat and a CRS device.

Bassinet Service On Cathay Pacific Flights

Cathay Pacific offers baby bassinet services (also known as skycots) on long-haul flights operated by Airbus A350, A330, and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The bassinets are suitable for infants weighing up to 12 kg (26 lbs) and measuring up to 76 cm (30 inches) in length. They are installed in specific bulkhead rows, so advance reservation is strongly recommended.

Requests for bassinets can be made at the time of booking or later by contacting Cathay Pacific’s customer service. Since the number of bassinets is limited, early confirmation ensures availability. The airline’s friendly cabin crew will help set up and secure the bassinet once on board.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Cathay Pacific understands how much gear parents need when traveling with babies. The airline provides a generous baggage allowance for infants:

  • If the infant does not have a seat:
    • One checked baggage piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs) on weight-based routes, or one piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs) on piece-based routes.
    • One fully collapsible stroller, pushchair, or baby car seat checked free of charge.
  • If the infant has their own seat:
    • The child fare baggage allowance applies according to fare type.

Parents can also carry baby food, milk, and formula onboard in reasonable quantities. These are exempt from standard liquid restrictions but must be presented separately during security screening.

Infant Fare And Fees

The cost of traveling with an infant varies depending on whether you choose a lap seat or a separate seat:

  • Lap Infants (Under 2 years old): Charged approximately 10% of the accompanying adult fare, plus applicable taxes and fees.
  • Separate Seat: Infant fares are calculated based on the child fare (usually 75% of the adult fare).
  • Domestic & Regional Flights: Lap infants may travel for a nominal fee, depending on the route and class of service.

Always confirm the exact fare rules before booking, as fees may differ by destination and cabin class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First).

Meals And In-Flight Services

Cathay Pacific is widely appreciated for its thoughtful in-flight services tailored to young families. The airline provides special meals and amenities for infants and toddlers to ensure a smoother travel experience.

Parents can pre-order:

  • Baby Meals (BBML): Pre-packaged pureed baby food suitable for infants under 12 months.
  • Child Meals (CHML): Balanced, age-appropriate meals for children aged 2 years and above.

Additional amenities include:

  • Bottled hot water for preparing milk or formula.
  • Baby changing tables are available in several lavatories.
  • A limited supply of diapers and baby wipes (available upon request).
  • Priority boarding for families with infants.

How To Add A Lap Infant During Booking?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to add lap Infant on Cathay Pacific flight:

  1. Visit the Cathay Pacific official website or open the mobile app.
  2. Enter your travel details and select the number of passengers, including one infant per adult.
  3. Provide the infant’s full name, birth date, and gender as per their passport.
  4. Review the fare details, including any infant surcharges or taxes.
  5. Complete payment and review your confirmation email to ensure the infant’s name appears correctly.

This process automatically links the infant to your reservation, enabling you to request bassinets, special meals, or additional assistance in advance.

How To Add An Infant After Booking?

If you’ve already booked your flight but forgot to include your baby, Cathay Pacific makes it easy to add an infant later.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to the “Manage Booking” section on the Cathay Pacific website.
  • Enter your booking reference and last name.
  • Choose “Add Infant” from the available options.
  • Enter your baby’s personal details and complete payment for the infant fare.
  • You’ll receive an updated e-ticket confirming your infant’s addition.

If online changes are unavailable, you can contact the airline’s customer service team at 800 050 2163 or dial the consolidation desk number +1-866-738-0741 for swift solutions, or visit a Cathay Pacific ticket counter at the airport for assistance on the Cathay Pacific flying with infant policy.

Baby Equipment And Cabin Comfort

Cathay Pacific allows parents to carry essential baby gear onboard for convenience. This includes a small diaper bag, infant food, and bottles as part of your carry-on allowance.

For safety, all baby gear should be stored in overhead bins or under the seat in front during takeoff and landing. Foldable strollers can be used until boarding and then checked at the gate free of charge. Upon arrival, they’re usually returned at the aircraft door or baggage claim area.

Cathay Pacific also provides family-friendly airport lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, equipped with nursing rooms and children’s play zones.

Travel Documents Required for Infants

When traveling with Cathay Pacific, infants must have valid identification:

  • Domestic or regional flights: A birth certificate or government-issued ID may suffice.
  • International flights: A valid passport is mandatory, even for newborns.
  • Depending on the destination, visas or parental consent forms may be required.

Parents are advised to verify the entry and exit regulations of both departure and destination countries in advance.

Tips For A Comfortable Journey

Flying with an infant can be stress-free when you plan ahead. Cathay Pacific recommends:

  • Booking bulkhead seats early for easier access to bassinets.
  • Packing enough diapers, wipes, and formula in your carry-on.
  • Making use of priority boarding to settle in before other passengers.
  • Requesting extra pillows or blankets from the cabin crew for added comfort.

How To Speak With Cathay Pacific’s Live Agent To Add A Lap Infant?

If you need personalized help or face technical issues while adding your infant, Cathay Pacific’s customer service team is available to assist. Call the helpline number at 800 050 2163 or dial +1-866-738-0741 to talk with the travel expert for swift assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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