What Is Etihad Airways Infant Policy

It can be really stressful to travel with a newborn, especially if it's your first time. Between feeding schedules, diapers, and making sure your child is comfortable during the flight, parents often have a lot to think about. Etihad Airways understands these challenges and has built an infant policy that helps parents feel supported throughout the journey. With clear rules, extra allowances, and thoughtful amenities, Etihad ensures that families traveling with infants can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable flight experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Etihad Airways infant policy, from age eligibility and ticketing rules to seating, bassinets, baggage, meals, and safety considerations.

Age And Eligibility For Infant Travel

Etihad Airways defines an infant as any child under the age of two years at the time of travel. If your child turns two during the trip, they will need a separate seat and ticket for the return journey.

Some important points to note:

Infants must be at least seven days old before being allowed to fly.
One adult passenger can travel with only one infant on their lap.
If you are flying with twins or more than one infant, a separate seat with an approved child restraint system will be required for the additional child.

These guidelines are designed to prioritize the safety and comfort of both the infant and the adult traveler.

Booking Process for Infants

When booking tickets with Etihad Airways, it is essential to inform the airline if you will be traveling with an infant. This allows them to make arrangements for bassinets, meals, and seating. Infant fares are generally charged at a percentage of the adult ticket, depending on the route and class of service.

During booking, parents can also:

Request a bassinet seat if traveling long-haul.
Add infant meals to the reservation.
Select preferred seats for better accessibility.

The earlier you inform the airline about your infant, the better chance you have of securing the most convenient travel options.

Seating Options and Bassinets

Seating plays a vital role when traveling with infants. Etihad has carefully planned seating arrangements to make journeys easier for families.

Bassinets are available on most long-haul flights but must be requested in advance.
Each bassinet can hold infants up to 11 kg (24 lbs) in weight and 75 cm (29 inches) in length.
Parents traveling with an infant and a lap seat are usually assigned bulkhead seats with more space.
The airline provides infant seat belts, which attach securely to the adult passenger’s seat belt when holding a baby on their lap.

For added comfort, families can also purchase an extra seat for their infant and use an approved car seat or restraint system. This is particularly helpful on long flights where the infant may need more space to rest.

Baggage Allowance For Infants

Packing for an infant often means carrying a lot of essentials—from diapers and formula to toys and extra clothes. Etihad Airways provides a generous baggage allowance for infants to reduce the burden on parents.

One piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg on most international routes.
One small cabin bag weighing up to 5 kg for baby essentials like food, wipes, and toys.
A stroller, pushchair, or car seat may be checked free of charge.

The allowance ensures parents don’t need to compromise on what they bring, giving peace of mind that they’ll have everything needed during the journey.

Infant Meals And Onboard Assistance

Etihad Airways goes the extra mile to make sure infants are comfortable during the flight. Special infant meals are available on long-haul routes, which must be requested at least 24 hours before departure. While Etihad does not provide formula or milk for infants, the cabin crew can assist parents by:

Heating bottles or baby food.
Offering water for formula preparation.
Providing support in setting up bassinets.

Parents are strongly encouraged to carry sufficient food, formula, or snacks for their child since options onboard are limited. Cabin crew members are also trained to support families during flights, ensuring the journey is less stressful for both the infant and the parents.

Stroller And Car Seat Policy

Etihad allows collapsible strollers and pushchairs, which can be used up to the boarding gate in many airports. Once at the gate, the stroller is collected and stored in the aircraft hold. Car seats are permitted onboard if you purchase a separate seat for your infant. The car seat must be forward-facing or rear-facing and meet international safety standards. Parents are advised to check seat dimensions before bringing their own restraint system.

Health and Safety Guidelines

For Etihad Airways, safety remains the top priority. The airline has clear rules regarding infants’ health during travel:

Infants under seven days old are not allowed to fly unless medically cleared.
Premature babies or those with medical conditions require special approval.
Parents should carry medications, prescriptions, or medical notes if their child requires special care.
The use of certain travel accessories, such as inflatable cushions or bed extensions, may be restricted if they block emergency exits or aisles.

These precautions ensure not only the infant’s well-being but also the safety of all passengers onboard.

Check-In And Boarding With Infants

Traveling with an infant often requires additional time at the airport. Etihad recommends arriving early to allow for check-in, security, and documentation checks. Families traveling with infants may receive priority boarding, giving them extra time to settle into their seats and set up bassinets or car seats before other passengers board.

Note: Similarly, Etihad Name Change Policy ensures passengers can fix or update ticket names efficiently. Parents flying with infants should act promptly, as accurate details streamline check-in and boarding. Following these steps provides peace of mind, letting families enjoy a relaxed journey and focus on their child’s comfort throughout the flight.