What Is Ryanair Infant Policy?

add a lap infant on Ryanair

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, especially on budget airlines where policies and facilities differ significantly from full-service carriers. If you’re planning to fly with Ryanair, it’s important to understand the airline’s specific rules for infants and toddlers. Ryanair, being a low-cost carrier, maintains a straightforward but essential infant travel policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers — including the smallest ones.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Ryanair lap Infant Policy, covering who qualifies as an infant, how to book a baby ticket, baggage allowance, seating, and steps to add an infant both during and after booking.

Who Qualifies As An Infant On Ryanair Flights?

Ryanair defines an infant as a child aged between 8 days and under 2 years old on the date of travel. Infants cannot occupy a separate seat unless a full child fare ticket is purchased, and an approved car seat is used.

If your baby turns 2 before the return journey, you’ll need to book a separate seat for them on that leg, as they will no longer be considered an infant. Make sure to declare your child’s correct age during booking to avoid check-in complications or additional charges at the airport.

Booking A Ryanair Flight With An Infant

Ryanair allows parents or guardians to add one infant per adult during the booking process. Infants must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 16 years old. The airline does not permit unaccompanied minors or children under 16 to travel alone.

Here’s how to add an infant during booking:

  • Visit Ryanair’s official website or open the mobile app.
  • Enter your travel details and select the number of passengers, including one infant.
  • Provide the infant’s full name and date of birth as per their passport.
  • Continue to payment and complete your booking.
  • You’ll receive an email confirmation that includes the infant’s ticket details linked to the adult’s booking.

If you have already booked your flight but need to add lap infant on Ryanair later, don’t worry — Ryanair allows you to do this after booking.

How To Add An Infant After Booking:

You can add an infant to an existing booking through Ryanair’s Manage Booking section online or by contacting customer service. Here’s how:

  • Visit the “My Bookings” page on the Ryanair website.
  • Log in using your reservation number and email address.
  • Select the flight you wish to update.
  • Choose “Add Infant” and enter your baby’s details.
  • Pay the applicable infant fee and confirm the update.

Alternatively, you can reach out to Ryanair’s customer service center at +44 113 868 4151 or dial +1-866-738-0741 to talk with the consolidation desk or visit the airport ticket counter for assistance. However, it’s best to add your infant online in advance to avoid delays or last-minute issues.

Ryanair Infant Fees And Fare Rules

Unlike many full-service airlines that charge a percentage of the adult fare, Ryanair applies a flat infant fee per one-way flight.

As of recent policy updates:

  • The infant fee is typically around €25/£25 per one-way flight when the infant travels on an adult’s lap.
  • This fee is non-refundable and applies even if the infant does not occupy a separate seat.
  • If you prefer to reserve a separate seat for your baby (using a car seat), a child fare must be purchased instead of the infant fare.

Keep in mind that infants traveling on a parent’s lap are not entitled to their own carry-on baggage allowance.

Baggage Allowance For Infants

Ryanair maintains a limited but practical baggage policy for infants. While infants traveling on a parent’s lap do not receive their own cabin baggage allowance, parents are permitted to bring essential baby care items.

You are allowed to carry:

  • One small baby bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lbs) in addition to the adult’s cabin bag.
  • Two free baby items (such as a stroller, car seat, or travel cot) for check-in.

If you’ve purchased a separate seat for your baby, they are entitled to the same baggage allowance as a standard child ticket. Parents are also allowed to bring baby formula, milk, and food onboard — these are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions for security screening.

Seating And Infant Safety Rules

According to Ryanair traveling with infant policy, infants under 2 years old must sit on an adult’s lap, secured with an infant seat belt provided by the cabin crew. Each adult may travel with only one infant on their lap.

If you wish to reserve a separate seat for your baby, you must:

  • Purchase a child fare ticket, and
  • Bring a forward-facing car seat that is approved for aircraft use and fits Ryanair’s seat dimensions (42.5 cm wide).

Please note that:

  • Car seats must display a valid label confirming FAA, CAA, or EASA approval.
  • Rear-facing seats are not accepted.
  • Infants cannot be seated in exit rows or bulkhead areas.

Baby Equipment And Stroller Policy

Ryanair understands that traveling with a baby involves extra gear. For convenience, the airline permits parents to carry two baby items free of charge. These can include any of the following:

  • One stroller or pushchair
  • One car seat
  • One travel cot or booster seat

The stroller can be used up until you reach the aircraft door or stairs. Cabin crew will then take it for loading and return it to you at the aircraft steps upon arrival. For longer walks at large airports, baby carriers are highly recommended.

In-Flight Baby Comfort and Facilities

While Ryanair is a low-cost carrier with limited in-flight amenities, it still provides basic facilities to make your journey with an infant comfortable.

  • Changing tables are available in most onboard lavatories.
  • You may request hot water from the crew to prepare baby formula or milk.
  • Cabin crew can assist with heating bottles when necessary.
  • Families with infants are usually allowed priority boarding for easier seating and cabin access.

However, Ryanair does not provide bassinets, baby food, or specialized baby care items. Therefore, parents are encouraged to bring their own essentials for the flight.

Travel Documents Required For Infants

Infants traveling on Ryanair flights must have valid identification. The type of ID required depends on your route:

  • For domestic flights within the EU, a birth certificate may be acceptable.
  • All passengers, including infants, must have a passport when traveling abroad.
  • Some destinations may require additional travel authorization or parental consent forms if only one parent is traveling.

Always verify entry and visa requirements for your destination before departure.

How To Speak With Ryanair Live Agent To Add A Lap Infant?

If you encounter any issues adding your baby online or after booking, you can contact Ryanair’s customer support for assistance. Call the official helpline number at +44 113 868 4151 or dial +1-866-738-0741 to get more precise information on Ryanair flying with infant policy from a consolidation desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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