What Is British Airways Infant Policy?

Traveling with a baby requires extra planning, and British Airways offers family-friendly services to make your journey smoother. Whether you’re flying short-haul in Europe or taking a long-haul international trip, the airline provides flexible options for seating, baggage, and in-flight care for infants. Understanding British Airways infant policy in detail ensures a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for parents and guardians.

Who Qualifies as an Infant on British Airways?

British Airways defines an infant as a child under two years old at the time of travel. Parents can choose to carry the infant on their lap or book a separate seat with an approved child restraint device. Once a child turns two, they must have their own seat and ticket.

Booking Rules for Infants

When reserving tickets, parents should inform British Airways if they are traveling with an infant. The booking system will then apply the correct fare and allow requests for bassinets or extra baggage. Key points include:

An infant ticket typically costs 10% of the adult fare on international routes.
Only one infant per adult is permitted.
Families with twins or multiple young children must purchase a separate seat for each additional infant.

Seating and Bassinets

British Airways aims to make seating convenient for families:

Bassinet seats are available on most long-haul flights and can be requested during booking or after.
Bassinets are suitable for babies up to 12 months old and weighing less than 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs).
Families can also choose to bring an approved car seat for use in a booked infant seat.
Priority seating arrangements often place families in bulkhead rows for extra space.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

British Airways provides a generous baggage policy for infants:

1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (51 lbs) for long-haul flights.
1 cabin bag and 1 fully collapsible stroller or car seat free of charge.
Strollers can usually be taken to the aircraft door and handed over to staff before boarding.

International Travel With Infants

For parents flying internationally, extra steps may be needed:

Some countries require additional documents, like a birth certificate or consent letters, for single parents.
Vaccination records may be requested for certain destinations.
Families should check country-specific regulations in advance to avoid travel delays.

In-Flight Services for Infants

British Airways tries to make the flying experience more comfortable for parents and babies:

Baby bassinets and infant seatbelts are provided free of charge.
Some flights offer baby meals, which can be requested up to 24 hours before departure.
Cabin crew are trained to assist with family needs, including heating baby bottles.
Entertainment packs with soft toys or games are sometimes available on long-haul routes.

Safety Guidelines for Infant Travel

British Airways follows international safety standards for infant travel. Some of the main guidelines include:

Infants must be secured with a loop belt when traveling on a parent’s lap.
Approved child restraint seats are required if an infant occupies their own seat.
Bassinet use is restricted to cruise conditions and may not be available during turbulence.

How to Book Infant Travel on British Airways

Parents can book infant tickets online through the official British Airways website or by contacting customer support. After booking, it’s recommended to:

Request a bassinet in advance if traveling on long-haul flights.
Double-check baggage allowances, especially if carrying both a stroller and a car seat.
Arrive at the airport early to allow time for stroller check-in and security.

Note: Furthermore, using British Airways name correction allows parents traveling with infants to ensure their tickets are accurate. As a result, families can avoid delays or boarding issues. Consequently, verifying all passenger details, including names, immediately after booking is a smart practice for a hassle-free travel experience.

International Travel With Infants

For parents flying internationally, extra steps may be needed:

Some countries require additional documents, such as a birth certificate or consent letters for single parents.
Vaccination records may be requested for certain destinations.
Families should check country-specific regulations in advance to avoid travel delays.