Planning a flight with children
The best family itinerary starts with a few details that a simple adult passenger count cannot capture.
Before you fly · 4 min read
The quick answer
Give your adviser each child's age on the travel dates, baggage and pushchair needs, and seating priorities. Confirm the airline's family arrangements before booking.
Give ages for the whole journey
Share the children's ages on departure and return, and mention any birthday during the trip. Infants and children may need different ticket and seating arrangements; the airline's rules matter.
Tell us who is travelling with each child and whether the family will all return together. These details help the quote reflect the actual journey rather than leaving important questions until check-in.
Discuss seats before choosing the fare
Ask how the airline seats children with adults and whether choosing particular seats costs extra. Being seated with an accompanying adult is not the same as guaranteeing every member of a large family one row together.
If travelling with a baby, ask about a separate seat, an approved car seat or a bassinet where offered. Availability and suitability depend on the airline and aircraft. British Airways' family guidance illustrates why infant seats and carrycot requests need specific arrangements rather than assumptions.
Plan the bags and pushchair
List the checked bags, cabin essentials, pushchair and any car seat you want to take. Ask what is included for each child and where a pushchair would be collected on arrival. Airline rules and airport arrangements vary.
Pack a small, accessible set of journey essentials instead of spreading everything across several bags. Check the official security guidance for baby food and milk, and give yourself time for screening. Keep the return journey's requirements in mind too.
Make the journey manageable
Check every child's travel documents, and any permission or supporting evidence needed when taking a child abroad. GOV.UK explains the parental-permission rules and points to circumstances that need particular attention.
Compare the total travel day, not just the time in the air. Think about reaching the airport, connection walks, late arrivals and the journey from the destination airport. Tell your adviser which part would be hardest for your family, so suitable alternatives can be considered.
For a Travelcart quote, send the route, dates, adults, children's ages and your main priorities in one message. We can discuss the flight options and the details to confirm with the airline.
Your checklist
- Children's ages checked on both travel dates
- Seating and infant needs discussed
- Pushchair, car seat and baggage rules checked
- Passports and relevant travel permissions ready
Questions and answers
Will our whole family automatically sit together?
Do not assume a particular seating arrangement. Check the airline's policy for children and whether specific seat choices need to be reserved.
What if a child has a birthday during the trip?
Mention it before booking. The age on each flight can affect the airline's ticket or seating arrangements.
Can I take a pushchair?
Many airlines accommodate pushchairs, but check the permitted type, allowance and collection point for your own flights.
Does a child travelling with one parent need extra documents?
The requirements depend on the circumstances and destination. Check GOV.UK parental-permission guidance and the destination's official rules before travel.
Keep planning your journey
Sources and latest guidance
Last checked: 2026-09-13