Yay! You’ve decided you want to fly with your baby. Whether it’s for a family holiday or to visit relatives, you’re probably asking ‘how old does a baby have to be to fly?’.
Most say around seven days old, but each airline has its own airline baby policy for traveling with a newborn. To help you on your way, I’ve collated the majority of them, simplified them and listed them below in alphabetical order, with links to the policy.
You’ll also need to get a passport for your baby so that they can travel overseas. I’ve created a step-by-step baby passport guide on how to do that, as well as a guide on what to pack when traveling with baby. So you see, I have you covered!
Traveling With a Newborn – Airline Policies
Aer Lingus
The Aer Lingus baby policy says:
Aer Lingus don’t have a restriction on a minimum age that the baby should be. However, if your baby is less than two weeks old, they recommend that you clear it with your doctor.
If you’re travelling with two (or more) babies (under six months old) you’ll need to travel with another adult(s).
If your baby was born prematurely (which they deem as 3 weeks before their original due date) you’ll need medical clearance to fly with them. You’ll need this up until they are six months old.
Recommended reading: Travelling with a baby – A thorough guide on everything baby travel
Alaska Airlines
The Alaska Airlines baby policy says:
Alaska Airlines does not impose a minimum age.
American Airlines
The American Airlines baby policy says:
Your baby must be a minimum of two days old.
If the baby is less than 7 days old, your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.
Air Canada
The Air Canada baby policy says:
Your baby must be a minimum of seven days old.
Recommended reading: Travelling to Canada with a Baby – Our Experience
Air France
The Air France baby policy says:
It is recommended your baby is at least seven days old.
British Airways
The British Airways baby policy says:
In order to fly your baby must be at least 48 hours old and must have been born without any complications.
If you had a Caesarean section or if other surgery was needed during or after the birth, then you can travel after 10 days, with medical clearance from British Airways Health Services.
Cathay Pacific
The Cathay Pacific baby policy says:
Your baby must be seven days old and in good health.
Recommended reading: 7 Tips for Travelling With a Colicky Baby
Delta
The Delta baby policy says:
If your baby is less than seven days old they can fly with a permission letter from your physician.
easyJet
The easyJet baby policy says:
Your baby must be a minimum of 14 days old to travel.
Emirates
The Emirates baby policy says:
Ordinarily your baby should be at least seven days old to fly with Emirates. However, babies who are less than seven days old will be allowed on board in the case of travel for emergency medical reasons (in incubators) or if the mother is travelling on compassionate grounds.
Ethiad
The Ethiad baby policy says:
Your baby should be at least seven days old to fly with Ethiad.
Lufthansa
The Lufthansa baby policy says:
There is no minimum age to fly with Lufthansa.
JetBlue
The JetBlue baby policy says:
Your baby must be at least three days old to fly with JetBlue.
KLM
The KLM baby policy says:
There is no minimum age, but KLM discourage travel during the first week after birth.
Every adult may travel with two babies. However, only one baby may sit on an adult’s lap. Any additional baby, would need to in a seat (which you would need to book).
Recommended reading: Flying with a Baby via KLM – Our Experience
Qantas
The Qantas baby policy says:
Your baby must be healthy and at least seven days old to fly with Qantas.
However, if you need to travel within seven days of delivery, you can seek Qantas medical clearance via a Travel Clearance Form.
Ryanair
The Ryanair baby policy says:
Your baby can travel with Ryanair once they are eight days old or older.
Recommended reading: Flying with a Two Month Old Baby – Our Experience
Singapore Airlines
The Singapore Airlines baby policy says:
Your baby must be at least 48 hours old. They also say air travel is not recommended for infants seven days of age or under.
Southwest Airlines
The Southwest Airlines baby policy says:
Your baby should be at least 14 days old to fly.
Recommended reading: 8 Must Have Items for Traveling With a Baby
United Airlines
The United Airlines baby policy says:
Your baby should be at least seven days old to fly with United Airlines. Babies in incubators are not permitted.
Virgin Atlantic
The Virgin Atlantic baby policy says:
Your baby should be healthy and at least 48 hours old. Only one baby is permitted per lap. Only individuals who are 12 years old or older are permitted to have an infant on their lap.
WestJet
The WestJet baby policy says:
Your baby should be eight days old or older to fly with WestJet. However, if you wish to bring a younger baby WestJet requires an approval letter from a physician that gives your newborn permission to fly.
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