Flying
with children
and infants
We do everything we can to make flying with children as comfortable as we can. Some of our airport lounges have dedicated family rooms, and when it’s time to board, we’ll invite families on to the plane first to give you a bit of extra time to get settled. You can check your pushchair in, or we'll collect your pushchair from you just before you board.
Don't forget to reserve your seats together in your favourite spot on the plane.
We’re taking extra steps to make sure you and your family feel safe and well when you travel, with additional deep-cleaning procedures and other initiatives to keep you protected.
Our team will do everything they can to sit you together on board, with as much space as possible between you and other guests.
Remember to wear a face mask whilst you travel and wash your hands regularly.
If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi, all guests – excluding children under 12 – will undergo thermal screening and COVID-19 PCR testing in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Read our health and wellness guide to find out more about what we’re doing to keep you safe.
Check the baggage allowance and onboard rules for children and babies.
Normal fare rules apply.
Checked baggage to/from USA and Canada: 23kg
Checked baggage to/from all other destinations: 10kg
Cabin baggage: One piece, 5kg
Little flyers will be entertained for hours with kids' movies, TV and cartoons on E-BOX. There's also music and games if they'd prefer something interactive.
Tiny adventurers should get ready to explore with our children’s activity packs, Etihad Explorers. The collectable character bags include colouring books, games and puzzles.
Our healthy and fun children's meals keep little tummies happy on board. Please order your child's meal at least 24 hours before your flight.
The safety of your child is our number one priority. For infants weighing up to 11kg, our bassinets are specially designed carry-cots to help your baby sleep flat during the flight. Our cabin crew will confirm that your infant fits comfortably and safely in the bassinet before affixing it at your seat position. You may request a baby bassinet when you book your flight or through Manage my booking. All bassinets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For safety reasons, you may only use a bassinet when the seatbelt sign is switched off and when the cabin crew permit you to do so. When the seatbelt sign is on, you must secure your child on your lap using an infant seatbelt; our cabin crew will provide a seatbelt for you and show you how to use it. You may also use an approved car seat or child restraint device.
Children aged up to three years old travelling on a child’s ticket may use certain approved car-seats, in conjunction with our aircraft seats.
You are also permitted to carry one pushchair or carrycot or car seat for free, in addition to your child's checked baggage allowance.
Yes! Children aged up to three years old travelling on a child’s ticket may use certain approved car-seats. As the parent or guardian, you are responsible for correctly installing the device as per the manufacturer’s instructions and restrictions.
As per the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the following car-seats and child restraint devices are accepted on board:
The way that our premium cabins are configured on some of our aircraft means that you won’t always be sat next to your child, or have clear visibility of them in their seat. As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for ensuring that your child stays in their seat and is secured with own seatbelt whenever the seatbelt signs are on.
To help children sit or sleep comfortably on our flights, most travel accessories are permitted on board, including JetKidsTM BedBoxTM, Plane Pal and Fly Tot, subject to certain conditions. The accessory must be securely stowed during take-off and landing.
Accessories that attach to any part of the seat are not permitted.
The following supporting devices are accepted on board for children with special needs:
We understand it may be difficult for young children to wear a mask when they travel. If they’re comfortable, we recommend that children aged two to five wear a mask as much as they possibly can. Children aged six or older must wear a mask at all times, wash their hands regularly and follow social distancing guidelines as much as possible.
An Etihad Guest Family membership lets everyone earn miles individually and spend them together as a family.
Join now
If your child is between 5 to 11 years old, they can travel on their own if you pre-book our Unaccompanied Minor service.
Learn more
Find out everything you need to know if you’re planning to fly during your pregnancy.
Flying when pregnant