Flying
with children
and infants
We do everything we can to make flying with children as comfortable as possible. Some of our airport lounges have dedicated family rooms, and we’ll invite families to board first to give you extra time to get settled. Travelling with a push chair? Check it in or let us collect it from you just before you board.
Remember to reserve your seats to guarantee that you sit together.
We’re taking extra steps to make sure you and your family feel safe and well when you travel.
We’ve introduced an extensive wellness programme and additional deep cleaning.
Wellness Ambassadors are always available to help, and a maximum of one infant under two can travel with one adult.
Depending on where you’re flying to, children up to a certain age need a PCR test before they fly. You’ll find this information in our travel requirements.
Children aged six or older must wear a face mask at all times. If they’re comfortable, we recommend children aged two to five wear a mask as much as they possibly can.
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
*Every infant has to be accompanied by one adult over the age of 18.
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.
You may notice some changes to our kids’ packs and meals. Our cosy new blankets are made from recycled materials and we've reduced plastic packaging.
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. Your baby must weigh less than 11kg and be up to 75cm tall, and they must be able to fit comfortably in the bassinet.
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.
You can travel with more than one child as long as they are aged two years or older.
If you’re travelling with more than one infant under two, every infant must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
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:
Yes! You can use your push chair in the airport, then we’ll collect it from you when it’s time to board. We’ll load it on the plane, and you can collect it from the baggage area when you land in your destination.
In addition to your child's checked baggage allowance, you can carry one pushchair or carrycot or car seat for free.
Yes! You are welcome to bring food on board for your children.
We provide bottled drinking water on board which you are welcome to use to make your baby’s milk.
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
