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.

Your family’s safety is our priority

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.

family onboard

Infants and children

Check the baggage allowance and onboard rules for children and babies.

Normal fare rules apply.

Age Fare Seat Bassinet Food on board Baggage
7 days – 23 months Infant No, infants are permitted to sit on the lap of their parent/guardian Available on a first come, first served basis for infants weighing up to 11kg Request a baby’s meal up to 24 hours before your flight

Checked baggage to/from USA and Canada: 23kg

Checked baggage to/from all other destinations: 10kg

Cabin baggage: One piece, 5kg

2 – 11 years Child Yes, children are not permitted to sit on the lap of their parent/guardian No Request a child’s meal up to 24 hours before your flight Normal baggage rules apply
12 years + Adult Yes No Adult meal Normal baggage rules apply
excited kid watching on-board entertainment system

No time to be bored with E-BOX

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.

kid drawing on etihad activity book

Etihad explorers

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.

kid enjoying meal onboard

Children’s meals

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.

Bassinets

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.

Car seats and pushchairs

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.

Questions about flying with children

family travelling

Etihad Guest Family

An Etihad Guest Family membership lets everyone earn miles individually and spend them together as a family.

Join now

child sleeping in flight

Children flying alone

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

pregnant woman on-board

Flying during pregnancy

Find out everything you need to know if you’re planning to fly during your pregnancy.


Flying when pregnant

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