Here is a summary of what some of the most popular airlines offer traveling families.

Qantas

• Children’s fares – On international flights Lap children pay 10% of the adult fare.  Qantas occasionally offers special children’s airfares.  Check with Qantas whether these are available prior to booking your planned flight.
• Children’s luggage allowance – Children travelling to/from the USA, US Territories, Tahiti, South America and Canada, via the Pacific, are allowed two pieces of luggage to be checked in, each weighing up to 32kg. On other international flights children are allowed 20kg of checked luggage.   Lap children are entitled to 10kg of luggage when flying internationally.  Adults accompanying infants have additional luggage entitlements.  These are one collapsible stroller, carry basket or bassinet as well as and baby food and nappies for use inflight.
• Priority boarding – Yes.
• Pre-seating – While you should request your seating preference when you make your booking and at check-in Qantas does not guarantee families will be seated together.
• Bassinets – Yes on some flights.  Request these when you make your booking.  Babies must be under 18 months of age and under 11kg to use these.
• Children’s inflight entertainment – In seat entertainment units are present on international flights.  These have a range of children’s programs.  Blocking of unsuitable viewing material by parents is possible.
• Children’s meals – Baby, toddler and children’s meals are all available.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s entertainment packs – Yes
• Baby supplies – Flight staff carry a supply of nappies, rusks and baby food for emergencies.  They are also able to warm and clean bottles for you onboard.
• Special information:

• If you plan to use a car seat onboard you must get approval from your local Qantas office at least 24 hours prior to flying.
• A dedicated family zone has been introduced into Qantas club lounges in Sydney International Business Lounge, Sydney Domestic Lounge in terminal 3 and Brisbane Qantas club.

Singapore Airlines

• Children’s fares – On international flights lap children pay 10% of the adult fare.  Children 2-11 (and those younger who are allocated their own seat) pay 75% of the adult fare plus taxes and surcharges.
• Children’s luggage allowance – Lap children are allowed 10kg of luggage in addition to a collapsible stroller or carry cot.  Children with a purchased seat are entitled to 20kg of luggage which is the same allowance as for adults.  The exception is for flights to/from the USA and Canada where two pieces are allowed, each weighing up to 32kg.  Passengers travelling with an infant are entitled to carry an additional item of carry on luggage containing food for the infant.
• Priority boarding – Yes
• Pre-seating – While the airline will attempt to accommodate seating requests this is not guaranteed.
• Bassinets – Yes for infants up to 14kg.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s inflight entertainment – Yes.  There is also a parental blocking facility.
• Children’s meals – Yes.  These are available to children travelling in business class, first class and suites.  They may be ordered 24 hours before the flight.
• Children’s entertainment packs – Yes, on most flights.
• Baby supplies – Baby food is provided if you request it when you make your booking.  You will need to provide your own formula.
• Special information.  Infants must be at least 7 days old to travel with this airline.

United Airlines

• Children’s fares – On domestic flights within the United States or between the USA and Canada children under 2 years may travel for free without a seat.  On flights between the USA and Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands lap children pay 10% of the adult fare for their ticket.  According to the airline’s website, on all other international flights infants must have a purchased ticket but may receive a discount according to the destination.
• Children’s luggage allowance – Lap children are permitted one piece of luggage up to 23kg.  They are also allowed a collapsible stroller or pram.  Children who have a purchased seat have the same baggage allowance as adults.  Parents accompanying an infant are allowed to carry a nappy bag in addition to the regular carry-on luggage entitlements.
• Pre-seating – This is not guaranteed.
• Bassinets – These are available for infants aged up to six months.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s inflight entertainment – On demand in seat entertainment systems are available on some international flights.  These offer a range of children’s entertainment options.
• Children’s meals – Yes.  These are available for children over 18 months who occupy their own seat.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s entertainment packs – No.
• Baby supplies –It is suggested you bring your own baby food for use in-flight.
• Special information.

• A passenger must be at least 18 years old to travel with a lap child.
• The airline has a number of restrictions regarding the use of car seats on board.  If you plan to use one consult the airline’s website for specific instructions.

Virgin Atlantic

• Children’s fares – On international flights lap children pay 10% of the adult fare.  Children 2-11 (and those younger who are allocated their own seat) pay 75% of the adult fare plus taxes and surcharges.
• Children’s luggage allowance – Lap children are allocated one piece of checked luggage not exceeding 23kg.  In addition they are allowed a stroller, bassinet or car seat.  Children with their own purchased seat are entitled to the same luggage as an adult – 2 pieces weighing 23kg each.
• Priority boarding – Yes.
• Pre-seating – Yes.  Request your seats when you make your booking then secure them online 24hrs before the flight.
• Bassinets – These are available for infants up to 12 months.  The weight restrictions vary between travel classes and range from 9-11kg.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s inflight entertainment – Yes.  There is a parental blocking feature.
• Children’s meals – Yes.  Request these when you make your booking.
• Children’s entertainment packs – Yes.
• Baby supplies –Parents are advised to bring their own however a supply of nappies and baby food are carried in case of emergencies.
• Special features:  You may request an infant care chair for your infant or toddler aged from 6 to 36 months of age.  Request this when you make your booking.

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You may also be interested in reading this advice for breastfeeding while you travel and handling jet lag with small children.

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