Understanding EasyJet's Approach to Infant Travel
When planning air travel with a young child, understanding the specific airline's policies is paramount. For those considering easyJet travelling with infants, the airline provides clear guidelines designed to manage the unique needs of families with babies. These cover everything from booking and seating arrangements to what you can bring onboard for your infant's comfort and safety. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with these provisions well in advance of your departure date to avoid any last-minute complications.
- Infant bookings require specific procedures on the easyJet website.
- Essential items for babies often have dedicated baggage allowances.
- Seating arrangements and safety equipment like car seats are subject to rules.
- Preparation is key to a less stressful journey with an infant.
EasyJet, like many carriers, differentiates between 'infants' (under two years old) and 'children' (aged two to 15). This distinction is important as it dictates fare types, baggage allowances, and the requirement for a seat. For infants who do not occupy their own seat, a nominal fee typically applies, and they are usually required to travel on an adult's lap. This article aims to elucidate the various facets of easyJet travelling with infants, offering clarity on how to navigate the process efficiently.
Booking and Fares for Infants
When you book your flights through the easyJet website or app, you will be prompted to specify the number of infants travelling. An infant, defined as a passenger under the age of two years for the entire duration of the flight, does not typically require their own seat. Instead, they travel on the lap of an accompanying adult. A small infant fee is usually levied for each infant travelling this way. This fee ensures compliance with regulations and covers administrative aspects. It is important to note that only one infant can occupy an adult's lap. If a family has twins or multiple infants requiring lap travel, additional adults will be necessary to accompany each one, as per safety mandates.
When to Book a Seat for Your Infant
While lap travel is the standard and most economical option for infants, parents may opt to book a separate seat for their baby. This is particularly advisable if you wish to use an approved infant car seat during the flight. If you choose this route, you will need to book a standard adult fare for the infant and ensure the car seat meets easyJet's specific dimensions and safety standards for use in flight. The airline permits the use of certain types of car seats, but they must be secured to the aircraft seat using the seat's own seatbelt, not a harness. Always confirm the exact specifications and approved models with easyJet directly, as these can vary and are subject to stringent safety checks.
Baggage Allowances for Infants on EasyJet
Navigating baggage allowances when travelling with a baby can be complex, but easyJet provides specific provisions to assist families. For infants travelling on an adult's lap, a certain amount of essential baby equipment can be brought onboard free of charge, in addition to the accompanying adult's standard cabin baggage allowance. This typically includes items like a travel cot, a stroller, or a car seat.
It is vital to understand precisely what constitutes 'essential baby equipment' and its dimensions. Strollers and travel cots are usually checked in at the baggage drop or the aircraft gate, depending on airline procedure. EasyJet's policy allows for one of these items per infant, free of charge. For parents who have booked a separate seat for their infant, they are entitled to the standard adult cabin baggage allowance. However, this does not extend to additional checked baggage unless purchased separately or included in a specific fare type. Always verify the most current baggage rules on the official easyJet website before your travel date, as policies can be updated.
Specific Infant Baggage Items
When considering easyJet travelling with infants, the allowance for items such as a fully collapsible pushchair, a car seat, or a travel cot is a significant consideration. These items are transported free of charge and are usually taken from you at the departure gate to be loaded into the aircraft's hold. Upon arrival, they are typically returned at the baggage reclaim area or at the gate, depending on the airport. This allows parents to have their essential transport aids readily available during their journey. Ensure your pushchair is indeed fully collapsible, as this is a common requirement for gate-checking.
Checked Baggage for Infants
If you are travelling with additional luggage beyond the permitted cabin bag and the essential baby equipment, you will need to purchase checked baggage. While infants on laps do not have their own checked baggage allowance, the accompanying adult's allowance applies to family items. If you have purchased a separate seat for your infant, they are entitled to the same checked baggage allowance as an adult, provided it is booked in advance. Booking checked baggage online prior to arrival at the airport is almost always more cost-effective than paying excess baggage fees at the check-in desk.
Seating Arrangements and Safety for Infants
When easyJet travelling with infants, seating is a key aspect of both comfort and safety. Infants travelling on an adult's lap do not have a designated seat. However, regulations stipulate that the accompanying adult must keep the infant securely on their lap and use the infant seat belt provided by the cabin crew, which attaches to the adult's own seatbelt. It is important to understand that in the event of an emergency, an infant on a lap cannot be adequately protected and may pose a risk to themselves and the accompanying adult.
For this reason, easyJet, along with most airlines, strongly recommends booking a separate seat for your infant and using an approved child or infant car seat. If you choose this option, you must inform easyJet at the time of booking that you intend to bring a car seat. The airline has specific guidelines regarding the types of car seats that can be used onboard. These typically include seats designed for use in aircraft, or standard car seats that are approved for air travel and can be secured using the aircraft's seatbelt. Not all car seats are compatible, and it is imperative to check the dimensions and safety certifications with easyJet before you travel.
Using Infant Car Seats Onboard
The use of an approved car seat offers superior safety and comfort for your infant compared to lap travel. When booking a seat for your infant, ensure you select an adult fare. The car seat must be fitted securely into the aircraft seat using the aircraft's seatbelt, following the instructions provided by both the car seat manufacturer and the airline cabin crew. The seat must be correctly oriented (forward-facing or rear-facing as per the car seat's guidelines) and fitted snugly. Some airlines may offer specific seats that are certified for use on aircraft, which can simplify the process if you do not own one.
Bulkhead Seats and Bassinets
Bulkhead seats, located at the front of cabin sections, often provide more legroom. While sometimes these seats may accommodate a baby bassinet, it is important to note that easyJet does not offer bassinets for infants. Their policy focuses on lap travel or the use of approved car seats in a purchased seat. If you are seeking a flight experience with bassinets, you may need to consider other airlines. For easyJet travelling with infants, the primary options remain lap travel with an infant seat belt or a secured car seat in a purchased seat.
Food, Drinks, and Essential Supplies
When easyJet travelling with infants, managing sustenance and essential supplies is a common concern for parents. The airline's policy on carrying milk, baby food, and liquids for infants is generally permissive, acknowledging the needs of young travellers. You are permitted to carry a reasonable amount of baby food, milk, and sterilised water for your infant for the duration of the flight, even if this exceeds the standard liquid restrictions for other passengers. These items may be subject to additional screening at security checkpoints, so it is advisable to pack them in an easily accessible bag.
It is recommended to carry enough milk (formula or breast milk) and baby food for your journey, as availability on board is limited or non-existent. While cabin crew can warm bottles of milk using hot water, they cannot typically heat baby food jars. Passengers are advised to bring their own sterilised feeding bottles and any necessary implements. For ease, pre-prepared formula or ready-to-feed bottles are often the most convenient options. Remember to pack plenty of nappies, wipes, and a change of clothes for both the infant and yourself in your hand luggage, as spills and nappy leaks are common occurrences.
Formula and Breast Milk
EasyJet permits passengers travelling with infants to carry breast milk, sterilised water for formula, and infant formula in quantities needed for the journey, beyond the usual 100ml liquid limit. These items will be inspected by security staff at the departure gate or a designated screening area. It is best to have these items in a separate, clear bag to expedite the process. Ensure that any sterilised water is in appropriate containers and clearly labelled if possible. While this allowance is in place, it is always wise to prepare for potential delays and carry slightly more than you anticipate needing.
Baby Food and Snacks
For older infants and toddlers, carrying appropriate baby food, puréed meals, and snacks is essential. EasyJet does not provide dedicated baby food onboard. Therefore, families should pack a sufficient supply of their baby's preferred foods. Pouches and jars of baby food are acceptable, but as with milk, they may be subject to additional security checks. Consider bringing a variety of snacks that are easy to consume on a plane, such as rice cakes, fruit pouches, or specific baby biscuits. These can help keep your infant occupied and content during the flight.
Cabin Baggage and Personal Items for Families
When easyJet travelling with infants, the cabin baggage allowance can be a point of confusion. For passengers travelling with an infant on their lap, a standard cabin bag allowance applies to the adult. Crucially, in addition to this main cabin bag, easyJet permits one extra small bag per adult travelling with an infant. This 'extra' bag is intended to carry items necessary for the infant's comfort and care during the flight, such as nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and baby food. This allowance is designed to ensure that parents have immediate access to essential supplies without having to delve into their main luggage.
The size of this additional small bag is typically restricted, often to the dimensions of a laptop bag or a small rucksack. It should fit under the seat in front of you. It is vital to check the precise dimensions for both the main cabin bag and the additional small bag on the easyJet website, as these can be subject to change and are strictly enforced at the gate, where fees for oversized or excess bags can be substantial. Passengers who have purchased a separate seat for their infant are entitled to the standard adult cabin bag allowance for themselves, and the infant occupying the seat can have their own cabin bag allowance, provided it meets the specified size and weight restrictions.
What to Pack in Your Infant's Bag
The 'extra' bag for an infant on an easyJet flight should be strategically packed. Include at least two full changes of clothes for the baby, as well as a spare top for yourself in case of spillage. A comprehensive nappy changing kit with plenty of nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, and barrier cream is indispensable. Snacks and milk, as previously mentioned, should be readily accessible. Toys or books to entertain the infant are also a wise inclusion. A small blanket or familiar comfort item can aid in settling the baby during the flight, especially during take-off and landing when cabin pressure changes.
Stroller Policy at the Gate
EasyJet's policy regarding strollers is generous for families. You are permitted to bring one fully collapsible pushchair or stroller per infant free of charge. This item can be taken right up to the aircraft door and will be collected by ground staff for stowing in the aircraft's cargo hold. Upon arrival at your destination, the stroller is usually returned either at the aircraft door or at the baggage reclaim carousel, depending on the airport. This ensures that you have the convenience of a stroller for navigating the airport upon arrival, which is particularly helpful with a young infant. Ensure the stroller is clearly labelled with your name and flight details.
Onboard Experience and Cabin Crew Assistance
The cabin crew on easyJet flights are trained to assist passengers, including those travelling with infants. While they cannot provide childcare, they are there to ensure your flight is as comfortable and safe as possible. They can help warm bottles of water for formula, although they do not have facilities to heat baby food jars. They can also provide additional blankets or pillows if available, and will guide you on the correct use of the infant seat belt during critical flight phases.
It is always a good practice to approach the cabin crew early in the flight to inform them of any specific needs you might have, such as requiring assistance with a bottle or needing to use the lavatory facilities for a nappy change. The lavatories on easyJet aircraft are equipped with fold-down changing tables, which are designed to accommodate a standard nappy change. Remember to use the provided nappy sacks for disposal. Being polite and clear with your requests can help the crew assist you more effectively. For families easyJet travelling with infants, being prepared and communicating needs clearly are key to a smoother journey.
Requesting Assistance
When you are embarking on your easyJet flight with an infant, don't hesitate to communicate your requirements to the cabin crew. They are accustomed to assisting families and can offer practical help, such as providing hot water for bottle preparation or assisting with stowing cabin luggage. Informing them in advance of any specific needs, like needing space to prepare a bottle before meal service begins, can be beneficial. They can also advise on the best times to use the lavatory facilities for nappy changes to minimise disruption during the flight.
Managing Take-off and Landing
The pressure changes during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for infants. To help ease this, encourage your baby to feed or suck on a dummy during these periods. The sucking action can help to equalise the pressure in their ears. If your infant is awake and alert, offering a drink from a bottle or breast can also be effective. If your infant is asleep, it is generally best to let them sleep, but be prepared to wake them gently if they show signs of discomfort due to pressure changes. The cabin crew can offer advice and support during these crucial moments of the flight.
Essential Documents and Identification
When easyJet travelling with infants, ensuring you have the correct documentation is as critical as for adult passengers. While infants typically do not require their own passport for domestic flights within the UK, for international travel, all passengers, including babies, must have a valid passport. It is the passenger's responsibility to check the specific entry requirements for the destination country. This includes understanding whether a visa is required for the infant or if any specific health documentation, such as vaccination certificates, is needed.
For domestic travel, proof of age may be requested, especially if the infant is travelling on an infant fare where age is a determining factor. While not always demanded, carrying a copy of the infant's birth certificate can be useful, particularly if there is any ambiguity about age. It is also worth noting that for children travelling with only one parent or without parents, airlines might require a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s). Always check the latest requirements with easyJet and the destination country's immigration authorities well in advance of your travel date. Failure to possess the correct documentation can result in denied boarding.
Passports for Infants
For any international journey, an infant will require their own valid passport. The application process for a child's passport can take several weeks, so it is advisable to apply for one as soon as possible after the infant's birth, especially if you have upcoming travel plans. Ensure that the passport is valid for the duration of your trip and meets any specific validity requirements of the destination country, which often stipons that a passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Children’s passports often have a shorter validity period than adult passports.
Birth Certificates and Consent Letters
While not universally required for all travel, a copy of your infant's birth certificate can serve as proof of age and parentage, which may be useful for certain airline policies or in situations where a passport isn't mandatory. If an infant is travelling with only one parent, or with someone other than their legal guardians, the airline or immigration authorities of the destination country may require a signed letter of consent from all legal guardians. This letter should clearly state that the child has permission to travel internationally. It is prudent to verify these requirements with easyJet and the relevant immigration services well ahead of your flight.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Travelling with infants on easyJet can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation. The key to a stress-free journey lies in proactive planning and anticipating your baby's needs. Ensure you have packed all essential items, from nappies and wipes to changes of clothes and entertainment for your little one. Familiarise yourself with easyJet's policies on baggage, seating, and safety equipment well in advance. Booking a separate seat for your infant and using an approved car seat can significantly enhance safety and comfort, though lap travel is also an option.
Arriving at the airport with ample time is crucial. This allows for a relaxed check-in process, security screening, and boarding without the added pressure of rushing. Utilise the facilities available at the airport, such as family security lanes if offered, and take advantage of the stroller check-in service at the gate. Once onboard, communicate openly with the cabin crew regarding any assistance you may require. By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining a calm approach, easyJet travelling with infants can be managed effectively, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Pack a dedicated, easily accessible bag with essentials like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and snacks that can be retrieved quickly during the flight without disturbing your main luggage.
Pre-Flight Preparation
Before your flight, ensure you have all necessary documents, including passports for international travel. Check the dimensions and requirements for any car seats or infant equipment you plan to bring. Familiarise yourself with the airport layout and easyJet's check-in procedures. Online check-in can save valuable time on the day of travel. If possible, choose flight times that align with your infant's usual sleep schedule, which can contribute to a more peaceful journey for everyone.
During the Flight
Once onboard, take a moment to settle in. If you have a car seat, ensure it is securely fitted. If your infant is on your lap, use the provided infant seat belt. Keep essential items within easy reach. Be patient with yourself and your baby; travel with infants can be unpredictable. The cabin crew are there to help, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance if needed. Remember to stay hydrated and encourage your baby to feed or suck during ascent and descent to manage ear pressure.
When Your Infant Requires Special Assistance
While easyJet travelling with infants is generally straightforward, there may be specific circumstances where additional assistance is required. This could range from managing a medical condition to requiring extra support due to multiple young children. It is vital to contact easyJet's special assistance team well in advance of your flight if your infant has a medical condition that may affect their ability to fly, or if you anticipate needing particular support, such as extra space or specific arrangements for medication.
The airline's special assistance service is designed to cater to a variety of needs. They can advise on carrying necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen or specific respiratory devices, although approval is always required. For parents travelling alone with twins or multiple infants, while easyJet doesn't offer dedicated 'twin assistance' beyond standard allowances, informing them of your situation might allow for proactive cabin crew support. Booking a separate seat for each infant and using approved car seats would be the safest and most manageable approach in such scenarios. Always confirm policies and procedures directly with easyJet, as they can vary based on operational constraints and safety regulations.
Medical Conditions and Fitness to Fly
If your infant has a diagnosed medical condition, it is imperative to consult with your doctor regarding their fitness to fly. Some conditions may require a doctor's certificate confirming the infant is medically fit for air travel. EasyJet requires passengers with certain medical conditions to complete a MEDIF form (Medical Information Form), which must be submitted and approved by the airline's medical advisor before travel. This ensures the safety of the infant and other passengers. It is your responsibility to proactively manage this process and provide all necessary medical documentation.
Travelling with Premature Babies
EasyJet's policy generally permits travel for premature babies provided they are healthy and have completed their first week of life. However, it is strongly recommended that parents consult with their paediatrician or neonatal specialist before booking and travelling. They can assess the infant's specific health status and provide guidance on whether air travel is appropriate. Some airlines may have stricter rules regarding the minimum age or health status for premature infants, so always verify these with easyJet directly. The infant's well-being remains the primary consideration.