Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Air travel with babies and children

9-minute read

Key facts

  • Air travel with your baby or young child can be exciting but also challenging.
  • If you or your child has been unwell or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor a few weeks before you travel.
  • For international travel, your child needs their own passport and may need extra documents if travelling alone or with one parent.
  • Airlines have different rules for air travel with babies and children, so it's best to check with your airline before booking.

At what age can your baby fly?

Each airline has a minimum age for flying. Many airlines don't recommend flying with a baby younger than 7 days old. With a doctor's clearance, some airlines may allow flying from 3 days old.

Most children can travel by air without restrictions. If you're planning to travel with a newborn, especially on an international flight, it's best to check with your doctor first. Babies who are too young to be vaccinated are more likely to catch some diseases. This is because they are not yet protected through immunisation.

For older children, speak with your doctor 4 to 12 weeks before your trip. Ask if they need any vaccinations or preventative medicines for your destination.

How can I plan my trip?

Airlines have different rules when travelling with babies and children. It may be helpful to check what services and baggage allowances they offer for children before you book your flight.

Documents and travel rules

Children travelling internationally will usually need their own passport. They may also need their own visa, depending on your destination.

If your child is travelling with only one parent or on their own, they might need extra documents, such as a letter giving them permission to travel. You may want to:

There are rules about how much powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry on international flights. These rules don't usually apply to domestic flights unless you leave from an Australian international terminal. You are allowed to take powdered baby formula on all flights, but you'll need to show it at security.

You're also allowed to bring items you may need to use during the flight, such as:

Choosing the best time to fly

Flying at night may be different from flying during the day.

A night flight might suit your child better if they can sleep through most of it. If you are travelling with a baby, remember that the flight might disrupt their regular sleep routine.

Airfares and seating

If you're flying with a baby or toddler, most airlines allow one child under 2 years old to sit on your lap. They will provide you with an infant seat belt extension.

If you are planning to travel alone with more than one baby or toddler, each extra child will need their own seat. Your child must be able to sit upright on their own or use an approved car seat or restraint.

If you are travelling within Australia, your baby can usually travel on your ticket. For international travel, your baby needs their own ticket even if they don't have their own seat.

On longer flights, you might be able to book a bassinet for your baby to sleep in. Bassinets are only suitable for babies under a certain weight or size. Check with your airline before booking. Children over 2 years old usually need their own seat.

If you bring a child car seat or restraint on board:

  • it must meet airline safety standards
  • it must be approved ahead of time
  • car seats usually aren't allowed in emergency rows or aisle seats

When booking seats, think about being close to a toilet with a change table.

Airlines have different rules about travelling with children, including fares and seating arrangements. It's best to check with your airline about their rules before you buy the tickets.

Health checks

If you or your child have been unwell or have an ongoing medical condition, check with your doctor before you travel. Your doctor will tell you if your child is well enough to fly, and give you a medical certificate if you need one.

If you are travelling internationally, see your doctor 6 to 12 weeks before you go. You may want to ask:

  • about any potential health concerns at your destination
  • if you or your child need any vaccinations before travelling
  • if you or your child need any medicines to take with you

If your child takes any medicines, make sure you pack enough for your trip. Ask your doctor if you need a letter from them to travel with your medicine.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Checking in at the airport

All passengers, including babies, must go through airport screening. Some airports may offer special assistance or family lanes to make this easier.

You'll need to take your baby out of their carrier or stroller. Strollers and baby carriers will need to be screened.

You can usually keep your stroller until you get to the gate. Before you board the plane, staff will usually take the stroller and store it in the aircraft hold (storage area) and return it to you right after landing. Some airports offer loan strollers for you to use after you check yours in.

On the plane

Tips for travelling with babies and children:

  • Check the airline's rules for services and carry-on baggage when travelling with children.
  • Some airlines allow a compact, lightweight stroller to be used on the plane. Check with your airline before you travel.
  • You may be able to pre-order child meals and specify any dietary needs. Bring some food with you from home too, in case your child is hungry between meals or won't eat the airline's food.
  • If your child has an allergy, make sure they wear a medical-alert accessory and bring an adrenaline kit.
  • Bring a few of your baby's favourite things, such as their blanket, dummies, small toys, books or a tablet.
  • Pack plenty of nappies, wipes and a change of clothes for you and your child in your carry-on luggage.
  • Dress your baby in layers, so you can adjust if the cabin temperature changes.

Feeding your baby during the flight

It is best to bring your own food and formula when feeding your baby during a flight, especially for longer trips.

Tips on what to pack:

How to manage ear pressure during take-off and landing?

Changes in cabin pressure can be uncomfortable for your baby or young child. This is because their eustachian tubes (which help balance ear pressure) are smaller and more sensitive. Babies and young children often cry or seem uncomfortable during take-off and landing, but it doesn't harm their ears.

Tips to help ease ear pain:

  • give your toddler something to eat or drink
  • breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during take-off and landing
  • offer a dummy (pacifier)
  • for older children, chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop may help

If your child's ears feel blocked, teach them to gently blow out through their nose while pinching it closed and keeping their mouth shut.

It is recommended that your child avoid flying within 2 weeks of an ear infection. Ask your doctor if it's safe for your child to fly if they've had an ear infection recently.

After the trip

If you have changed time zones, your child may be affected by jet lag. They might be grumpy or tired and not want to eat or sleep at the right time in the new time zone.

Tips to help with jet lag:

  • Try to adjust your child's routine slowly to the new time zone before you leave.
  • When you arrive, spend time outside in the daylight.
  • Let your child have short naps if they're tired.

Resources and support

For more information, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2025


Back To Top

Need more information?

Car travel with babies and children

Long car journeys with a baby or toddler are challenging. Safety preparation, when to travel, breaks, and packing tips help create a comfortable trip.

Read more on Pregnancy,Birth & Baby website

Travel - Food Allergy Aware

Ensure that you have your two adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors, ASCIA Action Plan and ASCIA Travel Plan with you and within reach, at all times.

Read more on National Allergy Strategy website

Prevention and travelling with... - Allergies- Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) - Apple Podcasts

Flying is nerve-racking for parents and children with allergies. So, what steps can we take to ensure that our children and other passengers are prepared for th

Read more on Murdoch Children's Research Institute website

Travelling with Children | Karitane Tips for Parents

Make family trips stress-free with Karitane’s expert travel tips. Learn how to manage sleep, routines, and safety while on the go.

Read more on Karitane website

Travel Tips and Checklist for Incontinence | Continence Health Australia (formerly the Continence Foundation of Australia)

Travel Tips and Checklist for Incontinence. Planning ahead will help prevent hassles and make your trip so much more enjoyable. Follow these travel tips and checklist.

Read more on Continence Health Australia website

ASCIA Travel Plan: Anaphylaxis - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

ASCIA Travel Plan for people at risk of anaphylaxis

Read more on ASCIA website

Travelling and medical documentation - myDr.com.au

Older travellers, pregnant women, people with a chronic condition and those taking prescription medicines may need to carry documentation of their medical requirements.

Read more on myDoctor website

Travellers' diarrhoea - myDr.com.au

Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of travellers' diarrhoea. High-risk regions for an attack include the majority of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America.

Read more on myDoctor website

Travel vaccinations - myDr.com.au

Travel immunisations are important in pre-trip planning to certain countries. Vaccinations that travellers may need include tetanus and diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations.

Read more on myDoctor website

Travel medical kit checklist - myDr.com.au

Stay safe when you are travelling with this checklist of handy health supplies and find a list of what to take in your travel medical kit on myDr.com.au.

Read more on myDoctor website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.