Before a first flight with a child, most parents worry: what if the baby cries, what about blocked ears, where does the stroller go? In practice the preparation matters more than the flight itself. Book the ticket correctly and sort out the documents, and half the journey is already done.
Tickets: infant, child and adult
Airlines split passengers into three age groups:
- Infants under 2. Usually no seat of their own; the baby flies on a parent's lap. On international flights the ticket is often a small share of the adult fare, though taxes and charges may be added. One adult can carry only one lap infant.
- Ages 2–11. The child gets a seat. Some airlines offer a child fare; low-cost carriers usually charge the adult price.
- 12 and over. Adult fare.
If your child turns 2 during the trip, for example before the return flight, that flight will need a seat. Keep this in mind when booking.
On long flights some seats have a baby bassinet. There are only a few, so request one from the airline as soon as you book.
Documents to prepare in advance
- The child's own passport. For travel abroad every child needs a separate passport, whatever their age.
- Birth certificate. It proves the link between parent and child and matters most when surnames differ.
- The other parent's consent. If the child travels with only one parent, it's wise to carry the other parent's notarised consent. If the child travels without parents, for example with grandparents, notarised consent is a must. Some countries may also ask for a translation.
- Visa. If your destination requires a visa, the child needs one too.
Requirements can differ both at the Azerbaijani border and at your destination. Check with the State Border Service and the embassy of the country you're visiting before you go.
Baggage: how children's items travel
Strollers usually travel free. Often you can take one to the boarding gate, where staff load it into the hold. Some airlines ask you to check it in instead. A child car seat is also usually accepted at no extra cost.
An infant ticket doesn't always include a checked bag, so check what the fare covers. More details are in our hand luggage and baggage guide.
The liquids rule doesn't apply to baby food. Milk, formula, purees and children's medicine can go in hand luggage in quantities enough for the flight. Show them separately at security; staff may want to open them.
On board: small tricks for a calmer flight
- Blocked ears. During take-off and landing, feed your baby or offer a dummy. Older children can drink water or chew something.
- Pick the timing. Night flights or flights during nap time are often calmer.
- Cabin bag. Pack spare clothes, nappies, wipes, a favourite toy and one or two new ones. Novelty keeps a child busy for a long time.
- Avoid connections. Choose a direct flight where possible. If there's a connection, allow at least 2 hours. See our connecting flights guide.
At the airport
With children, always arrive a little earlier than usual. Many airports have family security lanes, baby-care rooms and play areas. Flying from Baku? Our Heydar Aliyev airport guide will help.
When you search flights on AviaBazaar, enter infants and children correctly in the passenger count, so the price you see is accurate and there are no surprises later.
