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Prepare for your child's trip

How to book my child's ticket.

You can book your child's ticket online  for all flights operated by Air France.   However, if the Kids Solo service is not available when you book your child's ticket online, it may be because this service is fully booked for that flight. Only legal guardians of unaccompanied children or individuals with authorization from legal guardians can book a Kids Solo ticket.

girl-plane-pencil-pompom

Book a ticket on the Air France app

For children between 4 to 11* or 5 to 14** years old, you can also book their ticket on the Air France app.

Download the Air France mobile app

  • on Google Play for Android
  • on Apple's App Store
  • on AppGallery for Huawei

airfrance-app

* 4 to 11 years old for a trip in Metropolitan France, between Metropolitan and Overseas France or on our intra-Carribean network. ** 5 to14 years old on our international network.

My child's travel documents

To avoid last-minute stress, complete the "unaccompanied minor" form online. You will need to provide this at the moment of checking in.

How many copies of the form you should bring to the airpot varies according to your child's itinerary:

  • 2 copies for a direct flight
  • 3 copies for a flight with a connection
  • 4 copies for a flight with more than one connection

Your child is traveling on a flight operated by our partner Delta? You do not need to complete "unacompanied minor" form. We will provide you with a specific form to fill out at the airport.

blue kids solo pouch

How do you change the accompanying persons details? If you want to change or correct the details that you provided for the accompanying or pick-up person, go to My Bookings :

  • Click on "Modify the details of the accompaying persons" under your child's name.
  • Review all the prefilled information and make any necessary changes.
  • Save and downlaod the travel form you have filled out.

orange kids solo pouch

Travel documents and stay requirements

Passport, visas, vaccinations, entry formalities… review the entry and stay requirements for your child's trip.

Use our search engine to check all immigration, health, and customs requirements.

Any passenger under 18 years old Whether they are a French citizen or a foreigner living in France, they must obtain authorization to leave the country for any journey outside France.

  • To learn more, go to our Formalities page ,
  • or downlaod the travel authorization .

Connecting flights

Our service for children traveling alone has resumed on almost all of our network.

Your child's journey with connecting flight:

  • The airports that allow for connections in France are Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris-Orly (ORY), and Lyon (LYS).
  • Since September 6, 2023, connections to and from China are possible with a connection at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Your child's journey with two connections: For the moment, the only possible itineraries with two connections are trips to and from Nouméa.

  • The airports that allow these double connections are: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Tokyo (NRT), and Singapore (SIN).
  • The countries that allow these double connections are: Ireland, Italy, Metropolitan France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

sky view of paris cdg airport hub

Please note : transfers are not available between Paris-Orly (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Expedition Parenthood

Flying Air France with a Baby or Toddler: What to Know

We have flown with pretty much every major airline in the world with our two kids ever since they were babies. Most of the time I can say that most airlines, despite different policies, have been fine for flying with a baby or toddler, there are only three airlines that I tend to avoid when flying with kids after numerous fails: American Airlines, Air France, and British Airways.

Air France doesn’t get many good reviews, whether you’re flying Air France with a baby or solo. Here’s how to prepare for flying Air France with a baby and know about their infant policy and luggage restrictions.

Flying with Infant on Air France

Air France accepts newborns as young as 7 days old and classifies any children up to 2 years old as an infant. While Air France doesn’t have their own document requirements when flying with babies, don’t forget to check the documentation requirements of your destination country as this can change from place to place. 

In terms of seating options, your choices with Air France are pretty standard. Kids under 2 years old can either sit on your lap, sit in their own seat with an approved car seat, or sometimes sleep in a bassinet (long haul flights only). 

Of course, there are special requirements for each of these options that I will go into more detail throughout the post, but something important to note right off the bat if you are traveling alone with babies is that Air France allows one adult to travel with two infants only if one of them is in an individual seat.

Infant Food on Air France 

While it’s recommended to pack your own food when traveling with infants, for flights that are over 2.5 hours you can request baby food to be provided onboard for your little one.

As you might know, French are crazy about food and feeding kids absolutely everything from the early days, so your little ones won’t go hungry.

You’ll be given a selection of organic jars of baby food and baby cookies, but it must be requested at least 48 hours before your flight . You can request it on their website

Even though it’s great to have this option, it’s always a risk as you don’t know if your baby will like what is provided so it’s important to have a backup just in case. 

Flying Air France with a Baby

Air France Lap Infant Policy

Flying with an infant in arms on Air France is the cheapest option you have as it costs just 10% of the adult fee to add a baby to your booking on international flights and is free on domestic French flights. 

You will have to secure your baby facing forward with a seatbelt extender that attaches to your own for take-off and landing as well as any time the seat belt sign is turned on. This means it can be pretty uncomfortable (and especially hard to breastfeed) if you are unlucky enough to get a particularly bumpy long flight. 

For some seats, you can easily add a lap infant to your booking online at the time of reservation, but if you don’t see this as an option or are adding them after the fact, you will have to call the airline to arrange this.

Note, that if you are trying to book seats in La Première business class cabin, you cannot add infants online and will have to call to arrange special conditions.

Baby Facilities When Flying Air France with a Baby

Onboard you can expect to find change tables in the lavatories on all flights. On long-haul international flights, you will be given a special baby kit. The baby kit contains a cute bunny comforter, plus a matching pouch and an organic baby cleansing care product which is a nice touch when you’re flying with a baby for long distances. 

If you read reviews online you may also find that the cabin crew on Air France have mixed reviews when it comes to helping with children. Some people have experienced extra kind and caring staff who were happy to assist a mother with their hands full and others will say that they refused to help.

Most of the time, the staff will more likely ignore you, or give you an eye-sight when an infant is crying, than smile and say “what a cute baby!”

air france travelling with baby

Air France Car Seat Policy

If you choose to have your infant seated in a car seat, it’s important to make sure you are following all of the regulations, otherwise, they will make you have your infant in your arms for the whole flight instead. 

Firstly, you must pick your seat wisely as there are quite a few different seats where you can’t use a car sea t. You can’t use a car seat or hardness in Premium Economy on any flights nor in La Premiere Cabin or Business Class on most planes (all Boeing 787, Airbus A330, or certain Boeing 777).

On Airbus A350 aircraft you can use these devices in business class, but not in the center seats. Generally, car seats also can’t be installed in exit row or aisle seats regardless of the class.

Assuming you’ve chosen appropriate seats, it’s also your responsibility to make sure your car seat is installed correctly.

You’re allowed to have it rear-facing during take-off and landing but you’ll be asked to re-adjust the seat to a forward-facing position when the seatbelt sign is turned off so that you don’t prevent the seat in front of you from being able to recline . Which, makes many car seat, especially infant bucket seats, unusable on board.

Accepted Car Seats on Air France

Only car seats with a CARES-approved (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness will be accepted for use on Air France flights and they must be compatible with your child’s height and weight. 

Car seats must not be bigger than 44 cm/17.3 as they are required to fit completely within the airplane seats. If your seat is in the first row of the economy cabin where the seats are narrower, your car seat can’t be larger than 42 cm / 16.54 in.

Air France Baggage Allowance for Infants and Kids

Kids over 2 years old and babies who have their own allocated seats are entitled to the same amount of baggage as adults for both carry-on and checked luggage provided you are traveling on a ticket that includes baggage. 

If you’ve opted to have your infant fly on your lap, the Air France baby policy allows you an additional 12kg of hand luggage and up to 10kg of checked luggage . In addition to this allowance, you can bring one foldable stroller and one car seat per infant. 

Keep in mind that Air France will very often weigh your luggage and make you fit it in the designated container, especially at Paris CDG airport. Even if the flight isn’t full and there’s plenty of space in overhead bins, on a few occasions the staff made us check our carry-on.

air france travelling with baby

Bassinet on Air France

If you’re flying on a long-haul flight with Air France and your baby is under 10kg/22lbs and 70cm/27in , you may be eligible for an airplane bassinet.

Bassinets are located in the bulkhead seats in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins but are limited in number, so if you’re hoping for this option it’s best to book as early as possible. 

How to Reserve a Bassinet/Carrycot on Air France

To reserve a bassinet in advance on Air France you will need to contact their customer service at least 48 hours before your flight . The best way to do this is to call straight after you make your booking to have the best shot at availability. 

With Air France, you can actually pay to reserve a bassinet seat in advance to guarantee your spo t and it’s usually pretty affordable. But if you don’t want to pay, you can try your luck and wait until advanced reservations have closed (around 50 hours before your flight).

At that point, they will automatically try and assign bassinets for free to anyone flying with lap infants but priority is usually given to the youngest babies. 

Toddler flying Air France from Paris to Stockholm

Air France Stroller Policy

When flying Air France with a baby you can check one folding stroller per child free of charge in addition to your regular luggage. Stollers that are going to be checked in cannot exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm in dimension when closed.

The only airplane stroller that according to Air France stroller policy can be taken on board is Babyzen Yoyo, but there might be expectations to it depending on the size. Any stroller has to be placed in a stroller bag to be taken on board and there are no exceptions.

If you prefer to bring the stroller into the cabin with you, you can, however it will replace your baby’s hand luggage allowance so diaper bag won’t be allowed.

It must be smaller than 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm (5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in) and again carried in a comprehensive carry case. It’s also important to note that storing your stroller in the cabin is also subject to available space. If the flight is fully booked you may be asked to gate-check it. 

Gate Checking Baby Items

Generally, you are allowed to take your stroller all the way to the gate when flying with Air France where it will either be gate checked or taken aboard. Stroller wagons and double strollers are often refused if they’re too big to go through certain security areas.

Especially if you’re flying in or out of Terminal 1 at Paris CDG Airport, bigger strollers can’t be taken or brought to the gate, as going through the terminal requires a long ride on leveled escalators where strollers aren’t permitted.

You should always check ahead at the ticket counter as this may change depending on the airport and route.

While you are also entitled to check a car seat for your baby free of charge, you cannot gate-check any baby items other than a stroller, so you’ll have to do this at the ticket desk. 

Flying with a Toddler on Air France (Over 2 Years Old)

Kids over 2 years old or any baby who is flying in a car seat will generally pay around 80% of the adult’s fare on short trips and around 70% on long-haul flights . You’ll also be guaranteed that if you are flying with kids under 11 years old they will be seated with at least one adult from your party. 

Onboard traveling kids can look forward to receiving a fun pack that includes games, coloring books, and other types of entertainment suited to their age in addition to the inflight entertainment that includes plenty of child-friendly cartoons. 

air france travelling with baby

Kid’s Meal Options on Air France

If your youngster is between ages 2 and 8 years old, they will automatically be allocated a kids meal which means there is no need for you to pre-request it for toddlers. These meals are fun and colorful while also being organic, balanced, and kid-friendly foods. They also come pre-cut and ahead of regular food service so you can enjoy your own meal in peace . 

If your kids are 9 or over you have the choice of ordering them a kids meal in advance online or for them to receive the regular adult meal. Note that if you want to pre-order a kids meal for your older children you must do this at least 24 hours in advance. 

Are Airplane Beds for Baby or Toddler Allowed?

No, unfortunately, airplane beds and other large sleep devices are not allowed on Air France flights due to safety regulations. 

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Matthew is the co-founder of Expedition Parenthood. He's been running one of the top adventure travel blogs and producing travel videos for years. As a passionate outdoor enthusiast he loves taking his kids outside, whether it's camping, hiking, skiing, or canoeing.

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  • Air France >

Air France Infants Policy

  • Planes & Seat Maps

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?

Children under 2 years (24 months) can travel on an adult’s lap. Though you may book a seat for your infant (paying child’s fare), and place the infant in a car seat that complies with official regulations. You must always inform Air France if you will be traveling with an infant. Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.

Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?

No, a child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free on the accompanying adult’s lap--within France.

Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?

Yes, a child under 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (ie. Bassinets)?

Can i sit in the exit row with my infant.

Lap children and infant seats are not allowed in Exit Rows.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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Practical Tips for Traveling with Babies, Toddlers & Kids |

Kids On A Plane

Air France Pregnancy, Infant and Child Travel Policy

air france travelling with baby

Air France is the French flag carrier headquartered in North Paris. Air France serves 32 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 152 destinations in 91 countries. Here’s a summary of the pregnancy, infant and children travel policies for Air France.

*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Air France, click here or contact the airline directly.

Expectant Mothers Flying on Air France

You do not need medical notes to fly with Air France. However, we recommend that you seek your doctor´s opinion before your trip.

Infants (under 2 years old) Flying with Air France

  • An infant can travel for free on domestic flights within France as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.
  • Only one infant is permitted per adult passenger (18 years of age or older). Exception: a passenger under 18 years of age can accompany an infant if he or she is the child´s father, mother, or legal guardian.
  • To travel with 2 infants, a 2 nd passenger, over the age of 18, is necessary. Exception: a passenger under 18 years of age can accompany an infant if he or she is the child´s father, mother, or legal guardian.
  • A seat can be purchased (child fare) for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.
  • For international flights a child under 2 years old  is charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

  • If you are traveling with a child on your lap, you can check in an additional baggage item weighing up to 10 kg / 22 lb.
  • You can also transport a foldable stroller (maximum size: 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in) at no extra charge. This type of stroller may also be accepted in the cabin on long-haul flights*, as long as enough space is available in the overhead compartments. *Except for long-haul flights to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Saint Martin, Cayenne, Réunion, Seychelles, Mauritius, Punta Cana, Havana, Santo Domingo.

Children (2 to 11 years old) Flying with Air France

  • In certain cases, children accompanied by an adult can receive fare reductions of up to: 15% on domestic flights and 33% on medium and long-haul flights
  • You can transport a foldable stroller (maximum size: 15 x 30 x 100 cm / 5.9 x 11.8 x 39.4 in.) in addition to your baggage allowance at no extra charge.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. However, travel companions may be younger than 18 years of age if they are the child’s father, mother, or legal guardian.

Stroller, Bassinet and Child Restraint Devices

  • You can also transport a foldable stroller when flying with an infant or child (maximum size: 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in) at no extra charge. This type of stroller may also be accepted in the cabin on long-haul flights*, as long as enough space is available in the overhead compartments. *Except for long-haul flights to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Saint Martin, Cayenne, Réunion, Seychelles, Mauritius, Punta Cana, Havana, Santo Domingo.

Bassinets / Cots

  • You can request a skycot on medium-haul flights in the Affaires cabin and long-haul flights in the Affaires, Alizé, Premium Voyageur and Voyageur (not available in the La Première cabin) cabins.
  • Skycots are designed for infants weighing less than 10 kg / 22 lbs and measuring less than 70 cm / 27 in.
  • To make a request for a skycot, please contact Air France at least 24 hours before departure.

Child Restraint Devices

  • it is authorized for standard automobile use (a non-standard car seat may be refused by personnel upon check-in or boarding),
  • it does not exceed 41 cm / 16 in. in width,
  • you make sure to install the seat on board as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions (front or back facing the seatback),
  • it can be held in place by a seat belt.

Special Services for Families Flying with Air France

  • Changing tables are also available on long-haul flights.
  • On flights of 2 ½ hours or more, a special meal, including cookies and jars of baby food, is available for your infant. Remember to request the special meal when booking your trip or purchasing your ticket, or at least 24 hours before your departure time.
  • On all flights with a duration of more than 2.5 hours, for children 3-8 years of age a meal adapted to the tastes and needs of your child is offered. For children ages 9 – 11, please remember to request this option when booking or purchasing your ticket, at least 24 hours before departure.
  • Pencils, coloring books and games, along with the Planète Bleue magazine and the High Flier diploma are distributed by the crew for children ages 2 – 11.

Air France - Flying with Babies, Toddlers and Children and During Pregnancy

Related Reading

  • Bottle Feeding and Formula Feeding Travel Tips
  • Best Travel Beds for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children
  • How to Travel While Potty Training + Potty Training Essentials Packing List

*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on travelling with children on Air France, click here .

Air France Infant Policy – Flying With Kids

AirlinesUpdates » Blog » Air France Infant Policy – Flying With Kids

If you’re traveling with an infant, it’s critical to understand air france infant policy for their travelers. Even though; there are no age limits for babies, the Air France airline suggests parents avoid flying within a week of their baby’s delivery or if the offspring is sick. Newborns are especially vulnerable during this time and may be more sensitive to infections or other health troubles. When traveling with an infant, it’s substantial to understand the airline’s baggage policy. Air France has a clear and straightforward luggage, booking, or cancellation policy that makes it effortless for travelers to understand what they can bring on board and how much it will cost. By taking time before your flight to read up on these policies and plan accordingly, you’ll make sure a smoother journey experience for yourself and your little one.

In this post

Air France Infant Travel Policy Rules

Infants can travel for free on domestic flights in France if they sit on another passenger’s lap during the flight.

  • Passengers are only permitted to bring one infant per adult, except if the passenger is under 18 and accompanying their own child as a parent or legal guardian.
  • According to air france infant travel policy, You can buy a seat for your infant if you have the right child restraint device.
  • Infants under 2 years old are charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes for international flights, regardless of whether they will be on the lap of another passenger during the flight.

Infants (under two years old) Flying with Air France

According to air france traveling with an infant, they can fly for free on domestic flights in France if they sit on the lap of another traveler during the flight.

  • Travelers are only allowed to bring one infant per adult on a flight unless the traveler is under 18 and accompanying their own child as the legal guardian or parent.
  • During air france infant travel with 2 infants, at least one traveler over the age of 18 is needed. However, a passenger under 18 can accompany an air france infant if they are the child’s parent or legal guardian.
  • You can buy a seat for your infant if you have the right child restraint device.
  • Infants under 2 years old flying internationally are charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, regardless of whether they will be seated on a passenger’s lap during the flight.

Air France Infant Baggage

When traveling with a kid on your lap, you can check in extra baggage items weighing up to 10 kg / 22 lb.

  • Travelers are permitted to bring a foldable stroller with dimensions of up to 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm at no extra charge.
  • These strollers may also be accepted in the cabin on long-haul flights, however, not for specific destinations.

Air France – Children aged 2-11 flying

Children traveling with an adult can receive discounts on plane tickets: up to 15 percent for domestic flights and up to 33% for medium and long-haul flights.

You can bring a foldable stroller that fits within the size limit of 15 x 30 x 100 cm without any additional charge in addition to your air france infant baggage allowance.

Bassinet, Stroller, and Child Restraint Devices

Now, let’s learn about what policies they have for bassinet, stroller, and child restraint devices:

Air france Infant Bassinet

  • Skycots can be requested on medium and long-haul flights in certain cabins but are not available in the La Première cabin.
  • Skycots are intended for infants who weigh under 10 kg and measure less than 70 cm.
  • To request a sky cot from Air France , contact them at least 24 hours before departure.
  • You can bring a foldable stroller for an infant or child while flying without any additional charges. 
  • The maximum size permitted is 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.7 in x 39.5 in. 
  • It may also be approved on long-haul flights if there is additional space available in the overhead compartments, except for a few destinations such as Fort-de-France, Pointe-a-Pitre, Reunion, Seychelles, Mauritius Punta Cana Havana Santo Domingo.

Child Restraint Device

  • Parents who book a child fare for their infant on a flight have the option to use an official car seat that meets safety regulations for added comfort and security.
  • Standard car seats are allowed for use in automobiles, but non-standard ones may be rejected by personnel during check-in or boarding.
  • The air france seat for infant should not be wider than 41 cm / 16 in. and must be installed on the board according to manufacturer instructions, either facing front or back.

How to book Air ticket Seat Infant Discount Air France?

Below is the information regarding the booking process.

  • The infant policy offers free seat reservations for families with children 14 years old or younger as long as they are booked together in the same file. Reservations can be made up to two days before the flight, and payment can be completed online through the “my booking” section.

Note : For more information, you can call the airline’s customer service number.

Air France offers special services for families

Now, it’s important to know that air france offers some impeccable services for families that are discussed below:

  • Changing tables are provided on long-haul flights.
  • Children between 3-8 years old are offered a meal on flights lasting over 2.5 hours that cater to their tastes and needs. For children aged 9-11, the option must be requested at least 24 hours before departure when booking or purchasing tickets.
  • The crew distributes pencils, coloring books, games, Planete Bleue magazine and High Flier diploma to children aged 2-11.
  • For an air france infant ticket lasting 2.5 hours or more, a special meal with cookies and baby food is available for infants. To receive this meal, passengers should request it during booking or ticket purchase at least 24 hours prior to departure.

Note: If you want to travel in the air france la premiere infant cabin, then call the airline by their phone number.

When should you reserve a seat for your baby?

Below are some notes on when you should reserve a seat for your baby:

  • Children under 2 years old can travel on the lap of an adult without needing a seat reservation.
  • Using a car seat for babies during flights to ensure their comfort and safety.
  • Parents must reserve a separate seat for infants during air travel and ensure they are secured in an approved car seat or carrier.
  • If you are traveling with two infants under the age of two, one of them must occupy a separate seat, and you will need to make your booking over the phone.

Air France Children’s Amenities

When traveling with infants or young children on long-haul flights, families can take advantage of priority boarding and special meals. Changing tables are also available on all flights. Additionally, a gift set is provided to entertain children during intercontinental flights.

Infants on Lap

Air France allows infants under the age of 2 to travel with an accompanying adult, who must hold them during takeoff and landing. 

  • For air france travel with infant in the La Premiere/First cabin, passengers need to contact Air France by telephone.
  • Air France offers a 90% fare reduction for infants traveling on laps on all flights except those between Paris and Corsica, where they travel free of charge.
  • If the infant turns two during the trip, child discounts apply to all flights in the itinerary with up to 20% discount on short-haul flights and up to 33% discount on medium-haul and long-haul flights if fares permit.

Reserved seats for infants

The infant policy allows infants to have a reserved seat at a child fare, except in La Premiere/First and Business cabins on certain aircraft. 

  • An approved car seat is accepted in the cabin if occupying a seat, but booster seats are not authorized. The airline crew may refuse unsuitable seats for air travel.
  • Passengers in Economy class are restricted to carry-on luggage with a maximum width of 44 cm or 42 cm if seated in the first row.
  • A non-standard car seat may be refused by personnel upon check-in or boarding, but this one is approved for use on board aircraft.
  • For installing a device in an aircraft, specifying the direction it should face during take-off and landing versus cruising altitude.
  • Sit in a seat with a seat belt, preferably by the window or in the middle of the center aisle.

When traveling with kids, it’s significant to understand the rules and regulations that apply to them. For instance, if you are scheduling a trip on Air France and have a kid who is under 2 years old (24 months), you may be wondering what your choices are for their travel arrangements.

According to Air france infant policy, It is crucial that when booking your ticket with Air France airline, you inform them about any infants traveling with you so they can make important arrangements. Therefore as parents or guardians traveling with infants on Air France flights, ensure proper seating arrangement has been made before boarding the plane to avoid any inconvenience during the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re traveling with a child under 2 years old, you can select to have them on your lap or in an FAA-approved child safety seat. However, for protection reasons, children over two days and under two years old must travel as infants.

To request a bassinet for your infant on an Air France flight, contact the airline by phone no later than 48 hours before departure. If no bassinet is available, your infant must travel on your lap.

The airline offers bassinets on long-haul flights for infants under 10kg/22lbs and less than 70cm/27 in the Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Passengers must request them beforehand.

Air France offers free seat reservations for families with children 14 years old or younger two days before the flight. Families can also choose specific seats in advance if desired.

To add a lap child to a flight booking, you can either do it at the time of booking or call later. Airlines usually have minimum age requirements for flying, typically starting at 7 days old, so it’s important to check with your airline about their policy.

You might also like:

  • Southwest Airlines Infant Policy – A Helpful Guidebook For Times When Traveling With Your Bundle Of Joy
  • Aer Lingus Infant Policy – Flying with Baby
  • Delta Airlines Infant Policy – Your Infant’s Travel Guide

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  • United Airlines Infant Policy – Travelling with Kids
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Simple Flying

Top 8 airlines for traveling with babies and kids.

Some airlines set themselves apart from the competition by going the extra mile for families - here is an updated list for 2023.

Planning air travel with little ones can be a challenge. Not only may you worry about sleep and feeding schedules and other crucial routines getting off-kilter, but you might not always know what to expect from a particular airline. This article will attempt to reduce the guesswork when it comes to what different carriers' policies are when it comes to traveling with infants and children.

Let's take a closer look at the family-specific service of the airlines that are usually named top-of-class when it comes to flying with kids and how they might go out of their way to accommodate their youngest flyers (and their parents). Here is our roundup of the best major airlines for family travel.

Airlines that go above and beyond to accommodate families

1. emirates.

Emirates allows infants under two years of age to ride on an adult passenger’s lap or in a bassinet at a discounted fare. Children aged two to 11 years of age must occupy their own seats but receive a discounted fare unspecified on the carrier’s website.

The airline offers complimentary strollers for use at the airport near their check-in desks at Dubai International Airport, families get priority boarding, and you can bring both a pushchair and a carry cot for free.

Onboard amenities for babies include milk formula and bottles, as well as Ella’s Kitchen organic baby food. For kids, there are special meal options to accommodate dietary restrictions. The airline also has kids' specific in-flight entertainment options.

Plush toys in the form of Lewis the Lion, Peek U Panda, Ernie the Penguin and Savannah the Elephant are also on board to keep your little one company, and the airline provides travel-themes activity kits in collaboration with Lonely Planet.

2. Qatar Airways

Like its Gulf carrier competitor, Qatar Airways also excels in catering to the younger passenger segment. The Doha-based carrier also offers free seat selection, and child-specific entertainment on its IFE system and provides kids meals with considerations for various allergens.

Infant fares are applicable up to two years of age if traveling on the parent's lap. The airline will also allow one stroller or collapsible carry cot per infant free of charge. The airline also offers plush superhero toys from its Oryx Kids Club, along with an interactive travel pack with crayons, stickers, and educational material.

And should you wish to have a little break from parental duties, children between five and 11 years of age can travel in a different cabin on the same flight as their accompanying adult.

ANA offers a reduced child’s fare and several additional amenities for the youngest travelers. The Japanese carrier allows lap infants under two years of age to fly at 10% of the adult fare, and infants can fly at 75% of the adult fare if occupying a seat. Children aged two up to 11 years are ticketed at the child’s fare, which is 75% of the adult fare.

Bassinets are provided by advance request on certain aircraft on international flights, though not in the first class cabin. Meals designed specifically for babies and children are available by advance request (24 hours prior to departure), and the airline also carries a limited amount of paper diapers on board. Children are also provided with original ANA toys.

Next on our list is Etihad Airways, also based in the United Arab Emirates. The carrier offers an infant fare for little ones under two years of age traveling on an adult passenger’s lap or in a bassinet. Children aged two to 11 years are ticketed at the child’s fare, which is not specified on the airline’s website. Baby food is available by advance request.

Etihad has a partnership with Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi for themed goodies and entertainment for kids. Children aged three to eight years old receive a fleece blanket, and nine- to 13-year-olds receive a Scooby-Doo backpack and passport holder. There are also Warner Bros. cartoons and movies available to keep children entertained during the flight.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

5: Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines allows lap infants to fly at 10% of the adult fare, and children aged two to 11 years fly at 75% of the adult fare. Hot water is available onboard for cleaning baby bottles, as are baby blankets. The carrier provides JAL-branded original toys to child passengers and offers a variety of kid-appropriate entertainment options via its WiFi video service.

6: Lufthansa

Lufthansa also stands out for its family accommodations. Lap infants fly free within Germany and are ticketed at 10% of the adult fare on all other routes. Children aged two to 11 years fly at 75% of the regular adult fare. Bassinets are available by advance request on all of Lufthansa’s long-haul flight aircraft, though fees may apply depending on booking class.

Children receive a logbook on their first flight. Once the logbook is full, they receive a “fantastic pilot’s certificate.” Young travelers can also observe the aircraft up close from the pilot’s viewpoint during take-off and landing via external cameras on certain long-haul aircraft.

Qantas makes our top-tier list for its innovative services for children. The Australian carrier allows lap infants to fly free within Australia and they are ticketed at 10 % of the adult fare on international routes. Bassinets are available on certain aircraft and may be requested at check-in.

Zones at select Australian lounges boast kids’ furniture and meals, and kids can even play dress-up in mini cabin crew outfits. The airline’s “Joey Club” themed characters appear on kids’ kits that include an aircraft window-shaped etch-a-sketch and an activity booklet.

8. Air Canada

Air Canada makes the list not only for offering reduced fares and onboard amenities, but also providing dedicated family check-in areas at select airports. Lap infants under the age of two years fly free on domestic flights, and only the ticket taxes apply for flights between Canada and the United States. However, you cannot bring a carrycot or stroller for free.

For international flights, infant tickets are 10% of the adult fare. Children over two years are ticketed at the adult fare on domestic flights or on flights between Canada and the United States. Children between two and 12 years fly at a reduced child’s fare on international flights not in the United States.

Bassinets are available and assigned by advance request on a first-come, first-served basis on certain aircraft. Air Canada does not charge a fee for seating adults and children under 14 years of age together. Children also receive a special luggage tag and activity books for the journey.

Additional airlines offering discounts or services for families

Air France offers discounts for young flyers, including 90% off fares for lap infants. Children aged two or older are discounted at 20% on short-haul flights and 33% on medium and long-haul routes. Bassinets are available only on long-haul flights. Baby kits are provided only for certain fare classes, but organic baby food and kids’ meals are available in the economy cabin.

American Airlines allows lap infants to fly at no charge. Children two years and older must have their own seats and are ticketed at the adult fare. If passengers do not choose seats at the time of booking, the airline will assign seats within a few days so that youth under 15 years are seated next to at least one adult with whom they are traveling. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on certain aircraft, but not in the first or business class cabins.

British Airways offers an infant fare for lap infants and a child’s fare for kids flying in their own seat, but the carrier’s website does not provide specifics as to the discount. Kids’ meals are available by advance request and tinned baby food is available on long-haul flights. Notably, British Airways’ Executive Club Household Account allows adults and children in the same household to pool their rewards currency to later redeem for upgrades.

Delta Air Lines allows lap infants to fly free, and children two years of age and older are subject to discounts that vary by country. The carrier’s website states that it “strives to seat family members together upon request.”

Finally, Virgin Atlantic makes the list for allowing lap infants to fly at 10% of the adult fare and setting special fares for children aged two to 11 years and young adults aged 12 to 16 years. Bassinets and cots may be available upon request. The carrier offers kids’ meals for travelers two to 12 years old, and various entertainment options for youth via seat televisions.

Airline fare discounts and amenities are subject to change and may not be available in all situations, so it is wise to check with the airline directly before booking your next family adventure.

What is your experience of traveling with kids on various airlines? We'd love to hear from you, so please share your experience in the comment section.

Source: Reassured.co.uk

Air France flying with babies

Are there any restrictions for acceptance of infants on air france flights.

Without imposing any age restrictions for infants, Air France recommends you to avoid traveling in the first week following the birth of your baby or if the infant is ill.

On all Air France flights, each infant must be accompanied by a passenger who must be over the age of 18, unless the accompanying adult is the child’s father, mother, or legal guardian .

When am I required to reserve a seat for my baby?

Infants (children under 2 years of age) do not require a seat reservation and may travel on the lap of the accompanying adult (not occupying a seat).

A separate seat must be reserved for the infant , who must travel strapped into an approved infant car seat or carrier, when :

  • You want your baby to enjoy the comfort and safety of his/her own car seat during the flight.
  • You travel with 2 infants under 2 years of age. In this case, one of the infants must occupy a separate seat, and the booking must be made by telephone.

What children amenities are offered on Air France flights?

When traveling with an infant, families benefit from priority boarding . Changing tables are available on all long-haul flights . For infants, you can order a meal of baby food jars and baby biscuits up to 24 hours before departure. For children aged 2 to 8 years, a special kids meal is offered on flights lasting two and a half hours or more. A gift set is offered to entertain children during intercontinental flights .

Infant on Lap

When you are traveling with a child under the age of 2, you only need to mention this when you make your own reservation . If you want to travel with your infant in the La Première/First cabin, you must contact Air France by telephone. Infants must be held in the arms of the person accompanying them during takeoff and landing (flight attendants will give the accompanying adult a special seat belt for the baby).

On all flights (except flights between Paris and Corsica), Air France offers a discount when your baby is traveling on your lap; you receive a 90% fare reduction for your infant . On flights between Paris and Corsica, infants travel on your lap free of charge. If an infant turns two years old during the trip , the infant discount does not apply, but the child discount applies to all the flights in the itinerary . If the fare allows, the child discount is up to 20% on short-haul flights and up to 33% on medium-haul and long-haul flights.

Upon request and subject to availability , for the comfort of both you and your infant, Air France can provide you with a bassinet (skycot). You can request a bassinet on long-haul flights in the Economy, Premium Economy, and Business cabins . Bassinets are designed for infants weighing less than 10 kg (22 lbs) and measuring less than 70 cm (27 inches) , limited in number and cannot be requested online . For safety reasons, Seat Plus cannot be located near bassinets. To check availability and submit your request, you must contact Air France by phone as soon as possible after booking your flight, but no later than 48 hours before your departure. Your infant must travel on your lap if no bassinet is available.

Baggage Allowance

An infant traveling on an adult’s lap has a special baggage allowance (in addition to the accompanying adults’ baggage ) :

  • Carry-on (hand baggage) – 1 hand baggage item weighing less than 12 kg (26 lbs) and whose dimensions do not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21 x 13 x 9 in) .
  • Checked baggage – 1 baggage item with a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs) ; you must pay a supplementary fee to transport baggage in the hold if you selected the Light price ticket .

A foldable stroller and a car seat may be checked at no extra charge . On long-haul flights (with a few exceptions¹), a small foldable stroller , with the maximum dimension of 15 x 30 x 100 cm (5.9 x 11.8 x 39.4 in), may also be accepted in the cabin , subject to availability in the overhead compartments. Other foldable strollers, packed in a carrying case that covers it fully, may replace the hand baggage allowance for infants, provided the stroller does not exceed the maximum dimensions allowed for a standard hand baggage item. You should know that some airports may have to deny access to strollers inside the boarding areas for security reasons. Remember to affix a label with your contact information (name, address, phone number and e-mail) if you are bringing a stroller on board.

¹Flights between metropolitan France and Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-a-Pitre, Reunion, Saint Martin, Havana, Mauritius, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana.

Infants with Reserved Seats

Not available when traveling in the La Premiere/First cabin and Business cabin on certain Boeing B777 aircraft and all Boeing B787 aircraft , but optional in all other cabins, a seat can be reserved for an infant at the child fare (80% of the adult fare on short-haul flights, 67% of the adult fare on medium- and long-haul flights). When occupying a seat, an approved car seat will be accepted in the cabin . Booster seats are not authorized, and the cabin crew may refuse to accept in the cabin all seats that are unsuited to air travel. You must travel in an adjacent seat, and your baby’s car seat must be :

  • Approved for use on board aircraft (a non-standard car seat may be refused by personnel upon check-in or boarding) .
  • Maximum 44 cm (17 in) width, or 42 cm (16.5 in) if your seat is located in the first row of the Economy cabin .
  • Installed by you as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions ( facing the rear of the aircraft during take-off and landing, facing forward at cruising altitude ).
  • Held in place by a seat belt, resting on the seat itself.
  • Placed on a window seat (except for emergency exit seats) or one of the middle seats of a center aisle.

An infant with a reserved seat has the free baggage allowance that corresponds to his/her travel cabin . Still, a foldable stroller and a car seat may be transported in the hold at no extra charge . Subject to space availability, small collapsible strollers may be accepted in the cabin , under the same conditions that apply when traveling with an infant on your lap.

More information here >>

Air France info

  • Covid Rules
  • Baggage & carry-on

Air France seating maps

  • Airbus A318 Europe
  • Airbus A318 Metropolitan
  • Airbus A319 Europe V1
  • Airbus A319 Europe V2
  • Airbus A319 Metropolitan V1
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  • Airbus A320 Europe V1
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  • Airbus A320 Europe V3
  • Airbus A320 Metropolitan V1
  • Airbus A320 Metropolitan V2
  • Airbus A320 Metropolitan V3
  • Airbus A321 Europe V1
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  • Airbus A321 Metropolitan V1
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  • Airbus A330 200 224PAX
  • Airbus A330 200 Long-Haul International 208PAX
  • Airbus A340 300 Long-Haul International 275PAX
  • Airbus A350 900
  • Airbus A380 International Long-Haul 516PAX
  • ATR 42 500 V1
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  • Boeing B777 200 International Long-Haul 280pax
  • Boeing B777 200 International Long-Haul 312PAX
  • Boeing B777 200 International Long-Haul 316PAX
  • Boeing B777 300 International Long-Haul 296pax
  • Boeing B777 300 International Long-Haul 322pax
  • Boeing B777 300 Long-Haul International 381PAX
  • Boeing B777 300 Long-Haul International 468PAX
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  • Bombardier CRJ 1000
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As featured on

12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Lori Zaino

Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle.

Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and security shortcuts to special infant fares and other perks.

Covering everything from booking and documents to travel insurance and even jet lag, this guide provides everything you need to prepare for an international trip with your baby.

Want more travel news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

Get your baby's passport

Before you get too far into planning a trip abroad, you'll need to get your baby's first passport .

While you're at it, make sure everyone else in the family has a valid passport, too. Remember, U.S. passports for children under 16 expire after five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Also, make sure everyone's passport isn't nearing expiration. Many countries require three or six months of validity to enter, which effectively means that child passports are really only valid for 4 1/2 years, which go quickly.

air france travelling with baby

When getting a passport for your baby , here are the main steps to follow:

  • Get their birth certificate.
  • Find out where to apply.
  • Make an appointment. You'll need to go in person and bring your baby with you.
  • Take their passport photo. It can be difficult to get a photo of your baby. Rules for photos state that the child/baby should be looking directly at the camera with a natural smile or neutral look. If you can manage to get the baby's eyes to stay open, that's typically enough for their first passport photo. The background should be white and the size 2 by 2 inches with no filters. Within that size, your baby/child's head needs to be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. If you're struggling to get everything just right, the ItsEasy App can help you crop and size your photo to the correct dimensions.
  • Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.
  • Attend the appointment in person with both parents present . If only one parent can go, fill out and bring parental consent form DS-3053 plus a copy.

Get your baby Global Entry

If you already have Global Entry , you won't be able to use the service as a family if your little ones don't have it. So, get a start on your baby's application. Or, if this is something your whole family wants to do, apply simultaneously, making expiration dates and renewals easier to complete for everyone at the same time.

Do note that with TSA PreCheck , kids 12 and under won't need to have their own number to accompany parents through these special security lanes -- but that's not true for Global Entry, which you use to return to the U.S.

Check with your doctor

Check with your pediatrician to see when your baby can start flying.

To give you an idea, TPG talked to Dr. Jenny Yu , medical director at Healthline , to find out when it's typically safe for babies to travel. "While babies typically develop their immune system around 1 month, most pediatricians would recommend waiting until 3 to 6 months for travel," she said. For premature babies, it might be a little longer.

Also, with international travel, it's important to factor in any additional vaccines they might need, especially if you're traveling to emerging countries. Start by checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on which vaccines both adults and babies should get, then talk with your pediatrician to see what is best for your family, baby and travel situation.

Other important questions to ask your doctor should be if your baby can wear sunblock or mosquito repellent and how to keep your baby and your whole family safe from tropical or waterborne diseases, COVID-19 and any other possible infections, which can depend highly on your destination.

Pick the right destination

air france travelling with baby

Whether it's a far-flung visit to Asia, a trip to visit family in Europe, a Caribbean escape or an African safari, you can travel anywhere with a baby as long as you and your family feel comfortable doing so. Choose a destination that makes you feel joy, not anxiety or stress at the thought of getting there and enjoying it with your baby.

Consider things like the activities you want to do, and if the destination is a place that feels welcoming for families. Also think about logistics, like the language barrier, climate and local transportation, when deciding if that particular destination is right for your family.

Book tickets

Depending on how old your baby is, you have some options when flying abroad with them. Here are a few to consider:

  • Lap infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they don't need their own seat. They can instead sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. For international travel, some airlines charge 10% to 30% of the adult ticket price or just the taxes and fees for a lap infant, and some airlines don't charge anything at all. This table shows the costs by airline to buy your baby a lap ticket. Make sure to check on luggage policies when traveling with a lap infant. Most airlines allow for a stroller and car seat checked free of charge. You may also be able to check or carry on additional baggage, too, but more on that later.
  • Bassinet for lap infant: Many airlines have bassinet options, especially aboard larger aircraft that fly internationally. See if you can select this option while booking or call the airline for more information on securing a bassinet. Bassinets are usually free, but given to those who request them first. Ask for one right after booking to ensure you'll be assigned a seat with one when available. In most cases, bassinet weight limits max out at 20 to 24 pounds, so they're best for smaller babies and newborns.
  • Extra seat with car seat or restraint for babies 2 years and up: If your baby is older than 2 years, you must pay for their seat. Many airlines have discounted tickets for children. If the child weighs more than 44 pounds, they won't need any additional restraint system within their own seat. If they weigh less than 44 pounds, see the information on a certified child restraint or car seat below.
  • Additional seat with car seat or restraint for babies under 2: If your baby is less than 2 years old, you can still book them their own seat. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration suggests that children under 44 pounds wear an FAA-approved harness (such as the CARES harness ) or certified child restraint to help keep them safe during turbulence, takeoff and landing. Make sure to check your car seat to see if there is an FAA-approved sticker on it.

It's worth noting that car seat, bassinet and harness options and policies vary wildly by airline and class of service. For more information on these policies by airline, read this article on 23 airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world .

Note that when booking seats for your family on an international flight, there are areas where kids and babies are not allowed to sit, like exit rows. Malaysia Airlines doesn't allow babies in its first-class cabins on A380 and 747 aircraft. Some international airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot and IndiGo also have kid-free and quiet zones where families with babies and children under a certain age (usually 10 or 12) aren't allowed to sit.

Additionally, if your baby is closer to 2 years old, you might want to compare the price of a lap ticket to the price of getting them their own seat. Sometimes, the price difference may not be that much, and it could make the flight more comfortable for the entire family.

Organize documents, including visas and COVID-19 forms

Passports aren't the only documents you'll need for international travel these days. Check to see if you and your baby need a visa to enter whatever country you're visiting. If you're traveling without your partner, look into completing a Child Consent Form.

Have proof of vaccines, complete any health forms and entry forms and take those COVID-19 tests if required to enter the country. Be clear on if your baby or children need to wear masks during the flight and plan accordingly. While babies 2 and up need to wear masks on board U.S. airlines, international airlines have different rules. For example, Iberia only requires children 6 and up to wear masks. Presently, British Airways has made masking up for all passengers a "personal choice" when not required by international law. We expect these rules to continue to rapidly evolve.

It's worth checking what documents you need for the trip when booking and again before traveling to ensure that you have everything you need as rules and regulations frequently change, especially in this era of pandemic travel .

Understand luggage rules

air france travelling with baby

Different airlines have varying rules for how much luggage you can take when traveling abroad, especially when traveling with lap infants or children/babies occupying their own seats. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and/or car seat. Many also offer additional checked luggage, as well as a carry-on bag or item for the baby.

For example, British Airways allows both lap infants and children ages 2 and up to have a carry-on item and a checked bag in most cases, giving parents a little flexibility when bringing along all those key items babies need . Cathay Pacific allows lap infants two additional bags at 10 kilograms each when flying between most destinations.

If you aren't clear on the luggage rules, call the airline before traveling to confirm so you won't get stuck with any surprises or have to pay additional fees.

Know the rules for breast milk and formula

Thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large- and medium-size airports in the U.S. now provide lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse babies in every terminal and at least one men's and one women's restroom with changing tables in each terminal. This may not be the case abroad, so if you're concerned, research your destination airport to see what options are provided when it comes to these services.

You shouldn't have any issues flying with breast milk or formula on your outbound trip from the U.S. , as regular Transportation Security Administration liquid regulations don't apply to these special liquids. According to the TSA , "reasonable quantities" of these liquids are allowed, but you must take them out during screening for the security officer to test.

You can look up rules to see what's allowed when returning from your destination. For example, the United Kingdom allows breast milk past security in containers up to 2,000 milliliters. You can also take formula, milk and bottled water for the baby, but the baby must be present. In the European Union , you can take breast milk and formula through security and when flying as long as your baby is traveling with you.

Your airline may also provide clarity on these types of rules. Cathay Pacific, for example, states that breastfeeding is allowed during all phases of the flight, using an electric pump is allowed once electric devices can be switched on and travelers can even bring along suitably packed dry ice to refrigerate expressed milk, assuming it's declared during check-in.

According to some airlines, if you're taking a large breast pump along, this may count as a medical device and not be part of your carry-on allowance, but these regulations often aren't very clear. Contact your airline for more information and print out the rules in case you have any issues during security screening or boarding.

If you're traveling from a very obscure destination within an emerging country and you can't find answers about bringing breast milk, it may be best to have a Plan B in place, such as bringing along enough formula in powder form to last you for the flight or planning to pump or breastfeed in flight.

Should you want to ship your breast milk abroad, options are available for you depending on your destination, such as Maven Milk and Milk Stork .

Book accommodations

When booking accommodations in your destination abroad, take things into account like baby necessities, baby-friendly items, the option to do laundry and the availability to heat, cool and store milk and formula. Choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel may be the right idea if you need more space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

If your baby is eating solid foods, make sure there are restaurants or supermarkets nearby where you can get exactly what you need. Doing a little pre-trip research can help you feel confident and comfortable when traveling with your baby regardless of which hotel or home rental you choose to stay in.

Pack strategically

Packing with a baby can seem precarious, but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure you have enough of everything you need to get through the flight, plus a bit extra in case of delays or cancellations. For an exact list of everything you need to pack, see this article on how to pack -- and prepare -- for travel with a baby .

For extra-long flights, try to have everything to help your baby comfortably nap on hand, like a lovey, blanket, pacifier and more. Have changes of clothes on hand for the whole family in case of a messy situation, and enough layers for a plane that may be hot or chilly. A baby carrier can be key, too.

When packing for a trip abroad, the most important items to remember are everyone's passport, visa and key documents, plus anything essential that you know you can't get in another country. Babies live all over the world, so you can easily get items like diapers, wipes, formula and more anywhere. However, you may not find the exact brand you want, or if you're going somewhere rural or far-flung, like on a safari in Africa, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.

For example, Enfamil, a popular baby formula brand, is found all over Europe and even in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it may not be available in Africa or Asia, so do your homework.

If you're traveling with items that need to plug in to charge, like a breast pump, baby monitor or nightlight, bring converters if necessary. You can always rent baby items abroad, too, rather than lugging everything along with you. It's possible to preorder diapers and wipes in many destinations, as well.

Strongly consider travel insurance

Things happen. While getting the flu abroad may not be a big deal for an adult, a sick baby can be scary and stressful, especially if you're in a foreign country. Having travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies -- and COVID-19, too -- can set your mind at ease and save the day if something happens.

Before travel, note where the nearest hospital or health care facilities are, as well as any international hospitals where staff may be more likely to speak English. Know exactly how to use your insurance, like what numbers to call or what to do if a situation arises. Check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance that may cover you and your family if things go awry.

Plan for jet lag

air france travelling with baby

Jet lag stinks. Jet lag with a baby might be even worse. There are things you can do to make jet lag a little less stressful, though, especially when traveling abroad to very different time zones.

First, give yourselves a few days to adjust, planning big events later in the trip. Limit your baby's naps when possible. If your baby takes a five-hour nap, they definitely won't be sleeping through the night.

Shift mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes to the new time zone as quickly as possible, getting daylight during the day and darkness at night, so internal clocks begin to adjust for the whole family. If the time zone difference is small, you may want to keep your baby on the original time zone to minimize disruption, especially for a shorter trip.

For more tips on combating jet lag with a baby in tow, read this guide on surviving jet lag with your baby .

Bottom line

Planning and taking an international trip with a baby can be simple and create memories for a lifetime if you prepare just right. With a little bit of extra research, you'll be armed with everything you need to know, do and bring to make your trip abroad smooth and hassle-free.

Booking a Baby Bassinet for Your Flight

How Your Baby Can Get a Some Rest on a Long Flight

When the time comes and you need to fly internationally with an infant, what do you need to do to be prepared? One of the biggest questions is when you are on a long flight, you will want to have a place where baby can get some sleep. Most airlines these days have skycots or bassinets that attach to bulkhead walls. More than 50 airlines make such accommodations for a bassinet of some kind.

Bassinet Rule Differences

A bassinet is a small bed for smaller babies. Bassinets are sometimes referred to as   skycots, baskets, and cots .  There are a limited number of these onboard, which makes them very popular for families flying with infants. If you need one, you need to request a bassinet seat for yourself.   This is a normal passenger seat, which can either have the bassinet fixed to the wall in front of you or in premium cabins, it may have a special bassinet compartment built into the wall.

The differences between airlines are the allowable age of the baby, size of the baby for the bassinet, proof of baby's weight (some require recent documentation from a pediatrician), placement of the cot (some go on the floor), and style of bassinet (some are cardboard, others are more substantial).

In most cases, the airlines will require you to hold your baby during taxi, takeoff, landing, and during turbulence.

Take a Look at Some Airlines

Since most airlines, definitely international carriers with longer-hauls, offer bassinets, it would be best if you check with your specific carrier about its rules for bassinet use. In most cases, you can find the information on the airline's website.

Some airlines request bassinet reservations in advance, others have bassinets only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some require the purchase of a child seat, others do not.

Take a look at the varying rules for reserving bassinets for a few popular airlines.

Air France allows travelers to request a bassinet on long-haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, subject to availability. They are are designed for infants weighing less than 22 pounds and measuring less than 27 inches. Bassinets must be reserved at least 48 hours before departure and travelers need to phone in to check availability. A baby kit is available that contains a bib, a diaper, Nivea wipes, and more.

American Airlines accepts infants as young as two days old. If you are traveling with an infant less than 7 days old, your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. Infants must be accompanied by a person 16 years or older or by the infant's parent (any age) in the same cabin. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the gate for travel only on the carrier's Boeing 777-200, 767-300, 777-300, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available in first or business class cabins.

British Airways

British Airways has carrycots and child seats available for children up to two years old. They are free, but the carrier warns they are subject to availability onboard the aircraft on the day of travel. They will be given to the people sitting in the skycot/child seat positions on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve a skycot in advance, using the Manage My Booking function on the airline's website. 

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offers free bassinets for passengers assigned to a bulkhead seat on equipped aircraft for some of its international flights. Bassinets can be requested by contacting Delta  Reservations  before arriving at the airport and then speaking with a gate agent. The airline cannot guarantee a bassinet due to a limit of two per aircraft and weight restrictions. Only infants weighing 20 pounds or less and be no longer than 26 inches in length can use bassinets. Infants must be held during takeoff and landing.

Emirates travelers can request a baby bassinet in the passenger details section when booking a flight on its website or by calling the local Emirates office. The bassinets are approximately 29.5 inches long and can hold babies weighing up to 24 pounds. Designed for babies up to two years old, according to the airline, it really depends on the size of the baby. Bassinets are limited in number and subject to availability.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers bassinets to select cities on its international flights. Babies must be under 2 and cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. Travelers can reserve a bassinet on Airbus A330 flights to seven international cities: 

  • Auckland, New Zealand 
  • Beijing, China 
  • Brisbane, Australia 
  • Incheon, Korea 
  • Haneda-Tokyo, Japan 
  • Narita-Tokyo, Japan
  • Osaka-Kansai, Japan 
  • Sydney, Australia 

To complete a reservation, call  Hawaiian Airlines Reservations  and request a bassinet. The traveler must also buy an Extra Comfort seat in Row 14 (AB CD, EG, or HJ). Once the seat is purchased and the bassinet is reserved, a reservation is confirmed. For those who do not want to buy an Extra Comfort seat, they can see an airport customer service agent at check-in on the day of departure to see if a bassinet is available. The airline will accept up to two requests per flight. 

For those traveling on the carrier's Boeing 767s, a bassinet cannot be reserved for flights to Sapporo, Japan, and bassinets are not available on flights to and from American Samoa and Tahiti. Travelers can request a bassinet from an airport customer service agent when checking in on the day of departure. The carrier will accept up to two requests per flight, and confirmed bassinets will be assigned at boarding. 

United Airlines

United Airline's bassinets can hold an infant weighing 22 pounds or less. The bassinet cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

A limited number of bassinets are available for use, free of charge, on international aircraft in United Polaris class on select Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft and in United Economy on Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available for customers traveling in United Polaris first class, United First, or United Business.

Request a bassinet by calling the United Customer Contact Center at 800-864-8331 within the U.S. or the  Worldwide Contact Center  for other countries. The airline cannot guarantee a bassinet due to limited availability.

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With nearly 2 million children travelling on its flights every year, Air France has always been dedicated to the well-being of families travelling with children. With the winter holidays approaching, the company is introducing new products for young globetrotters.

Turning the trip into a world of make-believe

In all cabins on Air France long-haul flights, children now receive a new fun activity kit from cabin crew to keep them amused with imaginative role-play games during their trip and for use at home. Inside, they will find a little dog-shaped figurine with a suitcase, a plane in the airline’s colours, a runway jigsaw puzzle, an activity book and coloured pencils. The kit unfolds to reveal a fun French bakery decor and the figurine wears a sailor top, two emblematic nods to France.

This new kit is distributed to all young travellers during the in-flight meal service. The “kids” menu is exclusively made up of organic products on flights departing from Paris and is automatically offered to kids aged 2 to 6. Beyond the age of 6, the child’s parents can reserve the kid’s menu at no charge up to 24 hours before departure. As part of an eco-friendly approach, this kit is free of plastic. Each item is made of FSC wood (obtained from sustainably managed forests) or recycled paper and cardboard.

Optimum well-being for infants

Air France also offers new products for families travelling with infants under the age of 2. In all cabins on Air France long-haul flights, customers receive an adorable kraft paper kit containing a cuddly toy dog, made of reusable and recyclable soft materials. In the La Première, Business and Premium Economy cabins, this kit also comes with a cute pouch in the Air France colours and certified organic Castéra thermal water made in France.

Click here to download the visuals.

Air France makes holiday travel fun

Throughout the trip, Air France also offers other fun activities for its young travellers. Alongside special meals and fun activity kits, our little globetrotters can also enjoy a dedicated selection of entertainment programmes including music, cartoons and an introduction to meditation. A selection of 16 children’s magazines can also be downloaded from the Air France Play app.

Air France also welcomes children aged 4 to 17 travelling alone on board its flights. With the "Kids Solo" service, Air France staff accompany them and ensure their safety. Thanks to the Air France app, parents can follow each stage of their trip, from departure at the airport to arrival at their destination.

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Handy Guide to Visiting France with a Baby or Toddler

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Home » Handy Guide to Visiting France with a Baby or Toddler

France boasts authentic sleepy villages, spectacular cuisines, unequaled wine tasting, Roman ruins, and of course, a rich and enviable history of some of the world’s greatest artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, and Gauguin to name just but a few.

From the iconic streets of Paris and the iconic bazaars of Marseille to Cannes, the Mediterranean mecca of film stars, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which is famous for being the birthplace of Nostradamus.

There’s no shortage of great places for any adult to enjoy!

The lingering question, however, remains; can you travel to France with a baby or toddler in tow?

France with a Baby or Toddler Travel Guide

Ps . Click here to grab loads of baby/toddler travel tips. Here is a guide full of other ideas of  where to go on a holiday with a baby ?

Day trip to Honfleur

  1. When to Go

July and August is the high tourist season in France, prices will double in comparison to other times of the year and popular destinations will be packed.

December to March is skiing season and the French Alps would be quite busy.

You should, however, remember that France is a diverse country and the weather varies from one region to the other.

DSCF8562r

Therefore, choose when to go depending on what you and the baby want to enjoy.

Generally, you can consider going from April to June and September to November.

Remember to reserve hotels and restaurant in advance if you’re planning to travel during high seasons periods.

2. What to Bring

Traveling with a baby requires you to bring specific travel baby gear (or toddler travel essentials ), and it’s no different when visiting France with a baby.

You may deliberate on the things to bring, but your decision should be significantly influenced by the importance of traveling light and also with the things that the baby will need, but are not efficiently available in France.

– Strollers or Carriers

France with Kids

This may be surprising to you, but France is not a stroller-friendly nation. Getting around in many cities in France, especially Paris with a stroller is next to impossible.

Many places including Metro stations, buildings, hotels, cafés and museums have lots of steps so it’s difficult to move around with a stroller. Elevators are also uncommon in many parts of France, making it even more difficult to go to tall buildings with a stroller.

Small towns also have beautiful cobblestone roads and alleys, which make stroller rides way too bumpy.

Consequently, you should consider bringing with you a carrier or a sling instead of (or at least together with) a stroller. We also prefer travelling with a backpack diaper bag to balance out the baby on the front.

If you have to bring a stroller with you, consider a lightweight umbrella stroller that you can easily fold-up in compact and overcrowded places.

Things to do in Annecy

– Car Seats

Taxi’s in France will not have a baby car seat (because legally they aren’t required to have one).

So if you wish to have baby secure for taxi rides you might like to bring along your own car seat (A problem is that many French cab drivers are rudely impatient and may rush you while you’re still installing the seat.)

We hired a car for our France road trip and simply grabbed a car seat from the car hire company.

Here is our guide to help you find the best travel car seat for your needs.

– Baby Formula, Diapers and Baby Food

Avez-vous du lait bébé? (Do you have baby milk?).

This is a question you’ll ask a couple of times and the answer will always be encouraging. That’s because many French supermarkets are remarkably well-stocked with virtually all baby supplies that you may need or find back home.

– Portable High Chair

You’ll be shocked to find out that it’s not in the French culture to provide high chairs in restaurants like it is common in North America and other parts of the world.

With that in mind, you should consider carrying with you a lightweight portable high chair for the baby or be prepared to balance your baby on your knee whilst you eat.

– Baby or Toddler Beach Shoes

It is a good idea to take baby beach shoes with you when you go on vacation with your baby (especially since many beaches in France as pretty rocky or full of large pebbles)

These beach shoes will help protect your baby’s feet from the hot sand and sharp rocks at the beach.

With baby beach shoes, your baby will be comfortable, safe, and able to enjoy playing in the sand without worry. To help save you time, we have compiled a list of our favorite baby beach shoes (plus shoes for toddlers too).

3. Getting around France

– Metro and Train

Pont de Bir Hakeim in Paris, France, bridge for Metro

These are some of the good options to consider. They’re not only convenient but are also cheap if you want to travel in a large country such as France.

If you are planning on making use of the trains, do ensure that pack light and that you take minimal luggage with you.

– Car Rental

France Car Hire

There are numerous car rental companies in France.

We decided to rent a car as it simply makes life so much easier.  We dragged our luggage together with our baby onto trains in Japan and found it so tiring and challenging that we decided never to do that again!

Driving in France is really easy.  Just be sure to stick to the speed limit – we received two nasty fines when we got back home.

You can compare car rental with Webjet to get an idea of how much it would cost.

– Taxis

Parisian taxi sign. Paris, France.

You can as well consider using taxis, but they’re very busy and so you should consider booking them in advance. Remember; bringing your baby’s car seat is very important.

We weren’t fans of using taxis, we thought they were expensive and had some bad experiences with very rude taxi drivers.

So we much prefer using a rental car where we can.

4. What to Expect

– Restaurants

Paris Baby Travel Guide - Restaurants

The French are widely known for their love with food and eat out a lot more often. They have some of the best dishes in the world, which you should obviously experience.

However, you should never expect high chairs in almost every part of France. This is where your portable high chair will be of great use.

It is also important to note that the restaurants only start serving dinner from 7 – 7:30 pm which can be pretty late for a little baby.

– Accommodation

Paris, typical street with the hotel panel, big letters

There are various forms of accommodation that you can go to in France. They include; self-catering homes, villas, and hotels.

We personally preferred  Airbnb homes and villas as are more affordable, more spacious and often comes with a baby crib, a kitchen, and a washing machine. We managed to get baby cribs for all of our Airbnb stays, but the hosts did request extra money for them.

If you choose to stay at a hotel, do check whether the hotel has baby-friendly amenities before making reservations.  We often found that the hotels didn’t have baby cots available or that the rooms were too small for a cot.

Here is a handy guide if you wish to take along your own portable travel crib .

Also, check if the accommodation has a lift or request a lower level room.

Further Reading:

  • Best Family Hotel in Paris Guide

– Baby Facilities

You’ll be surprised that many places in France do not have baby changing facilities. You should be prepared to change your baby in the back of the car or in random spots.

So make sure you have disposable changing mats with you.

– Breastfeeding

You’ll rarely see anybody breastfeeding in public, so I would recommend that you bring a cover-up so you can breastfeed more discreetly.

5. Best Regions for Kids

Col des Aravis France

Some of the places that you may want to consider when traveling to France with a baby include, but are not limited to; Normandy, Brittany, Corsica, Monaco, French Riviera, French Alps and of course, the classic French countryside of Provence.

We were much more relaxed in smaller villages or in touristy cities such as Nice.

Going for a memorable holiday with a baby is always tough.

From finding a destination that’s safe, baby-friendly, and not too strenuous a journey for the baby to ensuring that it’s extraordinary enough to provide you with nice holiday snaps to embarrass your baby with for many years to come.

Fortunately, France comes close to being this destination.

DSCF7802r

It’s unquestionably the most diverse country in Europe. It has the ability to lure many people to its shores with its expansive natural beauty.

From having some of the most celebrated mountains (the French Alps) in the world to having Europe’s finest coastlines, France remains one of the world’s most distinguished travel destinations if not the most distinguished.

However, before heading out to France with your baby, using the above tips will make your travel much easier and very memorable.

Over to You:

  • Have to been to France with your baby?  Do you have any tips to add?
  • If you are traveling with kids, you might be interested in checking out our guide to finding the best kids ride on luggage . This might help you along the way.
  • Inspired to travel more with your toddler? Read our post about the best holiday destinations for toddlers .
  • Want to explore more of Europe, check out this list of the best places to travel with toddlers in Europe for more ideas of where to go.

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Jolene Ejmont

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Expecting a new addition to the family? Don't let that stop you from traveling! Our tips and advice can help you prepare for your trip with peace of mind.

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Meet & Greet services at the airport* Would you like to be guided through the airport? In Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Bordeaux or Nice, enjoy the company of an Air France agent. You can purchase this service at departure, on your connecting flight, or upon arrival.

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*This service is available at Paris-Orly for flights departing from or arriving in Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre or Saint Denis. At Paris-Charles de Gaulle for all flights.

In all of our cabins, our staff does everything possible to make your trip an enjoyable experience.

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Are you following a specific diet during your pregnancy? For flights of 2 hours 30 minutes or more, you can order a special meal adapted to your needs, including low-sodium or low-sugar meals, vegetarian meals, and more.

Tips for your journey

  • Choose layered and comfortable clothing.
  • Wear compression stockings to facilitate blood circulation.
  • Walk around from time to time. Reserve an aisle seat so that you may leave your seat with ease.
  • Drink often, but avoid carbonated beverages.
  • Avoid overly generous portions at mealtimes.
  • Attach your seat belt below the abdomen, low on the pelvis.
  • Avoid travel starting from week 37 of your pregnancy and during the 7 days following childbirth.

Anna Everywhere

Traveling to France with a Baby

Traveling to France with a Baby

Many people don’t think of France as a baby-friendly destination and head to Italy , known for being a baby-loving country, instead. However, visiting France with a baby or toddler can be a fantastic experience as you see this stunning country through their eyes.

When it comes to infrastructure and facilities France isn’t the easiest for babies and little kids, but there’s no shortage of great places to enjoy for families. French people do get around a lot with their babies, but you just need to adjust your expectations and come prepared.

I took my first trip to France with a baby when my first son Dylan was only 3 months old – we had a blast! It was a completely different experience with a baby from my million trips to France before, and when I lived in France as a student . After we had our second son Holden, we moved to Annecy for a few months and traveled around the country with a baby and toddler a lot.

Best Places to Visit in France with a Baby

The best places to visit in France with a baby are places you want to see: there are no bad places in my opinion . Paris , Normandy , Provence , French Riviera , French Alps , Alsace – we had a blast everywhere.

Babies and young children don’t require tickets to museums and they ride on public transport for free.

air france travelling with baby

Traveling to France with a Baby:

When you travel to France with a baby or toddler you might see a lot of parenting differences. Remember, your baby will be just fine if they need to accommodate different flavors or schedules – don’t worry 🙂

Europeans are minimalists when it comes to babies , so there’s no need to pack everything for a trip to France with a baby. Read more on  packing for holidays with a baby .

French people tend to bundle their babies a LOT which might come off as a surprise. I always saw babies and toddlers bundled in snowsuits and stroller bags with hats and gloves on, while my kids were running around in a hoodie.

air france travelling with baby

Where to Stay with a Baby in France

I will say that there’s Paris and then there’s the rest of France, because in Paris rooms are small and unless you stay in a more luxurious hotel there’s no way they offer a baby crib because there’s simply no space for it anywhere (even if you bring your own). Keep the room size in mind if you’re booking a room in Paris !

Outside of Paris, many hotels will provide you with a crib or at least a space of your own . I tend to book places that offer it because it’s less luggage to carry for me. You might also have to reach your room by stairs but most hotels offer to keep your stroller at the reception.

We even stayed at a French chateau with a baby in Provence and it was awesome!

Pack a noise machine, even if you don’t use it at home . French buildings have squeaky floors and aren’t always soundproofed.

Camping is also a popular option in France with babies. There are many family-friendly campsites in France.

air france travelling with baby

Do Babies Need Car Seats in France?

In private cars (including rental cars), kids and babies are required to have car seats in France . Car seats are different in Europe than in the US (chest straps are illegal for example) and most toddler car seats use seatbelts. Laws are also different in terms of booster seats, so if a 3-year-old is tall enough like mine, they will fall into a booster category.

Most taxis in France will not have a baby car seat, because legally they aren’t required to have one so be prepared to just hold a baby on your lap. Now, I’m not telling you to keep your baby unsafe but that’s the reality…

The problem with bringing your own car seat is that most drivers won’t wait until you install a car seat, simply because there’s usually nowhere to park so you might be installing a car seat while the taxi is moving. Some might not even stop for you if they see you have a car seat.

If they do, and miraculously there’s a space to park for them, they might charge you way more and I’m saying ridiculously way more.

However, you can surely order a taxi with a car seat – we did it in Paris on various occasions. It doesn’t cost any more! You can reserve a taxi with a car seat in advance via the G7 taxi app .

Regardless, you should always have travel insurance, especially when traveling with a baby. You can add your baby (up to 3 kids actually) to your own policy when booking with  Safety Wing .

air france travelling with baby

Flying with Babies to France

If you want to bring your own car seat (most tourists won’t get into any trouble with the police; it only matters in case of an accident as the insurance could technically refuse your claim because of the non-EU approved car seat), remember that it’s not common to keep babies in car seats on planes in Europe. If you’re flying Air France (or other European airlines) make sure to check.

Many aircraft don’t allow car seats at all, especially in higher cabin class. Rear-facing car seats (which includes ALL infant car seats basically) are basically not allowed on board unless someone isn’t sitting in front of you as they limit the recline and must be placed forward-facing. Here’s the full policy.

Also note, that any equipment designed for children to sleep (like JetKids) is not permitted on board Air France aircraft.

If you’re flying with a baby internationally I have more tips in this article . If your baby is less than a year old you might want to book a baby bassinet – it’s free!

air france travelling with baby

Is France Stroller Friendly?

Many people will tell you that getting around in many cities in France, especially Paris with a stroller is next to impossible. I’ll say let’s not exaggerate as long as you have an appropriate stroller.

By appropriate travel stroller I mean just like anywhere else in Europe:

1. Don’t even think of bringing a double stroller, it won’t fit anywhere.

If you have two kids you can get a buggy board for the older, but everyone sane in Europe has one stroller per child when traveling.

2. Don’t bring a giant full-size stroller, you’ll be doomed everywhere as it won’t fit.

Babyzen Yoyo stroller was invented in France for a reason – lightweight, quick to fold, narrow. Elevators are also uncommon in many parts of France so you will be carrying your stroller up and down the stairs a lot, including hotels or apartment rentals.

3. Don’t buy an umbrella stroller with crappy double wheels.

While you can think they are cheap and small so can be carried and folded, similar to Italy, they won’t go far in France as there are cobblestones and uneven sidewalks everywhere.

You’ll see many people with a stroller everywhere. If you’re planning on hiking you obviously need a baby carrier as well, but I wouldn’t recommend venturing without the stroller – babies sleep a lot and even non-napping toddlers might be tired after exploring for the whole day and need a place to nap.

air france travelling with baby

Renting Baby Gear in France

There are plenty of baby gear rental companies that will deliver to your address in Paris or anywhere else you’re visiting. Some good recommendations: Kidelio , Babytems , PonyonWheels .

I know many Americans are wondering about SNOO rental in France. Snoo doesn’t offer a rental option in Europe and gear rental companies don’t offer the Happiest Baby Snoo bassinet either, as it’s not a popular item in Europe. In fact, I’m yet to even hear about anyone ever using it in Europe (and I’m from Europe, so obviously know a lot of people here and there).

air france travelling with baby

Baby Products and Diapers in France

There’s no shortage of diapers, formula, or baby food in France. You can buy everything at the supermarket , not always at pharmacies. In fact, many options in France are as good or better.

Make sure you know your baby’s weight in kilograms for diaper s! Do They Sell Pampers in France? They do!

French baby food is actually awesome . They sell many jars of organic fruits, veggies, chunky meals, snacks, and anything your baby might like. If you want organic, look for items labeled “Bio” or “Agriculture Biologique” (certified organic

If you need a formula, remember that in France just like anywhere else in Europe most formula cans are numbered:

  • 1: under 6 months
  • 2: 6-12 months
  • 3: 12m-2 years
  • 4: over 2 years

Important: many grocery stores are closed on Sundays and nothing is really open on Christmas or Easter. Plan your shopping ahead.

Baby Clothes in France

France offers amazing baby attire for every budget and it’s a completely different shopping experience: my toddler got balloons and lollipops every time we went to get something. I recommend La Redoute and Jacadi – they will last you forever!

Bringing Babies to Restaurants in France

The only place I’ve ever encountered a high chair for a baby in France was a hotel room at the Four Seasons in Paris… because they literally provide you with everything, even our cat got a custom cat food menu. Anywhere else – forget it.

You’ll see babies being fed in stroller s (and this is why again, you need your stroller to be small enough to fit at the restaurant), or on your parent’s lap.

If you have an active baby or toddler you might want to bring a portable high chair – just keep it under the stroller when you walk around.

Kids menus in France as usually smaller portions of the adult menu , but they’re not as common. I’ve even seen tartare on kids’ menu in Annecy.

Fun fact: the exception to this rule is usually Michelin-star restaurants, especially in Paris. Many Michel start restaurants allow kids and welcome them with high chairs, coloring books, chicken nuggets or other beloved food items, so definitely don’t scrap the idea of fine dining in France.

Also, note that the restaurants only start serving dinner from 7/7:30 pm (if you see something opened earlier it’s either a tourist trap or they’re open for snacks and drinks only). Europeans have no issues with babies out late, but just remember to have snacks for the kids if they get hungry earlier.

air france travelling with baby

Changing Tables in France

You should be prepared to change your baby in the back of the rental car , stroller, or random spots. Another reason why having a stroller is handier than only bringing a baby carrier is because you can keep things underneath. A changing mat is recommended!

air france travelling with baby

Public Transportation with Babies in France

Public transportation in France works well and it’s perfect . People generally use the metro when they have to travel a lot in France, especially when having kids alongside. Getting into the metro might require going up and down some stairs, so don’t bring a ton of luggage.

The trains are excellent as your baby or toddler can move around vs being strapped into a car seat. The trains are spacious, quiet, and even have baby-changing stations on board .

A baby in a stroller waits at a Paris metro station, representing the convenience of public transport in France with a baby.

Road Trip with a Baby in France

Sadly the trains and buses don’t go everywhere, so you might need to rent a car in France . Keep in mind that highways have tolls and it can add up a LOT (sometimes it costs 8 EUR for a quick 5-minute ride).

French rest stops almost always have a bathroom and even playgrounds. This makes trips with babies more convenient.

Mother holding her baby amidst a vibrant field of sunflowers, a perfect symbol of summer in France with a baby.

Do you have any questions about traveling to France with a baby?

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Monday 3rd of July 2023

Thank you so much for this! Preparing to travel to Paris with our (will be) 8 month old son.... KEEP ON TRAVELING!!!!

Wednesday 24th of May 2023

So helpful. Thanks for sharing! First time traveling to France with 5mo!

Thursday 28th of September 2023

@Heidi, just wondered if you knkw if the rule where taxis dont need car seats still appliess? Very aware this was written a few years ago! Thanks 😊

Saturday 6th of May 2023

Thanks for sharing such a unique and useful article, it's great.

Tuesday 3rd of January 2023

Thank you for writing this detailed blog - super helpful as we prepare for our France trip (from Australia) with our 8mo

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

@Bonnie, am really interested in what you are planning. I'm also from Aus, and looking at a France trip in May/June with our 6.5mo. Likely 3 weeks duration.

Thursday 1st of September 2016

I am very impressed. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for showing that where is the will, there is a way!

Sunday 25th of September 2016

Thanks Zhanna!

IMAGES

  1. Choosing The Right Airline For Traveling With A Baby

    air france travelling with baby

  2. Tips and Advice for Airplane Travel With a Baby

    air france travelling with baby

  3. Tips for Visiting France With Babies and Toddlers

    air france travelling with baby

  4. Traveling with an infant by plane, priority boarding at the airport

    air france travelling with baby

  5. Traveling with an infant by plane, priority boarding at the airport

    air france travelling with baby

  6. Air France Infant Travel

    air france travelling with baby

VIDEO

  1. Air France 447

  2. Air france over the years #aviation #edit#fypシ #viral #foryou #trendyshorts #fire #planes

  3. Travelling with Air France travelling to India

  4. Air France departure from Atlanta

  5. Emergency Landing Of Air France Plane After Accident with tower

  6. Traveling with a baby or toddler 2018 (Tips and advice)

COMMENTS

  1. Traveling with an infant by plane, priority boarding ...

    A passenger may travel with 2 infants (under 2 years old) however the booking must be made by telephone. Additionally, 1 of the 2 infants must travel in an individual seat at a child fare and must be installed in an approved car seat or harness. under the age of 12 within our Metropolitan and Overseas France network.

  2. Your questions on Children and infants.

    Travel is not recommended for infants within 7 days of birth. Before departure, check that your infant has all the documents required by the police, customs and immigration services of the destination country. It is your responsibility to check their validity date and to note the sometimes long delay in obtaining them. FAQ Air France, questions ...

  3. Preparing for your child traveling alone

    You will need to provide this at the moment of checking in. How many copies of the form you should bring to the airpot varies according to your child's itinerary: 2 copies for a direct flight. 3 copies for a flight with a connection. 4 copies for a flight with more than one connection. Your child is traveling on a flight operated by our partner ...

  4. Children traveling alone accompanied by airport crew

    If your child is between 2 and 6 years old, the child's meal is automatically reserved. If your child is between 7 and 11 years old, they will automatically receive a meal for adults. You can, however, select a children's meal instead. You must request a children's meal at least 24 hours before departure. Prepare for your child traveling alone ...

  5. Air France Flying With Kids Information

    All the Air France flying with kids information in one place. Including: flying with a baby or toddler or older child, kids' baggage allowance, car seat policy, other child restraint device policies, stroller policy, bassinet policy, sleep devices and child ride-ons/ leg rests permitted, Baby and child meals, in flight entertainment for children & more.

  6. Services for young travellers

    Families travelling with a baby (0-2 years old) also receive an attractive kraft paper box containing a cuddly toy made from recyclable, soft and reusable materials. In La Première, Business and Premium Economy cabins, this kit also comes with an attractive Air France-themed pouch and a spring water product. ... Air France also welcomes ...

  7. Flying Air France with a Baby or Toddler: What to Know

    We have flown with pretty much every major airline in the world with our two kids ever since they were babies. Most of the time I can say that most airlines, despite different policies, have been fine for flying with a baby or toddler, there are only three airlines that I tend to avoid when flying...

  8. Flying Air France with Young Children

    Air France also brought each child a little zippered case with travel activities, colored pencils, and other trinkets, to their delight! The children's meals were brought out before the adults, which gave me a chance to help the youngest child open the containers and cutlery. Their main course was pasta, broccoli, tiny meatballs, and cheese ...

  9. Air France: Infant Policy

    You must always inform Air France if you will be traveling with an infant. Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant. ... On flights of 2 ½ hours or more, a special meal, including cookies and jars of baby food ...

  10. Flying With a Baby

    A passport for international flights. All U.S. citizens, including newborns, need their own passports to fly internationally. To obtain one for your baby, you'll need to use the DS-11 form and apply together in person, so plan ahead. For domestic flights, babies and children under 18 don't need a passport or an ID. Her birth certificate.

  11. Air France Pregnancy, Infant and Child Travel Policy

    Infants (under 2 years old) Flying with Air France. An infant can travel for free on domestic flights within France as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight. Only one infant is permitted per adult passenger (18 years of age or older). Exception: a passenger under 18 years of age can accompany an infant if he ...

  12. Air France Infant Policy

    Air France offers a 90% fare reduction for infants traveling on laps on all flights except those between Paris and Corsica, where they travel free of charge. If the infant turns two during the trip, child discounts apply to all flights in the itinerary with up to 20% discount on short-haul flights and up to 33% discount on medium-haul and long ...

  13. Top 8 Airlines For Traveling With Babies And Kids

    2. Qatar Airways. Like its Gulf carrier competitor, Qatar Airways also excels in catering to the younger passenger segment. The Doha-based carrier also offers free seat selection, and child-specific entertainment on its IFE system and provides kids meals with considerations for various allergens.

  14. Tips for planning award travel with a lap infant

    First, the infant must be traveling with a ticketed adult, whether the adult is traveling in a paid or an award seat. Second, the child must be ticketed in the same cabin as the adult. You cannot buy or redeem an award ticket for first class for yourself and just purchase or redeem a coach ticket for your baby.

  15. Air France flying with babies

    You must travel in an adjacent seat, and your baby's car seat must be: Approved for use on board aircraft (a non-standard car seat may be refused by personnel upon check-in or boarding). Maximum 44 cm (17 in) width, or 42 cm (16.5 in) if your seat is located in the first row of the Economy cabin.

  16. How to plan an international trip with a baby

    Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.

  17. How Can I Book A Bassinet When Traveling with an Infant?

    Bassinets can be requested by contacting Delta Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with a gate agent. The airline cannot guarantee a bassinet due to a limit of two per aircraft and weight restrictions. Only infants weighing 20 pounds or less and be no longer than 26 inches in length can use bassinets.

  18. New Air France products for young travellers

    This new kit is distributed to all young travellers during the in-flight meal service. The "kids" menu is exclusively made up of organic products on flights departing from Paris and is automatically offered to kids aged 2 to 6. Beyond the age of 6, the child's parents can reserve the kid's menu at no charge up to 24 hours before departure.

  19. Air France

    A baby travelling on a parent's lap receives a baggage allowance of 10kg. If you're travelling with your baby on your lap, you can carry one additional small baggage item in the cabin at no extra charge. This item must weigh less than 12kg and measure less than 21.6" x 9.8" x 13.7"

  20. Handy Guide to Visiting France with a Baby or Toddler

    5. Best Regions for Kids. Some of the places that you may want to consider when traveling to France with a baby include, but are not limited to; Normandy, Brittany, Corsica, Monaco, French Riviera, French Alps and of course, the classic French countryside of Provence.

  21. how to prepair his flight, travel pregnant

    Avoid overly generous portions at mealtimes. Attach your seat belt below the abdomen, low on the pelvis. Avoid travel starting from week 37 of your pregnancy and during the 7 days following childbirth. Air France advice for pregnant women : Choose wide and comfortable clothing, wear compression stockings to facilitate blood circulation...

  22. Traveling to France with a Baby

    Babyzen Yoyo stroller was invented in France for a reason - lightweight, quick to fold, narrow. Elevators are also uncommon in many parts of France so you will be carrying your stroller up and down the stairs a lot, including hotels or apartment rentals. 3. Don't buy an umbrella stroller with crappy double wheels.