We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Trying to keep children entertained is a monumental task and it’s taken to a whole other level when you have to do so in a cramped seat 30,000 feet in the air.
But fear not parents! Travelling with children doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. With careful preparation (both mental and physical), you can ensure that your little ones stay happy and you maintain your sanity upon arrival to your destination.
Child-friendly offerings on international airlines can range from generous to non-existent. In-flight entertainment, kid-friendly meals, activity packs and boarding priority can make a huge difference when it comes to family travel. Keep reading to find out which airlines are the most family friendly.
Some of the benefits offered by airlines for children:
Child discounts: Children below 2 years of age, or infants who are not occupying a paid seat, only have to pay 10% of the full adult fare on most airlines. The child will have to be on the lap of a passenger older than 15 years for the duration of the flight.
Pre-boarding and pre-seating privileges: Families travelling with small children greatly benefit from pre-boarding and pre-seating privileges but most airlines do not offer this service anymore. You can, however, pay a small fee for priority boarding or request special assistance when you check in.
Checked baggage allowance: Most airlines offer children the same checked baggage allowance as adults. Infants not occupying a seat have a smaller allowance, usually around 10kg, that includes items such as a stroller, car seat or a fold-up cot.
Allows strollers onboard: All airlines require you to check in larger styles of stroller. A collapsible stroller that can be stowed in the overhead locker will usually be allowed on board.
Child amenities (baby wipes etc): The bigger aircrafts have infant change tables in the washrooms. Some airlines also carry a limited amount of baby food, formula and disposable diapers on board but you are encouraged to bring your own.
Free in-flight kids’ entertainment:TV programs, games and music for all ages are available on both domestic and international flights. Some in-flight entertainment systems also have a parental lock feature. Complimentary activity kits are available onboard or can be purchased from most airlines.
Guaranteed bassinet: Bassinets are limited on all airlines. It is advised that you request one at the time of booking. If your infant is too large for the bassinet, they will have to travel on your lap or have a seat of their own.
Children's meals: Full-service airlines have dedicated meals for children and infants. Pre-booking these meals is essential and you should also notify the airline of any special dietary needs when you book. The crew will prepare, heat and wash milk bottles when needed.
Free kids gifts: Some airlines offer complimentary kids packs with a wide range of activities and entertainment to keep the young ones occupied.
Best child-friendly airlines compared | Airlines and their child-friendly benefits
Children under 2 years pay $30 (domestic flights and trans-Tasman flights). Children under 2 years pay $50 on international flights Child fares available for kids 2-11
Children under 2 years travel free on domestic flights or pay 10% of the full fare on international flights. Children accompanying their own seat pay full fare
Y
No baggage for children under 2.Children paying the 50% child fee are entitled to adult checked allowance
Y
Selected aircrafts(Family lounge available at club certain lounges)
Children under 2 years travel free on domestic flights or pay 10% of the full fare for trans-Tasman and international flights. Children accompanying their own seat pay full fare
No, but children 5-11 years travelling alone can use the Priority Check-in
Infants under 23 months can check in a 23kg bag + two special infant items like a pram
Air New Zealand provides an Airband to every child travelling alone on both domestic (USD10 one way) and international flights (USD30 one way). This wrist band sends text message updates to their parent or guardian when they are checked in, boarding the plane, landing and also when they are picked up by a designated person at their destination. Cabin crew also ensure that the child is escorted through the departure and arrival gates and supervised during the flight.
An infant is defined as any child under 2 years of age. They must travel with a parent or with an adult who is 18 years or older. Some airlines might not accept infants below a certain age without medical clearance. If you are travelling with more than one infant, the second must have an allocated seat or be in an approved car seat, which you must provide.
Children that are below the age of 2 years and are travelling in the lap of an adult pay 10% of the full adult fare for most airlines. Check the airline’s website for specific details of child fares and any special discounts.
The shapes and sizes of bassinets vary between airlines and aircraft models. While most airlines have a weight limit of 11kg, it is best to check that the bassinet fits the individual airline’s requirements prior to booking.
Want to buy cheap child-friendly flights and holidays online? Use one of our coupons:
It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).
We cannot recommend what is best for you our company finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers to make a better decision. Please note qwe do not represent any company we feature on our pages. However, you may want to check this page for your guide and reference.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
What is the best airline to fly Australia to Auckland with in business class?
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your inquiry.
We cannot recommend what is best for you our company finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers to make a better decision. Please note qwe do not represent any company we feature on our pages. However, you may want to check this page for your guide and reference.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold