A child’s first flight: from choosing a ticket to boarding

A child's first flight is easier to organise when you settle three things in advance: ticket conditions and documents, a small cabin bag and your airport timeline. This plan takes you from choosing a flight to boarding without a long shopping list.

Before booking: who is travelling and what the family needs

Write down your child's age on the outbound and return dates, who will accompany them and whether they need their own seat. If a birthday falls between flights, confirm the booking arrangements for both legs before paying. Enter the date of birth and other details exactly as shown in the documents.

Travelling without an adult requires separate arrangements. Start with the unaccompanied child page and confirm the service with the seller. An ordinary online booking does not confirm a UMNR arrangement.

Documents: check your actual itinerary

Make a short trip note with the child's citizenship, departure and destination countries, any transit, accompanying people and dates. Use it to check current document requirements with the relevant border or consular authorities, and carriage conditions with the airline.

Ask separately whether your circumstances require proof of relationship, consent from legal representatives or additional documents. A friend's previous journey may have involved different citizenship, companions or routing. Check document validity and that the details match the ticket.

Pack the cabin bag for four tasks

• Completing formalities: keep documents and the booking confirmation in an accessible compartment.
• Passing the time: bring one familiar toy and a quiet activity, such as a book or pencils.
• Changing clothes: pack spare clothing and a bag for used items.
• Eating and drinking: confirm security and carriage rules for the food, liquids and containers you need.

Once packed, check the bag's weight and dimensions against the ticket. Do not assume children's belongings come with an extra free allowance. See the baggage page and cabin baggage guide for rules and links to conditions.

Strollers: agree on drop-off and collection

Tell the seller or airline the stroller type, weight and folded dimensions. Ask where it will be accepted, whether you can use it until boarding and where to collect it on arrival. Keep the answer with your booking: collection arrangements matter when planning your way through the airport.

At the airport: one task at a time

1. Check-in. Confirm the closing time beforehand and allow time for the journey to the airport. Ask at the desk about seats and stroller drop-off.
2. Security and required formalities. Keep documents accessible and follow staff instructions. Count your bags after the checks.
3. The boarding gate. Locate it before exploring the terminal. Watch the information screens, as the gate may change.
4. Boarding. Have documents and boarding passes ready. Explain the next step to your child: reach the aircraft, find the seat and put bags away.

Avoid promising a window seat or priority boarding in advance: these depend on seat availability and flight arrangements. Check the separate check-in page for information.

Save this before leaving home

Documents and tickets checked · baggage conditions understood · stroller arrangements confirmed · essential items within reach · check-in time and ground travel planned · the person meeting you knows the airport and flight.

For a family trip with an adult, choose dates and passengers. If you have already booked through our service, find your order and save the itinerary receipt.