British Airways being one of the major carriers of the UK, allows infants on board. However, this is a crucial process, and you must take extra care of the infant with you. Whether you’re flying with a newborn or a slightly older baby, here’s what you need to know about British Airways infant policy and rules, baggage allowances, fees, and other vital information that will help you fly safely and comfortably.
What is British Airways Infant Policy?
Flying with infants comes with various rules and regulations that you must adhere to. The British Airways infant policy is the prime example of how, where, and when an infant can travel with you. You must completely abide by the rules and make sure that the infants are safe to travel.
British Airways Infant Policy And Rules
British Airways allows you to carry infants and British Airways infant car seats by simply following the British Airways Infant Policy. Here are the policies that will guide you with the infant booking and other details.
- For newborn infants to travel on British Airways, they must be at least 48 hours old.
- Infants are not required to have their own seat; they can travel on an adult’s lap.
- Always ensure your infant has a ticket for their journey.
- If your infant travels on an adult’s lap, you’ll pay an “infant fare”, which is a percentage of the adult fare.
- If a separate seat is booked for your infant, you’ll be charged for a “Child fare”.
- British Airways provides exclusive check-in zones for families at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
- Families are invited to board first at all airports, allowing you to settle in comfortably.
- If your child has a hidden disability, British Airways recognizes and offers the sunflower lanyard to support you during travel.
- Assistance is available for little ones with medical conditions and essential medicines.
- Skyflyer Kids Zones in select lounges keep your little ones entertained with mini airplanes and toys.
- Complimentary Skyflyers activity packs feature fun items like eye masks, socks, crayons, and postcards.
How To Book A British Ticket For A Lap Child?
Booking your infant with British Airways infant bassinet is much easier with the right procedure and steps. Once you are ready to go, you can choose any of the methods below and proceed with the steps mentioned in them. This will be easier if you follow the British Airways infant policy.
Making Bookings Online
If you wish to handle things on your own, you can book a British Airways infant seat on your own by following the below steps:
- Head to the official British Airways website.
- Click on the “Book” tab to start your reservation.
- Enter your departure and arrival city, travel dates, and total passengers traveling.
- Select “Infant (0-23 months)” as the passenger type for your lap child.
- Browse available flights and select the one that suits your schedule.
- Remember that infants traveling on your lap pay an infant fare (a percentage of the adult fare).
- Enter passenger details, including your lap child’s information.
- Pay for the incurred amount and receive your booking confirmation.
Making Bookings via Customer Support
Customer care can be of great use if you are completely unaware of the process involved in booking your British Airways infant seat. Here are the steps you will have to follow in order to book your infant seat:
- Dial the British Airways customer service number provided on the official website.
- Inform the agent that you want to book a ticket for your lap child.
- Share your travel details, including departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and passenger information.
- Once you provide all the information, the agent will guide you through the booking process.
- Pay for the infant fare.
- At last, you will receive your booking confirmation via email or SMS.
Making Bookings at the Airport
Infants can be easily booked at the airport if you know the process to book infants at the airport. The steps you need to follow at the airport are mentioned below:
- Reach the airport well in advance of your flight.
- Visit the British Airways ticket counter.
- Explain that you need to book a ticket for your lap child.
- Provide all necessary details.
- Pay the infant fare.
- The agent will issue your booking and provide a confirmation.
British Airways Baggage Allowance for Infants
If you are willing to learn more about British Airways infant baggage allowance, here we have mentioned all the details you need to know:
- Children over 2 years old receive the same baggage allowance as adults.
- Infants receive an allowance for essential extras, such as pushchairs and car seats.
- For infants under the age of 2, their free checked baggage allowance includes one standard 23kg bag in the hold for all cabins except for basic fare.
- You are not allowed to combine checked baggage of you and your infant.
- Each child or infant is allowed to carry any of the following two even on the basic fare-
- Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller)
- Car or booster seat
- Travel cot
- Baby back carrier.
Fees For Carrying Infants On Board British Airways
If you are traveling with an infant who is not occupying a seat, you will have to pay 10% of the adult fare (ticketing code = Base Fare Code + IN, passenger type INF). If the British Airways infant seat occupied by the infant is on the same itinerary, they will have to pay 75% of the adult fare (ticketing code = Base Fare Code + CH, passenger type INS). The fuel surcharge (YQ) is not applicable to infant fares unless the infant occupies a seat)
Summary:
British Airways prioritizes family travel by offering generous baggage allowances, family seating options, and additional assistance. Whether you’re flying with a newborn or a toddler, their policies ensure a stress-free experience for you and your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What is the minimum age for an infant to travel on British Airways?
Newborn infants must be at least 48 hours old to travel on British Airways.
2) Do infants need their own seat?
No, infants can travel on an adult’s lap without a separate seat. However, you can book a separate seat for your child if you prefer.
3) Can I pre-book seats for my family?
Yes, pre-book seats to ensure your family sits together. Complimentary carrycots are available on long-haul flights.
4) Is there any assistance for families at the airport?
Yes, British Airways provides exclusive check-in zones for families at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Families are also allowed to board first on the plane.
5) Can I carry Car seats on board?
Yes, you can carry a British Airways infant car seat as any of the 2 essential hold checked baggage.
6) What must be the dimensions of the pushchair allowed?
The pushchair must be in a single piece and must not exceed the dimensions- Height 38cm, Length 117cm, and Depth 38cm, including the wheels.