Do I have to pay to sit next to my child on a flight?

Many airlines try to seat young children with an accompanying adult at no charge, but this is not guaranteed on every carrier or fare. To be safe, book seats together at the time of purchase, especially on budget airlines where seating is unbundled.

What is the best time of day to fly with kids?

There is no perfect answer. Morning flights mean well-rested children and fewer delays, while a flight that overlaps a nap or bedtime can mean a sleeping child. Match the departure to your own child's routine rather than a general rule.

Can babies and toddlers fly for free?

Infants under two often fly on an adult's lap for a small fee or a percentage of the fare rather than a full ticket, though they usually get no separate seat. Policies vary by airline and route, so always check before booking.

How do I handle ear pain during takeoff and landing?

Encourage swallowing during climb and descent — feeding a baby, offering a drink, or a snack or chewable item for older children all help equalise ear pressure. Keeping children awake for descent can make it easier to manage.

Flying With Kids: 14 Family Travel Tips That Work

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: July 2026. Airline family policies vary — confirm the details for your carrier before you fly.

Quick answer

Flying with children is mostly about preparation. Book seats together at purchase so you're not separated, match the flight time to your child's routine, pack a carry-on of snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes within easy reach, and keep everyone hydrated and busy. Manage ear pressure with swallowing on takeoff and landing, and build in extra time everywhere so the day stays calm rather than rushed.

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Before you book

1. Book seats together from the start

Don't rely on being seated with your child by default. On unbundled budget fares especially, reserve seats together when you buy so nobody is split across the aisle. It usually costs less than paying to move at the gate.

2. Choose the flight time around your child

A morning departure means rested kids and fewer knock-on delays; a flight over nap or bedtime can mean a sleeping child. Pick what fits your own family's rhythm rather than a one-size rule.

3. Weigh direct against connecting

With children, a slightly pricier direct flight can be worth every penny versus a tight connection and a second boarding. If you do connect, leave a generous layover so a gate change or a toilet dash doesn't become a missed flight.

4. Check the infant and child policy

Infant lap fares, baggage allowances for prams and car seats, and stroller gate-checking all vary by airline. Read the specifics before booking so there are no surprises at the airport.

Packing for the flight

In the carry-on	Why
Snacks and a refillable bottle	Hunger and boredom cause most meltdowns
A full change of clothes (each child)	Spills and accidents happen mid-flight
Downloaded shows, games, a book or two	Screens and activities buy quiet time
Wipes, nappies, small first-aid basics	You can't reach the hold in the air
A small comfort item	Familiarity settles younger children

Keep the essentials in one easy-access bag rather than buried, and pack liquids for babies within the security rules — baby food and formula are generally allowed in reasonable quantities, but check current limits.

Surviving the flight

5. Handle ears on takeoff and landing

Swallowing equalises pressure. Feed a baby, offer older kids a drink or a chewy snack during climb and descent, and it usually heads off the ear pain that makes children cry.

6. Ration the entertainment

Don't unleash everything at once. Bring several small activities and introduce them one at a time so you always have something new in reserve for the restless hour.

7. Move when you can

On a long flight, a short walk to the galley or a stretch by the seat resets a fidgety toddler. Time it for a calm moment, not the meal service.

8. Stay calm yourself

Children read your stress. If a delay hits or a tantrum flares, your steady tone does more to settle the row than anything in the bag.

At the airport

Arrive early. Families move slower through security; buffer time removes the panic.
Use family security and boarding lanes where offered — many airports and airlines prioritise families.
Let kids carry a small bag. A little ownership keeps them engaged and moving.
Track the inbound aircraft. A live flight tracker tells you about a delay before the board updates, so you can pace snacks and toilet trips instead of standing at the gate.

Keeping it affordable

Family tickets add up fast, so the same fare tactics that help solo travellers matter more with four seats to buy. Stay flexible on dates — school-holiday peaks are the priciest weeks — compare the whole market rather than one airline, and price budget carriers all-in, since bag and seat fees multiply across a family. Set a price alert on your route and buy when it dips.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay to sit next to my child?

Many airlines aim to seat young children with an adult free, but it isn't guaranteed. Book seats together at purchase, especially on budget carriers, to be sure.

What's the best time of day to fly with kids?

It depends on your child. Mornings mean rested kids and fewer delays; a nap- or bedtime-overlapping flight may mean a sleeping child. Match the departure to their routine.

Can babies fly for free?

Infants under two often fly on a lap for a small fee rather than a full fare, usually without a separate seat. Policies vary, so check before booking.

How do I stop ear pain on takeoff and landing?

Encourage swallowing — feeding, drinking, or a chewable snack during climb and descent helps equalise pressure and eases the discomfort.

The bottom line

Flying with kids goes smoothly when you prepare: seats booked together, a well-stocked carry-on, a flight time that suits your child, and plenty of buffer at every step. Keep calm, keep them busy, and the miles pass. Start a family flight search on ScanFlyGo, compare routes and fares, and track your flight live on travel day.

Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Airline family and infant policies change; always confirm the current rules with your carrier.