Airline baggage requirements for babies: Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin & more
Travelling with babies and toddlers can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating different baggage requirements on planes! Whether domestic or international, each airline has different regulations for infants, considering their age, fare type, and the cabin class.
Join us as we unpack and compare the various baggage policies enforced by domestic airlines, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, Rex, Bonza, as well as more internationally, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qatar and Singapore, to see how compatible they are with a range of popular travel prams. With this handy guide, you’ll be able to travel confidently with your little one in no time!
Before we compare the airlines and travel strollers, here are some things you should keep in mind:
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What is considered an infant?
Most airlines consider ‘infants’ as children below the age of two. However, a few carriers may categorize them as children under the age of one. Infants traveling on a parent's lap typically do not receive a separate baggage allowance. It’s important to note that some airlines will charge an additional fee for infants, check with your airline whether
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Bringing baby essentials on board
Most airlines allow passengers traveling with infants to bring a nappy bag with essentials like nappies, baby food, blankets, formula and a change of clothes. Restrictions on carry-on weight and size are usually similar to those for adults, but, if you’re lucky, some carriers may be more lenient when it comes to little ones! It’s important to note there may be cabin class differences, with Premium Economy, Business and First Class more likely to offer additional baggage for infants than Economy.
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International travelling considerations
When traveling internationally, it's crucial to consider the baggage policies of both the departure and arrival countries prior to packing your bags. Some destinations may have stricter rules, requiring infants to have their own ticket with corresponding baggage allowance, regardless of age (or how sweetly they smile at the attendants!).
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what are the specifications stipulated by the airlines you are most likely to come across? And which travel strollers are compatible with each? We did the research, so you don’t have to - keep reading to learn all about your infant travel options.
Airline infant luggage allowances and their compatibility with popular travel strollers:
Accurate at time of publishing, October 2023
Table key
All dimensions are within the airline's guidelines. | |
One or two dimensions may be off by a fraction. The difference is small enough that there are unlikely to be any issues with storing the stroller overhead - most airlines will simply find somewhere else to store it on the plane if space is tight. You are also able to contact the airline before your flight if you have any concerns. |
Airline | Overhead/ cabin luggage max size |
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Luggage allowance for children |
Air New Zealand |
L + W + H = 118 cm Length/Depth cannot exceed 22 cm |
Stroller must be completely collapsible and fit in the overhead locker. Allowed a stroller and car seat for no extra charge, in addition to baggage allowance; even if the fare doesn’t included checked baggage. |
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Bonza |
23 x 36 x 55 cm, 8 kg Children's cabin luggage allowance: 20 x 30 x 40 cm, 8kg |
If you are travelling with an infant or a small child; you can bring one item from each of the following categories free of charge: |
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Emirates |
Economy: 7-14 kg depending on fare type |
Permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked in. |
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Jetstar |
Starter, Plus bundle, Max bundle: 23 x 36 x 56 cm 7-14 kg depending on fare type |
On all flights you can bring an approved car seat for your child to sit in, in addition to your other carry on items, free of charge. |
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Qantas Domestic |
(Excl. Dash 8 regional flights): 23 x 36 x 56 cm 14 kg across 2 items |
Food and nappies required during a flight may be carried in addition to the accompanying adult's carry-on baggage allowance. Collapsible strollers that meet the carry-on allowance baggage dimensions and weigh less than 7 kgs can be stowed onboard in the overhead compartment. The stroller will be counted as a piece of the accompanying adult’s carry-on baggage allowance. |
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Qantas Dash 8 Regional |
23 x 34 x 48 cm 7 kg |
Refer to Qantas Domestic (above) More info → |
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Qantas International Economy |
23 x 36 x 56 cm 7 kg |
Refer to Qantas Domestic (above) More info → |
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Qantas International First, Business, & Premium Economy |
23 x 34 x 48 cm 14 kg across 2 items |
Refer to Qantas Domestic (above) More info → |
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Qatar |
25 x 37 x 50 cm 7-15 kg depending on fare type |
Qatar provides its own branded baby strollers to be used in transit and arrival terminal (first come first served). An infant travelling at 15% fare is entitled to 10kg of baggage allowance. |
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Rex |
23 x 36 x 56 cm, (under seat: 23 x 34 x 48 cm) 7-15 kg based on route & fare type |
Nil - Baggage only allowed for passengers occupying a paid seat. For infants over the age of six months, you may bring on board your infant car seat (must be forward-facing) for your infant’s comfort. Children over two years of age may also use an infant car seat providing the child weighs less than 18kg. |
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Singapore |
L + W + H = 115 cm 7 kg |
Additional items allowed: Infant’s amenities and food for consumption on board. The total weight of these items should not exceed 6 kg and 40 x 30 x 10 cm each. |
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Virgin xxxxxxxx |
23 x 36 x 56 cm 7-14 kg based on fare type More info → |
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
Adults travelling with infants are entitled to take an additional 7kg carry-on baggage free of charge for essential baby products. 3x special infant items including pram/ stroller, portacot, car seat, capsule also allowed. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
Pictured: Cybex Coya
Tips and tricks (from parents who’ve been there)
When it comes to travelling with your little one, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can implement to make your trip smoother.
- The first step is to always inform the airline in advance that you will be travelling with a baby or toddler to ensure a smooth check-in and avoid any surprises. This also means they can guide you through their specific process and inform you of any additional baggage or support that you are entitled to but may not have been aware of!
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Make the most of priority boarding. In addition to people with mobility issues and unaccompanied minors, it’s designed to help families with small children, so be sure to take it up! It will give you the time you need to get settled and put everything away properly before the whole plane boards. A small step like that can go a long way in keeping both you and your little one calm for the trip ahead - now that’s a win-win for everyone on board!
- Keep essentials on-hand whenever possible. Packing essentials in your carry-on bag will make life a lot easier in the event that your checked luggage is either delayed or lost. Try to ensure that you have spare clothes, nappies, wipes, breast pumps, formula and bottles (if you use it), baby food, as well as any comfort items like dummies or a special blanket on hand, to be able to see you through a few days in the event that you need to repurchase items or wait for your luggage. It’s much easier and less stressful to get things for yourself last minute in a new place than it is for baby essentials, and it can make all the difference for your family if you get caught in a tricky situation - especially while overseas.
- Give yourself more time for each task. Whether it’s check in, getting to your gate, bathroom breaks, changing nappies or even waiting at baggage claim, anticipate that things will take longer than you would think when you’ve got little ones in tow. Because let’s be honest - it’s much more pleasant for the whole family to spend extra time waiting at the gate than it is to be running with bags flying! So be kind to yourself!
Read 8 tips for travelling with a baby →
Knowing the ins and outs of different airlines’ baggage requirements for infants can go a long way in alleviating travel stress and help you plan better for your journey. In summary, remember to check the specific policies of each airline you're flying with, whether it's domestic or international, as well as the cabin class, as they may differ.
Next, remember to check whether you’ll be able to store your compact travel stroller in the overheads, or if you’ll need to check it in with your bags. By preparing in advance, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable trip (for everyone), so that you can focus on making precious new memories with your little one.
Safe travels - you’ve got this!
Enjoyed this blog? Make sure to share it with new parents who may find it helpful.
Pictured: Cybex Coya
Anstel has a team of passionate expert representatives. Get in touch with us today with any questions about your baby and toddler essentials.
More travel-related articles you may find interesting:
- 8 tips for travelling with a baby
- Choosing a travel stroller
- How to navigate public transport with a pram in Australia
- Tips for taking your newborn home from the hospital
- What Aussie parents should know about car safety for babies and toddlers
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