Travel Hacking: Flying with Toddlers Under 2

I tend to take a laid-back approach when it comes to offering parenting advice. Each child is unique, and I prefer not to impose my views on others—what’s effective for one may not work for another.

That being said, there’s one aspect I emphasize when speaking with parents of newborns: the joy of traveling with young kids. Traveling by air with children under two is akin to travel hacking, and I’m excited to share my insights on why.

From increased baggage allowances to simpler booking options, this stage of life offers so much to appreciate, and I’m here to share my thoughts for those who might never have considered it or who might be skeptical about embarking on such journeys.

Start Them Young: Flying Under Two

I would confidently wager that my four-year-old, Olive, is better equipped for airport check-in and security than many adults. She’s been doing it since she was six months old and enjoys the routine. Beginning early has made our travels more enjoyable, economical, and fun than I had ever anticipated.

To start, children enjoy some airline benefits unavailable to others…

• kids under two fly *mostly free on most flights and airlines
• better baggage allowances are available for those under two on many airlines
• priority boarding is enhanced when traveling with young children
• people tend to be *considerably nicer at every airport stage
• superior seating arrangements and opportunities

Kids Under 2: Flying For “Free”

Children under two typically fly for free or at 10% of the adult fare. On domestic flights or with U.S. airlines, it’s generally complimentary. Internationally, it’s often free or 10% of the adult fare, depending on the airline. For international flights, like from New York to Paris, it really varies by airline, so it’s worth checking when booking.

Even for those airlines that charge 10% of the adult fare (in points or cash), there are usually benefits included, such as extra baggage allowance. And remember: that’s free or just 10%. A $100 ticket would cost just $10 for the child!

Things Change After Two and Travel Becomes More Complicated As Costs Multiply!

For the most accurate information, the individual airline’s website is the best resource. A quick search like “flying with children Virgin Atlantic” should direct you to the pertinent airline page. For instance, Virgin Atlantic charges 10% of the adult fare, but a generous checked baggage allowance is included for the child.

Most U.S. airlines do not charge for lap infants under two. However, if you want your child to have their own reserved seat, that will incur an additional cost.

Airline Baggage Allowances For Under 2’s

Airlines significantly differ in their baggage policies for infants under two. Some may offer no checked baggage at all, aside from a car seat or stroller, while others are quite generous.

For example, Delta allows one checked bag up to 20lbs if the infant is on a fare paying 10% of the adult fare and permits car seats and strollers free of charge, which don’t count against your baggage limit.

British Airways also offers similar terms, charging 10% of the adult fare for all children under two and providing the standard checked baggage allowance along with two “free” children’s items from a selection of stroller, car seat, travel cot, or baby carrier. Note that basic economy tickets on BA do not include checked baggage for kids but still allow for essential items.

Priority Boarding For Infants & Families

I consider myself a fortunate traveler, often enjoying first or business class accommodations, and occasionally my family does too if we find a great deal or points opportunity. Nonetheless, family boarding always wins!

Long before the DYKWIA types in their ill-fitting polo shirts clog up the priority lane, families can breeze through the gates and await boarding. The added time to settle in, stow away strollers like the Yoyo which can be taken in cabin, or unpack distractions is always a welcome touch.

People Are Generally Kind to Young Kids

I’ve experienced cabin crew members offering to hold our toddlers just to allow us a moment to eat the meal they just served. I’ve witnessed others going out of their way to be friendly or compliment my children on their good behavior. We’ve tackled 11-hour flights to LA without so much as a peep.

My point is: people are usually very kind to traveling families, especially when it comes to kids under two.

Better Seating Arrangements in Most Cabins

Many airlines reserve specific rows or areas for those using a bassinet. This can work to the advantage of family travelers, with premium economy or front rows of economy designated for their needs. You typically need to request these arrangements over the phone.

Airlines are also less likely to separate families traveling together, so even last-minute bookings may yield favorable results for families compared to two or more adults traveling alone.

Travel Tips for Under Two’s

Traveling with children under two is delightful, and the early months are truly magical. It may seem counterintuitive, but the younger they are, the easier the journey tends to be. During those early stages, much of parenting revolves around feeding and napping, and they fall asleep so effortlessly.

With each child, we’ve never hesitated to get them a passport. Those initial months are ideal for travel, so we typically had passports in each of their hands by two to three months old!

As a result, we’ve enjoyed wonderful dinners out with the baby snug in a Bjorn or sling, completely content. Dining at 5:30 or 6 means we can secure a table at virtually any restaurant worldwide. LOL.

If I had one bit of advice, it would be to align flight timings with typical nap schedules whenever possible. If you have a two-hour flight and your child typically naps at 2 PM, try to plan a flight around that time. This makes settling in and enjoying a peaceful journey much easier.

Disregard the Naysayers and Pessimists, But…

“Oh, get your travels in now; it’s impossible to travel once kids arrive” or “it doesn’t get easier with kids involved”— I heard this a lot before our first child was born.

Four years later, I can confidently say that many of my favorite trips have been with our children. Olive has explored Spain, Sweden, France, Portugal, Morocco, as well as Los Angeles and New York multiple times before turning three. She’s now four, and with Mylo soon to turn one, the excitement remains. It’s perhaps even more fun now.

They’ve improved with each trip and genuinely love to travel. I get in trouble if we don’t have any future trips planned. Olive, particularly, enjoys playing the flight game at home with old boarding passes.

It’s All About Finding the Right Balance…

Traveling with young kids comes with an unspoken agreement: to do your utmost to keep your kids happy, both for your own peace of mind and for those around you.

I dislike seeing parents neglect their children during flights, causing them to become upset. It’s easy to understand why some people dislike having kids onboard under those circumstances. However, if you’re genuinely putting in the effort, things typically go smoothly, and people are often surprised at how much better the experience is than they expected.

If you’re facing more questions than answers, here are 25 things to consider before flying with your kids.