Taking your little one home to meet the family these holidays? Here is what to sort out, what to pack, and how to make the long flight easier.
At a glance: what do I need to fly to India with a baby from Australia?
Your baby needs their own passport and their own Indian visa or OCI card, just like an adult. Babies under two usually fly on your lap on an infant fare. Ask for a bassinet seat when you book, because there are only a few on each plane. For the December–January school holidays, book now. Fares and seats get tight in the weeks around Christmas. Pack for both Australian summer and Indian winter.
Why the summer holidays are so popular (and so busy)
For many families in Australia, the long summer break is the one time everyone can go home together. Term 4 finishes on Thursday 17 December 2026 in NSW and Friday 18 December 2026 in Victoria. Other states finish around the same time. School returns in late January.
That means thousands of families want to fly to India in the same few weeks. If you are travelling with a baby, you also need a bassinet seat, and those go early. So the best advice is simple: book as soon as your dates are clear.
Here are some “from” fares on our homepage Today. Holiday dates are usually higher, so treat these as a starting point.
Route | Adult fares from (per person) |
Melbourne to Delhi | AUD $493.13 |
Sydney to Mumbai | AUD $563 |
Brisbane to Hyderabad | AUD $628 |
Perth to Kochi | AUD $610 |
Adelaide to Mumbai | AUD $729 |
Fares checked on manntravel.com.au on 28 September 2026. Prices change daily and depend on dates, airline and fare type. Infant fares are extra.
Passports, visas and infant fares
Your baby's passport
Every traveller needs their own passport, including newborns. An Australian child passport needs consent from everyone with parental responsibility, and it can take a few weeks. Apply early, and allow extra time over the holidays.
Your baby's Indian visa or OCI
Babies need their own Indian visa or OCI card too. Many families apply for an e-Visa through the official Indian visa website. You will need your baby’s passport first, plus a recent photo. If a parent holds an OCI card, your child may be eligible for one as well, but it takes longer. Always check the current rules on the official site before you apply.
Infant fares
Babies under two usually travel on an adult’s lap on an infant fare. It is normally a small share of the adult fare plus taxes and charges. The exact amount depends on the airline and fare type. If your child turns two before the return flight, they will usually need their own seat for that leg. Each adult can normally hold only one infant.
Bassinets, seats and the flight itself
A bassinet is a small cot that clips onto the wall in front of certain seats. It lets your baby sleep flat, and it gives you your arms back. Each plane only has a few, and airlines set their own weight and size limits.
Request it when you book. Bassinets are usually given on a first-come basis and are not always guaranteed.
Think about the route. A non-stop flight means one take-off and one landing. A one-stop route means a break to stretch, change nappies and reset. Both can work well.
Feed on take-off and landing. A bottle, breastfeed or dummy helps with ear pressure.
Check the pram rules. Many airlines let you take a compact pram to the gate. Rules and baby baggage allowances vary.
Check the minimum age. Airlines have a minimum age for newborns. If your baby is very young, check with your airline and your GP first.
8 tips for a smoother trip with a baby
1. Book early for school holiday dates
This gives you the best chance of a bassinet and a fare that suits your budget. PayLite lets you lock in your seats with a low deposit, then pay the rest over up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares.
2. Pack a smart nappy bag
Take nappies for the whole journey, plus extra for delays. Add wipes, two spare outfits for baby, a spare top for you, a light blanket and a favourite toy.
3. Bring enough food
Pack formula, bottles or baby food for the full trip plus a few extra hours. Baby food is usually allowed in cabin bags in reasonable amounts, but you may need to show it at security.
4. Dress in layers
You leave an Australian summer. Planes are cool. North India, including Delhi and Amritsar, can be cold in December and January. South India, such as Chennai, Kochi and Bengaluru, stays warm. Pack for both.
5. Watch the heat and keep baby hydrated
Hot days at home and warm, humid days in the south can tire a little one fast. Offer feeds often, keep baby out of direct sun, and use light cotton clothes.
6. Plan for fog delays in the north
Winter fog can delay flights into Delhi and Amritsar. Pack extra supplies, and try not to book a tight domestic connection.
7. Ease into the time difference
India is 2.5 hours behind Perth and 5.5 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne in summer. Babies adjust well if you keep feeds and naps close to their usual routine, get daylight in the mornings, and give it a few days.
8. See your GP before you go
Ask about vaccinations, a travel first-aid kit and any medicines your baby might need. Take a copy of any prescriptions.
Travelling as a family group
Often it is not just mum, dad and baby. Grandparents, siblings and cousins may be flying too. Keep everyone on one booking so seats stay together and changes are simpler. If you are also visiting family in Karnataka, our Sydney to Bengaluru flights guide covers the route in detail.
Studying or working in education? MannPass is free for verified Australian students and education staff. It takes an extra AUD $25 off eligible return flights to India, is valid for 30 days and renewable, but can’t be combined with other promotions.
Why book with Mann Travel
Since 2007, Mann Travel has helped families in Australia get home to India. We book flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Chennai.
24/7 support, in Hindi, Punjabi and English.
Group and family specialists who can help with bassinet requests and seating.
Flexible payments with PayLite and Afterpay.
Questions before you book? Contact our team.
Let’s take your little one home this summer.
Search live fares at manntravel.com.au/flights or call our team on 1300 754 002. Ask us about bassinets and PayLite when you book.
frequently asked questions
Does my baby need a visa to travel to India?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own Indian visa or OCI card, including babies. Check the official Indian visa website for current rules.
Does my baby need their own passport?
Yes. Babies can’t travel on a parent’s passport. Apply early, as child passports can take a few weeks.
How much is an infant fare to India?
It is usually a small share of the adult fare plus taxes and charges, for a baby under two on your lap. The exact price depends on the airline.
How do I get a bassinet seat?
Ask for one when you book. There are only a few on each plane, they depend on your baby’s size, and they are not always guaranteed.
When should I book flights for the December school holidays?
As soon as your dates are clear. Term 4 ends mid-December, and fares and bassinets get harder to find closer to Christmas.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Passport, visa, infant fare and health information is general only. Always check with your airline, the official Indian visa website and your GP before you travel.
