Travelling with infants and young children on flights from Australia to India is made easier with certain rules and facilities offered by airlines. Here’s a humanized guide tailored for Indian families, students, and working professionals planning an international journey with their little ones. Remember, a passport is mandatory for infants when traveling internationally. Additionally, Australian nationals, including infants, require a valid visa for entry into India, as regulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
Inshorts: Key Takeaways
Bassinet seats are available on most long-haul flights, including premium economy cabins, but must be booked in advance.
You can carry strollers, with easy gate check-in for most airlines.
Children under two can travel as lap infants or in a spare aircraft seat with a child restraint system, provided they can sit upright or use an approved car seat.
Airlines have varying seat and baggage rules for children—check before booking, especially if booking separate seats or the same booking for multiple passengers.
Special meals and toys are often provided for kids on board.
It’s advisable to bring infant food and formula while traveling, especially on longer international flights. Infants may cry or seem uncomfortable during take-off and landing due to ear pressure issues, so plan accordingly to keep them calm.
Bassinet Seats for Infants
For Indian families flying on flights from Australia to India, bassinet seats bring comfort. Bassinets are small cots fixed to the bulkhead—ideal for infants up to 11-12 kg. Airlines typically offer these complimentary, but numbers are limited, and advance booking is essential. For example, Air India, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines provide bassinets for infants under two years. If you are travelling with more than one infant under two years of age, each of them should be accompanied by an adult traveller aged 18 years or above. Note that infants less than the minimum age of 48 hours are often not permitted to travel on certain airlines without a medical certificate.
Notify the airline at the time of booking for a bassinet request.
Some airlines have weight/age limits for bassinets—commonly up to 11 kg and younger than two years.
Bassinet seats are located at the bulkhead row, away from general passenger movement.
Airlines follow detailed information and guidelines from the relevant economic commission to ensure safety and comfort for infants.
Stroller & Pram Convenience for Air Travel
Travelling with strollers is allowed by most carriers, making airport navigation stress-free for parents.
Strollers can be brought until the aircraft gate; staff assist with checking it into the hold before boarding.
Many airlines allow one foldable stroller per child free of charge as checked baggage.
Ensure your stroller is lightweight and foldable for easy handling.
Seat Choices & Child Restraints on Connecting Flights
Infants (below two years) may travel as lap infants, sitting on an adult’s lap, or occupying a separate aircraft seat with an approved car seat. Older children require their own seat. Infants must be booked in the same cabin and fare type as the accompanying adult to ensure the same booking conditions.
Lap infants pay a reduced infant fee, usually around 10% of the adult ticket; however, if valid proof of age or travel documents are not presented at the check-in counter, an adult fare will be charged.
Child fares are applicable for ages 2–11 years and require their own seat.
Approved car seats or “Child Restraint Systems” may be used for extra safety.
Kids’ seats are generally placed together with adults in family groups.
Airlines require passengers to follow the following rules regarding child restraints and seating for safety reasons, including the use of seat belts and infant seatbelts when the seatbelt sign is on.
Infants occupying their own seat must be able to sit upright or be secured in an approved child car seat.
When booking for multiple passengers, including infants and children, consider Stress-Free Group Flights options offered by some airlines to ensure smooth coordination and seating arrangements for families traveling together.
Checked Baggage Allowance for Infants and Children
Rules vary, but most airlines provide free baggage for infants and children:
Infants are allowed a special baggage allowance, commonly a small check-in bag plus a diaper bag.
Children with seats get the normal carry on baggage allowance as per adult fare.
Strollers and child car seats travel free on most airlines.
It is important to be aware of the child baggage allowance on flights from Australia to India when planning your trip to avoid extra fees.
Onboard Experience
Indian travellers will appreciate kid-friendly meals and in-flight entertainment offered by airlines on flights from Australia to India.
Airlines like Air India and Qantas offer baby meals, toys, colouring kits, and child headphones.
Cabin crew assist with warming milk and food.
Children’s meals need to be pre-ordered—a simple request when booking tickets.
Airline Comparison Table
Airline | Bassinet Seats | Stroller Policy | Child Seats/Car Seats | Baggage for Kids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Air India | Yes (up to 11 kg) | Free gate check-in | Allowed with approval | Standard + extra |
Qantas | Yes (advance booking) | Free gate check-in | Allowed with CRS | Standard |
Singapore Airlines | Yes (under 2 years) | Free gate check-in/gate drop | Allowed with CRS | Standard |
Virgin Australia | Yes (request basis) | Check-in at counter | Allowed with approval | Standard + extra |
Final Tips
Book child facilities early and check the airline’s website for latest rules.
Carry extra snacks, toys, and entertainment for a smooth trip.
Stay patient—cabin crew are usually supportive and ready to help families onboard.
Changes in cabin pressure can be uncomfortable for infants during take-off and landing, so plan accordingly to keep them comfortable. Consult with a pediatrician at least 4-6 weeks before travel for vaccinations and health advice.
Always carry the following documents when travelling with children internationally to comply with the following guidelines and ensure a smooth journey.
If you are unsure about travel requirements or need assistance, consult your travel agent to help with bookings and document preparation.
In certain countries, local police authorization or additional documentation may be required for minors travelling alone or with only one parent.
For infants under seven days, some airlines require a medical certificate to permit travel.
When travelling on connecting flights, ensure all travel documents are in order for each segment of the journey.
Remember, only one adult can accompany a single infant as a lap child under most airline policies.
To make the journey smoother, consider requesting a window seat for your child, which can help reduce discomfort during the flight.
Understanding infant travel rules Australia to India, infant flight fare from Australia to India, child baggage allowance on flights from Australia to India, and infant travel documents for India will help you plan your trip better and avoid last-minute hassles.
FAQs
Can I carry my stroller to the plane?
Yes. Most airlines permit gate check-in for strollers; you can use it until right before boarding.
How do I get a bassinet seat?
Request during ticket booking, and confirm it with the airline before your flight. They are given on a first-come basis.
Are children’s meals provided on flights?
Yes, baby and child meals are available but must be requested in advance when booking your ticket.
What documents do I need for my child while flying?
Carry a valid passport and visa for every child, plus birth certificate if asked. If travelling with an infant with a different surname, additional documents may be required, such as a statutory declaration. Carry the infant’s original birth certificate as proof of age and parentage. If only one parent is travelling with the child, it is advisable to carry a consent letter from one or both parents to avoid delays at check-in or immigration. These infant travel documents for India are essential for smooth processing.
Can I use my own car seat for my child’s airline seat?
Most airlines permit approved car seats for children with booked seats, but check the guidelines.
What is the baggage allowance for infants?
Most airlines provide 10kg extra for infant baggage plus a diaper bag. Check the exact allowance before you pack.
Can only one infant travel on an adult's lap?
Yes, only one infant per adult is allowed to travel as a lap infant. If travelling with two infants, the second infant must have an allocated seat and use an approved car seat.
What if my child is travelling with only one parent?
Certain countries require extra documents when a child travels with only one parent, such as a consent letter from one or both parents or legal guardian. It is advisable to carry these to avoid delays at check-in or immigration.
How is the person meeting the child at the destination verified?
Airlines and authorities verify the identity of the person meeting unaccompanied children against the details provided in the travel documents or unaccompanied minor forms to ensure safety.
