Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?
Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform British Airways that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 15 years of age.
Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.
You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.
Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?
Yes, a child up to 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight. If you would like your infant to sit in his/her own seat (they must be between 6 and 23 months), you will be charged the child fare. This cannot be booked online, so please contact your local British Airways office.
Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?
Yes, a child up to 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight. If you would like your infant to sit in his/her own seat (they must be between 6 and 23 months), you will be charged the child fare. This cannot be booked online, so please contact your local British Airways office.
What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?
If you are traveling with an infant who reaches the age of two during their journey, you must book a separate seat for them for any flights on and after their birthday.
The fare charged will remain at the infant rate for the entire journey, regardless that a seat has been booked for some flights.
Bookings should be made according to the age of the infant at the time of travel. You will need to contact British Airways so they can ensure that your child has a seat after their 2nd birthday.
What types of child restraint devices are allowed?
You may prefer to use your own car type safety seat, which must meet the following standards:
- The seat must be designed to be secured by means of a normal aircraft single lap strap and face the same direction as the passenger seat on which it is positioned.
- A purpose-designed children's car seat must have a 5-point restraining harness.
- The car seat must not exceed the dimensions of the aircraft sear.
- The maximum dimensions of the seat must fit into an area of 17.5x17.5 inches (45x45cm).
NOTE: Two part car seats, where there is the seat and a base are not suitable for use on aircraft seats.
You may use your own AmSafe System, which is an approved child restraint device, consisting of an additional belt and shoulder harness that encircles the aircraft seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt.
- It can be used for infants from 12 months to children of 3 years of age.
- The AmSafe System is not suitable for use on First class or Club World sleeper seats, or World Traveler Plus seats.
- It cannot be used in the same row as the emergency exit or the row in front or behind the emergency exit.
British Airways does not supply the AmSafe System, but you can bring your own with you.
What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (ie. Bassinets)?
Infant amenities vary by aircraft. When you're on the airplane page, look for the Infant Amenity Icon. If it is present, clicking on it will tell you what infant services are available on that airplane. If you do not see it, infant amenities are not offered on that aircraft. You can always contact British Airways for more information.
Can I sit in the Exit Row with my infant?
Lap children and infant seats are not allowed in Exit Rows.
