Travelling with Kids on Australian Flights: Parent's Complete Guide

Flying with children can transform a routine journey into a logistical challenge, but proper preparation makes all the difference. Australian airlines generally accommodate families well, with policies designed to make travel with young passengers manageable. This comprehensive guide covers everything parents need to know about flying with children within Australia and on international departures, from infant policies to strategies for keeping older children entertained.

Booking Flights with Children

When booking flights for your family, several considerations affect both price and experience. Children under two years old can travel as lap infants on domestic flights, usually at no charge or a minimal fee, though they do not receive their own seat. Airlines require infants to be held during takeoff, landing, and turbulence, secured with a special infant seatbelt that loops through the adult's belt.

Purchasing a separate seat for infants provides more comfort for longer journeys and allows use of an approved child restraint. This option is particularly worth considering for flights exceeding two hours, where holding a wriggling toddler becomes physically demanding. All children aged two and over require their own seat and pay full child fares on most Australian airlines.

Seating selection becomes strategic when travelling with children. Airlines generally try to seat families together, but confirming your seat assignment at booking provides certainty. Bulkhead rows offer more legroom and are often designated for families with bassinets on longer flights, though arms do not lift fully, which can complicate sleeping arrangements for children.

Consider flight timing carefully when travelling with children. Flights that align with nap times or bedtime can make journeys smoother, as tired children may sleep through significant portions. Conversely, booking flights during typical active periods means preparing more entertainment activities. Track your chosen flight using our flight tracker to monitor any schedule changes that might affect your carefully planned timing.

Prams, Car Seats, and Equipment

Australian airlines allow prams and strollers to be checked at the gate on domestic flights, meaning you can use them right up until boarding. This convenience is invaluable when navigating large airport terminals with young children. At your destination, prams are typically returned at the aircraft door or at the baggage carousel.

Car seats present more complexity. Most Australian airlines allow approved child restraints to be used on aircraft, though they must meet specific safety standards. Rear-facing infant capsules generally cannot be used on aircraft due to space constraints. Forward-facing seats with top tethers require compatible aircraft seats, and not all seat locations accommodate them.

If not using a car seat on the aircraft, it can typically be checked as luggage at no additional charge. Airlines understand that families travelling to their destination will need car seats upon arrival. Protecting car seats in padded bags helps prevent damage during handling.

Portable cribs, feeding equipment, and other baby necessities are generally permitted as additional carry-on items beyond the standard baggage allowance. Airlines recognise that travelling with infants requires extra equipment and typically accommodate this without extra charges.

At the Airport

Arriving early when travelling with children reduces stress significantly. Allow extra time for bathroom stops, nappy changes, and the inevitable slow pace of moving through terminals with young family members. Most Australian airports offer family-friendly facilities including parents' rooms with change tables and private feeding areas.

Security screening with children requires patience. Formula, breast milk, and baby food are exempt from standard liquid restrictions, though they may be tested separately. Advise security staff about any liquids you are carrying to streamline the screening process. Children's shoes typically need removal for screening, so consider easy-on-easy-off footwear for airport days.

Many Australian airports feature play areas for children, providing welcome opportunities to burn energy before boarding. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth airports all have dedicated children's zones. Locating these areas early allows you to build playground time into your airport wait.

Priority boarding for families with young children is offered by most Australian airlines. Take advantage of this service to settle children before the main boarding rush, stow equipment, and establish your space without the pressure of queued passengers behind you.

Keeping Children Entertained In-Flight

Preparation is essential for maintaining peace during flights. Pack a dedicated carry-on bag with entertainment, snacks, and essential supplies accessible throughout the journey. New toys, books, or activities that children have not seen before often provide longer engagement than familiar items.

Screen time rules often relax during flights, and this is an appropriate occasion to leverage tablet devices. Download content before the flight, as in-flight WiFi is not always available or reliable. Airlines with seatback entertainment offer children's programming, though younger children may struggle with standard headphones designed for adult heads.

Physical snacks serve dual purposes of nutrition and entertainment. Pack a variety of small portions rather than large quantities of few items. Chewy foods and sucking sweets help with ear pressure during ascent and descent, though be mindful of choking risks with very young children.

Window seats provide natural entertainment through watching ground operations, clouds, and landscapes. This can occupy children for surprisingly long periods, particularly during takeoff, landing, and when flying over interesting terrain.

Managing Ear Pressure with Children

Changes in cabin pressure during ascent and descent can cause ear discomfort, which children may find distressing because they cannot understand or articulate what they are experiencing. Infants should be fed or offered a dummy during pressure changes, as sucking and swallowing help equalise pressure in the ears.

Older children can be taught to yawn, swallow, or perform the Valsalva manoeuvre of gently blowing while holding their nose. Chewing gum is effective for children old enough to use it safely. If a child has a cold or ear infection, consult a doctor before flying, as pressure changes may cause significant pain.

International Travel Considerations

International flights from Australia present additional challenges due to their length. Journeys to popular destinations like Bali, Singapore, or New Zealand range from 3-8 hours, while flights to Europe or the Americas exceed 15 hours with at least one stopover. Such durations require substantially more preparation and entertainment.

Documentation for children on international flights requires attention. Children need their own passport regardless of age, and some destinations require additional documentation or visas. Australian children's passports are valid for five years, so check expiry dates well before travel.

Bassinet seats on long-haul flights are worth requesting for infants. These fold-down cots attach to bulkhead walls and allow infants to sleep flat, freeing parents' arms. Availability is limited, so request bassinets at booking time and reconfirm closer to departure.

Conclusion

Flying with children across Australia is entirely manageable with proper preparation. Understanding airline policies, packing appropriately, and having realistic expectations about the journey helps families travel successfully. Use our flight tracker to monitor your family's flight status and adjust your plans if any changes occur. With the right approach, air travel with children becomes just another family adventure rather than a source of stress.