air europa travelling with baby

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Air Europa Infants Policy

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Do I have to reserve a seat for my infant?

No, infants may travel as lap passengers with an accompanying adult.

Adult passengers may travel with a maximum of 2 infants. In this instance, one infant can travel as a lap passenger and a child ticket must be purchased for the other infant.

If my infant turns 2-years-old during the trip, do I have to purchase a child ticket?

Yes, infants must be less than 2 years old to qualify for infant fare as a lap passenger.

Baggage Allowance

Infants are allowed the same baggage allowance as child/adult passengers, whether they have a seat or not. A collapsible pushchair, infant carrying basket, or baby car seat is also allowed.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

Air Europa flying with babies

How can i travel with my baby on air europa flights.

Infants (children under the age of 2 on the date of the flight) are not entitled to a seat, and a discount will apply for the infant ticket . However, a seat can be reserved for an infant aged 6 months or over, but a child ticket must be purchased . Confirmation must always be obtained from Air Europa before bringing a child restraint device on board. However, if there are vacant seats, an infant car seat may be accepted on board even if a seat has not been reserved in advance for the child.

Babies who turn two years old during the trip are considered children for the entire trip , so passengers must be selected accordingly when booking a flight.

Can I travel with more than one baby on Air Europa flights?

One adult may travel with a maximum of two infants . In this case, one of the infants will sit on the adult’s lap using the additional safety belt that the crew will provide. The other infant shall travel on an authorized infant car seat placed on the seat next to the adult passenger. The fare applicable to the infant traveling on the car seat will be the same as for a child aged between 2 and 11 years old.

Infant Baggage

For infants, a bag up to 10 kg with food, drinks, and other items needed during the flight can be carried as hand luggage .

Although infants are not entitled to their own seat, they are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 1 piece of checked baggage up to 10 kg (except when the adult purchased the Lite fare) . You cannot purchase additional baggage for an infant. If the maximum weight for the infant’s baggage allowance is exceeded, the following overweight baggage fees apply:

• 10 – 23 kg – 30 EUR/GBP/USD/CHF.
• 23 – 32 kg – 60 EUR/GBP/USD/CHF.

Additionally, one of the following articles is also permitted :

• A collapsible pushchair.
• An infant-carrying basket.
• A baby car seat.

The pushchair can be checked in with the luggage or taken up to the aircraft steps, in which case it will be transported in the hold, and after landing, made available at the aircraft steps. If they can be stored in the overhead luggage compartment or under the seat in front, the other articles may be carried in the cabin. If not, they must be checked and transported in the hold.

Child Restraint Devices (CRD)

On all of its flights, Air Europa accepts an age-appropriate child restraint device provided that a seat has been reserved for the child . However, Air Europa does not guarantee the placement of a child restraint device in the seat reserved. Child restraint devices can be used for infants/children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years .

Air Europa accepts CRDs approved for use in aircraft only by any JAA authority, the FAA or Transport Canada and marked accordingly . The instructions for use must be taken along so that the approval labelling can be checked. The CARES flight harness is also accepted on Air Europa flights.

Certain types of child restraint systems have been banned from the use on aircraft by the FAA. These include backless booster seats, safety belt extensions (belly belts) and vest or harness devices that attach to an adult or to the child’s safety belt. Although some child restraint devices that were manufactured before the FAA’s ban may carry an insignia and/or language indicating they are approved for aircraft use, they will not be permitted on Air Europa aircraft.

A car seat exceeding 40 cm (16 in) in width is unlikely to fit even if the armrests of the aircraft seats are moved out of the way . If the safety seat does not fit the aircraft seat or it cannot be safely secured, it will be stored in the overhead bin or the hold.

A window seat is the preferred location for a child in a CRD. Other locations may be acceptable provided the access of neighbour passengers to the nearest aisle is not obstructed by the CRD. A child restraint device shall neither be installed in a row leading to an emergency exit nor in a row immediately forward or aft on an emergency exit. In general, only one child restraint device per row segment is recommended. More than one child restraint device per row segment is allowed if the children are from the same family or traveling group and provided the children are accompanied by a responsible person sitting next to them.

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Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Flying With a Baby or Young Kids

By Laura Dannen Redman and Noah Kaufman

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Your baby’s first flight can be as momentous as their first steps, first solid food, or first drop off at daycare. And like all those milestones, parents can feel understandably freaked out beforehand. No one, not even your baby themself, knows how a child will react to being on an airplane for the first time. And no matter what happens, one thing's for sure: you'll be stuck in a cabin full of strangers for at least a couple hours while you find out. 

But dread not—your child may love air travel, for starters—and even if they don't, you will get through it. With a little planning, the right gear, and a willingness to make many lists, flying with a baby or young kids can be easier than you think. Here are our best tips for arriving in your destination with energy to spare, from seasoned parents. 

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

How to prepare 

Right after you purchase your tickets, download Flying With Baby by Meg Collins, the blogger behind new mom survival guide Lucie’s List . Collins claims, accurately, to be the voice of reason about everything: “ticketing, check-in, car seats, feeding, napping and all the other stuff that makes your brain explode.” 

There's no surefire way to prepare a baby ahead of time, but if you're traveling with a toddler or an elementary school-aged child, you may need to do a little incepting—i.e., plant the idea that flying is fun! and make a game of it at home beforehand. Traveler contributor Debbie Dubrow gave Traveler some excellent tips a few years ago that still hold true:

• Talk about your trip and your flight ahead of time, focusing on the aspects that are new to your child or might cause them concern.
• Read stories about flying, like Airplanes by Byron Barton for toddlers, and Richard Scarry's A Day at the Airport for older kids. If you’re headed to a new destination, make a trip to the library to pick up a few books set in that place.
• Line up some dining chairs to make airplane seats, and act out how you should sit down and buckle up on a plane. Build a security checkpoint using a doorway as the metal detector and a cardboard box and towel as the conveyor belt and X-ray. Practice putting your child’s stuffed animal or blanket through the X-ray and getting it back on the other side.
• Let your children help pack their carry-on bags (but secret away a few new toys in your own). That way they’ll get to choose which items they just can’t live without, and you’ll get to set expectations about which toys are okay on the plane (leave the harmonica at home, please!).

What to pack

If this is your first time flying with a baby, you'll be bringing significantly more items than you've flown with before. To keep track of everything, make an itemized list of the major items (i.e., the car seat, stroller); the bags you’re checking; and the bags you’re carrying on. Do a count of your bags like they’re children on a field trip when you get to the airport, get through security, and get off the plane. (If it sounds like overkill, think about what your trip might be like if you forget the one bag with your baby's favorite stuffed toy. Yeah.)

As for what to bring? Everyone has their go-to items, but there are a few items we love most.

The Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller (for infants up to 35 pounds) combines two of the most cumbersome items you have to bring on a trip. With the Doona you just gate check the stroller, and get to leave the car seat at home. 

The Dohm sound machine helps little ones fall asleep and stay asleep in new and strange places. “I bring my son’s Dohm everywhere with us," says director of strategic projects Lauren DeCarlo . "Hotels, my parents house. It’s essential.” You can also download white noise apps on your phone.

The Líllé Baby Carrier is a comfortable and functional carrier that adjusts into six different positions, so you can keep your (hopefully) sleeping baby against your chest during flight and prop them on your hip while you're waiting to board.

A well-stocked diaper bag with enough wipes, diapers, and formula/breast milk/food to get you through the flight and an hours-long delay, minimum, is a must. Frequent flier, Skift aviation reporter, and father Brian Sumers recommends three days' worth of food for the baby to account for any mishaps. Make sure you also have basics like hand-sanitizer, scented diaper trash bags, a pacifier clip ("this will save you the horror of watching a pacifier drop to the airplane floor," says Traveler contributor and mom of three Juliana Shallcross ), and one new baby toy. "I still swear by the one-new-toy trick," Shallcross says. "Buy the baby one new toy specifically to open on the airplane. It will keep their attention for a little bit longer than if you brought an older toy. However, for young babies, you don't need much. All they really need is their bottle, maybe a pacifier, and a nice seatmate who makes funny faces."

The WayB Pico Car Seat is great pickup for kids that have outgrown the Doona. It weighs a barely noticeable eight pounds and folds up into a convenient carrying case. Note that this is a forward-facing car seat, so your child will have to be physically ready for that.

The Cares Airplane Safety Harness is the only FAA-approved harness for kids over the age of one, when they're big enough for their own seat but too small for the seatbelt to do any good.

A different outfit —for you—is a gift. "A change of clothes is a no-brainer for the baby who may have a diaper situation at some point during the flight," says Shallcross, "but if you can manage it, pack a T-shirt or leggings for yourself in your carry-on." You don't want to be stuck wearing a formula-stained shirt (or worse) for the rest of the flight.

As for what to leave at home? Anything you can get where you’re going: jars of baby food, diapers, wipes. Just make a beeline for a local grocery store once you arrive. It can also be fun seeing how other cultures and countries do the basics. (Fun fact: French diapers aren’t quite as absorbent as American ones. Who knew?)

Olivia Morelli

Gianluca Longo

Charlie Hobbs

Uber drivers always get out of the car to open the trunk, assuming the stroller will need to go in the back—and are always amazed when you collapse the Doona and slide it into the backseat instead.

Do babies need an I.D.?

Babies from the U.S. don’t need an ID when flying domestically, says the TSA . This is actually true of anyone under the age of 18. But they will need a passport to fly internationally. 

To apply for a passport for your infant, both parents need to be there in person—“there” may be a USPS post office or a passport agency near you; if you’re the sole custodian of a child, you need to bring proof of that as well . You will also need the child’s birth certificate (original and a copy), your passports and U.S. drivers’ licenses (and a copy), a completed DS-11 form , money for the fees (credit is not accepted for the $80 standard fee and $35 acceptance fee—bring cash or your checkbook), and—the best part—two identical 2x2 inch passport photos of your baby. There are websites dedicated to getting your infant to sit upright and still against a plain white backdrop for long enough to get a photo. Some, like epassport.com, will prepare your photos with a guarantee that your baby's photo won't be rejected (check your passport application location's policy on this, as some don't allow third parties to send in photos). 

Here’s the full list of what you need to get the baby’s passport.

What about their own ticket?

It depends. On most airlines, babies under the age of two can sit in your lap on a flight, sometimes with a special lap belt that you attach to your seatbelt. You may have to pay a fee—primarily on international airlines—which may come with a special boarding pass. It helps to call the airline before booking to confirm. Once the child turns two, they are required to have their own ticket. 

Still, if you can swing it, we suggest purchasing your baby their own seat from the get-go. It will be more pleasant to have the extra space (and a buffer from other passengers) and, as Sumers says, it's safer: “You wouldn't hold your baby in your lap in a car, even if you were only going a mile away at 10 mph. So why would you hold your baby on an airplane racing on a runway at 150 mph? In severe turbulence, or in a survivable crash, you may not be not able to hold onto your baby.” 

At the airport

When flying with kids, arrive early to the airport, so you have extra time to check in, get through security, and board the plane. 

Going through security

If you have TSA PreCheck , children 12 and under can get in line with you and breeze on through. But if you have Global Entry , the baby needs it, too. Here’s what it takes to apply.

When it comes to getting your stuff through, TSA checkpoints are “wildly inconsistent” across different airports in the U.S., says Shallcross. "If you're traveling with breast milk or formula, note that you can carry-on [in excess of the 3.4 oz liquid rule] , but you will most likely be on the receiving end of a pat-down." Having TSA PreCheck makes the process go a bit faster, and sometimes, in lieu of a screening, TSA will test to-go bottles of formula instead. International checkpoints also vary widely, but, often, jars of food and bottles get checked.

As for the stroller you plan to gate check, know that it will have to go on the belt through the x-ray machine, like the rest of your bags. It may be pulled aside and tested or swabbed by a TSA agent. 

Getting to the gate

Speaking of gate-checking: "As soon as you make it through security, head to your gate and get the gate tags for your stroller," says Shallcross. "If you wait until you board, the gate attendants may ask you to step aside and wait until they finish boarding the group, before they give you the tags."

And then there's the age-old question: Should you board in the first wave with your baby and toddlers? Most gate agents give you the option of early boarding—and with a newborn or infant, that's the way to go so you can get settled with bags stowed and essentials out for takeoff. But with an active toddler? That means you're on the plane for an extra 30 to 45 minutes, trying to contain their wild energy in a small space. No thanks. 

If you're traveling with another adult, super traveler Sam Brown recommends dividing and conquering. One of you boards early with the bags; the other stays behind with the kids, letting them burn off energy at the gate until the last possible minute you can board.

Nursing and pumping

If you need a quiet space to breastfeed before boarding, look for a Mamava Pod . They're designed to allow moms to nurse babies in private, they're free to use, and there's even room for another small child to hang out inside. 

The flight itself

The easiest way to keep a baby from crying during the flight is to give them milk or formula on takeoff and landing—the go-to move of parents for decades, as it helps babies adjust to the change in cabin pressure. Admittedly, if the baby is going to be strapped in, nursing will be hard, so consider a bottle. (When it comes to tips for getting your toddler to sleep on a plane , we've got those too.)

If you have a bassinet or plan to have the baby in a Bjorn for most of the flight, they'll need to come out and be strapped into their seat or held on your lap during takeoff and landing. Become friendly with your flight attendants, because you may need their help (and patience) more than usual from here on out (that said, they're often happy to help with things like warm water for a bottle).

This also brings us to our favorite controversy: Should you apologize in advance to your fellow seatmates? Sumers says, emphatically, that “there's no reason parents should bring treats for other passengers, or apologize for their baby's behavior." Everyone knows it's hard to control any situation on an airplane, and that you're doing the best you can, Sumers says. People pleasers may feel the need to do otherwise; ultimately, it's about whichever move creates an on-plane environment that's most comfortable for you. 

Does my baby need to wear a mask?

Though pandemic-era regulations require adult passengers to wear face masks , rules vary for children. For children under two, the answer is no. But once your child is old enough to need their own seat, they also need to wear a mask, per an update to federal law in February 2021. If you know that will be an issue for your two year old, you'll want to hold off on flying—airlines reserve the right to remove anyone refusing to wear a face mask from the plane. 

What if your kid is a seat kicker?

Try changing up your seating chart. Travel journalist Sam Brown and her husband would book seats in two separate rows, one right in front of the next, and each sit with one of their twins. If one of the kids got fussy—or kicked the seat in front of them—at least it would be a family member they were harassing.

Upon arrival

Many parents worry about the impact of jet lag on children when flying long distances. If you're taking a transatlantic flight (say, New York to Paris), the red-eye is a godsend and the easiest way to ward off jet lag . To start: Your baby will be more inclined to sleep through the flight. Once you land, consider not getting on local time. Yes, you'll all sleep in later and start your day later, but you can keep the baby out later, rather than having to commit to your hotel room by 6:30 p.m. every night, and the re-entry back home goes a bit smoother because you never really got off your schedule. There's also something special about being able to take your baby to the Louvre at 8 p.m. on a Friday.

This article was originally published in 2018. It has been updated with new information.

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How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel advice .

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

• Travel diaper backpack.
• Portable changing pad.
• Travel car seat.
• A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
• Portable baby monitor.
• Baby carrier or wrap.
• Swaddle or baby blankets.
• Inflatable bathtub .
• Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
• Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
• Baby chair strap.
• Disposable bottle liners.
• Disposable bibs.
• Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

• Extra clothing for you and your baby.
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
• Extra diapers.
• Breast pump.
• Snacks (for you and your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

Pack the Kid

The Fantastic Travel Adventures of a Frugal Family Man

Flying to Europe with a Baby

You see a friend’s travel photos pop up on social media and start to feel jealous. It happens. Don’t be fooled though, nothing is quite as easy as it looks in those curated snapshots. A lot of folks like to make travel seem relaxing, but real travel is gritty. Still, that shouldn’t keep you from doing something like flying to Europe with your baby.

In August 2019, we took our then six-month-old baby on her first trip across the Atlantic. I’ve discussed the overall trip in another post . Here I’ll focus on the not-so stress-free adventure surrounding our flights to and from Europe. Read on for a real life perspective on what its like flying to Europe with a baby.

Booking the Trip

I booked our flight to Belgium six months in advance using points from the United MileagePlus program. This was our first time flying to Europe with a baby, so the goal was to get to and from Europe with a single layover and minimal travel time in each direction. Because I wanted to limit the number of miles used, the best option I could find involved a 3.5 hour layover in Chicago. Not ideal with a six-month-old baby, but sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt.

Then, a few months before the trip, I got a notice about a schedule change. Our layover in Chicago was going to jump from 3.5 to 5 hours. At first glance, that might seem like bad news. It’s not. I researched alternative routes, and then called the airline to change to a flight that routed through New York with a mere 90-minute layover. The New York routing would have cost significantly more miles, which is why I didn’t book it in the first place. Because the airline changed the flight we were originally booked on, I was now able to swap routes for free. Good job, Tye.

Fast forward to August 10 th , departure day. We were scheduled to fly out of Nashville at 1:40 PM. It was a pretty ideal schedule, since it gave us the entire morning to be around the house and prepare for the trip. Plus, the big transatlantic flight would lift off shortly before baby E’s usual bedtime that evening. Everything was going great, and then all of a sudden it wasn’t.

Last Minute Itinerary Change

At 10:36 AM, half an hour before we were set to order an Uber, I received a text from United. Due to a delay earlier in the day, our flight from Nashville to New York was being pushed back by 50 minutes. Suddenly that 90-minute layover that I’d arranged for us in New York didn’t look so hot.  Our last trip to Europe had involved a delay that resulted in us missing our connecting flight. In that case it cost us a lot of stress, an unexpected layover in Amsterdam, and an extra eight hours to get to our destination. There was no baby at that point. I did NOT want to repeat that with a baby.

I checked online and saw that a different routing via Washington DC would get us to Brussels at about the same time. The flight between Nashville and DC was running on time. I called United and spent a stressful half hour on hold. Eventually I was able to make the change (free of charge once again.) The DC flight was scheduled to depart half an hour before the New York flight, so it was time to rush to the airport. I was a bit frazzled at this point and left my water bottle in the Uber. At least we remembered all the important stuff…like the baby.

Back on Track with a Seat Upgrade

Everything went smoothly with the first flight. When we got to DC, we approached the gate and told the agent that we’d reserved a bassinet for our flight out of New York but that we’d needed to make a last-minute change due to a flight delay. Could we get a last-minute bassinet for this flight? To be perfectly honest, I had requested a bassinet for the other flight, but it hadn’t been clear whether that request was going to be honored. Five minutes of keyboard action later, and the gate agent issued us new tickets, for the bulkhead in premium economy. Score. We were going to fly to Europe with this baby in relative comfort.

There was a Priority Pass member restaurant just down from our gate, so we popped in to get some free salads and waters. We have access to a Priority Pass through my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, but most of the more premium cards offer some form of Priority Pass membership. With a healthy dinner in hand, we headed back to the gate.

Flying Across the Atlantic…or not

We boarded the plane early and headed to our nice premium seats. We were seated in the middle of a row which was four across, so there were strangers on either side. I feel it’s important to make friends with the people around you when traveling with a baby…since at some point there will be screaming. My seat neighbor seemed like a cool guy. He was on his way to the Ukraine to audit some USAID-funded programs and not the least bit perturbed to be seated next to a baby. Everything was looking good as we pushed away from the gate. We were about to be flying to Europe with this baby, and then all of a sudden we weren’t.

A Mechanical Delay

We sat on the tarmac for twenty minutes before the captain came on the speaker. There was a minor mechanical issue which needed to be checked out. It would just be a few minutes. Fifteen minutes later we were moved back to the gate, and ten minutes after that passengers were given the option to disembark. In my experience, that has never been a good sign. If the airline expects to make a quick repair then they keep folks on the plane.

I had burned through all of my “keep cool” reserves that morning with the previous flight issue and was running on pure stress with none of the adrenaline at this point. I like to keep moving when nervous, so I wandered up and down the aisle with E. She made friends with the other passengers, most of whom were smelly Dutch scouts on their way home from an international scout jamboree. I confirmed with one of the flight attendants that they were all starting a fresh shift, so at least we wouldn’t have to worry about a crew time-out any time soon. And then by some miracle, the passengers who had left the plane were instructed to get back on, and we were on our way for good.

Actually Flying Across the Atlantic

Shortly after we reached cruising altitude, a flight attendant came by and installed a hanging bassinet on the bulkhead wall. It’s not glamorous, but it is a godsend when you’re going to be on a plane with a baby for hours on end.

We put E down, and she more or less immediately started crying. Sarah was a nervous wreck at this point, so I sent her to hang out in the back of the plane with the flight attendants and the wine. Meanwhile, my new seatmate and I sat there silently staring at the bassinet. After five minutes E got quiet, but just as my seatmate and I were exchanging self-satisfied nods, she started up again. In the end it took another ten minutes or so before she conked out. And there we were, on a plane with extra legroom and a sleeping baby for hours and hours. The actual process of flying to Europe with a baby was almost easy.  

Returning from Europe with a Baby

So we survived the process of flying to Europe with a baby. Skip ahead ten days and it was time to return to the US. After the stress of the trip there, we hoped for a nice routine trip home. That was not to be. In fact, it was more of a clusterf*ck than the outbound trip.

Getting an Uber to the Airport

Things started going wrong shortly after we hopped in the Uber on our way to the airport. Traffic was predicted to be light and both Google Maps and Uber told us it would take about 20 minutes to get there from our hotel. We grabbed a couple to-go espressos from the hotel lobby and made our way out to the curb to wait on our driver.

When I got in the Uber I attempted to make lighthearted small talk. Unfortunately our driver, a Syrian refugee, was not in the mood for lighthearted small talk. He felt discriminated against in Belgium, and he hated the weather. He wanted to talk to me about US politics. I did not want to talk about US politics, especially with a disgruntled Syrian refugee. At least the phones were saying it would be short drive. They were wrong.

Gridlock in Brussels

Apparently neither Google nor Uber is as reliable at picking up on traffic disruptions in Belgium as they are in the US. An on-ramp to the freeway was closed, and we found ourselves in gridlock. Despite the reality in front of us, the Uber app was still predicting a 20-minute commute. Every couple of minutes it simply adjusted our arrival time to be later and later. The driver mumbled that he hoped the next freeway ramp would be open or else we’d “be here all day.” I was starting to panic.

Then the car behind us hit our Uber. What the hell, Belgium! Thankfully, instead of waiting on the cops, our driver just hopped out of his car and screamed at the other driver for a bit. It added to the already high stress level in the car but not the commute time. We finally made it through the gridlock and onto the freeway.

A Smelly Rush to the Plane

It took us 45 minutes longer than planned to get to the airport. In the meantime, baby E had taken a massive poop that blew through the diaper and stained her pants brown. No time to change her, though, we were at risk of missing our flight.

At the check-in counter we were able to talk the clerk into waiving a baggage fee on E’s travel crib. We had to check more luggage on the way back because we were transporting a lot of beer. The clerk also upgraded us to Economy Plus (not bulkhead) with the promise of a floor bassinet. Then it was on to some lines for security and immigration. There were no bathrooms in sight. I was lugging most of the carry-ons while Sarah held a stinky baby with brown splotches bleeding through her pants.

Once we were finally clear of immigration, I ran to the gate to see if we could be further moved into a bulkhead seat, but no luck. Meanwhile, Sarah sought out a bathroom where she changed E but could not fit the stroller into a stall to use the restroom herself. She emerged, very frustrated. Boarding had begun.

A Smooth Flight to Chicago

We collapsed into our seats, already hot, sweaty and on edge. Sarah really wanted a bulkhead seat so we could use another hanging bassinet. We were again told that it would not be an option. She got into a bit of an argument with a flight attendant over the issue. I tried making jokes to diffuse the situation. We stayed in our assigned seats and accepted a bassinet which can sit on the floor.

The flight back to the US wasn’t quite as comfortable as flying to Europe with the baby. The floor bassinet took up the majority of our leg space, and the flight was during the day so it did not line up with E’s sleep schedule. At any rate, she took some naps and we were otherwise able to entertain her. There was very little crying and she made plenty of friends. We landed on time. We had a couple hours to kill before our connecting flight to Nashville, but we had access to multiple lounges in Chicago. It had been a long day, but we would be home and unpacking before dark. Everything was going to be ok…and then it wasn’t.

A Flight Cancellation in Chicago

We were waiting to disembark in Chicago when I looked at my phone and saw that United had sent me a text message at 1:05 PM. It seemed that “an earlier delay” was pushing our 3:41 PM flight home back to 4:15 PM. Oh well, a bit more time to sip whiskey in the American Airlines Admiral’s Club (which I was able to access through a credit card perk.)

At 1:53 PM, as I settled into my seat at the lounge, I received another text. The flight was now delayed until 4:49 PM. At this point I should have called United to see about changing to another flight, but I was tired and trying to be optimistic.

At 2:29 PM another text came in. The flight would be pushed back until 5:29 PM. Sarah was really starting to get stressed. I looked up other options, but this was still set to have us home quicker than any other flight. A bad storm had hit the Chicago area that morning, and flights were being delayed and canceled all over the place.

The Standby Shuffle

It happened, at 3:15 PM, about the time we were originally supposed to be boarding – a text came through to say that the flight was being canceled. United didn’t clarify, but I assume that the flight had been bumped so far back that the flight crew was going to time out. We managed the process of flying to Europe with the baby but could we manage the process of getting home from Chicago? I had to get us on another plane so we could get this over-tired baby and her frazzled parents to bed.

Naturally, by this time half of the airport was being rebooked. The next flight was scheduled to leave at 6:15 PM, but there was already a long standby list by the time I put our name in the hat. We were #14 & #15. The next flight that we could be confirmed on wasn’t leaving until 9:15 PM. I reserved seats for us on that flight in case the standby didn’t go in our favor.

At about 5:15 PM we left the comfort and free booze offered by the Admirals Club and trekked across the airport in the hopes of getting on the 6:15 PM flight. Fifteen minutes later, just as we got to the assigned gate, another text message came through. This flight was now delayed until 6:49 PM. We could have stayed at the lounge!

The Wait Continues

We had truly descended into hell. Rolling flight delays and the uncertainty that come with them are frustrating but manageable when you’re in a nice posh lounge. Now that we were in a chaotic terminal full of angry passengers, we found out that the plane, which we didn’t even have confirmed seats on, wouldn’t begin boarding for an hour. That is, unless it got delayed again. To keep calm and distract my now crazed daughter, I started pacing up and down the length of the terminal. For a moment I thought about using a couple one-day United Club passes that I got through a different credit card to get out of the chaos. Never mind, all the United Clubs in the terminal were at capacity. Of course they were.

At about 6:30 PM, around the time that we had expected to be pulling up to our house, they began to board the flight at gate B1.  Sarah, E and I crowded around the gate with the other 30+ standby refugees. Once all the ticketed passengers were aboard they began to load in standbys. About this time I received a text to say that my confirmed 9:15 PM flight was being delayed until 9:35PM. So that was some crap.

They got to #12 on the standby list and stopped. The rest of us would be rolled over to the next flight, which was scheduled for 7:15 PM out of a gate about seven minutes away. I hadn’t put myself on the list for that flight, so I hadn’t received any updates, but if it was actually leaving as scheduled then the boarding would start any minute.

Finally Escaping Chicago

By this point, I was starting to come to grips with the fact that we’d very likely be spending the night in Chicago. The last time we were stranded in transit I was able to book a nice hotel and then get a refund from the travel insurance I receive with my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. This time I’d foolishly paid for the taxes and fees with a United-branded card, so no fancy insurance.

It wasn’t time to book a hotel yet, though. We decided to fight it out as long as we could, so our little manic family made its way to the next gate, like a donkey chasing a carrot hung from a pole attached to its own back. We got to the gate and stood around eyeing the other passengers. The competition. If we did not make it on this plane, then we’d have another 2.5 hours to wait until the final flight of the night, and that flight had already been delayed once.

It turned out that, because so many ticketed passengers had missed their connection, the 7:15 PM flight was almost empty. Everyone on the standby list who showed up got on the flight. So did one random. The guy across from me wasn’t even heading to Nashville – apparently he just got confused and slipped on by accident. The flight crew failed to notice and neither did he until we taxied away from the gate. I didn’t think that happened in modern air travel, but there you have it.

In Conclusion

Travel isn’t glamorous. Don’t let the Instagram “influencers” fool you. It can really suck at times, particularly when your doing something like flying to Europe with a cranky baby in tow. Still, as the saying goes, those things that don’t kill you only make you stronger. We had a great adventure in Belgium and Luxembourg and I didn’t even need to miss an extra day of work like I did on our trip home from Puerto Rico earlier in the year. In the end, we got home well after dark, but we were home! It was time to plan the next adventure.

• EASA Community Network

Travelling with children

Related content.

EASA cares for the safety of the youngest air travellers and strongly recommends the use of approved child seats on board an aircraft. 

If you are planning to use a child seat on board an aircraft, it is important to check several things, such as if your child seat is suitable and approved to be used in aircraft, if it fits and can be secured onto the aircraft seat and how. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and with the airline you are flying with. If you take a child seat on board, don’t forget to take the child seat manufacturer’s instructions on your flight for the airline and cabin crew members to check the correct installation on an aircraft seat. 

European rules permit child seats manufactured and approved in the EU as well as in countries outside of the European Union. Our leaflet ‘ Flying with children ’ summarizes the important information you need to know before taking a flight with the “small” ones, such as:

• What options do I have when flying with children (infants and children)?
• How to use a child seat on board an aircraft?
• What child seat options do I have?
• Are there other devices that I can use?
• What child seats are accepted by EU rules and outside of the EU?

EASA Leaflet - Flying with children

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I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

Emily Siner

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect? Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect?

Last winter, my husband and I made the ambitious decision to fly 13 hours with our 8 month old for a two-week vacation around Japan.

We knew flying with a baby would be daunting. What if he has a meltdown on the airplane? What gear do we bring? How will he adjust to the 15-hour time change? And ... will we actually get to enjoy ourselves?

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane. Emily Siner hide caption

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane.

Preethi Harbuck, author of the travel blog Local Passport Family and a mom of six agrees that taking a big trip with young children — that is, babies and toddlers under age 2 — isn't easy. But with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be fun for everyone. You may even be able to "connect with people and places in a new way that [you] wouldn't have been able to experience without kids," she says.

To help set parents up for success, Harbuck and Christine Sarkis, editor-in-chief of the travel website Family Vacationist , share tips on what to pack, how to overcome travel challenges and set realistic expectations.

Take a practice trip

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child.

The first step to preparing for a big trip is to take a smaller one, like an overnight trip somewhere close by. It can give you a sense of what it's like to travel with your little one and grow your confidence, says Harbuck. "Find what feels comfortable and keep practicing. It will become easier."

Luckily, my husband and I had a chance to take some shorter trips with our baby before going to Japan. When our baby was three months old, we stayed overnight at a cabin about a half hour away by car. A month later, we took an 8-hour road trip to Chicago to see family.

How to take better (and more distinctive) photos on vacation

From these outings. I learned how important it was to pack a sound machine, which helps my baby fall asleep, and a portable diaper changing pad. I also learned that I didn't need to bring too many toys. My kid loved watching other people talk, walk and interact with each other.

So when we went to Japan, I put those lessons to use. I packed the essentials, left half the toys behind and made sure to sit in an aisle seat on the plane so that my baby, who sat on my lap, could get a good view of the passengers and stay entertained.

Make plans your future self will thank you for

When traveling with a baby or a toddler, everything becomes a little more complicated. There's a lot more to pack (more on that later) and a lot more considerations to make (like naps and kid-friendly meals, perhaps). So the key is to prioritize decisions that will simplify travel, says Sarkis. "Anything you can do to smooth your way [will make you] so happy with yourself."

Here are some planning decisions that our experts recommend.

Put your kid in their own plane seat. Many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly in your lap for a very low rate, sometimes even for free. While that can make travel more budget friendly, Harbuck says it's worth buying your child their own seat. Placing them in a car seat is the safest place for them to sit on an airplane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Plus, having your own seats can make long flights more comfortable for the both of you.

Consider their developmental stage. Keep in mind that your child's needs will change as they age. For example, if your kid is walking, it may be harder to "keep them busy and happy" on the airplane, says Sarkis. So you might enjoy your trip more if you choose a destination that's closer to home. Anticipate what stage they'll be in at the time of travel and plan accordingly.

Add more adults to the trip. My husband and I traveled with friends for part of our trip around Japan. They helped us carry luggage and held our baby while we ate. "If you have someone to trade off with, that's really helpful," says Sarkis.

7 tips to help you keep the peace when traveling with a group

Book a vacation rental. If you are traveling with a little one who still naps in the middle of the day or has an early bedtime, you may not want to book a single hotel room. Sarkis says she made that mistake on a trip once and had to bring pillows into the bathtub just to have a place to read after her kids went to bed. "Whereas in a vacation rental I could have sat on a couch."

Plan solo time. Carve out time for you and your travel partners to do things without the baby. On our trip to Japan, my husband and I decided we'd give each other as much time as we wanted in the guesthouse onsen , the heated communal bath, while the other watched our sleeping baby. Another night, we hired a babysitter so we could go out together and sing karaoke.

Pack well ... and lightly

It’s hard to travel light with a baby. So opt for the travel versions of strollers, cribs and car seats — they are often smaller and weigh less than the usual gear.

Credit: Becky Harlan/NPR

Portable cribs, high chairs, playpens and sleep canopies? There's no shortage of recommendations when it comes to choosing travel gear for your little one. But the No. 1 takeaway is to make sure "everything you're carrying is worth the stress of carrying it," says Sarkis.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Focus on the basic gear. At the minimum, your child will likely need a stroller or baby carrier to get around, a car seat for car trips and a safe place to sleep, like a portable crib. See if you can get travel versions of that gear, which are often lighter, smaller and easier to carry. Many airlines will let you check a stroller and a car seat for free, either before you go through security or at the gate. (If you do this, get some sort of carrying case to protect them.)

Cut down the big stuff ... There may be opportunities to leave some of that gear behind, says Sarkis. Check whether you can rent a stroller at your destination. Your accommodation may offer baby cribs. And some ridesharing apps may have vehicles outfitted with infant car seats.

... and the little stuff. "Kids live all around the world so you can access most of what you really, truly need" at your destination, says Harbuck. If your luggage is getting too full, consider buying diapers, wipes, formula or baby food when you land. In Japan, we did laundry halfway through our trip to minimize the clothing we had to pack.

Set your expectations

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip.

I'll be honest: There were a lot of moments on our trip when I felt overwhelmed and a bit disappointed. Like when my jet-lagged baby woke up crying at 1 a.m., 3 a.m. and somehow again at 3:30 a.m. — for two nights in a row.

Both Harbuck and Sarkis acknowledge that post-kid travel is harder in many ways. But there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Redirect your attention to the positive aspects of your journey. "If you're focused only on the challenges, you're going to miss the joys," says Sarkis. For me, it was delightful to witness my baby do new things in Japan. He ate new foods like udon, miso soup and smoked fish. He was mesmerized by the Ryoanji Temple's rock garden in Kyoto and even more mesmerized by the steady stream of tourists' faces to observe.

A flight expert's hot take on holiday travel: 'Don't do it'

See drawbacks as opportunities. If you have to go back to your hotel twice a day to let your child nap, see it as a moment to read, journal or "recharge for the next thing you do," says Sarkis.

Look out for special ways your child is helping you connect with the world. On flights, our neighbors told us about their own children or nieces and nephews. In restaurants, servers would come over to coo at him and make conversation with us in the process, despite the language barrier.

And finally, give yourself some kudos. For us parents, traveling was a big priority for us before he was born, and the experience made us proud to realize that yes — even with a small child, we can still see the world.

The audio portion of this episode was produced by Andee Tagle. The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

• Life Kit: Parenting

Tips for Traveling in Europe with a Baby

Both of our kids have caught a travel bug early and love being surrounded by new environments. As they were born in other countries, by choice, they’ve been traveling pretty much instantly – since they were 2 weeks old and long-haul at 4 weeks for Dylan and 6 weeks for Holden.

While traveling with a baby requires more preparation it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be tough and make your travels suck. Quite the opposite actually.

Traveling with babies is definitely easier than with toddlers. When the baby doesn’t walk yet, things are surely easier as you don’t need to chase him around.

A few things to keep in mind before we start:

Each baby behaves slightly differently, so you need to be flexible and adjust to his or her needs and prepare your baby travel products wisely .

While it may sound tempting to take your first holidays with another family with a baby, I’ll say don’t and various friends who tried it said the same thing.

Babies have different schedules, parents have a different level of comfort and the little ones can anger themselves up with crying… plus you might actually see your friends rarely and just get frustrated trying to coordinate schedules (been there, done that, sadly).

Baby Health Insurance

Babies get sick a lot, so you need to start thinking of travel insurance, even if you previously haven’t. While you should always have health insurance when you travel even without your family, with babies it’s a must.

The good news is that quite often you can just add your baby to your own policy without an extra charge. We did it numerous times with Safety Wing and actually had to use it for unexpected doctor’s visits when he suddenly got eczema ( for which bamboo clothing helps actually ).

Booking Flights for Your Baby

Unlike in the US, where babies under 2 fly for free and don’t need a passport, in Europe you have to pay for their flights and have their passport .

Without a valid ID, your infant will not be able to fly and you’ll be stranded at the airport. A birth certificate does NOT count as an ID.

You also need to pre-book your baby’s ticket online at the same time you’re booking yours, unlike in the US when you need to call the airline to add an infant in arms to your own ticket.

Don’t worry though, it’s not a fully-priced ticket. You usually need to pay 10% of the regular fare, or a special baby fare on cheap airlines like Ryanair or Wizzair.

You can book an extra seat for an infant, but then the child has to be restrained keep in mind that many European carriers don’t allow infant car seats (or those rear-facing) because they limit the recline. I’ve been on over 500 flights all over Europe and only once I’ve seen someone flying with a car seat so it’s just not a common practice.

Does Traveling with a Baby Give You Priority? Not always.

One of the most common things I read on other blogs is that traveling with a baby gives you priority. Jumping the queue at the car rental office, priority boarding, and so on.

Let me tell you honestly that’s only partially true and NEVER don’t count on it. I’ve never had anyone let me skip the line at the rental car place. Never, and we must have rented about 15 cars already. Quite often when traveling in Italy when Dylan was just a month old we had to sit on the sidewalk in the sun waiting for the attendant to finally give us a car.

Even when the sign says there’s a priority for pregnant women and babies it doesn’t mean that you’ll always get it automatically. You can ask, but it’s not guaranteed. When re-entering the US we always had to wait in line for a long time, regardless of the airport.

There were many other families with kids around us and everyone was in the same situation. It just doesn’t work that way, even if your baby is screaming his lungs out.

Europeans also travel with their babies and kids more often than Americans. That means that when they call for priority boarding for families it means at least 40 people are boarding with you. I remember one time on a flight from Rome to Boston pretty much every single family had a baby or toddler with them.

Also, if you need to reach your plane from the gate by bus, which is super common in Europe, forget about any priority. You’ll be able to get into the bus first, but then everyone will push out to the plane – unless you have your stroller folded and ready to move forward with determination you’re probably going to be the last on the plane (this is why you need a lightweight travel stroller to take on board, not to leave at the gate).

Most airports in Europe have a special family lane for security, but it doesn’t do much. You often end up in the same line as everyone else after skipping like 5 people in front of you. In my experience families naturally move slower through security, so I tend to rather stand behind single travelers so the line moves quickly.

I’ve had good or bad experiences when going through security, but let me tell you one thing –  even at the same airport the rules could be different depending on the day.

One day you’ll be able to roll your baby through the x-ray in the stroller, the other time you need to take your baby out. One day you have to fold the stroller and put it on a screening belt, another time they want you to give it to them to swab it. There’s no one set of rules anywhere.

One thing is always clear though: even if your baby is fast asleep in your baby carrier you cannot walk through the x-ray machine with him in a carrier. You’ll be forced to take the baby out, hence why I think baby carriers for airports are pretty useless.

Seatbelts for Babies on Planes

The biggest difference between American flights and European flights is seatbelts. In the US when your baby flies on your lap you just need to hold him.

In Europe, you’ll be given a baby seatbelt that’s an extension of your own seatbelt. Naturally, both continents think that what the other one is doing is unsafe and wrong.

Same with car seat regulations as car seats are different in Europe than they’re in the USA (more on this further down AKA why don’t bring your car seat to Europe ).

More Tips on Flying with a Baby

Why do you need a special travel stroller for europe what makes a great travel stroller for europe.

YES, you do need a smaller stroller for traveling around Europe. There’s no question about it.

If anyone reading this has ever traveled to Europe with a big American stroller like my Uppababy Vista ( which works in the US for one child, I used to have it ), you know it’s a pain in the butt. Save yourself some nerves and leave this giant monster at home.

Oh, and stroller wagons are NOT a thing in Europe. 20+ years I spent in Europe I’ve never seen anyone with it anywhere and when I show all my European friends that these are popular they laugh that it looks like a farm truck. Unless you want to get the looks, don’t (I know, I’ve taken mine to Vienna once, LOL!)

While I love strolling with our stroller wagon in the US, when I’m in Europe it’s simply sitting in our rental apartments untouched while I roll around with a travel stroller. Why?

a) Doorways are Small

First of all: doors. In places like Italy or France doors are smaller, and you won’t be able to enter many places with a giant monster truck, as we named our Uppababy stroller.

In fact, I couldn’t even leave my own apartment in Italy ( where we lived ) without having to open an extra set of heavy doors. The next time we moved to Europe and traveled around France and Switzerland we just took small Babyzen Yoyo and Cybex Libelle .

When I visited some friends or hotels there was no way it could fit. In Rome, we had to fold the stroller every time when entered and leaving the elevator at the hotel, which was super annoying.

Not to mention that I couldn’t even enter some aisles in the supermarket with a big stroller either. Seriously, don’t bring a giant stroller to Europe and a double stroller is absolutely out of the question.

Almost all families either use two single strollers. When it’s not possible because only one parent is present, then for two kids a single stroller with a buggy board works best.

b) You Can’t Take Your Stroller Inside Many Restaurants

Many charming restaurants and cafes are short on space and you may be unable to wheel the stroller in, or even keep it beside you. In Italy, you frequently see all the strollers folded outside while people are having their meals. In Scandinavia, you might even leave a stroller with a baby outside while you eat inside – it’s totally normal.

When Dylan was below 3 months enough we used to unclip the car seat to bring him in while leaving the stroller outside. Later he was just sitting in a high chair – if they had one and many places in France for example don’t offer any (so I recommend bringing a foldable booster ).

Here’s my guide to eating out with kids when traveling

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c) You Often Need to Lift Your Stroller to Get Into Public Transportation

Catching public transport can be challenging with a heavy stroller in many cities, such as Rome, Paris , Valetta , Warsaw – just to name a few.

Not all buses, metro, or trams have a flat entry, so you need to lift your travel stroller to pass the gap or a step. Not something you want to do with anything but a lightweight stroller. Some public buses in Verona were actually those old school buses with just an aisle where the stroller doesn’t fit at all so you need to quickly fold the stroller, take the baby out, and bring all their things up the stairs of the bus.

The entrances and exits to get in and out of the subway system are also often not wheelchair accessible or stroller accessible, so there are times when you will have to take the stroller entirely apart, lift it over the top of the gates and then walk through while putting your child in your arms.

It’s not difficult with a small stroller, but if you’re coming with a giant stroller fully packed with stuff underneath, it’s going to turn into a nightmare, especially in crowded places in the summer.

d) Strollers Aren’t Allowed Everywhere

Many historical sites and sightseeing places do not allow strollers in and may require you to leave them at the entrance, unattended. Unless you invest in a bike locker, a smaller lightweight stroller you can easily carry with a shoulder strap or stored at the ticket booth.

This happened on every occasion in Matera in Italy. We (barely) managed with giant wheels, but to be perfectly honest it was mostly I carry the baby and my husband carries the stroller.

Looking back, we should have had a baby carrier instead, but when it’s hot outside it’s not always the best solution as it doesn’t store anything. These days we bring both and use them depending on the occasion.

Things to Consider About a Travel Stroller for Europe

Sturdy frame.

Lightweight travel strollers, also known as umbrella strollers, with cheap frames, tend to fall apart on cobblestones within 5 minutes. This is why most Europeans gave up on traditional old-style umbrella-type strollers, especially in places with beautiful old towns like Italy, Czech Republic, or Malta.

Suspended Wheels

While everyone will tell you that big wheels are a must, I found that it’s not the case with the size, but the quality of the wheels and the suspension.

Small wheels of Babyzen Yoyo stroller or Cybex stroller work just fine on cobblestones and curbs, but GB Pockit+ with the same size of wheels struggled everywhere. More on my stroller comparisons here .

Don’t even think about cobblestones without suspension on your wheels, unless you’re up for a backache on your first day.

If you want to enjoy the European lifestyle, where kids are out in restaurants passed 10 PM, you need to think about reclining.

Unlike in the US where most babies ride in a cat seat on top of the stroller, in Europe bassinets are a big thing. You will be yelled at for dragging your child around in things like Doona or car seats, because it’s simply unhealthy for a baby’s spine to use car seats as strollers for infants.

Fun fact: due to laws many strollers in Europe can fully recline while in the US they can’t lie completely flat. If you don’t have a stroller yet and the completely flat recline matters, you might look into purchasing a stroller in Europe after you arrive.

One-Hand Fold

One-hand fold is a must, especially for airports and quick folding when needed on public transportation.

Large Canopy

Most travel strollers have a tiny canopy, which leaves the kids exposed to the sun and screaming. As the sun is horrible to babies, make sure that the canopy is large enough or/and you bring an extra shawl to cover your baby.

Did You Know That American Car Seats Are Illegal in Europe, and Vice Versa?

The car seat issue is tricky. Technically, American car seats are illegal in Europe and Canada too .

We used our American car seat for months in Europe without realizing it, but if we were stopped we could have paid a fine. If we got into an accident, insurance companies could refuse coverage if the car seat was not EU-approved.

Europeans require that the child be removed from the car seat in a single motion, which means a chest clip is a big NO.

Another difference is ISOfix and LATCH attachment. The third difference is that all US-certified forward-facing car seats must have a top-tether strap. European forward-facing car seats are not required to have a top-tether strap although some of the heavier ones will.

Staying in a Hotel in Europe with a Baby: What to Know

The first and most important thing is to check whether the hotel you’re planning on booking actually accepts kids. Many hotels, especially in more popular spots like Positano or Santorini , aren’t kid-friendly at all. In fact, you cannot even go to their restaurants with kids.

If you’re booking a fancy hotel always call them and check with them about their kid regulations. I actually gave up on staying at one hotel in Italy because Booking.com said “hotel not suitable for children” but when I called it turned out it was just a mistake in the system.

While it’s understandable that some people prefer kids-free stays, make sure you check the rules. I also noticed that some hotels accept kids, but only over 8 years old. Always check the small print and kids’ rules.

Personally, with one child we never traveled with a pack-and-play travel crib , simply because it’s too much to carry and you can just ask for one wherever you go – hotel or Airbnb.

If a crib isn’t available we used to co-sleep with a baby using a portable baby bed , and transitioned him to Montessori floor bed once he was mobile, so he slept on the floor mattress in hotels up until he was 1. Later, we got inflatable and travel-friendly bed bumpers and he sleeps on a bed these days.

Occupancy Issues When Booking Rooms

One thing that’s not often talked about is the issue of booking hotels with a baby and kids. Many European hotels might not offer bigger rooms and have occupancy limits due to local laws.

This means that even if your baby is a couple of months old and sleeps with you or in a crib (whether provided or your own) it might count as a person. As a result, you often cannot book a double room for 3 occupants and things get even more complicated once your baby is over 12 months old.

With 2 kids finding a hotel that doesn’t require us to book 2 separate rooms or a giant suite is often a nightmare and obviously, babies or toddlers won’t stay in a room alone.

Most online reservation systems won’t take 2 kids (regardless of how small), so always email the hotel and ask if it’s possible to create a custom booking for you with the correct amount of people.

Many people will tell you just not to include children on your booking and show up, but I must advise against it.

I’ve managed to do it before without an issue, but I also know instances where people were turned away (for example, don’t try it in Paris or anywhere in Switzerland because most won’t let you get away with it), or asked to pay for another room on the spot or pay a ridiculous fee. You don’t want to be stranded with kids in town looking for alternative hotel options last second!

Cultural Differences & Baby Treatment in Europe:

It’s impossible to generalize and say ‘this is how Europeans treat babies’, because Europe – while small compared to the US, has different cultures and hence people act differently.

Traveling with a Baby to Italy

Italy is considered a very baby-loving place – they love children and will make every effort to make you and your kids feel welcome. However, baby products are expensive compared to the US (apart from clothes) and I can honestly say that baby facilities in public places are lacking.

Most restaurants don’t have to change tables, so I often have to change my baby on a bathroom floor or in a sink (this is why changing mat is a must !), as you can’t even roll the stroller inside (doors are too small and bathrooms are usually up or down the stairs).

The staff makes up for the lack of facilities and always wants to play with the baby, show you photos of their babies, and even sing the songs.

Crying baby at the restaurant? People will ask if they can help or tell you that it gets better.

The love for babies comes with people always wanting to stop and stare inside your stroller, or make faces at them in the supermarket for a long time. It’s slightly annoying if you ask me, but my now-toddler totally brought this habit back to the US from Italy and always bugs strangers at the supermarket these days.

More on Traveling with a Baby to Italy

Traveling with a Baby to France

From my observations kids in France were super well-behaved, babies included as they’re taught to behave from day 1 of their lives. People were friendly to babies, but without the obsessiveness which was quite refreshing to me after Italy.

Facilities were always slightly limited, similar to Italy, but I’d still say it’s one of the best places in Europe to travel with a baby. Even in the middle of Paris we had no problem navigating with kids and there were plenty of playgrounds everywhere, all over the country – even at roadside rest stops.

There aren’t really kids menu at restaurants, unsurprisingly because French kids eat whatever adults eat. If you see a kids’ menu the restaurant is a big tourist trap basically.

French like to dress their babies in heavy jackets, hats, and gloves even if it’s not very cold outside. We got some strange looks when my kids were in jumpers when it was about 65 F outside.

I swear everyone has a Yoyo stroller in France. It’s a French company, so it’s not surprising but French people are practical with strollers it seems.

More on Traveling with a Baby to France

Traveling with a Baby to Poland

I didn’t think that anyone really ever cared for my baby in Poland (my first son was born in Poland) and when we brought Holden it was the same thing. No special treatment, no extra accommodation at restaurants.

Unless he was outside without a baby hat haha. Polish grandparents have an obsession with babies having to have a hat on , so when we were rolling outside without it people would loudly ask “where is his hat?”.

While I had friendly people helping me get on and off public transportation, no one really stared inside my stroller to see what the baby looks like.

Surprisingly, I found Poland a great place for baby travel. There are plenty of new playgrounds everywhere, and many malls even have feeding and changing rooms with microwaves, milk heaters and calming music.

In Warsaw, I was also able to bring Dylan to a spa during certain hours, which was wonderful.

Traveling with an Infant to Malta

Malta was definitely not a baby-friendly place. I traveled there on my own when my LO was just a few months old and encountered a nightmare.

Getting into public transportation was a mission impossible, most taxis didn’t even have seatbelts, streets were narrow if there was even a sidewalk in some parts of the island like St Julians, non-existent facilities and everywhere was way overcrowded.

When I was traveling with my Babyzen Yoyo stroller many local women stopped me asking whether I got it in Malta, as they’d love to have one. Overall, it was a weird experience, and would not recommend it.

More on baby in Malta travels

Traveling with a Baby to Greece

Greece is a fantastic place to visit with kids. Greeks love babies and every single place we visited in Greece was very kid-oriented. Friendly street cats help with entertainment as well.

Children are welcome at restaurants, and sunset bars, and will get accommodated accordingly. Most places outside of Athens are full of cobblestones and stairs but there are also areas that will have flat strolls with only a few steps, which gives you two options: either bring a baby carrier or bring a small lightweight stroller you can carry if needed.

Your baby or toddler won’t go hungry in Greece for sure, as there’s always some fries, pasta, or bread. Or olives, both my kids love olives.

More on Traveling with a Baby to Greece

Traveling with a Baby to Spain

Spain wasn’t particularly baby friendly to us, but we only visited Andalusia. There were no ramps anywhere for a stroller and elevators and doors were even smaller than in Italy.

We didn’t stumble upon ‘no kids allowed’ anywhere, in fact, it’s totally normal to bring babies to a bar and bartenders were giving them fruits as a free treat. But, at restaurants the wait for any food was long and kids were getting antsy. Getting a waiter’s attention was a challenge itself so forget about milk being heated – we didn’t even bother to try.

We always felt pushed around even with a stroller at train stations, waiting in lines, it seemed like people just didn’t care that they can fall on a baby which wasn’t the nicest experience (I actually had to push one old lady away when she tried to climb over our stroller because she wanted to skip the line which turned into a giant fight).

More on Traveling to Spain with a Baby

Traveling with a Baby to Slovenia

Slovenia was a fantastic place to go with a baby. Everyone was always friendly and accommodating, even if their facilities didn’t necessarily allow that. Most touristy spots were flat, didn’t stumble upon ‘no kids allowed’ at any hotels – in fact, everywhere we went there were plenty of kids including glamping spots.

We were able to rent a boat, eat out and enjoy ourselves without a feeling that we’d bother anyone.

Traveling with a Baby to Austria

Austria can be a good place to take your kids, as it’s very rule-oriented. We found Austria very accommodating, even when we were very confused tourists 😉

Nobody will be hopping around your baby or give you priority for anything (looking at your Vienna with long lines to enter many restaurants), but people are nice to kids in their ways.

Bigger cities like Vienna or Innsbruck will have perfect facilities like elevators to enter every metro station or ramps at tourists attractions to accommodate strollers.

Your child won’t be hungry, because there’s always something that kids like. Whether it’s a traditional wurst, bread, or pasta, there’s stuff to eat even if a place doesn’t cater to kids specifically.

Traveling with a Baby to Switzerland

Switzerland, while obviously expensive to visit as a family, has everything ready for babies, toddlers and kids. It’s a fantastic place to go with a baby and the facilities are always spotless and perfect. Everyone is always friendly and accommodating, even if their facilities aren’t adjusted they will find you a crib or high chair.

The only issue when traveling with small kids is that they won’t be allowed up to some mountains due to elevation – usually, the minimum age is 1 year, but some say 3+ years.

More about Visiting Switzerland with Kids

Traveling with a Baby to Sweden

Sweden, similar to any other spot in Scandinavia is immensely baby and kid-friendly. But, without sacrificing the comfort of adults as well. Your baby and toddler will be welcome everywhere and things will be accessible.

Want to go to a museum? Absolutely, and while you’re reading a “boring to a toddler” exhibit, there’s always something for them to mess around with.

Facilities were always accessible and available for babies, whether it was a park or a restaurant.

See more on Sweden with a Baby or Toddler

Any questions about traveling to Europe with a baby?

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Monday 20th of February 2023

Hello, my question is about visas. Does my newborn with an American passport require a visa to enter Europe/ Finland?

Monday 18th of September 2023

@Anna Karsten, Hello Anna, we are currently living in Poland and planning to visit Spain with a 6 month old baby, born in Poland with a Philippine passport. Without a TRC yet,can my baby travel with us or we should get a visa for her?

Anna Karsten

At the moment Americans don't need visas to Europe, so you can just go. The launch of the ETIAS travel authorization is currently slated for November 2023, so once this is launched all Americans will need to register and pay a small fee to receive travel authorization but it's going to be a very easy and straightforward process.

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

Great information! I will be taking my 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old to Norway and Sweden this summer and I’m debating not bringing a stroller at all, but possibly just a carrier. Would you advise against this?

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Depends on your kids... my younger son refuses a stroller and wants to walk, but naturally since he's not even 2 it takes him forever and ever to get anywhere. But, I cannot imagine having him in the carrier at this age either (unless it's a hiking backpack for actual hiking), because he's big. My 3 year old was fine walking on short distances (we also had his balance bike), but if you're out and about all day (eg. when I went to Spain we were out of the hotel 9am to 9pm, so stroller was much needed for the 3-year-old as well.

Toronto mama

Tuesday 26th of July 2022

I am travelling to Spain this summer with a 2 year old and a six month old, a travel stroller doesn’t seem feasible as both children would be using the stroller. Is it really a big issue taking something equivalent to a Nuna?

Having just returned from Spain with kids only a few months older than yours I will advise against something like Nuna. I was especially looking around at other people's families and all of them had the same setup like us: one kid one travel stroller or a buggy board. Especially in places like Spain have a LOT of stairs or you'll be carrying the stroller, narrow corners (not even in and out of buildings, but to pass by because many eat outside), not to mention your stroller won't even fit into various elevators in the fanciest hotels that actually have elevators (we had to bring strollers one by one and they barely fit) and if we had anything bigger than Babyzen Yoyo or Cybex Libelle we wouldn't be able to fit on the bus or insert it in the trunk of a taxi. Get two travel strollers or a buggy board for the 2 years old - we have both but if we explore all day then bring the stroller. If we take breaks at the hotel then the older siblings has a buggy board.

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Really enjoyed reading this. Now that your baby is older, what car seat do you use in Europe? My son is going to be 3 in Nov and we are going to Europe in July for 3 for 3 weeks. Can I buy a European car seat here in the US? If not, our European relative can buy it for us and install it so that when we arrive it is ready. What is a European car seat that is lightweight and inexpensive?

Monday 6th of June 2022

Most European car seats are cheaper, lighter, and more portable than American ones actually so that's good news. We were just living back in Europe for a few months again and bought Nachfolger for the 1 year old and most 3-year-olds would fit (you can order it to the US as well) and it's great in terms of portability and comfort, but that's rear-facing so both of my sons refused it. But it's a nice one ;-)

My 3 year old is also 100 cm tall, so he fits into the 3+ year category or seatbelts car seats or even in mifold. Rules vary per country, but in most places 15kg/33lbs ride in a booster with seatbelts and that's what most taxis and private transports had and we just got one of this for our car: https://www.bebe9.com/siege-auto-gr-2-3-viaggio-shuttle-crystal-black.html (we had a different brand that was about 50 EUR but can't find a link, but it's the same concept basically). Alternatively, you can get something like this: https://www.bebe9.com/siege-auto-gr-2-3-solution-b2-fix-steel-grey.html Another portable car seat is Maxi Cosi Nomad (also folds), but unless you're planning on traveling with your kid soon or have another I'd just get some of those above.

Wesley Hammond

Thursday 31st of March 2022

What secrets do you have regarding the time zone switch with a baby? I am going to Italy in June with my 11 month old and looking for any tricks

Every time we traveled internationally we just allowed one more nap during the first two days and kept the kids up until at least 7pm to get them used to the new day time schedule. Never had an issue to be honest.

Central and Eastern Europe

Mediterranean region, the middle east.

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Information & Services

Travelling with infants and babies.

HELPFUL WIZZ SERVICES

Free Priority Boarding if travelling with an infant*

Security Fast Track

Pre-packed baby food and drinks allowed

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU ONBOARD

Nappies - one for every hour of your journey

Change(s) of clothes

Extra pacifiers

A tagged at check in counter or at boarding gate foldable baby stroller which you can wheel up until the aircraft door, or up to the portable stairs.

Take a car seat on board!

You will need to purchase an additional seat at normal fare to accommodate the car seat in which your baby can travel in extra comfort.

Car seat safety requirements

• only rear-facing car seats for children can be taken on board
• must be equipped with a latch to securely fasten it with the passenger seat belt

For safety reasons the loop belt must be used for take-off and landing and whenever the seat belt sign is on. The loop belt will be provided by Wizz Air during boarding and must be returned after the flight

Enter “INFANT” as the passenger’s first name when booking online. The passenger’s surname should be added in the last name field.

If an extra seat was booked, you don’t have to pay an infant fee. Additional infant baggage allowance is not applicable.

Things to take with you on board

• Food and drinks for the baby, packed in accordance with the safety regulations
• Something to chew during take-off and landing (little ones often don't know how to pop their ears to release pressure)
• A change of clothes for you and your baby
• Extra dummies (if your child uses them)
• One nappy for every hour of your journey

Frequently asked questions

The location for an infant car seat is a window seat. The seat next to the infant car seat must be occupied by a physically able person, at least 16 years old, who is responsible for the child in the car seat.

An infant car seat cannot be placed in emergency exits rows, and in rows which are either immediately in front of or behind emergency exit rows.

Please always follow cabin crew instructions.

You are responsible for installing your own car seat for your infant. The WIZZ Cabin Crew will show you the suitable seat to place the car seat and visually check if the infant car seat is approved and properly installed for on board use.

Priority boarding with an infant: 2 adults, unlimited children per 1 baby

Those travelling together with an infant (under 2) get free Priority Boarding - 2 adults per infant. An unlimited number of children all travelling in that same party can also be included in this Priority Boarding.

As babies must sit in an adult’s lap on the plane, each infant on board must be accompanied by an adult. Furthermore, each infant travelling in a group enjoying Priority Boarding allows early boarding for 2 adults in that party. This means that a family with 2 infants in their party could include 4 adults in their Priority Boarding group, and so on. This proportion of 1 baby/2 adults in a reservation travelling together is only limited by the allowed number of children under 2 allowed on the plane.

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Checked baggage

Do you need information on baggage transported in the hold? You'll find all the information you need in this section.

Sizes and weight allowed

23 kg   (maximum 32 kg)   -   158 cm   (length + width + height)

• No bag can exceed 158 cm. The handles, pockets and wheels are included in these dimensions. If this limit is exceeded, a surcharge will be added. If the baggage exceeds the limit allowed, it might not be accepted as checked baggage.
• The maximum weight allowed per bag is 23 kg (except for Business Class passengers, whose maximum weight allowance is 32 kg). If you need to, you can increase it from 23 kg to 32 kg by paying a surcharge. This option is only available at the Call Centre and in our offices located at the airport. The weight limit per piece is 32 kg.
• Bulky baggage can damage and/or block check-in and baggage management systems at airports, which means they require specific handling. For this reason, this type of baggage, such as flexible fabric items and/or oval or circular items, plastic film wrapped items and/or bags, and wrapped items or items in rudimentary packaging, will be considered special baggage and will be subject to extra charges. More information and rates here.
• We advise against wrapping baggage with cling film other than professional sealing systems authorised by airports.
• If it is not possible to transport your item of luggage as an oversized bag, you can request to transport it as cargo through Air Europa Cargo
• If you need to, you can purchase additional bags in the Manage your Booking section
• Remember that checked baggage is personal and non-transferable and each passenger will check their luggage individually.
• If you purchase additional bags online, you will get a discount .
• There are luggage regulations .

Luggage permitted by destination

Check the information on the baggage you can carry depending on your route:

• A Coruña Spain LCG
• Alguero Italy AHO
• Alicante Spain ALC
• Amsterdam Netherlands AMS
• Asunción Paraguay ASU
• Athens Greece ATH
• Barcelona Spain BCN
• Bilbao Spain BIO
• Bogota Colombia BOG
• Brussels Belgium BRU
• Buenos Aires Argentina EZE
• Cancun Mexico CUN
• Caracas Venezuela CCS
• Copenhagen Denmark CPH
• Cordoba Argentina COR
• Dusseldorf Germany DUS
• Fortaleza Brazil FOR
• Frankfurt Germany FRA
• Fuerteventura Spain FUE
• Granada Spain GRX
• Guayaquil Ecuador GYE
• Havana Cuba HAV
• Ibiza Spain IBZ
• Iguazu Argentina IGR
• Lanzarote Spain ACE
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain LPA
• Lima Peru LIM
• Lisbon Portugal LIS
• London Great Britain LGW
• Madrid Spain MAD
• Mahon Spain MAH
• Malaga Spain AGP
• Marrakech Morocco RAK
• Medellin Colombia MDE
• Melilla Spain MLN
• Miami United States MIA
• Milan Italy MXP
• Montevideo Uruguay MVD
• Munich Germany MUC
• New York United States JFK
• Oviedo Spain OVD
• Palma Spain PMI
• Panama Panama PTY
• Paris France PAR
• Porto Portugal OPO
• Punta Cana Santo Domingo PUJ
• Quito Ecuador UIO
• Recife Brazil REC
• Rome Italy FCO
• Salvador de Bahia Brazil SSA
• San José Costa Rica SJO
• San Pedro Sula Honduras SAP
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain TFN
• Santa Cruz de la Sierra Bolivia VVI
• Santiago de Compostela Spain SCQ
• Sao Paulo Brazil SAO
• Seville Spain SVQ
• Sto. Domingo Santo Domingo SDQ
• Stockholm Sweden STO
• Tel Aviv Israel TLV
• Tunis Tunisia TUN
• Valencia Spain VLC
• Venice Italy VCE
• Vigo Spain VGO
• Zaragoza Spain ZAZ
• Zurich Switzerland ZRH
• Select a departure

Exceptional cases

Certain cases have important restrictions or information to consider.

SUMA Customers

Passengers traveling in Business or holders of Air Europa SUMA Silver, Gold or Platinum cards, or SkyTeam Alliance Elite or ElitePlus Cards, can carry an additional bag for free, provided that the total weight of their luggage does not exceed their total weight allowance.

Baggage on codeshare flights

If you are travelling in connection or code-sharing with another airline, check the free baggage allowance limit by selecting the operating airline from the drop-down menu , as it may be different for each of them. Depending on the agreements between airlines, in some cases it may not be possible to check baggage through to the final destination.

Baggage Partner Airlines

If you are travelling on a code-share flight , i.e. if your flight number is in the UX2000 / UX3000 series, the applicable baggage allowance will be shown on your ticket for each flight concerned.

If your ticket includes flights on both Air Europa and another airline, the longest leg allowance will apply. If you have purchased separate tickets for different airlines, the baggage allowance of the operating carrier will apply for each ticket.

Your baggage will be checked through to the final destination on all our code-share flights, provided that the flights are included in the same booking or booking reference.

Are you flying with a baby or child?

Babies (below the age of 2) are entitled to one 10-kg carry-on bag.  And, as long as the adult they are travelling with has booked a suitcase fare, they will be entitled to the same free baggage allowance in the hold. In addition to this allowance, they can also take a foldable baby stroller.

Children between 2 and 11 years of age can check baggage as determined by the ticket purchased.

For more information, go to the section on children .

Discount for Residents and Large Families

Passengers residing in the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, who have tickets with the LITE fare and pay for one bag will be eligible for the applicable discount to the published rate. 

Baggage regulations

• The baggage regulations apply per journey.
• Service and conditions valid for flights operated by Air Europa . When you book, see if your flight is operated by a partner company, and check the baggage allowance  here .
• If allowed by the ticket and route, you can pay for additional bags online (on the website), by calling our Customer Service Center or at Air Europa 's offices at the airport.
• Moreover, taking into account the aforementioned conditions, you can increase the maximum weight of your checked bag from 23 kg to 32 kg by paying a surcharge. This option is only available at the Call Center and at our offices in the airport.
• Non-refundable service.

Add extras to your trip here

Information and links of interest, safety standards and liquids.

Articles containing liquids or substances of similar consistency may be carried in a maximum of 10 containers of 100ml (1 litre in total).

Are you traveling with EUR 10,000 or more?

It is compulsory to declare amounts in excess of EUR 10,000. In this case, you must go to the office located in Customs, Room 1, Terminal 1 in Madrid.

Are you traveling to Spain from a country that does not belong to the EU?

Download the PDF to find out what you can and can't carry in your baggage: money to be declared, prohibited items, recommendations before flying, etc.

You may be interested in

Cuadros y láminas.

Paintings, works of art, prints and frames may only be carried on an additional seat in the aircraft cabin and always under the personal custody of the passenger.

You can find more information on the transportation of special cabin baggage in the cabin  here .

Electrodomésticos

Electrical appliances will not be accepted as checked baggage; they will only be accepted as special baggage in the cabin or as air cargo if they do not comply with the weight and dimensions for transport in the cabin.

Portatrajes

Garment bags may be transported in the hold in place of one piece of checked baggage included in the fare or by purchasing extra baggage provided that the total dimensions do not exceed 158 cm and 23 kg. 

If it exceeds the above limitations, it must be carried as special baggage in the cabin.

How can I add extra luggage?

If you wish to add extra luggage, you can do so in advance here or by calling Customer Service .

• You can also make the purchase at the airport. 
• Excess weight ( 23 kg to 32 kg ) can only be purchased by calling Customer Service or at the airport .
• Available up to 2 hours before the flight. Save from €15 per suitcase. Prices per trip (non-refundable).  
• This service is only available on flights operated by Air Europa . Please check your booking to see if the flight is operated by an affiliated company.
• See the terms and conditions and price for your selected route here . 

How can I travel with bulky luggage?

You can request to take a suitcase or item of luggage that exceeds 158 cm (overall dimensions) by sending an email indicating the dimensions and weight to [email protected] .

If it is not possible to transport your item of luggage as an oversized bag, you can request to transport it as cargo through AirEuropa Cargo .

* Requirement subject to space availability.

What items are considered household appliances and how do I transport them?

• Appliances cannot be checked They will only be permitted in your hand luggage if allowed by their size and weight.
• Appliances refer to Desktop computers (including iMac), monitors, TVs, microwaves, immersion heaters (boiler/heaters), refrigerators, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, etc.), etc.
• Portable electronic devices can be transported Laptops, tablets, e-books, portable game consoles, etc.  
• These can be transported by purchasing an additional seat in the cabin (the fee is the same as the ticket price, except for airport charges), provided that they comply with the maximum cabin baggage size and weight limits. If these limits are exceeded, the items must be transported as air cargo. See our section on transporting special baggage in the cabin for more information.

To purchase an additional seat, please contact us through our Customer Service , Facebook or Twitter .

How can I get an additional piece of luggage or increase my maximum baggage weight allowance?

Get up to 50% off by purchasing your extra luggage on our website , by contacting us through our Customer Service , Facebook or Twitter . 

PURCHASING ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE

Please click on the following link to see all our rates: ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE PRICE

If you wish to increase your maximum baggage weight allowance to 32 kg , please contact us through the aforementioned channels. This option cannot be purchased through our website. 

No item can weigh more than 32 kg.

Where can I purchase additional baggage if the flight is operated by another airline?

If your ticket includes a flight operated by another airline, additional baggage can only be purchased in the airport at the check-in desks of the airline operating the first flight.

How can I take a suitcase that exceeds the maximum size or weight limit?

OVERSIZED BAGGAGE IN THE CABIN

If you want to take an item of luggage that does not fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you due to its size or weight (e.g., musical instrument, television, iMac, etc.), it must be transported on an additional seat(s) and supervised by the passenger at all times. The price and conditions can be viewed here .

OVERSIZED BAGGAGE IN THE HOLD

Any item that exceeds 158 cm in total (height x width x length) can be transported in the aircraft hold. However, it must not exceed 32 kg in weight. Wheelchairs, musical instruments, and pets are exempt from this rule and can be transported in the hold. Items considered as household appliances (e.g., iMacs, televisions, monitors, desktop computers) cannot be transported in the hold.

To book this service, please contact us through our Customer Service , Facebook or Twitter .

How can I transport a work of art?

Paintings, works of art, sheets and frames can only be transported on an additional seat in the aeroplane's cabin, always under the personal custody of the passenger. The price and conditions can be viewed here .

To purchase an additional seat, please contact us through our Customer Service , Facebook or Twitter . You can also choose to contact a freight transportation company.

Is it possible to check my luggage through to my final destination if my flight is indirect?

The possibility of checking your luggage through to your final destination depends on the selected route and airlines operating the flights:

• If your trip includes flights operated by Air Europa and another airline , you should contact us to see if your luggage can be checked through to your final destination.
• If all your flights are operated by Air Europa (even if they are on different bookings or tickets) , it is possible to send your luggage through to your final destination. However, you must contact us in advance.
• If all your flights are operated by Air Europa and are on the same booking and ticket , your luggage will be sent directly to your final destination. Therefore, there is no need to contact us to request this service.
• Destinations where passengers are required to check their luggage at the first point of entry to the country and pass through customs: Ezeiza, Guarulhos, Salvador de Bahía, Montevideo, Lima, Caracas, Cancun, Santiago de Chile, New York, Miami, and San Juan.
• Luggage can only be checked through to your final destination for flights operated by the airline Amaszonas to Cochabamba or La Paz with a stopover in Viru Viru.
• Luggage cannot be checked through to your final destination if you have to travel to a different airport for a connecting flight (Ezeiza-Aeroparque, Orly-Charles de Gaulle).
• It is not possible to check-in through to the final destination if a train or bus ride is included in the booking.

To complete your request, you must contact us through our Customer Service , Facebook or Twitter within 48 hours prior to the flight departure time .

Transporting musical instruments

Find out how to transport your musical instrument safely at this link .

All details about permitted hand luggage.

Do you need to check your baggage, but it exceeds the maximum allowed measurements?

Learn about the peculiarities of transporting sports equipment.

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