We understand that children and infants have special travel needs. This information may assist in making their travel as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
| Before Departure | On Arrival |
| At the Airport | Further Information |
| In the Air |
Before Departure
Passports and Visas
You will require a passport when travelling internationally. Make sure passports and any necessary visas are valid for everyone travelling, both for the countries you will be visiting and for transit stops.
Some countries allow children up to 18 years of age to be included in one parents passport provided they are accompanied by that parent, and any visa issued in that parents passport must clearly show that any children included in the passport are covered by the visa.
Note: Some countries also place restrictions on children travelling on parents passports, so check with the consulates of the countries you will be visiting to verify passport and visa requirements.
Departure Tax
Different countries have different requirements regarding departure tax. Try to find out about departure tax requirements in advance of travelling to the airport, as in most cases, such taxes can only be paid in cash in the currency of the country you are departing from.
Health Requirements
Arrange to have all necessary inoculations well in advance of your departure date. If you or your children take any medication make sure that you have enough for the duration of the trip. All medications should be carried with you on the aircraft. A certificate from your doctor verifying the need for the medication being carried is also advisable. Some countries have restrictions on certain medications. It is advisable to check with the relevant consulate.
Insurance
It is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance for yourself and your family. Travel Insurance is designed to cover against personal, baggage and cancellation risks. It will also protect against the high cost of emergency medical and hospital care overseas.
International Seating
First and Business passengers can be allocated seats when booking.
If travelling in Economy, your seating preference is recorded at the time of booking and your seats will be allocated upon check in at the airport on the day of travel.
Families are seated together whenever possible.
- Infants who do not occupy a separate seat are carried for 10% of the applicable adult fare.
- Each infant under 2 years must be accompanied by a separate adult.
- Children over 2 years must occupy a separate seat.
- All children and infants must have their own tickets, whether or not they are occupying a separate seat.
If you are making a booking and your infant has not been born yet, do not add the infant to your booking. Book your flight and when your baby is born call your local Qantas office to add their name to the booking.
If you require a bassinet onboard, you must notify Qantas at the time of reservation. Bassinets may be requested for infants up to 18 months of age, but the recommended age limit for bassinet use on international flights is eight months. The weight limit is 11kg (25lbs). The bassinet size is 71cm x 31cm (28in x 12in). The depth is approximately 26cm (10.5in). Infants paying 10% of the adult fare who are too large for bassinets are not entitled to a seat and must be nursed. Alternatively, the payment of a child's fare would ensure a seat. Bassinets are subject to availability.
Domestic Seating
Families are seated together whenever possible.
- Children under 2 years of age who do not occupy a seat are carried free of charge.
- Each infant must be accompanied by a separate adult.
- Children over 2 must occupy a separate seat.
- Children under 2 can travel on their parents tickets unless a separate seat has been booked and a fare paid.
If you are making a booking and your infant has not been born yet, do not add the infant to your booking. Book your flight and when your baby is born call your local Qantas office to add their name to the booking.
A limited number of bassinets are provided on some of our domestic aircraft. These should be requested at the time of reservation. Bassinets may be booked for infants up to 6 months of age. Private bassinets may not be used. Infants travelling free of charge who are too large for bassinets are not entitled to a seat and must be nursed. If you prefer to pay the child's fare this will ensure a seat.
Child Restraint Device
The safest way for an infant to travel on an aircraft is in a Child Restraint Device (car seat). Carriage of a lap held infant is allowed however research has demonstrated it does not provide the protection of a child seat.
To purchase a seat for your infant and obtain pre-approval for the use of a child seat contact your local Qantas Office (pre-approval must be obtained a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure).
Note: Approval cannot be obtained on departure at the airport.
Baggage
Children are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults.
Infants have the following baggage allowances:
- Australian Domestic and Dash 8 flights - No allowance
- Travel to and from US Territories, Tahiti, South America and Canada^ via the Pacific - 1 piece with total dimensions not exceeding 115cm (45in)
- New Zealand Domestic and all other International ^ - 10kg (22lb)
Adults accompanying infants are entitled to check-in one collapsible stroller or a carry basket or bassinet (to be stowed in the aircraft hold) and infant food and nappies for use inflight. This is in addition to the normal free baggage allowance for adults.
Meals
Special child, toddler and baby meals are available. These must be requested at the time of reservation, otherwise standard meals will be supplied. Let us know your child's age when ordering. If you are travelling with a child or infant aged between 0 and 23 months who has food allergies or special dietary requirements, you must provide their meals.
A wide selection of soft drinks and fruit juices is available for children throughout the flight. Make sure your children drink regularly on longer flights to counteract the dry air on board.
All Qantas aircraft carry a limited quantity, for emergency use, of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles and brushes, cereals and rusks. If your baby prefers a particular brand, it's a good idea to carry enough for the flight. We cannot guarantee that we will have your brand onboard. Also note that Qantas does not provide infant formula.
At the Airport
Nursery facilities and parents' rooms are provided at most major airports.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to arrive at the boarding gate particularly when travelling on international flights.
If travelling with infants and young children, you will be invited to board the aircraft before other passengers whenever possible.
In the Air
During take off and landing, bassinets must be closed and you must nurse your baby.
Your baby or young child may cry on take off and landing due to the brief 'popping' in their ears as cabin pressure adjusts to altitude. This is perfectly normal. By giving your baby a bottle or breastfeeding at this time, you will help to relieve the 'popping' sensation. For older children and for yourself, the 'popping' can be simply alleviated by chewing on a toffee or sweet.
A limited supply of nappies and baby wipes are available onboard international services, in case of emergency. On domestic services, nappies are available, however, as these are limited, we recommend bringing a supply of your own.
Cabin crew will prepare, heat and wash bottles or pacifiers (dummies) on request. There are no private areas onboard the aircraft to breastfeed babies but you are welcome to feed your baby in your seat.
You'll find baby changing tables in selected washrooms on the aircraft. Use these facilities rather than change your baby at your seat. This is for your own comfort and that of fellow passengers. Washrooms are equipped with special disposal chutes for nappies. Nappies must not be disposed of in the aircraft toilets.
On long flights when there is time to sleep, change your small children into their pyjamas and settle them in their seat or on your lap. The more normal their routine, the more likely they are to sleep. It is often helpful to bring along a favourite bedtime toy for them to cuddle.
On the whole, children sleep very comfortably onboard aircraft. For safety reasons, children are not permitted to sleep on the floor of the aircraft. Please also make sure that your child does not have any limbs protruding into the aisle while they sleep . This can be dangerous both for the child and for unwary passengers.
Kids Kits
We provide complimentary kids kits onboard containing items that will help keep children entertained for hours. On Domestic flights Mr Men kids kit for 3-12 year olds are available.
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On International flights we provide the Australia Zoo kids kit for 3-6 year olds.
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On international flights we provide the Surf's Up kids kit for 7-11 year olds.
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On Arrival
Upon arrival at your destination city, the cabin crew will advise you of disembarkation procedures.
Remember to let Qantas know if you change your travel plans at any time before or during your trip, as restrictions do apply to some tickets. Don't forget to re-book your bassinet or special meal when changing your flight.
Further Information
You'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions in our FAQs.
