Traveling with a baby can feel like a high-stakes logistics mission. From packing enough diapers to wondering if your stroller will survive the cargo hold, the list of concerns is long. Fortunately, the British Airways Infant Policy is widely considered one of the most family-friendly in the skies.

Whether you're planning a short hop across Europe or a long-haul journey to the other side of the world, this guide covers everything you need to know about fees, baggage, and those all-important bassinets.

1. Age Categories: When Can Your Baby Fly?

British Airways has clear rules regarding the age of their youngest travelers.

• Newborns (Under 7 Days): BA can accept infants as young as 48 hours old. However, if your baby is less than one week old, you must have a "Passenger Medical" form completed by a doctor.
• Infants (Under 2 Years): A child is considered an infant until their 2nd birthday. You can choose to have them sit on your lap or book them a separate seat.
• The "Birthday" Rule: If your child turns two during the trip, BA policy is exceptionally generous. While they legally require their own seat for the return leg, BA will often allow you to pay the infant fare for the entire journey, even though they’ll occupy a seat on the way back.

2. Seating Options and Pricing

One of the first decisions you'll make is whether your baby will travel as a "Lap Infant" or in their own seat.

Lap Infants

• The Experience: Your baby sits on your lap for the flight, secured with an extension seatbelt provided by the crew.
• The Cost: Typically 10% of the adult fare plus taxes and fees.
• The Limit: Only one lap infant is allowed per adult. If you are traveling alone with two infants, one must have a booked seat.

Reserved Seats

• The Experience: Your baby gets their own seat. This is the safest way to fly and is highly recommended by safety experts.
• The Cost: You will pay a Child Fare, which is usually around 75%–85% of the adult fare depending on the route.
• Safety Requirements: If you book a seat, you must bring an approved car seat or an AmSafe CARES harness.

3. The Magic of the Carrycot (Bassinet)

For long-haul flights, the British Airways Infant Policy provides free carrycots and infant seats, but they are subject to availability.

How to Book

You can't "reserve" the physical cot itself, but you can reserve a carrycot position (bulkhead seat) through "Manage My Booking." One person in the booking can choose this seat for free.

The Two Types of Onboard Support

1. Carrycots: For infants up to 6 months old weighing no more than 8kg (17.5lb). These allow your baby to lie flat and sleep.
2. Infant Seats: For babies up to 2 years old weighing up to 12.5kg (27.5lb). These are "bouncy chair" style seats that attach to the bulkhead.

Pro Tip: Even if you have a carrycot reserved, you must remove your baby and hold them on your lap whenever the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign is illuminated due to turbulence.

4. Baggage Allowance for Infants

BA is famous for its generous baggage rules for families. Even a baby traveling on a lap gets an allowance.

Checked Baggage

• Lap Infants: They get one 23kg checked bag for the hold (unless you are on a "Basic/Hand Baggage Only" fare).
• Infants with a Seat: They get the same full checked bag allowance as an adult.

The "Essential Extras" (Free of Charge)

Regardless of your fare type, you can check in two of the following items for free:

• Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller).
• Car or booster seat.
• Travel cot.
• Baby back carrier.

Hand Baggage

If you’re traveling with an infant, you are allowed one extra cabin bag for their essentials (diapers, milk, etc.).

5. Using Car Seats on Board

If you have purchased a seat for your infant, your car seat must meet these standards:

• Direction: It must be forward-facing (rear-facing seats are limited to specific dimensions).
• Width: Must not exceed 45cm (17.5 inches).
• Approval: Must have a label showing it is approved for aircraft use (e.g., ECE R44-03/04 or FAA approval).

6. Onboard Dining and Amenities

• "Feed Kids First": BA serves children's meals before adults so parents can assist their kids first.
• Baby Food: BA carries limited tinned baby food on long-haul flights; bringing your own is recommended.
• Milk and Water: You can carry baby milk and sterilized water through security even if it exceeds 100ml.
• Changing Tables: Available in at least one lavatory on almost all BA aircraft.

Summary Table: Quick Guide

Expert Tips for a Smooth Flight

1. Terminal 5 Family Zone: At London Heathrow T5, use the Family Check-in area (Zone E) for a more relaxed atmosphere.
2. Early Boarding: Take the opportunity to board first to set up your "baby station."
3. Pressure Relief: Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help equalize ear pressure.

The British Airways Infant Policy is designed to take the edge off traveling with a baby. By taking advantage of the free checked items and the bulkhead bassinets, you can make your journey significantly more comfortable.

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