Air India Infant Policy - Flights Counsel

Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Between packing, feeding schedules, and airport formalities, the last thing you want is confusion about airline rules. That’s why understanding the Air India Infant Policy before booking your ticket makes such a difference.

Air India allows infants to travel comfortably with their parents or guardians, but there are specific age limits, ticketing rules, seating options, and baggage allowances you should know. This guide explains everything clearly, in everyday language, so you can focus more on your journey and less on fine print.

What Is Considered an Infant Under Air India Rules?

Under the Air India Infant Policy, an infant is defined as a child:

From 7 days old
Up to 23 months (under 2 years) on the date of travel

Once a child turns two, even by one day, they must travel on a child ticket and occupy their own seat. This rule is strict and applies to both domestic and international flights.

Minimum Age for Infants to Fly on Air India

Air India allows newborns to fly after they are 7 days old. Infants younger than this are generally not permitted to travel unless there are exceptional medical reasons and prior approval is obtained.

Parents are encouraged to consult a pediatrician before flying with very young babies, especially on long-haul routes.

Ticketing Rules for Infants on Air India

Infants cannot travel without a ticket. Under the Air India Infant Policy, there are two ways infants can fly:

Lap Infant (Infant-in-Arms)

Infant sits on an adult’s lap
Infant does not occupy a separate seat
Only one lap infant per adult passenger

Infant with a Separate Seat

A full child fare is charged
Infant must be secured in an approved car seat
Recommended for longer flights

Most parents choose lap infant travel for short journeys, while separate seats are preferred on international routes.

Infant Ticket Cost and Fees Explained

Infant fares are generally lower than adult tickets, but they are not free.

Domestic Flights

Infants usually pay a small fixed fee
Taxes may be included
Fare varies slightly by route

International Flights

Infant fare is typically around 10% of the adult base fare
Taxes and surcharges apply
Fees depend on destination country

Under the Air India Infant Policy, infant fares must be added at the time of booking or before departure.

Seating Rules for Infants on Air India

Air India follows strict safety guidelines for infant seating.

Key rules include:

Infants cannot sit in exit rows
Bassinet seats are available on select long-haul aircraft
Bassinets must be requested in advance
Availability is limited and not guaranteed

If bassinets are important to you, booking early is strongly advised.

Using a Bassinet on Air India Flights

Bassinets can be a lifesaver on long flights.

Under the Air India Infant Policy:

Bassinets are offered on certain aircraft only
Infant weight and size limits apply
Seats with bassinets are usually bulkhead seats
Requests should be made at booking or by contacting customer support

Not all aircraft have bassinets, especially on domestic routes.

Approved Car Seats and Safety Devices

If you purchase a seat for your infant:

The car seat must be airline-approved
It must fit within seat dimensions
It should have proper safety certification

Crew members may check the car seat before allowing its use onboard.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

One of the helpful parts of the Air India Infant Policy is the baggage allowance.

Infants are generally allowed:

One piece of checked baggage (weight varies by route)
A collapsible stroller or pram
A carry-on diaper bag (subject to cabin rules)

Always confirm baggage limits for your specific fare and route, especially on international flights.

Carry-On Items for Infants

Parents traveling with infants are allowed to bring essential items onboard, such as:

Baby food and formula
Feeding bottles
Diapers and wipes
Essential medicines

Liquids for infant use are usually exempt from standard liquid restrictions but may be screened separately.

Meals and Baby Food on Air India Flights

Air India does not provide special infant meals on all flights.

Parents are advised to:

Carry sufficient baby food and formula
Prepare for delays
Inform cabin crew if assistance is needed with warming food

On long-haul flights, crew members are usually accommodating within safety limits.

Infant Travel on Domestic Flights

Domestic travel with infants on Air India is relatively simple.

Key points:

Infant ticket required
Lap infant allowed
Limited bassinet availability
Lower infant fees compared to international travel

Shorter flight durations make domestic journeys easier with babies.

Infant Travel on International Flights

International travel requires more planning.

Under the Air India Infant Policy for international routes:

Passport and visa (if applicable) are mandatory
Higher infant fares apply
Bassinet requests are more common
Longer flight duration requires extra preparation

Always check entry rules for infants at your destination.

Required Documents for Infant Travel

Parents must carry:

Birth certificate (recommended)
Passport for international travel
Visa (if required)
Vaccination records (optional but helpful)

Documentation checks are strict for international journeys.

Health and Medical Considerations

Air India advises parents to:

Avoid flying with sick infants
Carry prescribed medications
Inform crew of any medical needs

For infants with medical conditions, a medical clearance form may be required.

Booking Infant Tickets After Adult Booking

If you forgot to add an infant during booking:

You can add the infant later
Contact Air India customer support
Additional charges may apply

Under the Air India Infant Policy, infants cannot be added at the airport without prior arrangements.

Changes and Cancellations for Infant Tickets

Infant tickets generally follow the same rules as the adult ticket.

This means:

If the adult ticket is refundable, infant fare may be refunded
Change fees may apply
Infant ticket must be modified along with adult booking

Fare rules always take priority.

Traveling Alone with an Infant

Solo parents can travel with infants, but:

Only one lap infant per adult is allowed
Extra assistance should be requested in advance
Carrying essential supplies is crucial

Airport staff usually provide help when requested.

Tips for a Smooth Journey with an Infant

A few practical tips go a long way:

Choose aisle or bulkhead seats
Feed during takeoff and landing to reduce ear pressure
Pack extra diapers and clothes
Arrive early at the airport

These small steps align well with the Air India Infant Policy and make travel easier.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Avoid these frequent issues:

Forgetting to add infant to booking
Assuming infant travel is free
Not requesting bassinets early
Carrying insufficient documentation

Planning ahead prevents last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts on Air India Infant Policy

The Air India Infant Policy is designed to balance safety, comfort, and practicality for families traveling with babies. While the rules are clear, the experience becomes much smoother when parents understand age limits, ticketing requirements, seating options, and baggage allowances in advance.

With proper planning, flying with an infant on Air India can be manageable and even enjoyable. A little preparation goes a long way when your smallest passenger is along for the journey.