Cathay Pacific Infant Policy

When you're preparing for a long-haul flight with a little one, the logistics can feel overwhelming. Between the diaper bags, the strollers, and the worry about how they’ll handle 12 hours in the air, you don't need the added stress of confusing airline fine print.

The Cathay Pacific Infant Policy is generally regarded as one of the more "parent-friendly" sets of rules in the industry. As Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, they handle thousands of families traveling between continents, and their policies reflect a system designed to make that transition a bit smoother. Here is everything you need to know about flying with an infant on Cathay Pacific, from the age limits to those hidden fees.

Defining an "Infant" at Cathay Pacific

Before you book, you need to know where your child fits in the airline’s eyes. Cathay Pacific uses a very specific age bracket for infants.

Age Range: An infant is defined as a child under 24 months (2 years old).
Minimum Age: A baby must be at least 7 days old to fly. If you absolutely must fly with a newborn between 3 and 7 days old, you will need a medical clearance form from your doctor.
The Birthday Rule: If your child celebrates their second birthday during the trip (for example, they are 23 months on the flight out but turn 2 on the flight back), the Cathay Pacific Infant Policy requires you to book a child fare for the return leg. You can't sneak them onto your lap for the flight home!

Ticket Costs and Fees

One of the biggest misconceptions is that babies fly for free. While they don't usually pay the full fare, there is still a cost associated with bringing them along.

Lap Infants

If your baby is sitting on your lap, you will typically pay 10% of the adult fare.

Taxes and Surcharges: This is where parents often get a "sticker shock." While the base fare is only 10%, you are still responsible for most of the taxes and carrier-imposed surcharges. On international flights, these can add up to several hundred dollars.
Miles Bookings: If you are booking your own seat with Asia Miles, you usually have to call the customer service center to add a lap infant and pay the 10% cash fare + taxes.

Occupying a Seat

If you want your infant to have their own seat (perhaps to use a car seat), you will have to pay the Child Fare, which is usually around 75% of the adult fare. This is a great option for long flights where you want the extra space, but it is significantly more expensive.

Baggage Allowance: A Rare Perk

This is where Cathay Pacific really stands out. Most airlines give lap infants zero baggage allowance, but the Cathay Pacific Infant Policy is much more generous.

Checked Bags: A lap infant is typically allowed one checked bag (up to 23kg / 50lbs in most classes). This is a game-changer for packing all those extra clothes and diapers.
Strollers and Car Seats: You can check one fully collapsible stroller and one car seat for free. These do not count toward your standard baggage limit.
Carry-on: You are allowed to bring a small diaper bag on board in addition to your own carry-on allowance.

Pro Tip: Many parents prefer to "gate check" their stroller. This means you can use the stroller through the airport right up until the moment you board the plane. The staff will take it from you at the jet bridge and have it waiting for you when you land.

The Holy Grail: The Airplane Bassinet

If you’re on a long-haul flight (like HKG to London or LAX), a bassinet is essential for your sanity. Cathay Pacific provides baby bassinets on all of their aircraft, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bassinet Requirements

Age Limit: Recommended for infants under 6 months old, though older babies can use them if they fit.
Weight Limit: The baby must weigh no more than 12 kg (26.5 lbs).
Size: The bassinet dimensions are roughly 76cm x 38cm x 20cm (30in x 15in x 8in).

You should request a bassinet at the time of booking or as soon as possible via the "Manage Booking" tool. If you wait until you get to the airport, they will likely all be spoken for.

Safety Seats and Restraints

If you've purchased a separate seat for your infant, you’ll want to make sure they are secure.

Car Seats: You can bring your own car seat on board as long as it is an approved model (look for the "FAA Approved" or "For use in aircraft" sticker). It must be forward-facing if the child is over 6 months old.
CARES Harness: Cathay allows the use of the CARES safety harness, which is a great alternative to lugging a heavy car seat if your child is old enough to sit upright.
Infant Seat Belts: If the baby is on your lap, the cabin crew will provide a special "loop belt" that attaches to your own seat belt during take-off and landing.

Onboard Amenities for Parents

Cathay Pacific prides itself on "Life Well Traveled," and that extends to the tiny passengers too.

Baby Meals: You can pre-order baby food (usually pureed jars) through the website at least 24 hours before your flight.
Changing Tables: Almost every aircraft has at least one or two lavatories equipped with a fold-down changing table.
Breastfeeding: Cathay is breastfeeding-friendly. You are welcome to nurse in your seat. If you need to stay hydrated, the crew is usually very attentive about bringing water to nursing mothers.

The Cathay Pacific Infant Policy is designed to take some of the "scary" out of flying with a baby. By taking advantage of the free checked bag and pre-booking a bassinet, you can make a 15-hour journey feel a lot more manageable.