Traveling with a baby is a major milestone, and while the thought of a long-haul flight might be daunting, the China Southern Infant Policy is actually quite accommodating once you peel back the layers of airline jargon. Known for having one of the largest fleets in Asia, China Southern has a very standardized approach to flying with little ones, making it easier to plan your trip from Guangzhou to London or anywhere in between.

Here is a comprehensive look at the age limits, fees, and travel rules you’ll need to navigate for a smooth family journey.

Age Limits: When Can Your Baby Fly?

China Southern has a strict minimum age for their youngest passengers to ensure their safety and health.

• Minimum Age: A newborn must be at least 14 days old to board a flight. If your baby was born prematurely, the airline generally recommends waiting until they are at least 90 days old, though the official cutoff remains 14 days for healthy, full-term infants.

• Maximum Age for "Infant" Status: To qualify for infant fares and rules, the child must be under 24 months (2 years old) for the entire duration of the journey.

• The "Turning Two" Rule: If your child turns two during your trip, you’ll need to book a child fare (with a guaranteed seat) for the return leg of the journey.

Understanding Fare Types and Fees

Just because a baby is sitting on your lap doesn't mean they fly for free. The cost depends on whether they are taking up a seat or not.

Lap Infants (Under 2 Years)

• Domestic Flights (Within China): You will typically pay 10% of the full adult fare.

• International Flights: The fee is usually 10% of the applicable adult fare, plus taxes and surcharges. Unlike some budget carriers, China Southern includes a small baggage allowance even for lap infants on most international routes.

Infants with a Seat

If you want your baby to have their own space (to use a car seat, for example), you must purchase a Child Fare.

• Cost: This is usually 50% to 75% of the adult fare, depending on the route and current promotions.

• Requirement: If you are one adult traveling with two infants, the China Southern Infant Policy requires that at least one of those infants occupies a paid seat for safety reasons.

Baggage Allowance: More Generous Than You’d Think

Packing for a baby is essentially packing for a small army. Fortunately, China Southern is quite realistic about this.

• Checked Bags (Lap Infant): On most international flights, a lap infant is allowed one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 10kg (22 lbs).

• Carry-on: You can bring a small diaper bag with essentials like formula, diapers, and baby food in addition to your own carry-on allowance.

• Strollers and Gear: You are allowed to check one foldable stroller or one infant car seat free of charge. Most parents prefer to gate-check the stroller, allowing them to use it right up until they step onto the plane.

Scoring the Airplane Bassinet

On long-haul international flights (usually on aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350), China Southern offers baby bassinets. However, these are like gold—limited in number and high in demand.

Bassinet Requirements:

• Weight Limit: The baby must weigh no more than 12 kg (25 lbs).

• Height Limit: The baby must be shorter than 70 cm (27.5 inches).

• Age: Generally intended for infants under one year old.

• How to Book: You cannot usually book these online. You must call the China Southern customer service hotline or visit a local office at least 24 hours (ideally much earlier) before departure.

Onboard Comfort and Dining

China Southern makes a genuine effort to keep babies happy during the flight.

• Baby Meals (BBML): You can pre-order baby food (usually jars of pureed fruit or vegetables) at least 24 hours before your flight. If you forget to order, the crew often has a small "emergency" stash, but it’s not guaranteed.

• Milk and Water: The cabin crew is happy to help warm up bottles. Just ask them for some warm water in a container to heat the milk—don't ask them to microwave it, as they don't have them on board!

• Diaper Changing: Look for the lavatory with the "baby" icon; it will have a fold-down table. It’s tight, but it’s manageable.

Safety Seats and Restraints

If you've bought a seat for your infant, you are welcome to bring an approved car seat.

• Certification: The car seat must have a label showing it is approved for use in aircraft (such as an FAA or EASA sticker).

• Positioning: Car seats must be placed in a window seat to ensure they don't block the escape path for other passengers in an emergency.

The China Southern Infant Policy is designed to be a middle ground between safety and convenience. While the bassinet rules are strict, the extra baggage allowance for lap infants is a massive win for parents. If you’re heading to the airport, just remember to bring the original birth certificate or passport for the baby, even for domestic flights, as the airline is very particular about verifying ages.