Flying with a pram? Here’s what to know about airline policies, gate-checking, and choosing the right stroller for travel with your baby or toddler.
Planning a family trip? Flying with babies and young children comes with enough challenges—your airline’s stroller and baggage policy shouldn’t be one of them. This guide breaks down flying with a pram, including current airline policies for traveling with infants and children, including what you can bring on board, what you can check for free, and whether bassinets are available.
Note: This guide is current at the time of writing, but airline policies can change. Always double-check the latest information with your airline before flying.
Read more: Navigating Christchurch Airport With Kids: Your Family-Friendly Guide
Quick Links: Airline Infant and Child Travel Policies
- Qantas
- Air New Zealand
- Jetstar
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Virgin Australia
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Tips for Travelling with Children
Qantas
Stroller Policy: Collapsible strollers that meet size requirements may be brought as carry-on. If too large, they must be checked.
Carry-On Baggage: Infants without a seat don’t get their own carry-on allowance but essential items (e.g. nappy bag) are permitted.
Checked Baggage:
- Infants (under 2):
- Domestic: No allowance, but up to 3 infant items (stroller, car seat, portable cot) can be checked free.
- International:
- To/from the Americas: 1 x 10kg + 3 infant items.
- Other routes: 10kg + 3 infant items.
- Children (2–11): Same checked baggage as adults + 2 child items (e.g. stroller, car seat).
Bassinet Availability: Available on international and some A330 domestic flights (limit: 11kg/71cm). Must request at booking.
More info: qantas.com
Air New Zealand
Stroller Policy:
Strollers are allowed onboard if they meet carry-on size limits — except on Regional Turbo Prop aircraft (ATR & Q300, flight numbers NZ5000–NZ5999), where they must be checked in. These aircraft do not have overhead locker space or room under seats for strollers, and strollers can’t be used on tarmac walkways.
Carry-On Baggage:
Infants (under 2) may bring one carry-on bag.
Checked Baggage:
- Infants: No standard baggage allowance, but two items such as a stroller, car seat, or portacot can be checked in free of charge.
- Children (2–11): Same baggage allowance as adults, plus two child-related items.
Bassinet Availability:
Available on international flights for infants up to 11.8kg and 70cm. Request when booking.
More info: airnewzealand.com
Jetstar
Stroller Policy:
Allowed as carry-on if within size limits; otherwise, must be checked. All strollers must be stowed in overhead lockers and meet carry-on size and weight requirements. If too large, they must be checked in.
Carry-On Baggage:
Infants not occupying a seat don’t have their own carry-on allowance. Essentials like nappies, food, milk, and spare clothing must fit within the accompanying adult’s carry-on allowance.
If your infant has a paid seat and sits unaided or in an approved car seat, they’re entitled to the standard carry-on baggage allowance.
Checked Baggage:
Regardless of fare type, the following items can be checked in for free when travelling with an infant or young child:
- One pram or stroller
- One portable cot
- One highchair
- One car seat, baby capsule, or booster seat
Infants without a seat do not have a standard checked baggage allowance beyond these items.
Bassinet Availability:
Limited. Bassinets can be requested on some international flights at the time of booking.
More info: jetstar.com
United Airlines
Stroller Policy: Collapsible strollers allowed as carry-on. Larger strollers can be gate-checked for free.
Carry-On Baggage: Infant essentials (e.g. diaper bag) permitted. No extra carry-on for infants without a seat.
Checked Baggage:
- With ticketed seat: Standard allowance.
- Without seat: Stroller and car seat can be checked for free.
Bassinet Availability: Available on international flights (limit: 11kg). Request early and confirm availability.
More info: united.com
Read more: Christchurch Mums Reveal Their Travel “Must-Haves” For Long-Haul Flights With Kids
Delta Air Lines
Stroller Policy: Strollers and car seats can be gate-checked free of charge.
Carry-On Baggage: Parents can bring baby items like a booster seat, breast pump, or nappy bag as additional carry-on items.
Checked Baggage:
- Free check-in for stroller and car seat.
- Items can be checked at curbside, ticket counter, or gate.
Bassinet Availability: Available on international flights (limit: 11kg). Request at booking.
More info: delta.com
Virgin Australia
Carry-On Baggage:
- Infants (under 2, no seat): Additional 7kg for baby essentials (milk, food, wipes, etc.).
- Children (2–11): Same allowance as adults.
Checked Baggage:
- Infants (no seat):
- Economy Lite: 3 free infant items (e.g. pram, cot).
- Other Fares: 3 infant items + 1 x 23kg bag.
- Infants (with seat): Same item policy as above.
- Children (2–11):
- Lite: 2 special child items.
- Other Fares: Standard allowance + 2 items.
Stroller Policy: Can be gate-checked or checked in for free. Ask for a gate tag at check-in.
Bassinet Availability: Not available on any Virgin Australia flights.
Tip: You can bring your own approved car seat (CRS) onboard.
More info: virginaustralia.com
Emirates
Stroller Policy: 1 carry-cot or compact stroller allowed in cabin if space permits; otherwise, checked free.
Carry-On Baggage: Infants without a seat can have essential baby items (e.g. diaper bag).
Checked Baggage:
- Infants: No personal baggage, but 2 infant items (stroller and car seat) are free.
- Children (2–11): Same as adult allowance.
Bassinet Availability: Available for infants up to 2 years, max 11kg.
- Size: 75 x 33 x 22cm
- Request via “Manage My Booking” or at booking.
More info: emirates.com
Singapore Airlines
Stroller Policy: Foldable stroller under 7kg and 115cm total size allowed in cabin if packed and unused. Otherwise, must be checked.
Carry-On Baggage: Essentials like diaper bag permitted for infants without a seat.
Checked Baggage:
- Infants: No allowance, but 2 infant items (stroller and car seat) can be checked free.
- Children (2–11): Standard adult baggage allowance.
Bassinet Availability: Limited availability in Economy and Premium Economy.
- Size Limit: 75 x 33 x 20.8 cm (max 14kg)
- Request early during booking or via airline contact.
More info: singaporeair.com
Tips for Travelling with Children
✅ Confirm Airline Policies Before Flying Always visit your airline’s official website or call customer service before your trip.
✅ Know Size & Weight Limits for Strollers Compact travel strollers like the Lucci Travel Stroller usually fit carry-on requirements—just make sure to check dimensions.
✅ Request Bassinets Early Most airlines offer a limited number of bassinets. Book early and reconfirm before flying.
✅ Label Baby Items Clearly Label strollers, car seats, and cots with your name and contact info to avoid loss or mix-up.
Whether you’re flying with a newborn or a curious toddler, knowing the stroller and baggage rules for your airline can save time, stress, and tears at the airport. This guide provides a helpful starting point—but always check the latest updates directly with your airline.
This article originally appeared on Edwards & Co, and has been repurposed with permission by nooknz.com
