Newborn babies
A lot of airlines have rules for the moment at which newborn babies are allowed to travel in the pressurized cabin of the aircraft. In the case of a lot of airlines, newborns may only fly after day 7.
The ticket price for children and babies
Different ticket prices generally apply for babies and children. Many airlines use the following categories: babies (up to the age of 2), children (between 2 and 12 years of age) and adults (from the age of 12 upwards). Some airlines charge adult fares for children from the age of 2. Babies and children often fly at reduced rates.
Unaccompanied minors
Children are never allowed to travel alone. They always have to be accompanied by an older person (generally over the age of 16).
The airline may also arrange for them to be accompanied.
Children are then (upon payment) safely accompanied at Schiphol, during the flight and at the destination airport (handover) by an airline employee. Not all airlines offer this service.
Children's service on board
Many airlines offer special children's toy packs and also children's meals. The children's meals always have to be reserved in advance (if these are provided).
Not all airlines carry diapers, baby formula and food for infants on board. You can often order these in advance. Always take some with you to be on the safe side. Please note: New rules applying to hand baggage within the EU. See link below this text.
Strollers and prams
Collapsible strollers may often be checked in at the gate. Prams and non-collapsible strollers usually have to be checked in at the check-in desk.
On lap or in a separate seat?
Babies can often only travel on someone's lap, unless a separate seat has been paid for. Baby seats in which children travel (in a separate seat) are subject to certain requirements, among other things relating to the dimensions and the possibility to attach the children's seat to the aircraft seat.
Most airlines do not allow more than two babies to be accompanied on board. For safety reasons it is furthermore generally not allowed for you to take more than one baby on your lap. You will have to reserve a seat for the second child.
Travel cots
Some airlines carry travel cots, baby baskets or baby cots on board. These are generally only available on (long-haul) intercontinental flights. Moreover restrictions often apply with respect to the size and weight of the baby.
Contagious children's diseases
If children have a contagious disease such as the mumps, whooping cough, German measles or chicken pox they are not allowed to fly without a medical certificate that states that it is safe for them to fly.
