Do airlines allow toddlers luggage

Practical rule: on U.S. and many international carriers you can gate-check one collapsible stroller and one car seat for a child under two at no extra charge; if you buy a separate seat for the child, the ticketed baggage allowance for that fare class applies. Measure the car seat and stroller folded dimensions in advance and confirm the carrier’s gate-check policy on your reservation.

Checked-piece limits vary by carrier and route: many long-haul international fares use a 23 kg (50 lb) per-piece rule for economy, while overweight surcharges commonly start at $100–$200. Domestic carriers typically charge about $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on standard economy fares; luggage weight and size rules still apply if a paid seat is issued for the child.

Security and cabin items: breast milk, formula and baby food are permitted in quantities exceeding 100 ml/3.4 oz for screening but must be declared at the checkpoint; ice packs and frozen gel packs are allowed if solid when screened. Use an FAA-approved car seat if you plan to use it in a purchased seat; check seat width and aircraft seat pitch for compatibility.

Packing recommendations: carry a dedicated diaper bag with spare clothing, nappies, wipes, a compact blanket, and medication in cabin carry-on; tag strollers and car seats with a bright strap or label for easy identification. For bulky gear, compare the cost of gate-checking versus shipping ahead – shipping can be cheaper on multi-item trips.

Before travel, review the carrier policy for each flight segment, confirm interline handling on connections, and take screenshots or print the relevant pages from the carrier’s website so gate staff can verify rules quickly. If in doubt, call customer service and note the reference or agent name for future reference.

Do carriers permit baggage for young children?

If a child occupies their own seat, treat their checked baggage the same as an adult ticket – the fare class determines number, weight and size limits.

For lap infants (typically under 2 years), most U.S. carriers do not include a free checked bag on domestic itineraries; many international operators add one free checked piece for a lap infant on long-haul fares. Check the specific operator’s policy before booking.

Gate-checking strollers and car seats at the aircraft door is generally free; keep the gate-check tag and request a protective bag if available. Gate-checked items are usually returned at the jet bridge or baggage claim depending on airport procedures.

To use a car seat onboard it must display the manufacturer’s certification: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Measure the seat’s width against aircraft seat measurements if you plan to install it in a window or middle seat.

Carry-on practice: most carriers permit one small personal item for the adult plus a diaper bag or child essentials bag that does not count as a carry-on. Pack at least 24–48 hours of diapers, wipes, formula/food, medications, change of clothing and a lightweight blanket in that bag.

Document checklist: keep passport or birth certificate handy for age verification on international travel; have the child’s name correctly entered on the reservation; add baggage allowances or infant fares during booking to lock in freebies when offered.

Practical tips: weigh checked pieces at home to avoid overweight fees; tag every child item with your contact details; purchase an extra seat if you need the checked-piece allowance that comes with a paid seat or want guaranteed space for a car seat.

If policy wording is unclear, call the carrier’s baggage desk with your booking reference before arrival. Save the representative’s name and confirmation number for airport staff if an allowance is disputed.

Which items count as a young child’s baggage under typical carrier policies?

Bring one designated diaper bag as the primary child item: pack diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, feeding supplies and a few quiet toys – most carriers treat this as a complimentary personal item for a child under 2.

Typical item categories and concrete packing guidance

Diaper bag contents – quantities: plan ~1 diaper per hour of travel plus two spares (e.g., 6–8 diapers for a 4–6 hour trip), 1–2 travel-sized packs of wipes, a compact changing pad, 2 complete outfit changes, plastic bags for soiled items, and disposable bibs. Use clear zip bags for wet/soiled separation and weigh the packed bag to avoid unexpected fees.

Feeding/food – formula, breast milk, expressed milk, baby food and juice for a child are exempt from the 3.4 oz (100 ml) liquid restriction at security checkpoints; declare them separately. Frozen milk/ice packs are acceptable if mostly frozen at screening. Bring measured portions in sealed containers and extras for delays.

Safety devices, strollers, batteries and documentation

Child safety seats and strollers – most carriers accept a car seat and a stroller at no extra charge; gate-checking is common. Label items with name and phone number, put a protective cover on a car seat, and keep the seat’s FAA-approval label (if planning to use it in a purchased seat). Collapsible strollers usually fit the gate-check process; bulk or non-folding strollers may need checked handling.

Medications and medical devices – prescription medicines and medical supplies for a child are carried separately and are screened. Keep prescriptions, a doctor’s note for syringes or special devices, and store injectable supplies in carry-on with proper packaging.

Batteries and battery-powered items – spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must travel in the cabin: up to 100 Wh is commonly permitted in carry-on, 100–160 Wh requires carrier approval. Tape terminals or use original packaging for spare batteries. Battery-powered toys with non-removable batteries are normally fine in carry-on if small.

Personal care and small extras – pack travel-size toiletries, a compact towel, a toothbrush, and a small bath scrubber or cleaning tool for quick freshening; see a DIY option here: how to make a body scrubber. For costly or fragile child items, photograph them and keep purchase receipts to speed recovery if lost.

Carry-on allowance for young children: permitted sizes, weights and cabin placement

Recommendation: pack one compact personal bag for stowage under the seat (max ~40×30×20 cm / 16×12×8 in) and, if the carrier’s policy permits, a single standard cabin bag not exceeding ~56×36×23 cm (22×14×9 in); aim for a combined weight of 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) unless the operator states a different limit.

Permitted sizes and weights

Typical configurations seen across major operators: a small under-seat item (approx. 40×30×20 cm / 16×12×8 in) plus one overhead cabin bag (approx. 56×36×23 cm / 22×14×9 in). Low-cost operators sometimes restrict the free small item to about 40×20×25 cm (16×8×10 in) and enforce stricter weight caps (often 7 kg / 15 lb). Long‑haul or full‑service operators frequently impose no strict weight for carry‑ons but require that the item can be safely lifted into the overhead bin by the passenger; when a weight is published it commonly sits between 7 and 10 kg (15–22 lb).

Diaper / nappy bags and essential child medical items are usually exempt from count limits or are allowed in addition to the adult’s carry‑on; check the operator’s specific list of permitted extra items. Soft-sided bags compress better for tight spaces; rigid suitcases are more likely to be measured or gate‑checked.

Cabin placement and handling

Place the child’s personal bag under the seat in front for immediate access to nappies, wipes, formula and medication; put the standard cabin bag in the overhead bin unless the small bag is oversized. If cabin storage is full, gate agents commonly gate‑check cabin items free of charge – these are returned at the aircraft door or at baggage reclaim depending on airport policy. Label all bags with contact details and place fragile or valuable items in the under‑seat item.

Packing tips: use a soft, compressible under‑seat bag for ease of fitting; keep liquids and medicines in a clear, easily reachable pocket for security checks; distribute weight so the bag remains liftable by the accompanying adult. Verify the operator’s exact dimensions and weight limits before travel to avoid boarding rework or unexpected fees.

Checked baggage rules and fees for young children: free allowance versus paid items

Recommendation: Prepay at least one checked item for each young child on long-haul or international tickets; gate-check strollers and car seats to avoid overweight or oversize surcharges.

Typical free-checked-item practices: many air carriers include one complimentary checked piece for infants/children on international fares, often defined as a single bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) or a smaller allowance of 10–15 kg (22–33 lb) for certain regional tickets. For domestic short-haul fares in the U.S. and some low-cost carriers, no free checked piece is automatically granted for a child on a lap unless the fare/infant ticket explicitly states otherwise.

Strollers, car seats and travel bassinets: most carriers will accept one stroller and one car seat per child at the gate or check-in free of charge; fully collapsible or soft-sided models usually avoid oversize fees. Free acceptance typically requires them to be checked separately from standard checked bags and tagged at the gate.

Fee ranges to expect: pay-on-site first-bag charges on domestic routes usually run $25–$35; second-bag $35–$60. International checked-bag surcharges vary widely – some fares include one free child bag, others charge $30–$100 per piece. Overweight fees commonly fall between $75 and $200 for 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) bags; oversize fees can be $100–$400 depending on linear dimensions.

Practical cost-saving steps: (1) Consolidate heavy child items into an adult’s checked allowance when possible; (2) prepay baggage online to save $10–$50 versus airport rates; (3) use a soft, compressible bag for child gear to lower risk of overweight/oversize classification; (4) gate-check bulky items to bypass checked-bag counters. For very bulky non-child items (for example, outdoor shade equipment), consider shipping ahead or checking as a special item – see best large patio umbrella with stand for dimension ideas before deciding.

Documentation and labeling: weigh and measure every checked piece at home; attach the child’s name and contact info; keep receipts for any gate-check or special-item transactions in case of disputed charges or reimbursement claims.

Bringing strollers and car seats: gate check, cabin use and installation rules

If you buy a separate seat for your child, board with a certified child restraint installed using the aircraft seat belt; otherwise gate-check both stroller and car seat at the jet bridge and keep small valuables with you.

Gate-check procedure and packing

At the gate present the stroller/car seat for a gate-check tag; most carriers tag items free of charge when presented at the jet bridge. Remove cupholders, toys and detachable parts and fold the stroller compactly so it fits the carrier’s storage area. Use a padded gate-check bag or wrap in a blanket to reduce scuffs; fragile items (detachable bases, electronic monitors) should be carried onboard. Retrieval options vary by carrier: many return gate-checked items at the aircraft door on arrival, while some send them to baggage claim–confirm the handling method at drop-off.

For battery-powered strollers remove the lithium battery and carry it in the cabin. Lithium-ion limits: up to 100 Wh are generally permitted in cabin; 100–160 Wh require carrier approval; >160 Wh are prohibited. Tape exposed terminals, insulate and protect against short circuits.

Cabin use and proper installation of car seats

Only use a car seat in the cabin if you have purchased a separate seat for the child and the restraint has a visible compliance label indicating certification for motor vehicle and aircraft use (example wording: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”). Measure the seat width of the aircraft saddle seat–narrow-body economy seats usually range 17–18 inches–ensure the car seat base fits within that width with no overhang.

Installation steps: place the restraint on a single aircraft seat, route the aircraft lap belt through the manufacturer’s aircraft belt path, buckle and tighten until the seat moves no more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. Use the restraint’s top tether only if the aircraft seat provides an approved anchor and the manufacturer’s instructions permit it. Follow the CRS manual for harnessing the child snugly (chest clip at armpit level, no slack). Rear-facing CRS can be used if they fit within the seat and meet the manufacturer’s aircraft guidance, but they are not permitted in exit rows.

Restrictions commonly enforced: CRS cannot occupy exit row seats; booster seats that require a vehicle lap-and-shoulder belt are usually unsuitable because most aircraft provide lap belts only; car seats without aircraft certification may be refused for cabin installation. If a flight attendant asks you to move the seat, comply and ask for an alternative seating assignment that accommodates the restraint.

Keep paperwork and the CRS manual in carry-on for quick reference; if in doubt about fit, request a walk-through check at boarding and a confirmation of the gate-check return location.

Packing must-haves and liquids to avoid security and overweight fees

Pack liquids and heavy consumables to minimize screening delays and extra weight charges: use travel-size containers (≤100 ml / 3.4 fl oz) in one clear, resealable 1‑quart (≈1 L) bag, and keep baby milk, formula and jarred food separated for inspection.

• Carry-on liquids – exact limits:
  • Containers for routine toiletries: ≤100 ml (3.4 fl oz) each, all in one clear 1‑quart (≈1 L) bag per passenger.
  • Breast milk, expressed milk, ready-to-drink formula, and baby food: permitted in reasonable quantities above 100 ml but must be presented separately for screening.
  • Frozen ice packs and gel packs: allowed if completely frozen when screened; soft/partially melted packs subject to additional checks.
• Practical liquid packing:
  • Use powdered formula in single-serving scoops stored in labeled resealable bags; mix after security or onboard using bottled water purchased post-security.
  • Replace glass jars with flexible pouches – they weigh less and reduce bulk.
  • Bring one empty, collapsible water bottle per caregiver to refill after screening; 1 L water adds ~1 kg to weight totals.
• Weight-management tactics:
  • Weigh packed bags at home with a digital scale; target at least 2 kg (≈4.4 lb) margin under the carrier’s weight limit to avoid surprise fees.
  • Transfer dense items (bulk formula tins, full water bottles, large diaper packs) into an adult’s checked bag or personal item rather than the child’s bag.
  • Wear the heaviest clothing and shoes on the child during travel (coat, boots) to reduce packed weight.
  • Buy bulky consumables (diapers, wipes, formula tins) at the destination for longer trips; for short trips, pre-measure needs (diapers for flight + 1–2 hours cushion).
• Checkpoint handling – quick steps:
  1. Place the clear bag of ≤100 ml containers on top of the carry item for easy removal.
  2. Set aside breast milk, formula and food items in an outer pocket and tell the security officer you have them; expect separate screening (no need to empty unless requested).
  3. If using ice packs or frozen food, show them frozen solid; if soft, be prepared for additional inspection or testing.
• Sample weight math (to visualize impact):
  • 1 L bottled water = 1.0 kg (2.2 lb).
  • Two 200 g baby food jars = 0.4 kg (0.9 lb).
  • Powdered formula for one long flight (mixed after security) – powder weight ≈ 0.2–0.5 kg depending on servings.
  • Combined, liquids and jars can add 1–2 kg quickly; removing or minimizing them can prevent an overweight fee.
• Compact packing checklist – carry-on for the child:
  • Powdered formula in labeled single-serve bags + 1 empty bottle to fill after security.
  • Breast milk or ready formula in insulated pouch if needed for immediate feeding (present separately at screening).
  • Snack pouches instead of jars; 2–3 servings for flight + 1 extra.
  • 1 spare outfit, small wet bag for soiled items, travel-size wipes (single pack), 6–10 diapers for short flights.
  • Small first-aid/medication vial – keep prescription meds in original packaging and separated for inspection.
• Don’ts that trigger fees or delays:
  • Don’t pack multiple full water bottles in checked or carry bags – buy post-security.
  • Avoid several full-size toiletry bottles; they count toward weight and exceed carry liquid limits.
  • Don’t conceal breast milk or formula inside hard-to-reach compartments; accessible placement speeds up screening.

Final tip: run a full bag weigh-and-pack trial at home 24–48 hours before departure, remove anything non-critical, and swap solid containers for flexible pouches to shave kilograms and skip extra charges.

Filing claims: steps to report lost, delayed or damaged young child’s bags and gear

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with the carrier’s ground agent at the airport before leaving the terminal for any missing, delayed or visibly damaged items.

Immediate on-site actions

– Obtain a written PIR number and keep the copy of the form and any tag receipts.

– Photograph damaged items with the baggage tag, boarding pass and a ruler or coin for scale; for strollers and car seats include serial number and model plate photos.

– Keep the boarding pass, bag tags, gate-check receipt and reservation (PNR) code; these are required identifiers for the claim.

Documentation to collect and attach to a claim

– PIR/reference number and date stamped copy from the airport agent.

– Boarding pass and bag tag images or scans.

– Proof of ownership: original purchase receipts, credit card statement showing the purchase, or a manufacturer invoice. If originals are unavailable, provide clear photos showing brand and model plus a dated purchase record.

– Repair estimate from a reputable shop or manufacturer quote for replacement; for complete loss, provide current-value receipts or links to comparable products.

– Photos of damage, and a short chronological description of how the item was handled (checked, gate-checked, used onboard).

– Passport copy for international travel or government ID for domestic, plus child’s birth certificate if the item was registered to the child (useful for car seats).

How to submit: format and channels

– Submit online via the carrier’s official claim portal when available; attach PDFs/JPEGs of all documents and include the PIR number in the subject line.

– If filing by email or postal mail, send a concise cover letter with reservation code, travel dates, PIR number, itemized list of claimed items with individual values and a bank details form for reimbursement (currency and IBAN/SWIFT where applicable).

Sample claim structure (use short, factual sentences): “Reservation: [PNR]. Travel dates: [date–date]. PIR: [number]. Item(s): [brand/model] – damaged/missing. Purchase date and proof: [attach]. Requested remedy: repair estimate / replacement amount [USD]. Contact details: [name, phone, bank details].”

Handling strollers and car seats specifically

– Keep the gate-check stub; it is treated as the bag tag for these items.

– If a seat or stroller is broken, retain all parts and packaging until claim is resolved; carriers may request inspection.

– For safety-critical gear (car seats), include a manufacturer statement about repairability if available; replacement claims generally require proof of purchase or comparable market pricing.

Compensation limits and additional remedies

– International carriage governed by the Montreal Convention limits liability for baggage in SDRs (typically converted to local currency); include a clear statement of claimed value and supporting receipts. If you purchased separate insurance or used a credit card that provides coverage, file concurrently with the issuer and supply their claim reference.

If replacement gear is needed quickly, purchase a comparable item and retain receipts for reimbursement; for product recommendations see best luggage for air force.