When can babies fly?
Airline minimum ages, what a newborn needs, and the practical advice that makes the difference — including the ear-pain fix.
The short answer. Most airlines set a minimum age of around 14 days, and some require a doctor’s letter for a very young baby. There is no single legal rule — each carrier sets its own, so check yours before booking. Premature babies need individual medical advice.
Minimum ages, and why they vary
Airlines set minimum ages rather than any regulator, which is why you will find different answers. Around 14 days is common, some carriers accept younger with a doctor’s letter, and a few are stricter.
The reasoning is partly medical — a newborn’s lungs are still adapting, and the first days are when problems tend to show themselves — and partly practical, in that airlines would rather not be the setting for a newborn’s first illness.
Premature babies
This needs proper medical advice rather than a general rule. Babies born prematurely may have reduced respiratory reserve, and cabin altitude reduces available oxygen. Some will be entirely fine; some need assessment, and occasionally supplemental oxygen. The neonatal or paediatric team who cared for the baby are the right people to ask, and airlines commonly require medical clearance.
The ear-pain fix
This is the single most useful thing to know. Babies cannot deliberately equalise their ears, and the change on descent is what makes them scream. Swallowing does it for them.
Feed — breast, bottle or dummy — during take-off and, more importantly, throughout the descent. Time a feed for the last 40 minutes of the flight rather than letting them sleep through it, because they swallow far less asleep. Cabin crew will tell you when descent begins if you ask.
If your baby has a cold or ear infection, expect a harder time and speak to a pharmacist or GP beforehand. More on flying with an ear infection.
What to take, and what security allows
- Baby food, formula, expressed breast milk and sterilised water are exempt from liquid limits. You may be asked to open or taste them
- More nappies and more changes of clothes than you think — for the baby and for you
- Any medication in original packaging with a letter if it is prescribed
- The baby’s own passport, and their red book if travelling somewhere you might need medical care
- An approved car seat if you have bought a seat — safer than a lap for turbulence
Travelling soon after birth
Consider yourself as well as the baby. After a caesarean you are recovering from abdominal surgery and should not be lifting bags — see flying after a c-section. Postnatal clot risk stays raised for around six weeks after any birth, so move regularly on longer flights and hydrate.
When to get advice first
Get medical advice before flying with a baby who was premature, has a heart or lung condition, has needed oxygen, is unwell, feeding poorly, or has a fever. A baby under three months with a fever needs assessing urgently rather than travelling.
Common questions
How old does a baby have to be to fly?
Airlines set their own minimum, commonly around 14 days, and some require a doctor’s letter for a newborn under a few weeks old. Check your specific carrier before booking.
Can a premature baby fly?
It needs individual medical advice. Premature babies may have less respiratory reserve, which matters more at cabin altitude, and airlines often require medical clearance. Ask the neonatal or paediatric team.
Do babies need a passport?
Yes. Every child needs their own passport for international travel, including a newborn. Allow time — first passports take longer than renewals.
How do I stop my baby's ears hurting?
Feed or offer a bottle or dummy during take-off and especially descent. Swallowing equalises the pressure. Try to keep them awake for the descent, since they swallow less asleep.
Can I take formula and milk through security?
Yes. Baby food, formula, expressed breast milk and sterilised water for a baby are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions. You may be asked to taste or open them.
Does my baby need a separate seat?
Under two, infants can usually travel on an adult’s lap with an infant seatbelt, though buying a seat and using an approved car seat is safer and more comfortable if you can.
Related
Need a letter for a newborn or premature baby?
If your airline has asked for medical confirmation that your baby is fit to fly, a GMC-registered UK GP can review the details and issue the letter.
Get startedReviewed by a GMC-registered GP. Full refund if a certificate cannot be issued on clinical grounds.