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Flying with your toddler

Flying with a toddler can be incredibly difficult. They are more mobile than infants, can talk, and above all else are probably teething. There are so many reasons why the toddler years are referred to as the 'terrible two's' but with this guide, you can reduce the stress of flying and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How do I travel with a toddler on a plane?

We've made a short list of some essential and non-essential items to pack before your flight:

  • A child passport
  • Child travel insurance
  • A car or booster seat
  • A bag with all your essentials
  • Tablet or handheld games console
  • Colouring books and sticker
  • Snacks

How can I fly with my toddler alone?

You can fly with your toddler as long as you have a letter from your partner or proof that you are a single parent or guardian. The letter from your partner merely needs to state that yes, he or she knows you are taking their child out of the country and that you have their consent. If you do not have this letter, you could be denied boarding. These rules are in place to stop child abductions from occurring.

Do I need a car seat to fly with a 2-year-old?

Toddlers cannot sit in a regular seat without a car seat. You will need to contact your airline if you need one so that you can arrange to use your own, or expect to have one provided by the airline.

Can you fly with a toddler on your lap?

If the airline allows it, your toddler could sit on your lap if they are under two years old. They will still have a surcharge price, and you will need to pay for their extra cabin baggage.

Can you take a car seat on a plane?

Airlines have their own unique requirements for whether or not you can bring a car seat with you on a plane. Some might allow you to bring it with you free of charge, others will require you to check it or use it as part of your boarding allowance. You should always contact your airline in advance for further clarification.


Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 828848.

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is provided by Taurus Insurance Services, an insurance intermediary licenced and authorised in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission under Permission Number 5566 and authorised to passport general insurance intermediary services into the UK and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK under registration number 444830.

The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE. Great Lakes Insurance SE is a German insurance company with its headquarters at Königinstrasse 107, 80802 Munich. UK Branch office: 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, EC3M 5BN, company number SE000083. Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, is authorised and regulated by Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht. Deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number: 769884. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.