фото-10.jpg

How to prepare for a flight with a child

08 August 2025, 08:00

Travelling with a child is not just a challenge — it’s also a special opportunity to spend quality time together, explore new places, and show your little one how exciting the world can be.

To help make your journey to your destination as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a detailed guide. Here, you’ll find tips on what to consider while still at home, as well as helpful travel hacks and available options for a more comfortable trip.

Planning your flight 

When booking your trip, we recommend choosing direct flights whenever possible. This helps reduce stress for your child, avoids long layovers, repeated check-ins, and the hassle of handling luggage multiple times.

Baggage rules when flying with children

One of the most common concerns for parents travelling with kids is baggage and stroller transportation. At SkyUp™, special baggage conditions apply for children, depending on their age.

фото-14.jpg

For infants (under 2 years old)

Infants travel without a separate seat but are entitled to:

  • One piece of hand luggage up to 5 kg (maximum dimensions 40×30×20 cm). You can pack everything needed during the flight: baby food, nappies, a change of clothes, a favorite toy, etc.
     
  • Free transportation of a stroller. You can use it all the way to the gate. It will be collected just before boarding and returned after landing.

For children (aged 2–12 years)

Children over 2 years old have their own seat and receive the same baggage allowance as adult passengers — depending on the selected fare.

Important: If your child is over 2 years old and travelling with a stroller, it is considered a separate piece of luggage.

Baby essentials on board: food, nappies, and more

At SkyUp™, we understand how important it is to keep your child comfortable — especially during a flight. That’s why we’ve prepared key onboard conveniences in advance.

Flying with an infant?

  • All our aircraft are equipped with changing tables in the lavatories, allowing you to change nappies in a clean, comfortable space.
  • Need to prepare formula? Our cabin crew will gladly provide warm water free of charge.

Flying with an older child?

To make mealtime worry-free, you can pre-order a Kids SkyBox or other meal options either during online check-in or afterwards in your personal passenger account. Most of our boxes are balanced and suitable for both kids and adults.

Orders must be placed no later than 72 hours before departure.

You are also welcome to bring your child’s favorite snacks on board: crackers, fruit or veggie pouches, baby biscuits — anything familiar will help them feel more at ease and bring a touch of home on the journey.

Family seating on board: stay close, stay comfortable

We know how important it is for parents to sit next to their children and ensure they’re supervised and comfortable during the flight. SkyUp™ offers clear and family-friendly seating policies.

фото-70.jpg

There are three fare types available:

  • Just Fly
     
  • Fly & Smile
     
  • Fly & Celebrate
     

If you choose Fly & Smile or Fly & Celebrate, your family will be automatically seated together at no additional cost — whether you check in online or at the airport.

If you’re flying on the Just Fly fare, seats are assigned randomly. However, you can pay to sit together with your child during online check-in or directly at the airport (subject to availability). 

How to keep your child entertained during the flight

You know your child best — so we recommend preparing a small set of items that will keep them engaged and relaxed on board.

You can bring their favorite toy along to provide comfort and familiarity. Other useful entertainment items include:

  • Pre-downloaded cartoons or family-friendly shows on your phone or tablet — make sure they’re available offline
  • Picture books or stories your child loves
  • Coloring books and crayons
  • Compact board games or puzzles
  • Soft toys

Keeping your child occupied helps the flight pass faster and makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone.

4.jpg

Travel documents for children

Before your trip, make sure you have all the necessary documents — this helps prevent any unwanted surprises at the airport or border control.

  • Passport: 
    Even infants need a valid international passport. Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
     
  • Visa: 
    If your destination country requires a visa, make sure to obtain it in advance.
     
  • Consent from the other parent: 
    If only one parent is travelling with the child, a notarised consent letter from the other parent is required, allowing the child to leave the country.

Note: If your child has a different surname than you, make sure to carry:

  • The child’s birth certificate
  • Your marriage certificate

We also recommend double-checking official SkyUp™ and border control websites for the latest information before departure.

A few final tips

  • Priority boarding and check-in: 
    Families with children are often allowed to check in and board without waiting in line. Just remind the staff — they’ll be happy to assist you.
     
  • Medicine and sweets for pressure relief: 
    Keep a basic first-aid kit with you, as well as something to help with ear pressure during take-off and landing — such as sweets or chewing gum.
     
  • Allow extra time: 
    Give yourself extra time for travel and check-in. A calm and unhurried pace makes the trip more enjoyable for the whole family.

May every flight with your children be filled with calm, care, and little shared adventures.

Wait