Do Kids Get Free Luggage Allowance in 2025?

Do Kids Get Free Luggage Allowance in 2025?

Travelling with children can be both exciting and stressful. Parents often worry about packing enough clothes, toys, snacks, and other essentials for their little ones. On top of that, the question of luggage allowance always comes up. Do kids get their own baggage allowance, or do they have to share with their parents? And in 2025, have the rules changed compared to the past?

Image: A photo of a woman carrying a backpack, walking down the road with a young girl, both wearing blue denim shorts, pulling suitcases.

Do Kids Get Their Own Luggage Allowance?

Yes, children generally do get their own luggage allowance. However, there are a couple of factors that come into play. It may depend on the type of ticket you buy, the age of the child, and the airline you are flying with.

Airlines usually follow three main categories:

Infants Under 2 Years Old with no Separate Seat

• If you book an infant ticket without a seat, the child often does not get a full luggage allowance.
• Instead, airlines may allow you to bring one small checked bag (often around 10 kg) or just a baby bag with essentials.
• Most airlines also allow one stroller or pushchair and sometimes a car seat for free.

Children with their own Seat (2 Years and Older)

• If your child has a ticket with their own seat, then they usually get the same baggage allowance as an adult passenger.
• This means they can check in luggage (if included in the fare) and bring a carry-on bag.

Budget Airlines

• Low-cost airlines often do not give free luggage even for adults, so children may not get it either.
• You usually have to pay extra if you want to check in bags.
• However, strollers and car seats are still often carried for free.

Cabin Baggage for Kids

Children with their own seat can bring a carry-on bag just like adults. For infants travelling on a parent’s lap, parents are usually allowed to bring one extra small bag for baby items such as nappies, bottles, and food. Some airlines also allow a foldable stroller to be taken to the gate before boarding.

Special Items for Babies and Kids

Airlines usually make exceptions for baby equipment. In 2025, this may include:

• One stroller or pushchair free of charge
• One car seat free of charge
• A baby bag with essentials

Tips for Parents When Packing

• Check your airline’s rules early. Look at the baggage allowance for infants and children on their website.
• Pack light where possible, especially if flying on a budget airline.
• Use baby bags wisely. Keep all baby items in one organised bag for easy access.
• Take advantage of free items, such as strollers, car seats, and travel cots, which may be free to check in.
• Label all your belongings, especially kids’ bags and strollers, to avoid losing them.

Conclusion

While these are the general rules, every airline has its own policies. Some may allow more weight for infants’ bags, while others may be stricter. International flights usually give more generous baggage allowance compared to short local flights.

For example, a full-service airline on a long-haul flight may allow a bigger bag for infants, while a budget airline on a short route may only allow a small carry-on. Checking before you book tickets helps you plan better and avoid surprise fees at the airport.