Typical Free Items and Allowances
Baby Changing Bag
Most UK airlines allow an extra personal item for infants under 2 – usually a changing bag in addition to your own standard hand luggage.
Foldable Pram
A fully collapsible pram is usually allowed for free. You can often use it right up to the gate.
Travel tip: Some parents opt for a compact, cabin approved pram which can be stored in the overhead locker. However, if overhead space is full, you may still be asked to check it at the gate. (My advice is to have it folded up, ready, as you are preparing to board the plane!) Remember cabin storage is never guaranteed and depends on space and crew discretion.
Travel Cot / Car Seat / Baby Carrier
Most UK airlines allow up to two baby items free (such as a pram and car seat). Travel cots and carriers vary by airline.
Some can be gate-checked (ideal for use in the airport). Others go into the hold – check your airline’s policy in advance.
Baby Milk, Food and Sterilised Water
You’re allowed to bring baby liquids in quantities over the 100ml limit but they’ll be screened at security.
You can currently bring (UK rules):
Breast milk, formula, or sterilised water – airports state ‘reasonable quantities needed for the journey’
Pre-mixed bottles or tubs of powdered formula
Baby food pouches or jars (max. 2,000ml per container)
Prescribed alternatives (such as oat/soya milk) are also allowed.
Check with your airport for their most up to date rules.
Allergies and Medical Conditions
If your child has food allergies, asthma, diabetes, or any other medical needs, you may be eligible to request a free additional cabin bag (called a medical assistance bag) through your airline’s Special Assistance team.
This may include:
Prescription medicines
EpiPens
Allergen free snacks and food
Nebulisers or oxygen cylinders
You’ll need to arrange this at least 48 hours before your flight. Contact your airline’s special assistance department directly. You may be asked to show a doctor’s note to support. (We have travelled a few times now with a medical assistance bag for our baby as we had lots of baby pouches in it as we were away for a week and he has allergies and nobody asked to see a supporting doctor’s note but we did take a print out of his medical record, where it stated his allergies, just in case. This is not a recommendation but just how we have personally done this before. as medical notes can be costly!)
Under 2s Fly Cheaper
If your child is under 2 and will be sitting on your lap, you can usually book them at a reduced fare of typically between £20 – £40 each way, depending on airline way. Just be aware that these fares don’t include a separate seat.