Flying with a baby can present several challenges, including potential health issues, documentation requirements, and airline restrictions on essential items. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers, including infants, if they appear unwell, particularly if a contagious condition like chickenpox is suspected. For instance, a baby cannot fly if they are developing new chickenpox spots or are still infectious, though a GP letter can confirm if spots are crusted and no longer infectious.
All travellers, regardless of age, need official documentation. Babies require their own passport and a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to necessary healthcare in most EU countries. It is also important to add infants to travel insurance policies, which can cover non-GHIC medical care, lost items, or holiday cancellations due to illness.
Airlines also have specific rules for items like pushchairs, baby formula, and medicines. While fully collapsible pushchairs are generally checked in for free, some airlines have size or weight restrictions. Baby food, milk, and sterilised water can be carried in hand luggage, exceeding usual liquid limits, if travelling with the baby. Breast milk can be carried in hand luggage in containers up to 2000ml each, even without the baby present, but may be screened.