British Airways car seat and stroller policy
Flying with kids on British Airways? See rules for strollers and car seats. Learn about the two free checked items for each child and family seating.
British Airways offers a notable benefit for families: each infant and child can check up to two essential items, like a stroller or car seat, for free. This generous allowance applies even if you are traveling on a hand baggage only fare, which is often the most restrictive ticket type.
Because airline policies can be updated, it is always a good practice to confirm these details directly with British Airways when you book your travel to ensure you have the most current information for your specific flight.
| Topic | What British Airways says |
|---|---|
| Stroller | Each infant and child can check up to two essential extras, including a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller), for free. This allowance applies even on hand baggage only (Basic) fares.Source |
| Checking a car seat | Each infant and child can check up to two essential extras into the hold for free, even on hand baggage only fares. These items include a car or booster seat.Source |
| CARES harness | If you book a separate seat for an infant under 24 months, you must bring either a compliant child car seat or an AmSafe system for the baby to sit in during the flight.Source |
| Family seating | If you do not select seats in advance, the airline will try to seat your family together. All children under 12 will be seated with an accompanying adult, though this may be in adjacent rows or across an aisle.Source |
Strollers and car seats
For each infant and child in your party, British Airways allows you to check up to two essential extras into the hold at no charge. This includes items like a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller), a car seat, or a booster seat. This free allowance is provided even on the airline’s hand baggage only (Basic) fares.
If you book a separate, paid seat for an infant under 24 months, you are required to bring an approved restraint for them. You must use either a compliant child car seat or an AmSafe system in their seat during the flight.
“In addition, each infant and child, can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare: Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller)”
Official wording, britishairways.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“In addition, each infant and child, can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare: … Car or booster seat”
Official wording, britishairways.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“If you have booked a separate seat for your infant (under 24 months) to travel as a child, you must bring either a child car seat that complies with the airline safety requirements listed below, or an AmSafe system that attaches to the aircraft seat for your baby to sit in during the flight.”
Official wording, britishairways.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Sitting together
If you decide not to select your seats in advance, British Airways will try to seat your family together. The airline’s policy states that all children under 12 will be seated with an accompanying adult from your group.
However, sitting together does not always mean side-by-side. The airline clarifies that your family members could be placed in adjacent rows or across an aisle from one another. If sitting together in the same row is important, ask about selecting seats when you book.
“If you don’t choose your seats in advance, we always do our best to seat your family together based on flight seat availability. This may mean that you’ll be seated in adjacent rows or across the aisle. All children under 12 will be seated with an accompanying adult.”
Official wording, britishairways.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Related pages
More on British Airways:
- British Airways infant and child policy: lap infants, bassinets and kids flying alone
- British Airways bassinet: what the airline says
Same topic, other airlines: