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Travelling with kids: documents, flights and staying sane

What paperwork children need, what goes in the hand luggage and how to keep the journey relaxed.

View from a terminal window onto the apron
Photo: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

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Documents

  • Each child needs their own document: babies too need their own passport or ID card. Check the requirements of your home country in good time.
  • Travel authorisations: ESTA, the UK ETA and Canada's eTA are needed for every child individually.
  • Travelling with one parent: a letter of consent from the other parent (ideally in English) can save questions at the border.

On the plane

  • Babies under 2 usually travel on your lap with their own belt; you can book a seat of their own with an approved child seat.
  • Pushchairs: many airlines let you take them to the aircraft door, then they go in the hold free of charge.
  • Ear pressure: let them drink, suck or chew during take-off and landing.
  • Reserve seats early so you can sit together.

Hand luggage

  • Baby food and medicines may be carried in the quantity needed, including over 100 ml.
  • Spare clothes for children and adults, wet wipes, small snacks.
  • Entertainment: favourite toy, books, child-size headphones and films downloaded in advance.

At your destination

  • Pre-book a transfer with a child seat: after a long flight it's more relaxed than the taxi queue.
  • Sockets and power: pack the right adapter for bottle warmers and chargers.

Useful

How Voynera helps

Voynera's entry check verifies the ID validity of everyone travelling, includes them in the packing list and shares the trip with the whole family – no account needed.

As of November 2026 · without guarantee