Flying to Pakistan with Children and Babies

Airlines treat children by age on the date of each flight. An infant is a child under two. Infants usually travel on a parent's lap for a small fraction of the adult fare plus taxes. A child aged two to eleven has their own seat, and some airlines charge a reduced fare. From twelve, most airlines charge an adult fare.

Check the age on the return flight as well. A baby who turns two before the return needs a seat on the way back, and that changes the price. Tell us every traveller's date of birth when you request a quote.

For a baby or small children, a non-stop flight with PIA or British Airways avoids a connection with tired children and a pushchair. One-stop flights are often cheaper and can work well if the connection is two to three hours. A very short connection is stressful, and a very long one is tiring.

Children with their own seat usually get the same baggage allowance as adults. Infants on a lap fare normally get a smaller allowance, often 10kg, plus a collapsible pushchair or car seat. The details vary by airline, so ask us to confirm the figure on your quote. Our baggage guide lists the main airlines.

Every child needs their own passport. Children travelling with one parent may be asked for a consent letter from the other parent, especially on the return to the UK. If your child needs a visa, or a NICOP or POC card, start early, as processing takes time. Our documents guide lists what to check, and you should confirm the current rules with official sources before you travel.

Ask for a bassinet seat for a baby when you book. They are limited and depend on the aircraft, so request one as early as you can. You can also ask for child meals and baby meals. We pass the requests to the airline, but cannot guarantee them.

Pack nappies, wipes, a change of clothes for you and the baby, and any medicine in your hand luggage. Feed or give a drink during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure. Let your children move around when the seatbelt sign is off, and bring a few new small toys for the flight.

Allow extra time at the airport, especially at busy periods such as Eid and the summer holidays.

Pakistan is five hours ahead of the UK in winter and four hours ahead in summer, so jet lag is mild compared with other long-haul trips. Choose flights that let your children sleep on board where you can, and try to move bedtimes towards Pakistan time a day or two before you go. On arrival, get outside in daylight to help everyone adjust.

See your GP or a travel clinic well before you fly to check vaccinations and any advice for your children. Take the medicines you may need, with the original packaging, and be careful with food and water in the first days. Make sure your travel insurance covers everyone, including infants, and carry your children's medical information and any allergy details.

Tell us how many adults, children and infants are travelling, with their dates of birth, and we will price everyone together and confirm baggage before you pay. Request a quote, message us on WhatsApp or call 0161 870 6778.