Traveling with a baby is like going on an adventure with a tiny, wide-eyed, giggling explorer. Yes, there will be moments where your patience is tested, but think of all the upsides, mosty importantly ALL the FREEBIES for babies! For one, your little bundle of joy can fly for free as a lap infant on most airlines. That’s right—no ticket needed for your pint-sized travel buddy. And the perks don’t end there! Airports and airlines are actually a treasure trove of freebies for parents.
Yes, traveling isn’t free, it does pinch the pocket. Thus, when you get rewarded for taking the risk and venturing out with your little mini-me, it simply soars the heart. It in fact, becomes the most precious thing you’ll spend for your family.
So, buckle up as we dive into the wonderful world of complimentary services for traveling with infants and toddlers. These 10 freebies for babies are curated by our own experiences, across airports and airlines from different cities, countries, and continents. Also, letting you know in advance, Number 10 is a secret reveal!
1. Priority Boarding
No one likes standing in a long boarding line, especially not with a wriggling baby in tow. Enter: priority boarding. Many airlines offer this golden ticket to parents with young children, allowing you to board early and get settled without the hassle of elbowing through a crowd. Freebies for Babies 1; Staying at Home 0.
During our first flight with Little A, it felt surreal when we were treated like royalty. With our baby sleeping snugly, we were worried of waking her up in the process of boarding, even while it was priority. However, as we strutted on an empty aisle to the aircraft gate, our smiles broadened to see the VIP treatment!
2. Free Checked Stroller and Car Seat
Dragging around a stroller and car seat can feel like preparing for a mountaineering expedition. Luckily, most airlines let you check these items for free, either at the check-in counter or the gate.
Additionally, they offer to let you to carry the stroller till the aircraft gate, and then check it in right before entering the flight. On reaching the destination, they also bring the stroller out right at the gate, so you can use it the minute you deboard from the aircraft. This is perhaps the BEST and most important of all the freebies for babies out there!
Alternatively, at most international airports, free strollers are provided for commute from gate to baggage claim. It felt like a lifesaver during our trip to Hong Kong. You can check this link to learn more on availing this free service.
If you want to learn more about strollers, head out to our blog 5 Best Travel Strollers of 2024 .
3. Infant Bassinets
On long-haul flights, airlines often provide bassinets for infants, which are lifesavers for letting your little one sleep comfortably. Just remember to reserve one in advance! It’s a gem of the freebies for babies!
On a flight to Mauritius, Little A slept so soundly in her bassinet that we managed to watch two movies back-to-back. By the end of the flight, we were perhaps more refreshed than the rest of the co-travellers!
4. Baby Nursing Rooms
Some airports have designated baby nursing rooms or family lounges equipped with everything you need to keep your little one entertained and comfortable before takeoff.
While less often than not, some airports even provide cribs, toys, and a mini play area for the bubbies to enjoy! Who won’t enjoy such freebies for babies?
In our numerous travels, we have been to basic to luxurious ones, but the first one that we went to, will always be special!
5. Buggies to Aid in Commute
Most airports provide the buggy service for passengers who need support, like elderly, pregnant, or traveling with infants. This is completely free and helps in getting from the security area to the departure gate with minimum hassles.
When we traveled to Vietnam, the buggy service helped us with all our extra luggage for the kiddo!
6. Kiddie Meals at Airport Lounges
Airport lounges are a traveler’s paradise in India, with the food and beverages served at almost zero cost, when tied up with partner banks and credit card companies. However, some of them get more brownie points by adding a couple (or more!) baby-friendly kiddie meals too!
Our latest trip to the USA was from Kolkata, and they served healthy cakes and rice porridge with date and jaggery sweeteners respectively. Since we avoid refined sugar to the best of our ability, it made Little A super happy, and certainly made our day!
7. Diaper Changing Kits
Sometimes, airlines go the extra mile and offer complimentary diaper changing kits, complete with diapers, wipes, and even diaper rash cream.
When we got the usual kiddie kit on our flight to Mauritius, we were pleasantly surprised that it came with the entire changing set, as well as a feeding bottle and cleaning brush! Talk about ‘sky angels’!
8. Screen-Free Entertainment Packs
To keep the little ones entertained, airlines often hand out free coloring books, crayons, and small toys. It’s like a tiny birthday party at 30,000 feet!
On one of our trips to the USA, Little A received a coloring book and a set of crayons. While we armoured up with all the different types of in-flight entertainment, but it was a joy to our eyes to see how she kept going back to the coloring book!
However, if you need more insights about entertaining your little traveler without the screen-time, do check out our blog 10 Unmissable Travel Toys for Your Adventures in 2024.
9. In-flight Entertainment for Kids
Airlines often offer a treasure trove of child-friendly movies, TV shows, and games on the in-flight entertainment system. Some even provide complimentary headphones!
During one flight, Little A enjoyed some episodes of “Cocomelone” on repeat. She was so engrossed that we actually managed to sneak in a nap. A small miracle at 30,000 feet!
10. Free Middle Seat
Now this may not be the norm, but when you travel often, you learn to become street smart! You become a little less nervous and a little more charming, with airline staff, security personnel, and most importantly your co-passengers. And that’s when the magic happens. A smile takes you a mile forward, and things turn into your favour.
On a handful of occassions, the guys at the check-in counter assigned us seats in a row that was magically empty. Sometimes, we had to request the third person if they would occupy an empty seat in another row, which they happily obliged. It all happens by luck, but it does happen!
And when it does, we place our little one on the seat for a hearty nap. And everyone knows the power of a well-napped baby!
So Gear Up to Get the Freebies for Babies!
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, with all the freebies and special services available, it can be quite the adventure. So next time you’re planning a trip, take a deep breath, pack your bags, and embrace the journey with your tiny co-pilot.
In the skies, with our tiny tyke,
We find the joys of a baby’s hike.
From free perks and pre-boarding glee,
Traveling with tots is a breeze, you’ll see!
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