Tengrinews.kz — Flying with a child requires a bit more preparation than a typical trip. When can a child travel alone? Is there a fee for infants? Can you bring water and baby food on board? Tengrinews.kz has compiled the essential rules you should know before your journey.
Rule 1. Arrange Accompaniment in Advance
Rules depend primarily on the child's age.
Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult passenger. There are no exceptions.
Children aged 6 to 16 may fly independently, but only if the airline's "Unaccompanied Minor" service is arranged. Such tickets must be booked at least 5 calendar days prior to departure.
Important note: Unaccompanied minors are not accepted for travel between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM, in accordance with Kazakhstan's national legislation.
After check-in, the parent must remain at the airport until the flight takes off in case of delays or cancellations. Upon arrival, an airline employee will meet the child and release them to the designated adult only after a document verification.
If you are traveling with your child but have different last names, it is advisable to bring a birth certificate. The airline has the right to request documentation proving the relationship.
Rule 2. Child Tickets: Fares and Discounts by Age
The cost depends on the child's age and the destination.
Children under 2 years old: On domestic and international flights, infants fly for free if they do not occupy a separate seat and are held by an adult. However, they must still be added to the booking and issued a boarding pass.
If a separate seat is required for an infant under 2, 50 percent of the fare is charged. The same rule applies to a second child under two years old on international flights.
Tickets for children aged 2 to 12 on international flights and 2 to 15 on domestic flights cost 50 percent of the adult fare when accompanied by an adult. In this case, the child is provided with a separate seat and a free baggage allowance according to the established policy.
Rule 3. Baby Food and Water: No Liquid Limits
Standard liquid restrictions do not apply to baby food and formula.
You may bring water, formula, purees, and other food items in the quantity necessary for the duration of the trip, including potential flight delays. For easier security screening, it is recommended to use transparent containers.
In-flight Meals for Children: Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT, and Sunday Airlines
What airlines offer:
- Air Astana provides vegetable, fruit, or meat purees for children under two free of charge. No advance booking is required. Flight attendants can also assist with warming up bottles or formula.
- FlyArystan operates as a low-cost carrier; therefore, all meals, including baby food, must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance.
- SCAT and Sunday Airlines offer hot meals depending on the flight duration. Since jarred baby food may not be available on board, it is recommended to bring your child's usual food with you.
Rule 4. Car Seats in the Cabin: Conditions and Dimensions
A child car seat may be used in the cabin if a separate seat has been booked for the child and the car seat is certified for aircraft use.
The seat must feature the marking: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
Size requirements also apply. For instance, on Air Astana flights, the seat width must not exceed 41 cm, with maximum overall dimensions of 66 × 44 cm.
If the seat does not meet these requirements, it must be checked as baggage. Before your trip, check with the airline to see if it is included in the free baggage allowance.
Rule 5. In-flight Entertainment: Keeping Your Child Busy
Experienced parents suggest waiting until you are on the plane to reveal new toys; they may lose their novelty if given at the airport.
For toddlers, tactile books, rattles, and small rubber toys are ideal. Older children will enjoy magnetic puzzles, cards, reusable drawing pads, or a tablet with pre-downloaded cartoons. Don't forget to pack headphones.
If time permits, visit the airport playroom; it helps the child burn off energy before the flight.
Flight attendants are there to help: they can provide warm water for bottles, offer blankets, or answer any questions you may have.
Carry-on essentials and how to help your child during takeoff
A few simple tips can help make your flight go more smoothly.
- Dress your child in layers. Cabin temperatures can fluctuate between hot and cold—the ability to quickly add or remove a sweater makes life much easier;
- Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on—not just for the child, but for yourself as well;
- During takeoff and landing, breastfeeding or a pacifier can help infants, while older children can try chewy candy or simply yawning to ease discomfort from pressure changes;
- If possible, choose aisle seats—it is much easier to get up and move around the cabin with a child;
- Arrive at the airport early. Check-in, security, and any unexpected situations with children almost always take longer than anticipated. An extra thirty minutes will help you avoid unnecessary rushing.