Air New Zealand Infants Policy

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?

Children under 2 years (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform Air New Zealand that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 15 years of age.

Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.

You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have an infant car seat. When purchasing a seat, the child's fare rate applies.

Please note: the Business Premier lie-flat seat is sideways-facing and therefore, the seatbelt has an airbag in it. This means infant car seats are not able to be used in the Business Premier lie-flat seats on the refitted B747and B777 aircraft as it would impede the deployment of the airbag in the event of an emergency. Infants younger than 2 years old are still able to be seated on their guardian's lap and will be provided with a specially designed infant seat belt which will not inhibit the safety features of the airbag seat belt.

Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?

A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free within New Zealand as long as the infant will be on the lap of a passenger older than 15 years for the flight.

Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?

Yes, a child under 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

Infant car seats are allowed for use in-flight. The car seat must:

  • have a built-in restraint system
  • be approved for use in a motor vehicle
  • be safe and operational
  • fit within seat dimensions
  • allow the aircraft seat belt to restrain the car seat without physical contact with the infant

Visit Air New Zealand's website for more information.

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (i.e. bassinets, changing tables)?

infant iconInfant amenities vary by aircraft. When you're on the airplane page, look for the Infant Amenity Icon. If it is present, clicking on it will tell you what infant services are available on that airplane. If you do not see it, infant amenities are not offered on that aircraft. You can always contact Air New Zealand for more information.

Can I sit in the exit row with my infant?

Lap children and infant seats are not allowed in exit rows.