Families travelling with Ryanair are set for a significant boost, as the budget airline has introduced a new policy allowing free carry-on baby equipment. The change, which permits two essential items per child, is designed to ease the financial and logistical burden on parents jetting off on holiday.
What's Included in Ryanair's New Allowance?
The Irish carrier has updated its website to confirm that passengers can now bring two pieces of carry-on baby equipment on board for free. This can include a pushchair or buggy, a car seat, a booster seat, or a travel cot. All items must be tagged at either the check-in desk or the boarding gate before flight departure.
For convenience, travellers can use pushchairs and buggies right up to the steps of the aircraft. Ryanair notes that upon arrival, the equipment will be returned either at the aircraft steps or in the baggage hall, advising passengers to "check with the ground staff as you disembark."
Important Rules and Restrictions to Note
While the policy is a welcome change, Ryanair has outlined specific conditions, particularly for car seats. Parents wishing for an infant under two years old to sit in a car seat during the flight must book an extra seat. The car seat must be forward-facing and approved for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
The airline specifies that seats must carry either a label stating 'Certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft' for US-approved models or display the European Standard Mark. Any baby equipment beyond the two free items can be checked into the hold for an additional fee.
A Summer of Family-Friendly Airline Changes
Ryanair's shift follows other positive updates for travelling families from UK airlines. Earlier this year, Jet2 announced that children under two can travel for free on all new bookings made from August 22, provided the child is under two at the time of travel.
Jet2.com also enhanced its infant equipment allowance, eliminating excess baggage charges for child equipment checked into the hold. Furthermore, it provides an extra 10kg baggage allowance for under-twos, plus two free hold items, with the weight limit not applying to items like collapsible pushchairs and travel cots.
These combined changes from two major budget carriers signal a concerted effort to make air travel more accessible and less stressful for families across the UK and Europe, potentially influencing broader industry standards for family-friendly travel.
