Traveling with babies and children can be challenging, and unexpected flight delays or cancellations only add to the stress. However, the EU and UK has specific regulations in place to protect the rights of passengers, including the youngest members of your family. Understanding these rules can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for flight disruptions such as delays, cancellations and overbooking. In this article, I will provide clear information on EU flight compensation for babies and children.
Keep reading to understand your family’s rights.
Check flight compensation online.
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation for Babies and Children
Babies and children are entitled to flight compensation just like adults.
All passengers can claim the same amount under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
EU flight compensation for babies and children equals that for adults – €250, €400, or €600 depending on flight distance. Age doesn’t impact the compensation amount.
You don’t need travel insurance to claim EU flight compensation.
What counts is that the airline is at fault for the flight disruption, which includes technical issues.
- If your flight is delayed, you may receive EU flight delay compensation;
- If your flight is cancelled at the last minute (0-14 days before departure date) – EU flight cancellation compensation;
- If there has been an overbooking and you have been denied boarding – EU denied boarding compensation.
If you are flying with an EU/UK airline, it applies to all flights to and from Europe.
If you are flying with a non-European airline, it applies only to flights from Europe.
If you and your family have to wait at the airport due to delay, cancellation or overbooking of your flight, you have a right to care from the airline.
Babies and kids can get flight compensation like adults, ranging from €250 to €600 depending on how far the flight is, not their age.
1.1 UK/EU Flight Delay Compensation – Infant Without a Seat
When flying with a baby on your lap, they are entitled to compensation, even without a seat.
Babies held in laps receive equivalent compensation to you, covering flight cancellations, overbookings, and delays.
According to European regulations, every passenger is protected.
Check flight compensation online.
2. Flight Compensation Amount for Babies and Adults
EU flight compensation for babies and children equals that for adults – €250, €400, or €600 depending on flight distance.
Here’s how can you calculate the compensation amount.
The compensation amount is per person. If you are a family of four, each family member is eligible for compensation.
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
3. How to Get Flight Compensation for a Baby?
If you’re seeking compensation for a baby or child, follow the same process as for an adult. When travelling with family, one person can claim for the entire family.
To get flight compensation, you can either contact the airline directly or opt for a flight compensation company, which is the simpler choice.
When contacting the airline directly, it’s important to have all of your documentation ready. This includes your flight details, booking confirmation, and any other relevant information such as evidence of the delay (photos of departure and arrival boards showing the delayed flight or screenshots of the airline’s app).
Be prepared to provide a clear explanation of what happened and why you believe you are entitled to compensation. Keep in mind that airlines may try to deny compensation or offer a lower amount than what you’re entitled to, so it’s important to be persistent and know your rights.
On the other hand, using a flight compensation company can save you time and effort as they will handle all communication with the airline on your behalf. We recommend claiming compensation with a flight compensation company.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more:
- Technical Problems Are the Airline’s Fault (You Can Get Compensation)
- What Is the “Right to Care” in Air Travel? (babies and kids have a right to care, too)
Do you have questions about EU flight compensation for babies and children or your family’s air passenger rights? Feel free to ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels