Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. Airlines change their rules; confirm on their site before you fly.
Four airlines compared
| Topic | LATAM | Avianca | Copa | Iberia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lap infant | Under 2, infant fare | Under 2, infant ticket | 0 to 23 months, 10% of published fare plus taxes | Under 2, may fly on a lap |
| Baby's bag | Extra bag of 45 x 35 x 20 cm, no checked bag | Personal item (diaper bag) of 45 x 35 x 20 cm | No checked bag on a lap | Same allowance as the adult (CHD or INF fare) |
| Extra item | One folding stroller, portable bassinet or certified car seat | Folding stroller to the gate, free up to age 11 | One of three: diaper bag, small folding stroller, or infant seat (if a seat is bought) | Stroller or car seat free |
| Onboard bassinet | Not checked | Not checked | Not offered | Yes on long-haul, under 8 months and up to 11 kg |
| Car seat on board | With own seat, certified | Under 2, no charge; up to 68 x 35 x 43 cm with a motor vehicle and aircraft certification label | Only with a purchased seat | With CHD fare; ECE R44/R129, TÜV or FAA mark, 42 to 44 cm wide |
| Source | LATAM | Avianca | Copa | Iberia |
Sources checked on 1 November 2026. Copa does not carry newborns under seven days old, and a second infant needs their own seat; it confirms in English that it has no onboard bassinet service (Copa).
Aeroméxico is not in the table, but it publishes its stroller rule: with an infant under 2, the stroller flies free up to 115 linear cm; above that an oversize fee applies. For kids aged 2 and up, Aeroméxico treats it as one of your checked bags (Aeroméxico, checked 2026-11-02).
Booking hacks
- Compare the family total. The infant fare is a percentage or a separate price. If the child turns 2 mid-trip on Copa, you pay the fare difference on the way back because they now need a seat.
- Lap or seat? A lap is cheaper; a seat lets the child use a car seat and sleep better on a night flight. The European aviation regulator, EASA, notes that even an approved seat is used at the airline's discretion (EASA, checked 2026-11-01).
- Request the bassinet early. On Iberia it is handled by reservations offices and depends on availability.
- Check the car seat label. Avianca wants the label to state it is certified for motor vehicles and aircraft. Bring the installation instructions; crew may ask.
- Use family miles. Some programs let you redeem tickets for relatives from your account. Spanish speakers can read our miles and upgrades section.
Seats
- Car seats go by the window, per EASA, so they do not block an evacuation, and never in exit rows.
- Pick seats together when you book. Do not count on the airline to fix it on the day.
- Near the restroom is handy; right next to it means a queue and light all night.
- Booster seats cannot be used on planes, because aircraft belts differ from car belts (EASA).
Security
- Baby milk and food for the trip are allowed above the usual liquid limit. At Heathrow, expressed breast milk can be carried in containers of up to 2 litres and must be liquid, not frozen (Heathrow, checked 2026-11-01).
- Fold the stroller before your turn; it goes through the scanner.
- Use family lanes where they exist (Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Istanbul), and book Schiphol's free slot. See the airports guide.
On board
- Ears on takeoff and landing. Pressure changes can bother children. Feeding, a bottle or a pacifier often helps babies; give older kids something to drink. If your child has a cold, ask a pediatrician which medicine they can take before flying (MedlinePlus, checked 2026-11-01).
- One change of clothes per child, and one for you.
- Layer the entertainment: something new, something familiar, and headphones that fit small ears.
- More snacks than you think. Delays do not warn you.
Jet lag with kids
Flying from Latin America to Europe means moving the clock forward several hours.
- Shift bedtime a little in the days before you leave.
- Get outside in daylight on arrival day.
- Keep the first nap short.
- Do not keep kids up late to tire them out; overtired children sleep worse.
- Keep day one light and save the big attraction for day two or three.
Documents
- Every child needs their own passport and, without both parents, the exit permit from their home country.
- Keep photos of passports, permits and bookings on your phone.
- If the flight is delayed, our flight delay guide explains what to ask for.
If a child gets sick abroad
If a child gets sick on the trip, start with this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a stroller count as baggage?
On the four airlines above, one folding stroller travels free within limits. Avianca lets you take it to the gate, and if it is no more than 115 linear cm and 10 kg it may go in the cabin when space allows. Copa asks for large strollers to be checked at the counter.
Can I hold two babies on my lap?
Generally no, and it depends on the airline. On Copa, a second infant needs their own seat. EASA notes each airline sets how many children one adult may take.
Which car seats are accepted on board?
One approved for aircraft that fits the seat. Iberia asks for ECE R44 or R129 approval with a TÜV or FAA mark and a maximum width of 42 to 44 cm. Avianca asks for a label certifying use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Up to what age can a baby use the bassinet?
On Iberia, under 8 months and up to 11 kg, on long-haul flights and subject to availability. Other airlines set different limits.
Checked 1 November 2026.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; reviewed 1 November 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.