Does your baby need their own plane ticket?
A baby sitting on your lap (a so-called 'lap infant') usually flies for 10% of the adult fare or free of charge, depending on the airline. The following applies:
- The baby does need their own booking (and plane ticket)
- The baby needs their own passport or identity document
- You may have no more than one lap infant per adult
Would you like a seat of its own for your baby? Then you pay the normal child fare (usually 75% of the adult fare) and you may bring an approved car seat or CARES harness.
Good to know
In the Netherlands, a baby needs a valid passport or identity card for flights abroad, even if it is an infant just a few weeks old. Apply for this well in advance at your municipality.
Travel documents for babies and toddlers
This is often underestimated: a baby or toddler also needs their own travel document. In the Netherlands you can choose between:
- A child's own passport (valid for 5 years)
- A Dutch identity card (valid for 5 years for children; for travel within the EU/Schengen and, for example, to Turkey)
You apply via your municipality. The processing time is 5 working days on average, but during the summer holidays this can rise to 2 weeks. Apply in good time!
Flying outside the EU? Always check the visa requirements for your destination — for children too.
Hand luggage with a baby: what can go through security?
The normal 100ml liquids rule does not apply to baby food and baby milk. You may take:
- Baby milk (formula) in any quantity
- Puréed baby food (jars and pouches)
- Expressed breast milk in any quantity
- Medicines for the child
You do have to present these separately at the security check. The security officer may test the liquid with a strip — this is normal and only takes a moment. Recommended: always pack these at the top of your hand luggage for quick access.
Good to know
Schiphol has special 'family lanes' at security during busy periods — giving you more room to fold up your pushchair and put your belongings on the belt.
Taking a pushchair to Schiphol
Most airlines let you take a pushchair free of charge as hold luggage. Your options:
- Up to the gate: you hand in the pushchair at the gate just before boarding. After landing it is ready for you at the aircraft or at the special 'oversized baggage' desk.
- Checking it in as hold luggage: the pushchair then travels in the hold and you no longer use it at the airport.
Our recommendation: a lightweight folding buggy that you take up to the gate. That way your hands are free at the airport.
Taxi to Schiphol with a baby or toddler: how do you arrange it?
With a baby or toddler you want as little stress as possible when you set off. A taxi from AMS Taxi Schiphol is ideal:
- You can book a taxi with a child seat, for €12.50 per seat, per ride — choose the number of seats when you book
- The driver helps load the pushchair, suitcases and changing bag
- You are picked up at home — no walking to the station with a buggy and luggage
- Early flights are no problem: we drive 24/7, including at 04:00
Book your taxi with a child seat or call +31 85 400 5400 for more information.
Useful extra tips for flying with a baby
- Ask for a bassinet (a small cot attached to the cabin wall) at check-in if your baby is younger than 6 months — not always available, so request one early
- Preferably fly during your baby's sleeping times — at night or early in the morning
- Pack a spare set of clothes for yourself in your hand luggage — accidents are to be expected
- Make sure there is something to suck on (a bottle or dummy) during take-off and descent — this helps equalise the pressure on the ears
- Mention at check-in that you have a baby — the airline can then reserve a suitable seat
