Traveling with babies and children is rarely easy — and when flights are delayed or cancelled, the experience becomes even more stressful. Fortunately, both the EU and UK have regulations that protect all passengers, including your little ones.
These rules ensure families receive the flight compensation and care they’re entitled to in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking.
In this article, you’ll find clear, practical information about EU flight compensation for infants and children — so you know exactly what your family’s rights are when travel plans don’t go as expected.
Check your compensation online.
EU Flight Compensation for Infants and Children
EU flight compensation for infants and children is the same as for adults.
Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, all passengers — regardless of age — have the same rights when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
The compensation amounts are identical for every passenger.
You don’t need travel insurance to claim EU flight compensation.
What matters is that the airline is responsible for the disruption — for example, due to technical issues or operational problems.
- If your flight is delayed, you might 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 airline such as Austrian Airlines, 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.
Flight Compensation for an Infant Without a Seat
When flying with a baby on your lap, your child is still entitled to compensation, even without their own seat. Under European regulations, every passenger — including infants — is protected.
This means that lap infants receive the same compensation as their accompanying adult in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking.
EU compensation for infants and children is the same as for adults. Age doesn’t impact the flight compensation amount.
How Much Is Flight Compensation for Infants and Children? (The Same as for Adults)
EU flight compensation for infants and children is the same as for adults — €250, €400, or €600, depending on the flight distance.
The amount is per passenger, meaning that if you’re traveling as a family of four, each family member is entitled to individual 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
How to Get Flight Compensation for a Baby?
Claiming flight compensation for a baby or child follows the same process as for adults.
When traveling as a family, one person can submit a single claim on behalf of everyone.
You can either contact the airline directly or use a flight compensation company — the latter is usually faster and easier.
Check your compensation online.
If you contact the airline yourself, prepare all necessary documents, including your booking confirmation, flight details, and proof of delay or cancellation (like photos of departure boards or app screenshots). Explain clearly what happened and why you’re entitled to compensation.
Keep in mind that airlines sometimes try to deny or reduce valid claims — so be persistent and know your rights.
For a hassle-free process, it’s often best to use a flight compensation company, which will handle the entire claim on your behalf.
Read more: How to Claim Compensation from Austrian Airlines?
Right to Care for Babies and Children
When flight disruptions occur, babies and children have the same right to care as adult passengers under EU and UK regulations.
This means that if your family is stuck waiting due to a delay, cancellation, or overbooking, the airline must provide meals, drinks, and accommodation if necessary. For overnight delays, they must also arrange transport between the airport and hotel.
Airlines are expected to give priority assistance to families with young children, ensuring their comfort and well-being while you wait.
The rules for EU flight compensation for infants and children ensure that even the youngest passengers are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, receiving the same care rights and compensation amounts as adults.
Featured photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels