Kids Travel Guide: Rules, Permits, Tickets, and Family Destinations

Traveling can be stressful. There are arrangements to be made, packing to be done, time schedules to keep, and more.

Traveling with children is even more stressful! Do you have all the paperwork? Can you take a stroller on the plane? How much extra does it cost?

Don’t stress! As the Middle East’s leading family-friendly airline, we’re here to answer all your questions and give you some excellent tips for your journey.

Your dream family vacation is just a click away!

Travel Permits for Children

Similar to adults, children, including newborns and babies, need travel documentation. This includes a valid passport and visa (if applicable).

Visas are not necessary for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It’s, however, always best to find out beforehand if you need a visa for your kids or not.

We recommend you travel with the child’s unabridged birth certificate. This is a requirement in many instances, especially when traveling internationally.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may also need health documentation detailing things such as childhood vaccination statuses.

Plus, you must check on the Absher platform if you need exit permits for your children.

When traveling locally, children don’t need a passport, just a form of identification, such as a birth certificate or a valid ID.

Air Travel Requirements for Children

Age Restrictions

Children under 12 years must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or older child, and cannot travel alone. Children over 12 may travel alone, but must have written consent from an authorised parent or guardian.

Remember to complete the necessary consent forms, even if your child is traveling with another family member.

Airfare for Children

You must book individual (separate) flight tickets for children who are two years and older. Babies under the age of two may travel on their parents’ laps. You must pay a small fee for babies, which includes a 10kg checked baggage allowance.

Strollers

You can check in strollers for free, regardless of the baggage allowances attached to your ticket. If the stroller is compact and doesn’t weigh more than 8kg, you can bring it aboard, provided there is space in the overhead compartment. Our friendly on-board staff will assist you in this regard.

Best Places to Travel with Children

Choosing the right destination for your family vacation is crucial. At flynas, we’ve rounded up the best spots around the world.

Experience the thrills of a winter wonderland in places such as Almaty, Brussels, and Vienna. Batumi and Trabzon on the Black Sea and Bodrum on the Aegean Sea both have stunning beaches and loads of water sports, such as jet skiing, river rafting, and parasailing.

In the Middle East, you cannot go wrong with Dubai, with its lively atmosphere and many waterparks, or Abu Dhabi, home of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

Why not stretch your wings and take the family on an unforgettable adventure to Africa? Get up close and personal with wildlife in Nairobi or explore the gorgeous coral reefs in Hurghada.

If you’re looking for family vacation places closer to home, we highly recommend AlUla with its amazing rock formations and adventures, such as hot-air ballooning, or the soft, sandy beaches of the Red Sea.

Learn more about all our top destinations by following this link.

Travel Essentials for Children

You’ll have to pack a few extras when travelling with your children to ensure a smooth journey.

A favourite blanket, pillow, or toy offers comfort and familiarity. Keep older children entertained with games on tablets, laptops, or phones.

Pack a few practical snacks and cool drinks to keep the hunger pains at bay. At flynas, we cater to young taste buds. You can pre-order special child meals. We’ve even thrown in a surprise chocolate egg!

Dress your child for the trip and keep an extra set of clothes on hand in case of mishaps. Make sure your child wears something comfortable. Layered outfits help a lot, because you can add and remove items as necessary.

Pack a small first aid kit, so you’re ready for little cuts, bruises, and other unforeseen health issues.

Don’t forget the travel documents!

Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Make all your bookings in advance — flights, hotels, transport, and outings.
• Create a checklist to ensure you remember everything.
• Always allow for extra time in case something happens. Be prepared for delays.
• Ensure all essential items are in your carry-on bag.

FAQs