For most parents surviving the flight is the most nerve wrecking part of traveling with kids. You’re worried your baby will cry the entire flight or you’re toddler will act up and all the passengers will be giving you death stares. So when an airline caters to families it’s an amazing feeling. Flying one of the best airlines for kids can make a big difference in your experience, especially when flying long haul with kids.
It’s no secret US Airlines aren’t the most catering to parents and I’ve always preferred to fly International Airlines when possible. We recently flew Qatar Airways with our kids to Thailand and WOW, l definitely plan on booking with them for as many of our future flights as possible. Why is Qatar Airways one of the best airlines for kids? Here’s our experience flying Qatar Airways with kids.
Child Airfare on Qatar Airways
How old can a baby fly on Qatar Airways? Infants starting at 8 days old can fly on Qatar Airways with no restrictions. If you need to fly with a baby less than 8 days you must provide a certificate from a qualified Pediatrician stating your child is fit to travel and it’s necessary to fly.
Like many international airlines with child fares, Qatar Airways provides a discount on airfare for children aged 2-11 years old. The discount ranges from 10%-50% off the adult fare but varies by route.
Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance for Lap Infants
Each lap infant is allowed to check a car seat or stroller free of charge. In addition Qatar Airways carry-on allowance for infants is 1 bag up to10kg (22lb) or 50x37x25cm (20x15x10in). Learn how to pack light with kids here.
The Airport Experience on Qatar Airways with Kids
Strollers at Doha Airport
Like most airlines you can check this item free of charge even if traveling with an lap infant. However Qatar Airways goes above and beyond by providing loaner strollers to parents free of charge to get through the airport whether you checked one or not! This is why they are one of the best airlines for kids.
Toddler and Infant Entertainment
Getting to the airport with plenty of time to spare or have a long layover? Qatar Airways has play areas in their terminal at the airport to help pass the time for your little ones. At their hub in Doha they have full on activity nodes which include a small play area, tv area, and computers equipped with free internet. Their hub also has family restrooms and parents rooms that are equipped with bottle warmers and changing tables. There was also a playground at their terminal in Singapore.
Qatar Airways Playground at Doha Airport
Priority Boarding Believe it or not a lot of airlines (READ US airlines) no longer offer priority boarding for families. Although I don’t always recommend boarding early with kids (especially toddlers) there are reasons to and it’s nice that they still offer this option. For more information on what amenities Qatar Airways provides at airports for those traveling with kids click here.
In Flight Experience on Qatar Airways with Kids
Infant Supplies Provided on Qatar Airways
What Qatar Airways provides for infants is why they are one of the best airlines for kids! Each infant gets a small toy, diaper bag (2 diapers, 4 wipes, baby lotion, and baby powder), baby meal, and toys. I have never been on an airline that provides this much for an unpaid lap child. The diapers would have definitely came in handy that one time I lost my older daughters diaper bag when she was 15 months old right before we boarded an 8 hour flight.
Bassinet on the Plane
Qatar Airways does provide a bassinet on the plane for infants. Just call the airline after booking your flight to request a bassinet on the plane. The restrictions to use the bassinet on the plane are that your child must not exceed 24lbs and must be 24 months and under. Flying first class with kids? Bassinets aren’t available in first class on Qatar Airways Airbus 380.
Qatar Airways Food for Infants
I remember my first long haul flight with eldest daughter on Delta Airlines and when they served our meal I asked for something for her to eat. The flight attendant rudely told me they don’t give meals to lap infants. She was 15 months and I understand I didn’t pay full price (you pay 10% of the adult fare for international flights) but it was a 9hr flight and even a snack would have been nice.The designated baby meal on Qatar Airways is pureed jarred food but when the flight attendants served our meals they always asked if I wanted something extra for daughter, a yogurt, croissant, etc. It wasn’t a full meal but at 11 months she doesn’t eat that much anyway.
Infant Entertainment on Qatar Airways
They also provide some infant entertainment by giving out plush toys on each flight. Each flight has a different toy but here are the three toys we were offered on our routes.
Toddler Entertainment on Qatar Airways
Before take-off each child is given an entertainment pack. This includes games, something to color, etc. This is one of the game packs my eldest was given, she had different ones on each route. Here are some tips for flying with toddlers.
Qatar Airways Food for Kids
Qatar also offers a child meal option. The meal comes in it’s own lunch box and is catered to kids. On our 4 flights the meals varied a bit but consisted of sandwiches, mac & cheese, pasta with chicken, fruit, chips, cookies, cake, and juice. There was definitely more junk food than I’d like but it’s not an every day occurrence so I didn’t stress about it.
Like most long haul flights everyone has a personal television. Qatar Airways has a kids section with tons of age appropriate options. The headphones they provide are over the ear which are much better for young kids. You will have to manage yourself the volume at which your child has the sound but if you don’t have your own volume controlled kids headphones these are a great alternative unlike the in-ear headphones some airlines provide.
For more information on what Qatar Airways provides to young travelers click here. Our experience on Qatar Airways with kids was amazing. The food, entertainment, and genuine willingness to help with the kids from the flight attendants makes me want to fly with them everywhere possible.
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So glad you all had a super time. It looks like a ton of fun. 1 question… Does Kennedy have baby aviators 🤔… I love it …. where did you find these? Lol
Thank you, it was amazing! Hahaha yes she does, lol, I got them from The Children’s Place online…..$3.97.
Such a good read. Iam flying Qatar with my 14 month old in June so this is handy information. What did you think of the bassinet? Did you need to pre book that or did they automatically give you one? Also do you travel with your own car seat on your trips or do you hire one over there? Thankyou
Glad it was helpful! I always recommend the bassinet even if your child doesn’t actually sleep in it. This is because your sitting at the bulkhead which gives you extra legroom and the bassinet can serve as storage worst case. The cons of the bassinet depend on which bulkhead row they put you in, if you’re in the 1st one you are the 1st row after first class so no one is walking back and forth by you but if you’re in the 2nd or 3rd section of the plane the bathroom is right in front of you so you may have some people walking back and forth or forming a bathroom line which can be annoying. Always pre-book and try to do it when you book your flight as the bassinets are first come first serve. Also because that row is reserved for families with infants I’ve lucked out a few times and had the whole row to myself when I was flying without my husband giving us an extra seat or two.
The car seat is a tricky one depending on the destination. When we went to Jamaica we rented a car so I brought mine, when we went to Italy I didn’t bring one because we went everywhere via public transportation. I brought it to Colombia and we traveled by taxi a lot but found none of them had seat belts in the back seat and it was a waste bringing it. In Australia US car seats don’t fit in their cars which I luckily found out from a fellow Aussie blogger and we managed to get around by public transportation. In Thailand one of the tour companies we used provided car seats and the rest of the time we had to go in the car without because it would be impossible to go in and out of taxis and then walk around carrying an infant and toddler car seat because driving in Thailand wasn’t something we wanted to do. Sorry for the long winded answer, I say all of that to say it really depends on the destination, ability to take public transportation and our itinerary and how we are getting around.
Thank you for the great information! I will be flying on Qatar airways from Pakistan to Boston with my three-month-old baby. Do you have any tips on diaper changes? Do they have changing tables in the bathrooms?
Hi Sameera,
You’re welcome, I am glad you found it useful. They had changing tables in every bathroom on the plane- just be sure to bring your own changing mat so your baby doesn’t lie directly on it.
Monet
Dear Monet – we are traveling with Qatar with our 4 year-old and taking a car seat. I couldn’t find anywhere on Qatar website about being able to check the car seat at the gate. Can you do that? Or, do you have to check it in luggage? Thanks!
Hi Anne,
We didn’t bring a car seat with us when we flew Qatar so I’m honestly not sure. I would try calling them to find out- sorry I’m not much help here.
Monet
Hi Monet. I enjoyed reading your review. Very informative! I totally agree that Qatar is the best airline for families travelling with children. The crew is always willing to go that extra mile to make our journey with young and restless children more bearable. Once, I travelled with a sick child and he vomitted all over me and created a mess. The wonderful flight attendant patiently helped me to clean up.
Just one question though. I will be travelling with an infant soon. Do I need to pre-book the jars of baby food? Or do they give the baby kit and food to all infants onboard?
Hi Narissa,
You do not have to pre-book the jars of baby food or the baby kit. I didn’t even know they offered that until we got on the plane. The flight attendants just brought it over to us along with the child activity pack and infant toy. On one flight they didn’t immediately offer it so I asked for it and they gave it to me.
Enjoy your trip!
When to request for a bassinet for infant
You can request it immediately after booking your ticket. It is first come first serve basis
Hi Tamilarasi,
You should call to request one as soon as you book as they are first come first serve.
Monet
This review gave me so much peace. Thank you. I am travelling with my 7th month old in a week.
Hi. I really enjoyed your review. I have never flown Qatar Airways before and will be doing so with my 9 month old baby in October. It is a very long flight (about 15 hours) and now at least I have an idea of what to expect on board. One question though: Does QA provide baby strollers before boarding or after landing? Thanks.
Hi,
Do you know if legs props for children like 1stclasskid, fly legs up, fly tot, etc are allowed with Qatar?
Thanks
Hi Paula,
We were able to use our Fly LegsUp on our flight back in February with no issues. I do know airlines change their rules often but we were fine.
Monet
Great review. Thanks
Great review, really helpful thank you.
I will be travelling with my husband and 2 infants (15 months and 2 months) next week but I wanted my oldest to have his own seat.. in that case would I have to purchase a child fare?
Thanks so much for this! We’re flying Qatar (our 1st time) to Sydney via Doha, and your post is so helpful! Thanks for all the details. Love your blog and your IG Feed and your stories too! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
You’re very welcome Lisa!! Have a great time in Sydney, I do have a few tips from my trip there last year but I will admit I think my trip overviews have gotten a lot better since then lol but could still be helpful. Thank you so much for your positive feedback and support of my blog!!
Monet
Thank you for the great review, we are flying from Perth to Doha in May with our 14 month old. Its only our second big trip and our first with an infant so we aren’t the most experienced travelers your review has given me some peace that all will be manageable.
You are most welcome Paige, Qatar is very good with kids!
I am travelling with my 5 month old first time internationally. So can I take my personal stroller with me? I have a layover at Doha airport will I be able to keep my stroller with me over there( once so reached there will I get it ) or they will keep it with my check in baggage ?.
Hi Misbah,
If you want to use your own stroller during your layover you will need to gate check your stroller at your departure city and you will get it back at the gate when you land in Doha. If not and you check it at the counter you will retrieve it with your checked luggage.
Monet
Thanks a bunch for this very handy post!
You’re welcome, glad you found it helpful!
Hi,
Great info, thanks!
I wonder if Qatar provides plastic bag for your stroller during check in? Or do you have to prepare it yourself or buy it at the airport?
Thanks,
Yb
If you want to protect your stroller during check in you will need to purchase a stroller bag on your own, there are no airlines that provide these. Here is the bag that I have: https://www.amazon.com/COMPONO-Stroller-Travel-Bag-Airplane/dp/B071YK32SD/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=thetravelin07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=300cc1f86845ddb6619119d0bdcabdc5&creativeASIN=B071YK32SD
Hi Monet,
Thank you so much for the useful information. We’re traveling with an 8 months old to Thailand this April and wondered if we can check both car seat and stroller at the gate or either one of them.
Also want the thought about checking the car seat at check in with the luggages. I heard someone said “ we should avoid checking that at check in” I’m the first time mom traveling for the first time with baby and have no idea what to expect.
Thank you in advance.
Tong
Hi Tong,
You’re very welcome. I have a post with our Thailand itinerary here http://www.thetravelingchild.co/thailand.
I agree with whoever told you that, I never check our car seat at the counter- I wrote a blog post on why here http://www.thetravelingchild.co/gate/check.
Hope this helps!
Monet
Nice writeup! We are flying with 3 kids (2,4 and 6). Fingers crossed! Hope it turns out well. Any tips ? Thankfully our layovers not more than 2:30 hrs.
Hi Madgalene,
Sorry for the late reply we were traveling. If you go to the air travel drop down box in my menu you will find my tips on flying with the kids, I have plenty.
Monet
Hello,
How/where do we get the Laoner strroler? I am travelling with my 4 yrs sweety and she will need stroller after check-in and during layover.
Thank you Qatar
Hi Pankaj,
When you get to the airport you can ask the ticket counter agent where you can get their strollers.
Monet
any discounts for special need child PLEASE???
Hi Sada,
You will need to contact Qatar Airways directly to see if they offer discounts for special needs children.
Monet
Thank you so much for your informative blog!!
I was so concerned about traveling with Qatar, we are traveling from Australia to North America.
I was really hoping to get a travel aid like an air bed thing so my 3YO daughter might sleep on the 13 and 11 hr flights but they aren’t allowed..
Do you have any ideas about blanket hammocks? Or what did you do for your little ones?
A sleepless girl is gonna equal one very strung out mum! I’m only slightly terrified!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much
Wendy
Hello,
Thank you so much for the information. I will be flying with my two kids, age 2 and 4. My daughter will turn 5 on the flight. If we pay some extra $$, Qatar Airways will do something special to make my daughter’s day special?
Anil
Hi Anil,
You’re very welcome! Sorry, I’m not sure about what they will do for your daughter’s birthday, you would need to call them directly to find out.
Monet
Flying with Qater with my 5 month old in a week and this article made me feel at ease! Just wondering if you used the Cosi-go or if they’re allowed on Qatar flights? It’s a covering for over the bassinet to block out light.
Hi Niamh,
So sorry for my late reply. We didn’t use the Cosi-go so I’m not sure, but how did your flight go? Did they allow you to use it. It might help another reader in the future.
Monet
Thanks for the fab post! We’re going London to Sydney in a couple of week with our 10 month old. I’m wondering if you think he will fit in the bassinet – they look really small (like for babies under 6 months)? Also do they provide sheets? And is there a bassinet cover you would recommend or is that a waste of time? x
Hi VV,
You’re welcome! Both Kennedy and Jordyn used airline bassinets up until about 15 months so you should be fine- the weight limit is typically 25lbs. They provide 2 blankets, one for the baby to lie on and then one for a cover. We’ve never used a bassinet cover so I can’t say if it would be helpful or not. I hope you guys have a great time in Sydney!
Monet
Thank you for your amazing post! I am travelling with my infant daughter in a few days and the information provided is very helpful.
Hi !
Thankyou so much for your information!
Im going to london from indonesia (its about 18hours) with 2.5yo.
I wondering if the allowed JETKIDS ? Its like a bedbox for baby and toodler .
Thabkyou so much !
Hi,
Thank you very much for your very helpful post.
😁
We r travelling to Perth for Xmas this year. My husband and me will b going with our 3 minions.
They will b just gone 5, 3 and 16 months.
We have never done long haul with kids bar a 2 hr car journey lol 😁
Anyway looking for some info please,
We haven’t purchased tickets yet with Qatar. we had previously booked with Ethiad but they cancelled some flights and we were able to get our € back.
Is 1hr 40 minutes enough time for transit in doha do u know?
Is it best to book 16 month old a seat r bassinet b ok do u think?
Also can we use our own buggy for our transit flight in doha? And recheck it at the gate?
Can we use blow up foot rest devices r something of that nature. But the cheaper versions to b honest, won’t use them again after the holiday.
So sorry for annoying questions . Just trying to b realistic and organised. ..
Thanks again
Hello and thank you for such a helpful post!
I’m travelling with my 4 moonths old soon on Qatar and dreading it!!
Do you happen to know what is the best way to sterrilise bottles on a plane? My baby is completely on baby formula now….or do I just get enough bottkes to last 15hrs flight?
Many thanks in advance
Hello, I will be traveling from New York to Pakistan soon with 2 years old child. Will I be allowed to use inflatable foot rest for my child in this long flight?