Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. Here is a recap of Lufthansa’s pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.
Expectant Mothers Flying with Lufthansa
Expectant mothers with complication-free pregnancies can fly with Lufthansa until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy or up to four weeks before their expected due date without a medical certificate from a gynecologist. However, we recommend that expectant mothers beyond the 28th week of their pregnancies carry a current letter from a physician which includes the following:
- confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing without complications
- the expected due date
- the doctor should expressly state that the patient’s pregnancy does not prevent her from flying.
Expectant mothers beyond the 36th week of their pregnancies or those with complicated pregnancies can request a certificate of exemption via Lufthansa’s Medical Operation Centre. From this time onwards pregnant women must submit a doctor’s certificate, dated within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure. The certificate must state that the doctor has examined the patient and found her to be physically fit for air travel. It must also state the estimated due date.
In the case of a complicated pregnancy or twins or a multiple pregnancy it is essential to request a certificate of exemption from the 28th week of pregnancy.
Infants (under 2 years old) Flying with Lufthansa
Infants are not required to have their own seat however, you must inform Lufthansa that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.
Only one lap child is allowed per adult. A seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant if flying with more than one infant.
You may choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.
On international routes infants under two years of age are usually charged 10% of the applicable available adult fare. However, they are not entitled to a seat. If it is important to you that your child has a separate seat, you may book a ticket under the terms for a child aged from two to 11 years.
On domestic German routes it is Lufthansa’s policy not to charge a fare for infants. In this case too there is no entitlement to a seat.
A ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.
Children (2 to 11 years old) Flying with Lufthansa
Fares vary according to destination. Children aged two years and over are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adults, if they have paid at least 50% of the adult fare.
Baggage Allowance for Infants
Infants aged under two years have a free allowance of one bag plus a fully collapsible pushchair; under the ‘Weight Concept’ one bag with a maximum weight of 10 kg and under the ‘Piece Concept’ one bag with maximum weight of 23 kg.
Strollers, Bassinets and Child Restraint Devices
Strollers
At most stations you can keep your pushchair, stroller or baby buggy that you depend on until you board the aircraft.
A foldable pushchair or baby basket we transport free of charge. A pram will be transported in the cargo hold.
Your stroller will be given to you, wherever possible, after disembarking the aircraft. Please beware that the place where the items are returned can vary depending on the location at your destination.
Bassinets
On Lufthansa long-haul flights special baby cots are available. Please be aware that the number of seats with cots is limited. The bassinets are suitable for babies up to 14 kg and up to 83 cm in length and are provided free of charge.
Child Restraint Devices
Child restraint devices must have the labels noted below, or you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.
| Country: | Certification: | Details: |
|---|---|---|
| United States |
US FMVSS #213 or Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA) |
Manufactured after 26 February 1985; red sticker bearing text “This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”Manufactured before 1985; it must state “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” |
| Canada |
Transport Canada
|
|
| European Union |
Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
|
|
| Germany |
TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001
|
|
| U.N. |
United Nations ECE R 44-03 (or later versions)
|
Special Services
Lufthansa carries baby food on all its flights. But you shouldn’t forget your baby’s bottle and their favourite food. Water for the bottle is available on board. Flight attendants will also warm the baby’s bottle, and cups.
There are changing tables in the washrooms on board.
Related Reading
- Bottle Feeding and Formula Feeding Travel Tips
- Best Travel Beds for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children
- How to Travel While Potty Training + Potty Training Essentials Packing List
*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Lufthansa, click here.