Traveling with a baby has its own challenges. However, you cannot manage to leave your infant behind while you are on a trip. And Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) understands this, and therefore, it has brought a family-friendly infant policy so you can travel without having a second thought.
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, the SAS infant policy is designed to minimize your stress. The crew members are and will always be there to assist you with your needs for the baby.
This 2026 update is an easy-to-understand guide for parents on what they should know and how they can make flying easier. With a little preparation, you can concentrate on enjoying your trip together as a family.
Options for Flying with an Infant on SAS
Baby travel can be daunting—particularly your first journey with a baby in tow. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers flexible options that can make it easier and more comfortable for families to travel.
For children under 2 years old, there are two primary methods of travel for SAS. That will depend on your journey, the length of your flight, and how comfortable you and your baby feel.
Lap Infant Under 2 Years
In this case, your baby will be held in your lap on the flight.
- What to Expect: No individual chair needed! Infants often travel free or at a reduced rate, as a percentage of the adult charge (especially on international flights). A special infant seat belt extension is fitted for safety on take-off and landing.
- When It Works Best: This is the best option for short-haul flights within Europe. Budget-conscious travel. Infants who are able to be held for long periods of time.
Many parents discover it to be an easy and convenient way to get around for short journeys. But on longer flights, it can be physically draining to carry a baby for several hours.
Infant with Their Own Seat
A discounted ticket is available for children to sit in their own seat with the child.
Benefits include:
- More freedom for parent and child!
- Ability to use an approved car seat on board.
- Improved sleep opportunities, particularly on overnight flights.
- The ease of travel and feeding on long journeys
Many ex-pats advise the purchase of an individual seat for transatlantic flights from Europe to North America. Additional legroom can make a huge difference in comfort for children, particularly on 7-10+ hour flights.
What is it that you need to know?
Flight preparations can make flying with a baby a much smoother process. If you’re flying with Scandinavian Airlines, it’s crucial to properly put your baby on the plane and ask for special accommodations in advance. Inform SAS at the time of booking or immediately after the booking:
- If traveling with a child aged 0-2 years: Take action quickly and initiate the booking as soon as possible. If it is already reserved, please contact SAS immediately for the infant to be attached to the reservation. No infant will be able to travel without being officially connected to an adult ticket, even for a parent or other adult sitting on their lap!
- Ask to have a bassinet (SkyCot) early: On long-haul aircraft, SAS provides onboard bassinets, commonly known as ‘SkyCots.’ However, there is limited availability, and they are generally on a first come, first served basis. You are generally in bulkhead rows. Size and weight limits apply. When traveling long-haul (particularly overnight), a request for a bassinet early can be very helpful if you are looking for comfort.
- Confirm Seating Arrangements: Ensure infant travel seat assignment is suitable: Bulkhead seats may be required for bassinets. Not all seats allow car seat installation. Some rows may have restrictions for safety reasons. This helps to avoid changeovers and adjustments at the gate at the last moment.
The sooner you book and inform the airlines, the greater the likelihood that you will get a bassinet. The more it’s accessible to choose family-friendly seating, the better. You’ll have a smoother airport experience. With a baby on board, preparation minimizes stress—for you and your baby.
SAS Infant Baggage Allowance Rules
If you have a baby, you will need more than you would on a normal trip, such as diapers, a bottle, or extra clothes and comfort items. Some airports have specific guidelines for the number of pounds allowed per bag, which should be checked beforehand to prevent any hassle at the airport and to make sure that all the important factors are being taken into consideration, including the comfort of your little one.
Scandinavian Airlines baby travel fees vary between lap-infant and seat-infant travel.
Lap Infant Baggage
If traveling with your baby (under 2) on your lap:
Cabin Allowance
One small cabin bag, like a diaper bag, is allowed. This is typically permitted, in addition to the adult passenger’s cabin baggage. The bag should include the necessary items for the baby while in flight. It’s much easier to use a separate diaper bag on the plane, particularly for longer trips.
Stroller & Car Seat Policy
SAS recognizes that strollers and car seats are a vital part of families.
- Strollers: A fully collapsible stroller is available for check-in for free. In a lot of airports, you can utilize the stroller until the boarding gate. It will normally be returned at the aircraft door on arrival (airport dependent).
- Car Seats & CARES Harness: If your baby has its own child car seat, approved car seats can be used in the car. CARES safety harnesses that conform to safety standards are also acceptable. Always make sure the car seat is approved for use with an airline prior to travel.
Checked Baggage Rules
- Lap Infants: Don’t normally get an extra checked baggage allowance. Fare & route may be subject to variation.
- Infants with their own assigned seats: The baggage allowance, if bought separately, is normally the same as the fare class of the ticket (as for a child ticket).
If traveling long distances, consider reserving a seat for your baby, as it could be a comfort and extra baggage too.
The SAS Business Class Infant Experience
Traveling with a baby is never “easy,” but the right cabin can make a world of difference. Many parents report that Scandinavian Airlines’ business class is a much more relaxed, manageable, and less tiring travel experience.
What Does Business Class Have to Do with a Baby?
- Extra legroom & spacious seating: The seats in Business Class are much larger than those in Economy. This allows parents the opportunity to hold, feed, or soothe their baby safely. Pack baby supplies without it being a tight fit! Increase mobility while flying. For overnight flying, this extra room will make it less stressful to carry your baby for longer periods.
- Families have priority boarding: Boarding early means additional time to get settled in space for diaper bags to be stored in an appropriate way. Fewer people pushing and shoving in aisles. Fewer people pushing and shoving in aisles. The extra time with an infant is priceless.
- On long-haul aircraft, the bassinets are also for sale: For long-haul flights on the Airbus A330 and Airbus A350, bassinets will be provided in designated bulkhead areas. It is important to remember that the availability is limited, and the weight and size restrictions also apply. Make sure to submit the bassinet service as soon as possible because it is limited.
- Quiet Cabin Atmosphere: SAS Business Class is a business class with a relaxed and discreet atmosphere. For families, this translates to less cabin noise, softer lighting, a less formal atmosphere, and more casualness. Silence can actually help babies to get to sleep.
- Enhanced Privacy & Comfort: Compared to economy class layouts, business class layouts allow for more personal space between passengers, with the following: Provides more privacy when feeding. The business class has the least movement around the aisle and thus provides more peace for the baby.
Onboard Infant Facilities & Services
When traveling with a baby, there’s a bit more to do—and help to get you through it. Fortunately, Scandinavian Airlines has a number of thoughtful amenities to make traveling with family easier.
Even if a flight with a baby isn’t entirely stress-free, these minor, yet significant, services can make a huge difference in comfort and stress.
SkyCots (Bassinets)
SAS offers SkyCots (bassins) for infants that meet weight and size requirements on certain long-haul flights. Usually found in rows of bulkheads. Must be booked ahead of time. Few are available; first come, first served. Weight restrictions apply. A bassinet can make a huge difference, not only for a baby’s sleep but for parents’ sleep as well when flying for the night.
Changing Tables
In aircraft lavatories, there are changing tables. Although there is always limited space (like on other aircraft), it helps to have a separate diaper-change area mid-flight. Have a little bag of diapers in your cabin bag, not in your diaper bag in the lavatory.
Bottle Warming Assistance
Cabin crew can help with warming milk or baby food. They can use hot water to warm bottles and assist in preparing baby meals when necessary. Don’t hesitate to let the crew know in advance if you need help.
Infant & Toddler Meals
Special meals for babies and toddlers may be available and are sometimes available ahead of time. Typically, you must make a request prior to departure. This may be subject to change depending on route availability. Always taking extra snacks is advisable. If you have a pre-ordered meal, you’ll find it easier to feed yourself on longer trips.
Early Boarding for Families
If there are infants in the family, they may be first to board. This gives you additional time to tidy up your area and, if needed, time to fit a car seat. Less pressure during boarding time.
Top Tips for Parents Flying with Infants on SAS
Taking a trip with a baby can be daunting, but it can be much easier than you think. When flying with Scandinavian Airlines, these tips can help ease your stress and make the ride with the little
one easier for everyone.
Book Early
It’s best to reserve early. Please request bassinets (SkyCots) when your ticket is confirmed. Use appropriate seats (particularly bulkhead seats). Make sure your baby is correctly registered in the reservation. Bassinet availability is limited, especially on long-haul routes, so early planning is of great value.
Bring Smart (And Keep Essentials Handy)
Only what you will really need on the flight should be in your cabin bag, such as diapers, wipes, additional baby clothes (and an extra top for you!), pacifiers, bottles, or formula. Comfortable objects (blanket, small toy). Have the essentials right at your fingertips – you don’t want to dig around your bag during flight!
Feed During Take-off & Landing
Babies may feel discomfort in their ears due to changes in cabin pressure. When feeding (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding) or giving a pacifier during take-off, initial descent can help to relieve ear pressure and help calm your baby.
Choose Seats Strategically
When traveling with a baby, it is important to choose an appropriate seat. The bulkhead rows tend to have a larger space allowance. These rows are often where bassinets are installed. Access to the aisles may facilitate movement. Seating assignments are planned to prevent last-minute changes at the gate.
It is advisable to consider purchasing a separate seat. A lap infant might be good for short daytime flights. However, for overnight flights, long-haul routes (8+ hours), and transatlantic journeys, booking an individual ticket can make it so much easier to be comfortable. It allows the use of an approved car seat, improved sleep for your baby, and additional parent room space. This is one of the best things to do when traveling long distances; many experienced travelers say so.
Why Choose SAS for Family Travel?
One of the most widely asked questions by parents prior to booking is this one — and it’s not hard to see why. Once you fly with a baby, you’ll never fly alone again. You’re no longer just considering the comfort of the seat, but space, support, patience, and the stress or smoothness of the trip.
There are a number of parents who report their experience with Scandinavian Airlines as calm and organized; family-friendly; and efficient, but not rushed!
SAS is not a flashy or overly luxurious brand. Instead, it is simplicity, functionality, and subtle professionalism that are emphasized with the Scandinavian approach. For families, it translates to a more relaxed dining experience and clear operations with no chaos when crews are present but not intrusive. A well-organized boarding and servicing operation.
Parents like a calm atmosphere, not a chaotic one. A more relaxed atmosphere can help babies to settle and sleep better, particularly on long-haul flights.
In addition, there is practical support, like bassinets (on certain aircraft), the possibility of boarding early for the families, and help warming bottles—which can all make a difference.
So, is SAS a good choice for families? If parents value the predictability, quiet comfort, efficient service, and practical amenities. For many, SAS is a reliable choice that comes with maximum benefits when it comes to family travel.
Conclusion
Traveling with a baby on a plane doesn’t necessarily mean stress, and Scandinavian Airlines has made it easy to travel with family with clear and family-friendly policies. SAS provides infants with some extra thought, whether travelling in their parents’ lap or on their own seat, from the basics of an infant’s flight kit to practical baggage allowance, cabin crew support, and early boarding.
Key Takeaways:
- Lap infants are perfect for shorter flights, and for longer flights or overnight, buying a separate seat will make things more comfortable.
- Please request a bassinet (SkyCot) early, as there is limited availability.
- The convenient in-flight care amenities, such as pre-ordered infant meals, changing tables, and pre-warmed bottles, make it easier to care for your infant in-flight.
- Prearrange and make your seats and pack strategically to avoid stress.
- Whether you are traveling with a small child (or two!) or need a bit more room and quiet, SAS cabins, particularly Business Class, offer additional space, tranquility, and family-friendly boarding.
Parent understanding of the policies and planning ahead will help the parents to enjoy the journey and know that SAS is planned, structured, supportive, and predictable for families traveling with infants. The airline’s focus on a quiet but professional demeanor, functional facilities, and family-friendly processes means that it is a safe option for parents who are traveling with children.
FAQs – SAS Infant Policy
Yes, you can take a baby, no matter how young, flying on your lap without purchasing an additional ticket.
Yes, you’re allowed to add an infant on SAS Airlines when you make an inquiry. It’s best to inform the airline as far in advance as possible. This enables them to prepare your baby’s seat and stuff.
If you are carrying a baby on your lap, you may have one small carry-on bag for the baby. This could be a diaper bag. Additionally, you may bring 1 stroller that folds in half! If the infant has a
checked bag, the rules for the checked bag also apply to the adult traveling with the infant.
Yes, you can buy a ticket at a lower price to get a separate seat for your infant. This is a good option for long trips and/or additional comfort for you and your child.
Yes, you can get SkyCots (bassinets) on long-haul flights. There are only a handful, so please make an appointment in advance.
If you’re an avid flier, you can purchase an award travel infant seat on SAS in advance. This can be done through the website of SAS or by discussing it with their staff.
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