bmi - a family guide

Thinking about choosing bmi for your next holiday? Find out whether they offer the right family-friendly services for you

Posted: 21 March 2012
by Emma Daly

Bmi has given us a crash course on its family-friendly credentials. Here's what you need to know before you travel.

Adults: Unlimited pieces - maximum combined weight 30kg (Business), unlimited pieces - maximum combined weight 20kg (Economy - unless travelling UK/Dublin where it's one piece max at same weight). Note: an addition 20kg open to those who are bmi Gold, Silver Diamond Club and Star Alliance members
Infants (up to 24 months): one x 10kg piece plus one collapsible pushchair. Pushchair or infant’s carrying basket or infant car seat may be carried in the passenger cabin subject to the availability of space, otherwise these item/s may be checked in free of charge

Economy: one piece measuring 55cm x 40cm x 23cm plus one personal item such as a small handbag, purse, small briefcase, laptop (in thin satchel) or baby-changing bag. Personal items are accepted at bmi's discretion
Business: two pieces measuring 55cm x 40cm x 23cm plus one personal item as above
On the majority of bmi services, there's a drop off and pick up service at the side of the aircraft for buggies up to 5kg in weight, so you can use your buggy right up until you board and as soon as you leave the aircraft. For buggies over 5kg, these can be checked in for free, along with your hold baggage, and collected at the baggage carousel along with your checked-in baggage

All bmi Airbus A330 aircraft are fitted with bassinets. To use the bassinet safely, your baby's body length should be no more than 650mm (25") and your baby should weigh no more than 11kg (24lb). Bassinets are available in certain seats only. To request this service, call reservations on 0844 84 84 888
The use of car seats is limited to babies aged 6-36 months
Families are offered priority boarding
Children are not permitted to sit in exit row seats
Advance seat assignment is free and is available on all flights (except UK/Europe). Seats can be pre-booked up to 28 hours before departure

Formula can be heated up on Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asian and India services
There are no objections to breast feeding onboard but discretion is asked for
Baby milk and liquid baby food are permitted in the cabin bag. However liquids are subject to airport security restrictions and you may be asked to taste liquids taken through secruity points
Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and India services offer changing facilities as well as infant packs containing a nappy and wipes

On UK and Ireland and Hanover flights there is a buy-on-board menu, so no special items are available
On Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and India services children's meals and special diet meals are available to pre-order. Each meal is presented in a fun box with puzzles
Baby/children meals can be ordered up to 24 hours in advance of the flight at no extra charge

You must have completed your journey by the 36th week of pregnancy. Flying is not permitted after the 36th week. A doctor’s certificate is required between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy