Etihad Airways - a family guide

Etihad Airways wants to make travelling while pregnant or with a family as simple and stress-free as possible. Here's all the facts you need to know before booking your next flight.

Check-in baggage

• Adults/children: Maximum combined weight 23kg with maximum dimensions of 45cm x 72cm x 90cm (Coral Economy Class), 40kg with maximum dimensions of 45cm x 72cm x 90cm (Pearl Business Class. Note: individual items must not exceed 32kg), 50kg with maximum dimensions of 45cm x 72cm x 90cm (Diamond First Class. Note: individual items must not exceed 32kg)
• Babies: Maximum combined weight 23kg with maximum dimensions of 45cm x 72cm x 90cm (any class)

Note: Your baby is allowed one fully collapsible pushchair, which can either be carried on or be checked in as baggage. The weight of this will contribute to the total 23kg allowance, whether it is checked or carried on.

Carry-on luggage

• Coral Economy: one piece x 7kg
• Pearl Business Class and Diamond First Class: two pieces x 12kg
• If travelling with a baby you can carry an additional bag with essentials, which must not exceed 6kg in weight and 115cm in total dimensions
• When a baby is carried in either a carrycot or car seat, a baby holder including bedding, napkins, feeding bottles and sufficient food for the journey may be carried free of charge, provided the total weight (excluding the baby) does not exceed 12kg. If your baby isn't being carried in the item, it will need to be checked in and will contribute to the total weight allowance of 23kg.

Seating

• Bassinets (29" x 13" x 8.5") are available on a first-come-first-served basis and must be booked 24 hours before flight. These are suitable up to 10 months and up to a weight of 10kg. Note: use of own blankets advised
• Babies from 6 months up to 36 months can use certain approved car seat types. A child fare must be purchased and an adult must sit adjacent to them for take-off and landing
• The car seat must meet the following standards:
  
  1. Forward facing or rear facing type with the proper harness that can be strapped to a seat by the use of a lap belt only
  2. Rear facing seats are restricted to babies aged 0–6 months weighing less than 10kg and allowed in First or Business Class only. They are not in allowed in Economy class due to seat pitch limitation (hampering the seat recline of seat in front)
  3. Must be in good condition and show no signs of damage
  4. The car seat harness must have a single release type and must secure the baby's lap, torso and crotch
• Extra charges: Etihad Airways charges 10% of an adult fare, plus taxes, to all children under 2 years when they travel on the lap of another passenger. Each adult is only allowed to carry one lap child, and seats will have to be purchased for additional infants, no matter their age. However, as long as you have a proper restraint device, you can choose to purchase a seat for your baby

Feeding

• Baby milk and food carried onboard can be heated up by staff during the flight at no cost
• Breast milk can be taken onboard as long as it is declared for inspection at the airport security point

Meals

• Baby meals should be requested at time of booking or up to 24 hours in advance of flight

Pregnant travel

• Etihad Airways allows you to travel up to end of 36 weeks for a single pregnancy
• If you're expecting multiples, you're allowed to travel up to the end of 32 weeks
• If the pregnancy is 28 weeks or more, you'll be required to submit a Medical Certificate issued by your physician, stating fitness for travel, weeks pregnant and estimated due date
• Etihad Airways recommends you avoid air travel up to seven days after delivery
• Etihad Airways advises:(a) Wearing compression stockings and elevating feet during flight as the threat of thrombosis is increased in pregnancy; (b) Avoid lifting heavy weights during pregnancy, so particular care should be taken regarding baggage
• The doctor’s certificate required for travelling during pregnancy must adhere to the following guidelines:
  
  1. Be issued and signed by your medical doctor or attending midwife and written on a letter head of the clinic or hospital
  2. Be issued within seven days from departure date with the expected date of delivery (EDD)
  3. Number of weeks during the time of travel
  4. State that the pregnancy is single or multiple
• Standard cancellation policy applies

Remember: baby amenities vary by aircraft. When you're on the Etihad page, look for the Infant Amenity Icon. If it is present, clicking on it will tell you what infant services are available on that aircraft