Aussie parents say youngest kids should not be on planes.

Steve Creedy

By Steve Creedy Wed Jun 26, 2019

Out of control children are a major gripe among passengers generally but now it seems some of their parents agree they shouldn't be on planes. A new survey has found the majority of Aussie parents believe children under one should not be taken on flights and many believe it best those that those under five do not fly internationally. The survey commissioned by travel insurance company InsureandGo asked 1133 Australian parents who traveled at least once in the past six months what age children should be before they can go on a domestic or international flight holiday with their family. READ our passengers who make your flight hell survey. Unsurprisingly,  70 percent of respondents believed it was not suitable for babies under six months to travel on domestic flights. Six out of 10 also believed under-1s could not travel comfortably on domestic flights, dropping back to 25 percent for children aged five. Older people were less enthusiastic about young kids on planes with 27 percent of parents aged 45-64 saying kids should be five years or older before being allowed on a domestic flight compared with 11 percent of parents under 44. The biggest resistance to youngsters was on international flights. More than three-quarters of those surveyed believed international flights and children under one did not mix and 45 percent thought the comfort and well-being of children under five suffered on long-haul journeys. A not insignificant 14 percent said children should be over 12 to go on a holiday involving an international flight and this increased to 16 percent in the 45-64 age group. There was again a generational divide with just 5 percent of parents under 45 who thought under-12s were not ready for international flying. Advice from the company for parents who decided to fly with their children included encouraging natural sleep by bringing a favorite bedtime, reading them a story and discouraging screen time during normal sleeping hours. The company recommended consideration of overnight flights and counteracting cabin pressure changes by encouraging kids to yawn, swallow or chew gum or sweets. Babies could be breast or bottle fed during descent or take-off. Parents should also reserve bassinets where possible and request the right meals, making sure they specify requirements and allergies.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Africa's safest airlines
Airline News

Africa's safest airlines

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood
Air Europa Business Class review
Airline Ratings review

Air Europa Business Class review

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood
The rise of STARLUX Airlines
Airline News

The rise of STARLUX Airlines

Jun 26, 2026

Airline Ratings
Southwest, JetBlue, and WestJet: who gives the best experience, safety and value?
Airline News

Southwest, JetBlue, and WestJet: who gives the best experience, safety and value?

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline

Jun 24, 2026

Airline Ratings
EVA Airways Business Class: Still impressive, but not cutting edge
Airline Ratings review

EVA Airways Business Class: Still impressive, but not cutting edge

Jun 25, 2026

Airline Ratings
Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice  from Australia and beyond?
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice from Australia and beyond?

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen
STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond
Airline News

STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond

Jun 19, 2026

Sharon Petersen