Flying with children to Orlando from the UK
- Nikki Taylor
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
✨Flying with Children to Orlando (UK Family Guide)
Flying to Orlando with children can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first long-haul flight as a family. The good news is, once you know what to expect, it’s much easier to plan—and a lot less stressful.
Here’s everything UK families should know before flying with children to Orlando.
✨Flying with Under 2s (Lap Infants)
Children under 2 years old can usually fly for free or at a reduced cost when sitting on an adult’s lap. This is often the cheapest option, but it does come with a few important limitations.
Most airlines do not provide a separate seat, which means your child will be on your lap for the duration of the flight—something to really consider on a 9–10 hour journey. After our children turned 12 months and grown out of the bassinets we have booked seats for them for convenience and comfort.
You’ll also find that lap infants typically:
Don’t get their own meal
Have limited or no baggage allowance
May receive a small baby kit depending on the airline
While this option saves money, it can be challenging, especially on a long-haul flight to Orlando.
✨Should You Buy a Seat for Your Child?
Even though under 2s can travel on your lap, many families choose to purchase a separate seat for comfort.
Having their own seat means:
More space for your child to sleep
Room for a car seat (if you bring one)
A more relaxed flight for parents
For overnight flights in particular, this can make a huge difference. It’s more expensive, but many parents say it’s worth it for a smoother journey.
✨Bassinets (Skycots) – What You Need to Know
Most airlines offer bassinets (also known as skycots), which attach to the bulkhead seats.
These can be a lifesaver—but there are a few things to keep in mind:
You need to request them in advance
They are limited and not guaranteed
Cabin crew make the final decision on whether your child fits
While airlines often say bassinets are suitable for children up to 2 years old, in reality, most babies outgrow them much earlier due to weight and size restrictions.
It’s best to treat bassinets as a bonus, not something to rely on.
✨Choosing Child-Friendly Flight Times
Flight timing can make a big difference when travelling with kids.
Some families prefer:
Day flights → kids stay awake and adjust quicker
Night flights → chance for children to sleep
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but try to choose a time that fits your child’s routine as much as possible. Our children sleep well on night flights so that makes night time flights slightly more preferable.
✨Sitting Together as a Family
This is something many parents don’t expect—some airlines charge extra to choose your seats, even when travelling with children.
If you don’t pay:
You may not be seated together
Airlines will try to seat families together, but it’s not always guaranteed
To avoid stress, it’s often worth:
Paying for seat selection
Or checking in as early as possible
✨Extra Tips for Flying with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and entertainment
Bring a change of clothes in hand luggage
Download films and games before flying
Let kids burn energy in the airport before boarding
✨Final Thoughts
Flying to Orlando with children might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience.
Whether you choose a lap infant ticket or book a separate seat, plan ahead, stay flexible, and focus on keeping your child comfortable—everything else will fall into place.
We have an article focusing on flying with babies
Have a look at our page on navigating airports with kids before you fly.
Make life easier for yourself by checking out this page about how you can help your family combat the dreaded jet lag! https://www.orlandofromuk.co.uk/post/how-to-cope-with-jet-lag-when-travelling-to-orlando-from-the-uk
This guide covers landing at Orlando airport with your little ones.
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