Airline

Etihad Airways

United Arab Emirates ยท IATA: EY

Strollers: Carry-on if compact enough Car seats: Allowed Sleep devices: Allowed

Policies verified March 2026

Etihad Airways positions itself as a premium family carrier, and the amenities back it up: bassinets on long-haul, kids' meals, a Flying Nanny service, and complimentary baby packs. Gear policies are solid with free gate check and forward-facing car seats accepted. Sleep devices are generally permitted during cruise. For families flying through Abu Dhabi, Etihad offers one of the most comfortable long-haul experiences.

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Etihad Airways Baby Gear Policies

Can I bring a stroller on Etihad Airways?

Conditions
Carry-on if compact enough
Gate check: Free

Etihad is fairly stroller-friendly. Compact pushchairs that meet cabin baggage limits (combined L+W+H max 115 cm, 7 kg) can come onboard. Gate check is free, and one pushchair, carry-cot, or car seat travels free in addition to your child's standard baggage allowance. That is a generous policy that puts Etihad ahead of most Gulf carriers for families.

Can I use a car seat on Etihad Airways?

Conditions
Allowed
Any (FAA, EASA, etc.) certified.

Etihad accepts car seats certified to FMVSS 213, CMVSS 213, ECE-44, or TUV standards for children up to 3 years. Both forward and rear-facing are allowed, though rear-facing is restricted to babies 0-6 months under 10 kg in First/Business class only. The seat must have a single-release harness button, and an adult must sit adjacent.

Does Etihad Airways allow toddler airplane beds?

Allowed
Allowed

Etihad is one of the more permissive Gulf carriers for sleep devices, approving JetKids BedBox, Plane Pal, and Fly Tot. Standard cruise-only rules apply, and at bulkhead seats you may need to stow in the overhead bin during turbulence. Devices that physically attach to the seat are not permitted. Final decision rests with the cabin crew.

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Does Etihad Airways have bassinets?

Yes

Bassinets available on a first come, first served basis. Max weight 11 kg and 75 cm tall. Request at booking or via Manage my booking. Available in Economy on long-haul flights.

What meals does Etihad Airways offer for children?

Yes

Baby meals for infants 7 days to 23 months and children's meals for ages 2-12 can be requested up to 24 hours before the flight.

Does Etihad Airways offer family preboarding?

Yes

Priority boarding for families with infants and young children at all airports.

How much checked baggage do infants get on Etihad Airways?

2 items free

One pushchair, carry-cot, or car seat checked free per infant in addition to the child's standard baggage allowance.

How much does a lap infant cost on Etihad Airways?

Moderate cost

Lap infant fare is up to 10% of the published adult fare plus international taxes and surcharges.

Does Etihad Airways provide complimentary strollers?

Yes

Complimentary strollers available at Abu Dhabi International Airport for families travelling with infants and toddlers.

Other family amenities on Etihad Airways

In-flight entertainment Yes
Kids' packs themed around airline mascots (Zoe, Jamool, Kundai, Boo) for ages 3-12. In-flight entertainment with dedicated kids' channels.
Changing tables Yes
Fold-down changing tables in lavatories on all aircraft.
Baby kit Yes
Infant amenities vary by aircraft type. Check the Infant Amenity Icon on the aircraft page for specific availability.
Family check-in Yes
Dedicated family check-in counters at Abu Dhabi hub.
Family seating Best effort
Etihad attempts to seat families together. Recommends selecting seats at booking.

Etihad is a strong choice for family travel through the Gulf. The baby meal pre-order system, priority boarding, and bassinets on long-haul are all solid. The kids' packs with airline mascots are genuinely fun. Service levels have fluctuated in recent years, but the family-specific infrastructure remains good.