Traveling with a baby involves much more than booking a ticket—it’s a complex mix of planning, packing, and navigating airports with gear, diapers, and essential baby items in tow. One of the most common concerns for parents traveling with infants is understanding the baggage policy. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines, you’re in luck. Their policies are family-friendly, and the Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance is designed to make your journey as smooth as possible. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Turkish Airlines' infant baggage rules, including carry-on policies, checked luggage, strollers, car seats, and helpful travel tips for families.

Who Qualifies as an Infant?

Before diving into baggage specifics, it’s important to understand who qualifies as an infant on Turkish Airlines flights.

Infant Definition: A child under 2 years of age (0–23 months) at the time of travel.
Once a child turns two, they are no longer eligible for infant status and will require a standard seat with a child fare.

The type of baggage allowance provided depends on whether the infant will be seated on an adult’s lap or if a separate seat is purchased using a car seat.

Overview of Turkish Airlines Infant Baggage Allowance

The Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance is generous, ensuring that essential baby items can travel with you without incurring additional costs.

Infant baggage policies vary based on the flight route, which is categorized into two types:

Weight Concept (applies to many international destinations)
Piece Concept (applies mainly to flights to/from the Americas and specific countries)

Let’s break both down.

1. Weight Concept Routes

On routes where the weight concept applies, Turkish Airlines allows:

10 kg (22 lbs) of checked baggage for the infant
1 foldable stroller or baby carriage at no extra cost

This infant baggage is separate from the adult’s allowance, making it easier to bring formula, diapers, clothing, and other necessities without worrying about excess baggage.

2. Piece Concept Routes

For destinations such as the United States, Canada, and some parts of Africa, Turkish Airlines uses the piece concept. Here’s what infants are allowed:

1 piece of checked baggage, not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs)
1 foldable stroller or baby carriage, free of charge

This allocation allows parents to pack smartly without compromising on space for important baby gear.

Cabin Baggage for Infants

In addition to the checked baggage, Turkish Airlines also provides flexibility when it comes to cabin baggage for infants.

Even though infants typically don’t receive a full carry-on allowance like adults, parents can usually bring essential baby-related items on board, such as:

A small diaper bag
Baby formula, breast milk, or baby food
Feeding bottles and sterilized water
Wet wipes, pacifiers, and other hygiene items
Blankets or toys for comfort

It's essential to keep in mind that any liquids exceeding 100 ml must be declared at the security check and may be subject to additional screening. However, baby food and formula are exempt from the standard liquid restrictions, provided they're for use during the flight.

Stroller Policy

The Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance includes one foldable stroller or baby carriage per infant at no additional charge.

Key Features of the Stroller Policy:

Allowed free of charge in addition to baggage.
Can be used up to the boarding gate in most airports.
Returned at the aircraft door or baggage claim area after landing, depending on the airport.

For convenience and mobility, Turkish Airlines encourages passengers to bring lightweight, collapsible strollers that can easily be handled by airport staff. Non-foldable or large strollers may need to be checked in at the baggage drop counter.

Car Seats and Travel Accessories

If you're purchasing a seat for your infant and plan to use a car seat during the flight:

The seat must be approved for air travel and properly labeled.
It must be installed in the forward-facing position.
Turkish Airlines crew may inspect the seat before allowing it on board.

In addition, Turkish Airlines permits passengers to bring other infant accessories, such as:

Portable bassinets (if not provided on board)
Baby carriers or slings
Breast pumps (can be carried as medical or essential equipment)

All items should be properly labeled with the passenger’s information and securely packed to avoid damage.

In-Flight Comfort and Services for Infants

While not directly part of the Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance, it’s helpful to know what services are available on board to enhance your baby’s comfort.

1. Baby Bassinets:

Available on long-haul flights.
Must be requested at least 48 hours before departure.
Suitable for babies under 11 kg (24 lbs) and shorter than 71 cm (28 inches).
Installed in bulkhead rows for convenience.

2. Baby Meals:

Baby food and milk can be requested in advance.
Must be pre-ordered 24 hours before the flight.
Parents are encouraged to carry extra supplies in case the child does not take well to the provided meals.

3. Changing Facilities:

Most long-haul aircraft are equipped with changing tables in select lavatories.
Cabin crew are trained to assist families traveling with infants.

Tips for Packing Smartly Within the Infant Baggage Allowance

To get the most out of the Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance, here are a few useful tips for parents:

1. Label All Baby Gear

Ensure that all your baby items—stroller, car seat, diaper bag—are tagged with your contact information. This will help avoid mix-ups or loss.

2. Pack Essentials in the Cabin Bag

Always carry enough diapers, wipes, baby food, clothes, and toys in your carry-on in case of delays.

3. Request Services in Advance

Whether it’s a bassinet, a child seat, or a baby meal, make these requests at the time of booking or through Turkish Airlines customer service before the flight.

4. Use Transparent Bags

Organize baby essentials in clear bags to make it easier during security checks and inflight access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does the infant baggage allowance include a stroller?

Yes. Turkish Airlines allows one foldable stroller or baby carriage per infant free of charge in addition to the standard baggage allowance.

Q2: Can I bring a car seat as part of the infant baggage?

Yes. Car seats are allowed if your infant has a reserved seat. Otherwise, it can be checked in as part of the infant’s allowance or baby equipment.

Q3: Do infants have carry-on baggage?

Infants do not get a full carry-on, but essential baby items like diaper bags, formula, and baby food can be brought onboard.

Q4: Can I check both a stroller and car seat?

Yes, Turkish Airlines typically allows both a stroller and car seat per infant, especially if the car seat is used during the flight.

Q5: What if my baby needs more than 10 kg of luggage?

If you exceed the infant baggage limit, standard excess baggage fees apply. Consider combining with the adult’s baggage allowance when possible.

Conclusion

Understanding the Turkish Airlines infant baggage allowance can help you plan your family trip with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re flying short-haul or embarking on a long international journey, Turkish Airlines provides a well-rounded and generous policy that accommodates the needs of both parents and their little ones.

With free checked baggage for infants (10 kg or 1 piece up to 23 kg), complimentary strollers, and the ability to carry essential baby items on board, parents can travel more comfortably. When combined with infant meals, bassinets, and a trained cabin crew, Turkish Airlines ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience for families.

Turkish airlines infant baggage allowance