Jet2 makes big change for families including new baggage allowance rules

Jet2 has announced some big changes to its policies for families flying with young children.

The holiday giant has announced that children under the age of two can now travel on its flights for FREE. It claims to now be the only UK airline which doesn't charge a fee for children under two on all of its flights, including popular destinations like Spain, Portugal and France.

Currently most airlines require you to either have an infant under two on your lap, with airlines like easyJet and Ryanair charging approximately £25 each way. Alternatively, parents can bring their car seat onboard but will need to pay for an extra seat, not to mention they will need to meet certain specifications to adhere to aircrafts' safety standards.

Jet2's new policy applies to all new bookings, but children must be under the age of two at the time of travel for it to apply.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK village 'best seen in autumn' has amazing pubs and gorgeous walks

READ MORE: Sainsbury's car park rated UK seaside town's top tourist attraction on Tripadvisor

The airline has also changed its baggage allowance, and removed any charge for child or infant equipment being checked into the hold. As well as an extra 10kg luggage allowance for children under two, parents will be able to bring up to two items per child under two free of charge to be checked into the hold. This includes the likes of collapsible prams and buggies, car seats, booster seats, and travel cots - and the 10kg weight limitation will no longer apply to these items.

However, it's worth noting that a 32kg weight limit will apply. Any extra items or that go above the weight allowance will be charged as excess baggage. You can get the full details on jet2.com.

Jet2 isn't the only airline which lets families bring extra items free of charge. Ryanair and easyJet also let you bring two items of carry-on baby equipment for free, which need to be tagged at the check-in desk or at the gate. Meanwhile TUI allows families to check one pushchair and one car seat into the hold free of charge, separate from the usual standard allowance.

Although these airlines don't have a specific baggage allowance for infants, you can bring one baby bag with you alongside your own hand luggage, for example with bottles of baby milk and changing essentials.

While the 100ml liquid restrictions still apply, it's worth noting that there are exceptions for baby food and milk. According to the UK goverment's website: "When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

"You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.

"Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids."

Do you have a holiday story that you want to share with us? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.