Airline definitions are standard an "infant" is under two and a "child" is between two and eleven on the date of travel. Infants normally pay a nominal fee say, 10% of adult fare. Child fares also vary depending upon itinerary and fare type, in Europe it is generally a discount of 33% of the adult fare as per the IATA regulations. Infants aren't charged airport tax.

Some airlines have paid close attention to the safety, comfort and entertainment needs of children and infants, with a wide range of additional features i.e. special meals of plain food designed to appeal to children, snack boxes, ice creams served during movies, reusable backpacks, dedicated children's visual channels etc ultimately, as with the rest of life, you get what you pay for.

Standards of service will vary from airline to airline whether you book a scheduled or charter flight. Charters are usually cheaper because there is less choice of flight timings, less leg room, less flexibility if you want to make changes to your booking. Your tour operator can make changes to your flight though even at the last minute-. When travelling with children consider paying a supplement to fly scheduled even if you are going on a package holiday.

For long haul flights your choice of airlines will usually be greater. Remember to book 'non-stop' flights rather than a 'direct' service as the latter may well stop en route to pick up more passengers or refuel.

If you are offered a route where there is no alternative than to change aircraft. Check with the airline that there is more than enough time to make the connection between flights with children in tow.

Always ask when you book what the free baggage allowance is for each family member and if taking a connecting flight check allowances for each flight as they can vary.

Consider the flight timing, often a night flight is easier, since your children will probably sleep. Try to book your flights outside of peak hours and holiday periods in order to avoid busy commuter routes and congestion at the airport. We booked a 1800hrs flight to Johannesburg; leaving home after lunch and just before Rory's normal afternoon naptime worked a treat for our two-hour journey to Heathrow. He fell asleep in his car seat after a few miles and awoke refreshed just as I was parking the car at the airport.

Ask if you can set up a frequent flier account for your infant or child, many airlines will give them air miles and these can add up really quickly so don't miss the opportunity.