There are certain moments in parenthood that feel almost sacred—the first wobbly smile that lights up a tired face, the first babbled “mama” or “dada” that makes your heart swell, the first unsteady steps across the living room floor. But there is another milestone that doesn’t always get the same attention, yet carries its own special magic: a baby’s first holiday. For many families, loading up the nappies, the bottles, the muslin cloths and the seemingly endless supply of tiny socks, then heading to an airport with an infant in tow, feels like a test of courage. But according to a new survey of 2,000 British parents who have taken their little ones abroad before the age of five, it’s also a moment they wouldn’t trade for anything. A striking 82% of those parents agreed that their baby’s first trip abroad was a landmark family moment, and more than half went even further, calling it “one of their proudest parenting milestones.” That’s a powerful reminder that the chaos of travelling with a tiny human is often outweighed by the joy of watching them see the world for the very first time—even if they won’t remember it, you certainly will.
Now, one major airline group is hoping to nudge even more families toward making those memories, by removing one small but meaningful financial hurdle. easyJet has announced that it will cover the cost of a child’s passport in the UK for families booking a holiday through its easyJet holidays arm. The £66.50 discount—around €79.40—is available for one child under the age of 18 months per booking, and it’s designed to be used on the cost of that first passport. There are, of course, a few conditions to keep in mind: you’ll need to book before 26 November, and travel before 31 October 2028. Also, the little one must be under two years old at the time of travel, so this is squarely aimed at parents of infants rather than toddlers who have already found their feet and their opinions. For anyone who has been hesitating over the cost and admin of a passport for a baby who can’t even hold their own head up yet, this offer feels like a gentle push in the direction of the departure gate—a small but genuine gesture that says, “go on, take that trip.”
Of course, the thought of flying abroad with a baby can feel daunting, and no amount of discounts can erase the worry about a mid-flight meltdown or a sudden nappy emergency at 35,000 feet. But the survey offers some reassuring news for anxious parents. Nearly half of the parents polled—48%—said that travelling with their young children turned out to be easier than they had expected. Even better, a huge 87% said they would do it all over again, which suggests that the fear of the unknown is often far worse than the reality. Perhaps that’s why easyJet holidays has noticed a 10% increase in infants travelling this year compared to the same period in 2025, and that’s with two months of the year still to go. Parents are clearly deciding that the logistical effort is worth it, especially when it means grandparents getting to meet the newest family member, a week of sunshine and a break from the daily routine, or simply the priceless sight of a baby staring in wonder at the sea for the first time. Stuart Wright, customer director at easyJet holidays, summed it up beautifully: “Travel has a unique way of bringing families together, and a baby’s very first holiday is often one of those moments parents remember for years to come. By covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, we’re helping more families start making those memories that little bit sooner.”
So what exactly should you expect if you decide to take the plunge and fly with a baby under two? Most airlines allow infants to travel for free as long as they sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap during the flight. That’s a fantastic money-saver, but it does mean you’ll be holding a squirming, possibly screaming, little human for the duration of the journey. Some carriers—though notably not easyJet, ironically enough for this particular story—also offer bassinets that attach to the bulkhead wall in front of your seat, giving your baby a safe place to sleep during the flight. If you’re flying with an airline that offers these, it’s worth requesting one well in advance, as they’re usually limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For those flying with easyJet, you won’t have that option, but you can still plan ahead: book a seat with extra legroom if you want a little more space, bring plenty of snacks and distractions, and remember that most babies are actually soothed by the gentle hum and motion of the plane. Take-off and landing can be tricky for little ears, so having a bottle, a dummy or a breastfeed ready can help relieve the pressure. And above all, try to relax—babies are remarkably sensitive to their parents’ stress, so if you’re calm, there’s a much better chance they will be too.
Once you’ve decided to go, the next step is securing that all-important passport, and if you’re in the UK, the process is more straightforward than you might imagine, though it does require some preparation. British child passports are valid for five years, which means that for most families, one passport will cover several holidays before your little one turns six. When applying, you’ll need to submit two identical photos of your child, along with documents like their birth certificate and your own British passport, which confirms your claim to British nationality. One of the more forgiving aspects of this process is the photo requirements: children under five don’t need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and babies under one don’t even need to have their eyes open. This is a huge relief for parents who have tried to wrangle a wriggly infant into a perfect passport photo; a peaceful sleeping face is perfectly acceptable. You’ll also need a countersignatory—someone who can confirm your child’s identity. This person must have known you for at least two years, work in or be retired from a “recognised profession” such as a teacher, doctor, or social worker, live in the UK, and hold a valid British or Irish passport themselves. It sounds like a lot, but most parents will know someone who fits the bill, and the UK government website has clear, step-by-step guidance to walk you through the entire application.
Ultimately, the first holiday with your baby is about so much more than the destination. It’s about those quiet early morning moments when the world is still waking up and you’re sitting on a balcony with a sleeping baby in your arms, watching the sun rise over a place you’ve never been before. It’s about dipping tiny toes into a warm sea for the first time, watching a little face scrunch up in confusion and delight, and taking photographs that will make you laugh years later. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do this—that parenthood hasn’t shrunk your world, but expanded it in ways you could never have imagined. The survey’s findings are a beautiful testament to that: 82% of parents saw it as a landmark moment, and more than half ranked it among their proudest parenting achievements. With easyJet’s offer covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, the financial barrier has been lowered, making it just a little easier to say yes to that trip you’ve been dreaming about. So if you’ve been hesitating, perhaps this is your sign. Book the holiday, pack the nappies, brace yourself for the airport chaos, and go make those memories. After all, your baby may not remember their first holiday, but you will—forever.
