Traveling from New Zealand to India with family—especially with kids and babies—can be smooth, fun, and memorable if you plan well. Here’s a detailed, humanized guide tailored for Indian families, students, and working professionals navigating the journey, with easy tips on seats, meals, entertainment, and airport play zones with kids seats. When planning your trip, also consider the India trip cost from New Zealand to budget effectively for your family travel.
Inshorts
Book seats early to stay together for your family travel NZ to India with kids seats.
Pre-order child meals and special meals for picky eaters and bring own baby food for infants.
Pack favorite toys and devices for inflight entertainment.
Most international airports (Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai) have kids’ play areas.
Plan layovers in airports with family facilities to keep toddlers and babies entertained.
Always carry water, snacks, sanitizer, and documents including your child’s passport for smooth travel.
Note: Be mindful of any dietary requirements and always bring onboard any special milk or baby food your infant needs.
Best Seats and Car Seats for Family Travel NZ to India with Kids Seats on Long Haul Flights
Opt for seats near the front to get off the plane faster quickly, or book the bulkhead for extra legroom and easier access to bassinets for infants. Family seating means you stay together and manage kids easily, especially on long haul flights with children and babies from Auckland/Christchurch to Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru. Many kid-friendly airlines allow seat selection during booking—do it early to avoid last-minute hassles. Most airlines have bassinet seats on board, subject to availability, and they are generally suitable for infants up to the maximum weight of 11kg for domestic flights and 18kg for international flights. Children aged 2 to 11 must have their own ticket and occupy their own seat, with child fare applying accordingly. Infants under 2 years old must use a car seat if they occupy their own seat, ensuring child safe travel. These family travel tips help ensure a comfortable and organized journey for everyone.
Kids’ Meals on International Flights
Kids often dislike spicy or unfamiliar food. Most kid-friendly airlines serving India routes allow you to pre-order kids’ meals and special meals—think pasta, sandwiches, fruit juices, and desserts. Remember, meal requests should be made at least 24 hours before flying. For babies, bring preferred baby food or own food, as options onboard may be limited. Parents can bring their own baby food and feeding equipment onboard to ensure their little ones are well-fed and comfortable. Infants under 2 years old usually travel for free if nursed on the parent’s lap on domestic flights.
Note: Always inform the airline of any dietary requirements your child or infant may have to ensure suitable meal service during the flight.
In-flight Entertainment for Children Travelling with Family or Other Parents
Don’t rely solely on airline inflight entertainment for kids. While many international flights offer a selection of kid-friendly movies, TV shows, and games, it’s a good idea to bring your children’s favorite devices and downloaded content. This keeps kids engaged and calm during long haul flights. Pack headphones suitable for children to make the experience enjoyable for your little ones and fellow passengers.
Airport Play Areas for Kids
Long travel means layovers. Pick airports with play zones:
Hyderabad: Has safe, engaging play areas (domestic and international) with puzzles, soft play, and blocks for ages 4–10.
Delhi & Mumbai: Offer supervised kids’ zones and activity centers.
Singapore, Dubai, Doha: Common layover airports have fantastic children’s play spaces and entertainment.
During waits, walk around, watch planes, or use digital screens, keeping children engaged and calm. Many kid-friendly airlines permit bringing a compact, foldable stroller for infants, which does not count towards baggage allowance, making it easier to navigate these airports.
Transit Tips with Toddlers
Travelling with toddlers requires extra planning. Use airport play zones to let them burn off energy during layovers. Carry non-messy snacks and favorite toys to keep them entertained. Consider timing your flights around your toddler’s sleep schedule to ease discomfort during take off and landing. Remember to follow the seatbelt sign and aircraft safety belt rules for child safety. Engage with the cabin crew or flight attendant if you need assistance during the flight. These family travel tips can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. When travelling through other countries during layovers, be aware of their specific regulations regarding children travelling with a legal guardian, as some may require additional documentation or permissions.
Transit and Getting Around
New Zealand to India flights always have stops—usually in Singapore, Doha, or Dubai. These airports are family-friendly, with baby rooms, play areas, and dining options. Total travel times from New Zealand to India can range from approximately 20 to 28 hours depending on the layover duration and destination. On arrival, book onward travel in advance for smooth connections, whether taxis, trains, or airport shuttles. When booking flights departing from New Zealand, make sure to select flights with convenient layovers and family-friendly amenities to ease the journey for your whole family.
Packing Essentials: What Should Families Carry?
Extra clothes for kids and babies (in carry-on)
Water bottles and non-messy snacks
Entertainment: books, coloring sheets, tablets, headphones
Medicines, hand sanitizer, wipes
Travel adaptors, chargers
Copies of essential documents and e-visas
Extra diapers and wipes for infants to ensure comfort during the journey.
Having a copy of a child’s birth certificate and child’s passport can help with proof of age and travel documentation when necessary.
Note: Bring onboard any special milk or dietary items your child requires, as inflight options may be limited.
Airport-by-Airport: Play Zones in India
Airport | Play Zone Location | Age Group | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Hyderabad | Near Gates 3 & 26A | 4–10 years | Safe, soft play, puzzles |
Delhi | Terminal T3 | All children | Supervised entertainers, games |
Mumbai | Terminal 2 | Young kids | Toys, activity corners |
Entertainment On Transit
Don’t depend solely on airline inflight entertainment (IFE). Carry kids’ favorite games, download movies, and prepare simple activities to occupy them in airports and on planes. Bring activities like sticker books and coloring materials to engage kids during flights.
Survive a Long-Haul Flight: New Zealand to India Travel Tips
Long haul flights from New Zealand to India can be challenging, especially with kids. To survive the journey, plan ahead with snacks, entertainment, and comfortable seating. Utilize priority boarding to settle in early and avoid rushing. Consider booking seats with extra legroom or window seats to keep children entertained with views. Remember to follow the seat belt sign for safety, especially during take off and landing. Keep your child safe with appropriate car seats if using your own seat. Taking breaks to walk the aisle can help restless young travellers. Don’t hesitate to ask the cabin crew for assistance—they’re there to help the whole family.
Note: For safety reasons, some items like certain types of milk or feeding equipment may have restrictions on what you can bring onboard, so check with your airline in advance.
FAQs
Is kid-friendly food always available on these flights?
Most kid-friendly airlines offer pre-orderable kids’ meals and special meals if requested during booking—don’t forget to order at least 24 hours before flying.
Can we select seats during booking?
Yes. Most kid-friendly airlines allow seat selection, so reserve early for family grouping and preferred seat location.
Are play zones available in all Indian international airports?
Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have dedicated kids’ play areas. Smaller airports may not, so check in advance.
What should I pack for kids during the trip?
Always pack snack items, water, entertainment (books, devices), medicines, and one change of clothes for every kid.
How can we make long layovers enjoyable?
Use airport play zones, walk around terminals, watch planes, and keep kids engaged with coloring or simple games.
Is it safe for young children to use play zones in Indian airports?
Yes, the facilities are secure and designed for kids’ safety—but supervise younger children, especially in crowded times.
