Baby can fly

When Are Babies Old Enough to Fly on Planes? (Rules for Flying with Baby)

How old should my infant be before I take him on an airplane? I am due in November and would like to visit family for the holidays.

Assuming that both mother and baby are healthy, you can travel when your infant is two weeks of age. In some cases, you can fly even sooner than that, but I would recommend holding off if it's not absolutely necessary.

When you have a newborn and have the itch to travel, you may be wondering when the right time is to bring them on board. There can be all types of concerns from feedings to exposing babies to potential illnesses. Parents these days have even more concerns about air travel with babies since the coronavirus began.

We're going to take a look at some common concerns many new parents have when deciding when their newborn should become a first-time flier as well as some helpful travel tips.

Rules for Traveling with Newborns on Planes

The TSA does not have a standard rule for when newborns can fly on planes. While it is under the parent's discretion, airline policies vary for how old babies have to be. Many require babies to be at least one week old unless there is a note from the pediatrician. Many pediatricians will not recommend air travel for babies until they are 3-6 months old.

Babies are allowed to sit on a parent's lap and do not require their own airplane seat under two years of age. Some airline policies do charge a fee for international travel even when a seat is not purchased for a baby. It's best to check with your carrier for specific rules.

Some parents choose to buy their baby their own seat, especially for long flights. This allows for the baby to be in an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes.

For international flights, plan on having a passport for your infant. The TSA does not require identification for children under two for domestic flights. But it is a good idea to bring your baby's birth certificate just in case there are any questions about age or identification.

Illness and Air Travel with Babies

First, you are exposing the baby to possible infections on a crowded airplane. Colds and the flu are transmitted easily in a closed airplane cabin with recirculated air, and those viruses are much more dangerous to a baby at a week or two of age than one who is four or six months old.

Breastfeeding transfers many protective antibodies to a baby, however, and may help make her less susceptible to infections.

If your baby is showing any signs of illness, you should avoid any air travel until their immune system gets stronger. You'll also want to make sure your baby is up to date on their vaccinations before traveling internationally. You can check the requirements and ask your pediatricians.

COVID-19 and Flying with Your Baby

With the introduction of vaccines for COVID-19, family travel is making a comeback for many, even those with newborns. But some parents are still concerned about whether it's safe to fly with a new baby.

The decision is going to depend on your comfort level. As of this writing, COVID vaccines for babies have not been approved which makes some parents afraid to travel with a new baby.

If you must fly with a baby, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends looking for direct flights that will limit the need to walk through busy airports and change planes. Also, look for destinations that have a shorter flight. You'll also want to bring along plenty of disinfectant wipes to clean any high-touch areas. We all know babies love to touch things and put their hands in their mouths.

Despite taking cleaning precautions and aiming for shorter flights, if flying with a baby during the pandemic doesn't make you totally comfortable, opt for a trip that can be taken by car. This way you're not sharing space with strangers and have more control over the situation.

Managing Your Baby's Crying and Schedule While Flying

Babies are notoriously unpredictable in the first few weeks, with irregular sleeping, feeding, and crying times. While this can certainly be managed, it may be very draining to mom and dad to travel before a baby has "settled." Some babies do this by two weeks, others not until three months. You're going to have to be the judge of when you think your baby has settled.

Even when your baby seems to be in a routine, getting on a plane can bring out the worst in them. We've all heard stories about airline passengers yelling at crying babies. While you can't control when your baby is going to have an outburst or start crying, you can make sure they have plenty of food and something to soothe them. Pacifiers or a "lovey" never hurt and can help little ones get some needed Zen while on a plane. Be sure to pack more than one pacifier in your diaper bag and have some options when it comes to toys and soothers. Babies can get bored quickly, so anything "new" can help.

Mom's Well-Being While Flying

Mom should be healthy and recovered from the delivery before attempting family travel with a newborn. Women are at greater risk of problems, such as blood clots in the legs after delivering a baby. Sitting for a long period on an airplane only increases this possibility. If you travel that early, you should wear support hose, drink plenty of fluids and get up frequently during the flight to walk and stretch.

Birth Complications and Flying with a Newborn

If there were any problems or complications with the delivery, then airplane travel should be avoided until the pediatrician approves. Premature babies, and babies who had respiratory or feeding problems in the first week, fall into this category.

Safety Tips for Newborns

Whenever you decide to fly with your newborn, you want to keep some safety tips in mind. Changing cabin pressure during a flight can hurt your baby's ears when there is pressure in the middle ear. To ease the pain, you can offer your baby a bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and descent. This will help to equalize the pressure.

Besides air pressure, you also want to consider cabin noise. It may be loud, especially during takeoff. Cotton balls or small earplugs can help to limit your baby's exposure to the noise and help them sleep better.

As we mentioned above, you're not required to purchase a seat for your baby, but it's often recommended so that they can be secured rather than on your lap. A child is best protected when properly restrained in a car seat that has a label stating that it has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Although you can't use booster seats on the plane, they can be checked as luggage, usually without baggage fees.

Checklist for Traveling with Babies

Once you decide your baby is ready to fly, there are several things you're going to want to bring along to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. We’ve assembled this helpful travel checklist for babies and toddlers.

Change of clothes: We all know babies are not the neatest little people. Having a change of clothes or two or three will make life easier when those spills and messes happen.
Bibs and Blankets: You want to have a few bibs and blankets on hand for the flight. You can put the blanket over your baby when they're on your lap and use the bibs for feeding time.
Stroller: Having a stroller can make toting your baby around the airport easier. Some parents also use baby carriers. But a stroller can be checked at the gate, making life easier.
Baby Food: Be sure to have enough formula or breast milk for your baby. You can breastfeed on the plane, but if bottle-feeding is going to be easier, you want to bring enough. Breast milk is not subject to the TSA rule on liquids. Quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and don't need to fit in a quart-sized bag. The same goes for formula.
Toys and Pacifiers: While you won't need tons of toys with a newborn, you still want to bring something to keep them occupied. As we mentioned above, pacifiers are also a good idea, especially if you need to soothe your baby during a crying fit.
Plenty of Diapers: You don't want to run out of diapers in the middle of the ocean! Be sure to pack more than you'll ever need. You also want to have enough for your trip, especially if you're going to another country where the brands and varieties are going to be different. Using different diapers can irritate your baby's skin and that is going to put a damper on your trip. Store extra diapers in your suitcase but be sure to have enough for the flight. Also, bring a changing pad because changing your baby in an airplane bathroom can be anything but fun. If you have a foldable changing pad with you, you can put it on your lap or have a traveling partner help out too. This makes mid-air diaper changes a little easier.
Wipes: Besides antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces, you'll also want to have baby wipes with you. This is not only for diaper changes, but also to clean your baby's hands while flying.
Car Seat: If you're not using a car seat on the plane, be sure to check one to use when you arrive. You want your baby to be safe when you're getting around at your destination.
Infant Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen: You never know if your baby is going to get sick when you're traveling. Your destination may not have this medicine and you don't want to be left searching for it. You should also bring a baby thermometer with you in case your baby spikes a fever anytime you're traveling.

The Bottom Line

Obviously, there are many factors to consider when making plans to travel with a newborn. A one- or two-hour flight is less problematic than a six- or seven-hour, transcontinental or transoceanic flight. It's often recommended that the baby has her first visit with the pediatrician before traveling.

And if you need to travel while you're still pregnant, check out our tips on traveling during pregnancy.

Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs

By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP

Taking a baby on a plane is something that most parents approach with trepidation—with good reason.

Babies and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.

When is my baby old enough to fly on an airplane?

Generally, it is discouraged for babies to fly unnecessarily shortly after birth. Air travel increases a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease. Babies born prematurely, with chronic heart or lung problems, or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms may also have problems with the change in oxygen level within the air cabin. Parents should talk with their child's pediatrician before flying.

If there is a measles outbreak in your area, or you plan on traveling somewhere where there is a measles outbreak, your pediatrician may recommend your baby receive an extra dose of the MMR vaccine. This may be given as early as 6 months of age. Learn more here.

Does my baby need a passport for international travel?

Yes. All U.S. citizens, including infants, need a current passport to travel internationally. Parents or guardians need to apply with their baby in person using the form DS-11. Be sure to bring your baby's birth certificate and a photo taken within the last 6 months. Passport photos must be taken with nobody else in the photo, which can be tricky with infants. To do this safely if your baby can't sit up yet, the U.S. Department of State recommends laying your baby on her back on a white blanket or sheet to ensure head support without having to hold her. Another option is covering a car seat with a plain white sheet and taking a picture of your child while she sits in it.

Should my baby sit on my lap during the flight?

Ideally, no. The FAA doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years, but that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, you may not be able to protect your baby in your arms. If you do not buy a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat. If your airline's policy allows this, avoid the busiest days and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to you.

Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us? Does that count as luggage?

Car seats, booster seats, and strollers generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying. In most cases they can be checked at the gate, where the risk of damage is lower, at no cost. If your baby has his or her own airplane seat, bring your car seat with you.

Which seat on the plane is best for a baby?

Look for rows on the plane with more space, like the bulkhead. Exit rows are out, for safety reasons.
Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible. Aisle seats can be risky for babies during beverage service. Hot drinks being passed to passengers can spill and cause burns, and their little arms and legs can be caught by passing carts. Aisle seats are also closer to falling overhead bin items.

Is there a way my baby can lie down flat on long flights?

Buckling your baby into a car seat or safety restraint remains the safest option. However, there are other options available to help baby sleep comfortably, especially on long-haul flights.

Airline bassinets. Some airlines offer airline bassinets attached to the airplane bulkhead wall―the wall behind the galley, or toilets or another cabin. In some premium cabins, they can be built into the seat compartment.to use in bulkhead rows. Most airline bassinets require the baby to be under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds, and not yet able to sit up unassisted. These bassinets are sometimes referred to as "skycots," baskets, and cots. Check with your airline when booking.
Sleeper seat. For an added fee, some international airlines let you book three seats in a row with locking seat extensions, creating a "sky couch" or sleeper-seat big enough for both parent and child.
Inflatable seat extensions. Some airlines let you bring your own inflatable, individual seat extension for your baby to snooze on lying down. These are fairly new products, and not all airlines permit them to be used, so check ahead of time. Your child will need his or her own seat to use one.

Note: For all options above, your baby would still need to be buckled into a car seat or held on your lap during takeoff, turbulence, and landing.

Will I be able to get liquid formula or expressed breast milk through security?

Yes, but you have to follow the reasonable quantities rules. This means you're exempt from the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces.

Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it. You may ask that they not go through the x-ray machine (although this shouldn't cause a health problem). Visit the TSA website for more information.

Any tips for keeping my baby comfortable and content on the plane?

Dress in layers. The temperature in a plane can vary widely, especially if you are stuck waiting on a runway, so layers of clothing are best. As you pick out clothing, choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Also, pack a change of clothes or two, in case turbulence hits during a diaper change or when you are feeding. Bring plastic bags for soiled clothing.

Be ready for ear pain. During the climb after takeoff and descent before landing, changes in pressure between the outer ear and middle ear can cause discomfort. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, ask his or her doctor if it's OK to fly. Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle, or suck on a pacifier, can help. If your child has a cold or ear infection, a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help; check with your doctor for the right amount to give your child.
Keep in mind that sleeping babies are easier for everyone. If possible, travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps, or consider trying to put off a nap until it's time to fly. Flight delays can cause this to backfire if your exhausted baby decides to scream instead of sleep. But it may be worth a try.

Consider a diaper change right before boarding. A dry baby is a happy baby. Fortunately, when you do need to change a diaper in-flight, many planes have restroom changing tables. If yours doesn't, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot on the floor where you can spread out your changing pad. Some parents resort to diaper-changing on the closed toilet seat. If you try this, be sure to have a hand on your baby at all times and pack a disposable changing pad. Plan for delays; pack plenty of supplies.
Bring distractions. Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the entire time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if the toys and books aren't helping anymore (we don't encourage entertainment media for children under the age of 2, but desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures).
Don't let the glares get to you. Despite the best advanced planning and efforts, babies cry sometimes. Know that you did, and are doing, all you can. At that point, one of the best ways you can calm your baby may be to stay calm yourself. And remember that for every person who is glaring at you, there are plenty of people who have been through it themselves and have lots of sympathy.
Ask for help. Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a child safety restraint, your baby, and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.

Additional Information:

Travel Safety Tips
Holiday Travel Tips
Precautions for International Travel: Information for Parents

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Children (FAA.gov)
Destination-Specific Vaccine Recommendations for Travelers—Including Travelers with Children (CDC.gov)

About Dr. McCarthy:

Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP is a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, a senior editor for Harvard Health Publications, and an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She writes about health and parenting for the Harvard Health Blog, Huffington Post, and many other online and print publications.  

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Traveling with an infant on an airplane

Who is considered an infant?

For airlines, an infant is a child under 2 years of age. The age of the child is determined on the date of the flight, and not on the day the ticket was purchased.

Airlines categorize people by age: birth to 2, 2 to 12, 12 to 18, and adults.

Children over two weeks old are usually allowed to fly. If the child is younger, you may be asked for a medical certificate stating that you can fly. If she is not presented, then they may not be allowed on board. Before flying, you need to consult a doctor.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my child?

Yes. A small child is considered the same passenger as everyone else: he needs to buy a ticket, he, like all adults, is checked in for a flight.

You cannot buy a ticket for an infant only. It is always issued together with a ticket for an adult passenger.

How much is a ticket for an infant?

The ticket price depends on where exactly you are flying and whether the child needs a separate seat.

When flying within Russia, a ticket for infants is free, but you still need to issue it. The child is not provided with a separate seat - he flies in the arms of the parent. If you want the child to still have a separate seat, then you can buy it. Such a ticket will cost the same as for a child from 2 to 12 years old. The cost is set by the airline.

If you fly abroad, then a ticket for an infant is always paid, it must also be issued. The ticket price depends on whether the parents buy a separate seat or the baby will fly in their arms.

What documents does an infant need to fly?

To travel in Russia, you will need a birth certificate or a passport for an infant. For international flights - a passport.

If the baby is less than two weeks old, a doctor's note may be required to confirm that it is safe to fly.

What is the correct way to carry a baby on an airplane?

Infants are transported in the arms of an adult or in a special cradle.

If a child flies in the arms of a parent, then it must be fastened with a child seat belt, which is attached to the belt of an adult passenger. The seat belt will be provided by the flight attendants.

You should always hold the child in your arms with your head towards the window. This will protect it from injury when objects fall from the upper shelves.

Infants under one year old and weighing no more than 11 kg can be provided with a special cradle on the plane. If you need a bassinet, write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will send a request to the airline. If the airline confirms the request, then the adult passenger will be provided with a special seat in the aircraft cabin where they can secure the cradle. Usually this is the first row, but not all aircraft have this option: it depends on the model.

Where to put the stroller on the plane?

Baby strollers and cradles are transported free of charge in the luggage compartment. The stroller can be used before boarding the aircraft and handed over to airport staff or flight attendants before entering the aircraft. To do this, write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will notify the airline.

Before checking the stroller in your luggage, make sure that it does not get dirty or torn anywhere. It can be packed in cellophane or a protective case.

Upon arrival, contact the flight attendants and the stroller will be returned to you.

Compact strollers weighing up to 4.5 kg can sometimes be transported in the aircraft cabin. It depends on the conditions of the airline. Write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will find out the information for you.

If you are carrying a stroller without a child, check it in as baggage at the airline's rate.

Is there food for babies on board the aircraft?

On board the aircraft, as a rule, there is milk and infant formula. Write to us in the chat of the Tinkoff application or personal account no later than 36 hours before departure - we will find out if your airline has baby food on board.

Where can I change my baby's clothes on the plane?

There is a changing table on board. Where it is located and how to use it, the flight attendants will tell you. Take everything you need with you in case the child needs to be changed.

How to make the flight more comfortable for the baby?

Infants should preferably be cuddled or given a bottle of water during takeoff and landing. This will help to avoid discomfort from the pressure drop: it is less likely to stuff your ears.

What to do at the airport if you are flying with a baby?

Major airports have a mother and baby room. You can get into it with a ticket or boarding pass and identity documents. Such a room usually has a sanitary area where you can change clothes for a child, a kitchen with a refrigerator, a microwave and high chairs for children, bedrooms and a play area.

There must be one chaperone per child in the room. If there are two children, then two adults must be with them.

Alone on a plane: a child's flight without parents

Of course, in most cases, parents will do everything to accompany their minor child on a flight, but life shows: situations are different. Therefore, it is better to be prepared for them.

Independent flight of a child from 2 to 12 years old (child category)

2 years, no such privilege at all). However, in practice, according to experienced parents, it is almost impossible to send a child under five to seven years old on a flight: each case is considered by an airline representative individually and depending on the regulations of a particular carrier, and preschool children are usually not allowed to travel independently.

Children under 12 years of age must use the Unaccompanied minor service.

As a rule, it will not be possible to purchase a ticket through online sales systems only for a child (this applies even if the parents' tickets have already been purchased in advance and subsequently it was necessary to purchase a ticket for the child), you will have to contact the airline sales office or at the airline counter at the airport. Some AKs can issue tickets for a child over the phone; other carriers (for example, S7 or many low-cost carriers) do not provide an escort service at all and do not allow children under 12 years of age to board without adults. Any information in which you doubt or which you cannot find confirmation on the Web, it is better to clarify by calling the hotline.

Calling in advance is also required in order to find out the availability of seats for unaccompanied children on the flight: according to the rules, more than four children traveling alone cannot be on one plane. The number of seats may be reduced if there is an unaccompanied incapacitated child or passenger with a disability on the flight, as they require special attention from the flight attendant.

Usually, when it comes to traveling in the company of adults, airlines sell CH tickets for children from 2 to 12 years old at a discount. There will be no discount for a young solo traveler, and in some cases you will have to pay extra for the escort service at the airport (for example, Aeroflot charges a fee of 40 euros for one flight segment).

At this age, it is also important that the child is fluent in the language spoken by flight attendants and airline employees.

Documents that must be provided for a child to fly independently without parents

Passport and visa (if the child flies to a visa country) - obviously.
Birth certificate.
Application Form and Declaration of Responsibility to be completed and signed by the parents either at the time of ticket purchase or at the airport check-in desk. It will contain the contact numbers of the parents and the meeting person. Six copies are required (one remains with the parents; the second is seized at the airport on the day of departure; the third is handed over to the flight attendant responsible for servicing the child on board; the fourth is received by the airline employee at the point of departure; the fifth is handed over by the flight attendant to the employee at the point of arrival; the sixth - remains with the child ).
If the child is traveling abroad, a notarized permission from both parents must be presented.
If one of the parents changed his surname after a divorce or after entering into a new marriage, a document confirming the change of surname is also attached.
If the child leaves the country for more than three months, the consent of the guardianship authorities must be obtained.
In the case of adoption, most airlines do not require the provision of supporting documents, since children are equated with natural children, but this issue is best clarified by calling the carrier's hotline.
If the child has a serious health problem, a medical certificate of the child's condition will be required.

Not only parents, but also other relatives, family friends or employees of a summer camp or school can be seeing off or meeting on a domestic flight: the main thing is that this person is entered in the questionnaire and arrives at the airport with identity documents. In the case of transportation of an unaccompanied child in an international direction, only legal representatives can deliver the child to the airport of departure and check him in for the flight: parents, adoptive parents, guardians, trustees or representatives of the child under a notarized power of attorney from legal representatives.

Check-in of an unaccompanied child can only be done offline directly at the airport. By the way, the accompanying person must stay at the airport until the flight departs.

After the mourner passes the child to the airline employee, the documents are placed in a special plastic file marked UM, which is hung around the baby's neck. The escort escorts the child without a queue through passport control and to boarding, where he passes it to the senior flight attendant. As a rule, special attention is paid to "lonely" children during the flight - they are tried to entertain them, give them gift sets, listen to all their requests.

After landing, everything repeats: the flight attendant hands the child over to the airport employee, who escorts the passenger through passport control, leads to the meeting person and checks his documents (the identity must match the one indicated in the questionnaire).

If the greeter does not arrive at the airport on time, the airport employee spends the entire time waiting with the child.

The Declaration of Responsibility contains the clause: “In the event that the child is not met at the airport of destination, I trust the company to take the actions necessary to ensure the safety of the child, up to sending to the original point of departure, with reimbursement of expenses associated with such actions. Of course, no one will be sent anywhere without your knowledge: if the meeting party does not appear at all, they will definitely contact you to discuss further actions (for example, airport employees can even deliver the child to a specific address).

By the way, if the flight has a transfer, this service may be denied altogether. However, some airlines allow the child to travel on a multi-unit flight, but only if both flights are operated by the same company (not a code share) and there is only one transfer. It should also be a transfer only from international to international or from domestic to domestic flights: transit associated with the passage of border formalities is prohibited. During the transplant, the child spends time in the nursery.

Independent flight of a child from 12 to 18 years old

Starting from the age of 12, teenagers are already equated to "adult" passengers, although they are still in the "young people" category.