How to fly with a child

Traveling with children − Travel information − American Airlines

Traveling with children and infants

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

• Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
• Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

• Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
• The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
• On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
• It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

Infants under 2 years old can travel at no charge in the lap of their parent (any age), or an accompanying adult 16 years or older traveling in the same cabin. We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a ‘Passenger Medical’ form to be completed before your flight.

Keep in mind:

• Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
• The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U. S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

• Book your trip on aa.com
• Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com
• Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

• You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
• You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Contact Reservations

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

• Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
• Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

• These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.

• The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
• Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
• The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
• To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Planes

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

First

Airbus 321T

Business

• Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777-300
• Boeing 787-800
• Boeing 787-900

• Any device without an approval label
• Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
• Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
• Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
• Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

• Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
• Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
• All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
• If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate

• Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
• Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
• If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U. S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

• Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
• Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

• Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
• 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

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What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2022]

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Getting the family ready for a big vacation can be exciting, but it can also be quite stressful. Even if it isn’t a big vacation, just the thought of putting your little ones on a plane can cause anxiety.

Making sure you’ve made all of the reservations, selected assigned seats, and upgraded your hotel rooms while attempting to keep the kids entertained (and behaving properly) can be exhausting. And all of this happens before ever leaving the house.

Adding in the fact that your child may or may not need some sort of identification to get through security and board a plane, can be that extra confusion that a parent doesn’t need.

Well, we are here to lay it out clearly and tell you what identification requirements and documents are required to fly with your kids!

Table of contents

• Overview
• International Flights
  • Passport
  • Global Entry
  • International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present
• Domestic Flights
  • Age: Newborn
  • Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
  • Age: 2 to 18 Years Old
  • Minors Traveling Alone
  • 18-Year-Old “Kids”
• Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

• Overview
• International Flights
  • Passport
  • Global Entry
  • International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present
• Domestic Flights
  • Age: Newborn
  • Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
  • Age: 2 to 18 Years Old
  • Minors Traveling Alone
  • 18-Year-Old “Kids”
• Final Thoughts

Overview

As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID to board a plane in the U. S., according to the TSA.

If you are flying internationally, you must show your passport or passport card. If you are flying on a domestic flight, you will need to show your driver’s license or another form of government ID with your photo on it.

However, for children 18 years old or younger, that is a different story. Depending on their age and where they are traveling, they might not need an ID at all.

Since there is a lot of information out there, it can get a little confusing to dissect. We will break it all down so that the next time you board a flight with your little one in tow, you will know precisely what you will and won’t need.

International Flights

Flying internationally is very black and white when it comes to knowing what identification is required. That’s because regardless of your age, if you are flying to a different country, you must present your passport at check-in, at the TSA security checkpoint, and when you arrive at your destination.

Passport

Don’t have a passport yet for your little traveler? Even if your baby is only a month old, they will need a passport to leave the country. Don’t worry; we have a complete guide on how to get a U.S. passport for your baby.

If your destination requires a travel visa, your baby will also need to apply for the visa. Since both of these things take time, it is best to get these done as far in advance as possible.

If, for some reason, you need to take an international trip immediately after the birth of your child, it is possible to get passports and visas expedited for an extra cost.

Global Entry

If you have Global Entry, that doesn’t mean your child will automatically get it as well.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which can extend to your children ages 12 and under, if you want to take your child through the Global Entry line they will need to go through the same process you did. Yes, that means paying the $100 application fee and having your, in some cases, infant complete the interview process. Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of credit cards that’ll reimburse this fee.

Although this may seem like a hassle, having an official government photo ID for your child will come in handy for many circumstances down the road.

Bottom Line: If you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport (and maybe a visa), regardless of their age.

International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present

If you plan on traveling internationally with your child, and both parents will not be traveling together, you may need to provide additional documentation.

The requirements will differ depending on the airline and the country you will be flying to (and potentially back from).

The most important piece will be a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport or valid identification.

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate.

The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody, as you may be required to present a copy of your court order or custody agreement signed by both parents.

Domestic Flights

Here is where things aren’t so black and white …

Sure, you could just travel with your child’s passport every time you board a flight. But depending on the situation, that might not be necessary. And if there is 1 thing you should hope to never lose during a trip, it’s a passport. So why bring it if you don’t have to?

In most circumstances, children under the age of 18 will not need a photo ID to board a plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

However, there are some circumstances where a photo ID or some official document may be needed for minors to board. Let’s break it down by age group and figure out what documentation your child will need (if anything) to fly.

Age: Newborn

This will vary by carrier, but most airlines will accept infants as young as 2 days old.

If you find yourself needing to board a plane with an infant less than 2 weeks old, you may be required by the airline to provide a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly.

Since this can vary by airline, it is best to contact your carrier before you travel.

For example, American Airlines requires that a “special assistance coordinator” send a form directly to the physician for them to fill out.

Age: 0 to 2 Years Old

Once you pass the 2-week-old window, the only age questions you will come across are whether or not your child has turned 2 years old yet. That is because children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are flying with an adult.

While you won’t be required to show an ID for the child when passing through security, at check-in the airline may require that you prove that the child is under the age of 2 because, obviously, if they are not, the airline will want to charge you for their seat.

Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

While some airlines are more lenient than others, it is always best to come prepared. For example, Southwest Airlines is very strict with age requirements as they require a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your little one to fly as a lap child.

Hot Tip: If your child turns 2 years old during a trip (hello Disney birthday vacation!), you will be required to pay for a full-priced ticket. This would be a good opportunity to book 2 one-way tickets in order to save a few dollars. 

Age: 2 to 18 Years Old

Once your child turns 2 years old, they will be required to pay the full airfare and will no longer be allowed to fly as a lap child.

This also means that they won’t be required to prove their age anymore, which means that you don’t have to worry about traveling with an additional ID for them.

Minors under the age of 18 will not need ID to pass through security, only a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

Although it isn’t required, it may feel weird traveling without some sort of ID for your kids. So, regardless of where you are traveling to, we suggest having some sort of ID for them.

Sometimes that may mean a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or, at the very least, a photo of their passport on your cell phone.

Bottom Line: As long as a minor between the age of 2 and 18 is traveling with an adult, they will not need a photo ID to board a plane. 

Minors Traveling Alone

Here is another circumstance where the information can become a little murky. Since exact requirements may vary by airline, it is best to contact your carrier directly if you plan on sending your child off on their own.

That being said, there are some basics that seem to be standard across the industry.

Child Travel Consent Form

A child travel consent form is a form that provides proof that the child is authorized to travel alone.

This form will often be provided by the airline — for example, American Airlines refers to it as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, and needs it to be completed with the information about who is dropping off the child and who will be picking them up at the final destination.

If the child is traveling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by their legal guardian(s).

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate. Note: This may only be required for international travel. 

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 5 to 14

Children ages 5 to 14 are not required to show an ID at the time of check-in, however, they are always encouraged to have some sort of ID on them during travel.

If your child already has a passport, you can send them with a copy of it in case of an emergency.

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17

Children ages 15-17 may be required to provide some sort of identification, including one of the following:

• Birth certificate
• Company ID
• Credit card
• Driver’s license
• Learners permit
• Library card
• Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.)
• Passport
• Passport card
• Proof of auto insurance in the passenger’s name
• School ID
• Social Security card

Bottom Line: If your child will be traveling alone, it is best to send them with some sort of ID — even better if it has their photo on it. 

18-Year-Old “Kids”

Even though your 18-year-old is legally an adult, they are still your baby, and you surely will want to have them prepared when they decide they want to go off on a trip with their friends. Spring Break, anyone?

Well, now that they’ve turned 18, they are legally required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID.

The identification must contain a clear photo, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. territory. Expired documents will not be accepted.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of identification for boarding a U.S. domestic flight:

• Airline- or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• Border Crossing Card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
• DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID requirements
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Native American Tribal Photo ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Registered Traveler Card (that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U. S. Military ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card

Hot Tip: TSA ID requirements are always changing, so if you have any concerns, it is always best to check directly on its website. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the answer is pretty simple: It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have an ID for your little one, bring it. You might not need it, but it is better than being denied boarding.

But, to summarize, if you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport and potentially a travel visa as well.

If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child, you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are younger than 2 years old.

If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child), they probably won’t need any ID until they are 18 years old.

Of course, there are always unique circumstances, which we highlighted above. But in most cases, 1 of the 3 situations listed above will cover you.

Now, grab your little traveler and start exploring this crazy world. 

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.

How to fly with a child: the rules for comfortable travel | Useful information

Airplane is one of the safest and most comfortable ways to travel around the world. However, many parents are afraid to fly with their children, considering air travel difficult and inconvenient.

We declare - it is not so! Today we have prepared tips for you on how to fly with children so as not to cause inconvenience to them, yourself and others.

We assure you that our little tricks will help you exhale and look at air travel with the enthusiastic eyes of your child.

How to fly with a child: how much does it cost

As with many other modes of transport, plane tickets for children are cheaper than for adults. Airlines apply special fares for children:

1. Infant tariff (infant) - for children from 0 to 2 years old. Children travel without a seat, in the arms of an adult.
   Baggage "infants" may not be relied upon - at the discretion of the airline. But the stroller is almost always transported free of charge.
   In some cases, children under 2 years old can travel without paying, most often on domestic flights of airlines. In this case, all luggage is with an adult.
2. Child tariff (children) - for children 2-11 years old . As soon as babies turn 2 years old, they start traveling on the Child fare, which is 50-75% of the adult fare. It involves a separate seat for a small passenger, as well as baggage check-in according to adult standards . But this rule applies only to scheduled flights.
   The Child rate also applies to children under 2 years of age if parents purchase a separate seat for them.
3. Children over 12 years of age fly at full price but may qualify for special airline youth fares, if available.

How to fly with a child: documents for crossing the border

If you are traveling with a child abroad, check the list of documents required for departure. For children under 16, the standard list of documents looks like this:

1. Child's birth certificate.
2. Permission to leave from parents or one of them, certified by a notary - if the child leaves without being accompanied by parents or one of them.
3. Child's travel document.
4. Visa - if necessary.

Children over 16 only need a travel document and a visa.

How to fly with a child: planning, airport, check-in, plane

Traveling by plane is an exciting event for both the child and his parents. But if the excitement of the child is joyful, then the parents experience real stress. Follow our rules to stay calm and collected.

1. Book your tickets in advance. So you can choose the best places. In addition, some airlines limit the number of young children on board. Make sure to be among them.
2. Choose less crowded flights. People rarely sit down with parents with children unless absolutely necessary.
   The fewer people on the flight, the more likely it is that your baby will be able to get a separate seat even without a purchase.
   During the holiday season, finding a less crowded flight is not easy, but be aware that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are less popular days for flights.
3. Fly in the morning. In the morning, children are traditionally in a better mood, which means they behave better.
4. Be the first to check-in and board. Check in as early as possible to avoid queues and get the best seats.
5. Choose bright colors. Dress your children in brighter colors so you can easily spot them in a crowd.
6. Feel free to ask. Ask staff at check-in not to seat people next to you if possible. Ask your neighbor to switch places with you.
   Ask the flight attendant to heat up water for you to eat. Ask to give way to you at customs control. You will be surprised how much people are willing to do for travelers with children.
7. Use children's facilities. Almost every airport has a children's room, a feeding and changing room. Airplanes on long flights have toilets designed for diaper changes. There may be children's coloring kits on board - ask the flight attendants about this.

How to fly with a child: what to take on a plane

In order for your child to feel good during the flight, you need to meet all his needs. He should be full, he should not be scared, bored or uncomfortable. Think in advance of the list of things that you will take on board, or use our tips.

1. Clothing. Clothing should be light, comfortable, without chafing seams. Shoes should be easy to put on and take off. It can be hot or cold on the plane - think about this moment in clothes. Take a change of clothes for the child and a t-shirt for yourself.
2. Food. Many airlines offer a children's menu on their flights - this should be ordered when buying tickets. But we still recommend bringing fruit, lollipops and biscuits with you.
3. New toys. Buy a toy in advance and take it with you. New fun can keep the child longer.
4. Screens - yes . Even if you don't like spending time in front of the computer, bring along a tablet with toys, a DVD player with cartoons, or let your kids watch TV on the plane without restrictions.
5. Wet wipes. They will help fight sudden spots.
6. Scarf and pins. By pinning the ends of the scarf to the seat backs, you can isolate yourself from other people and help your child fall asleep.
7. Medicines. An airplane is a crowded place, which means that your child can catch an infection that will quickly show its symptoms. Therefore, grab a first aid kit with antipyretic, antihistamine and other necessary drugs in your hand luggage.

How to fly with a baby: when to start flying

Many parents are afraid to fly with babies. However, we dare to assure - many people decide - and are satisfied.

Experienced travelers with children say that flying with babies is much easier and more convenient than with restless three- or four-year-olds.

Within 8-10 days after birth, most airlines are ready to accept a small traveler on board. The airline may require a doctor's note to allow the newborn to fly, so find out the requirements in advance.

Some airlines, such as British Airways, make it possible to book a seat on a flight for unborn children - with the need to clarify all the information after birth.

How to fly with a baby: how to order carrycot

Babies fly without a seat - on their parents' laps. By default, parents are given seat belts with which the child is fixed in the arms of an adult. Needless to say, such belts are not to the taste of children.

A regular carrier or sling can do a good job. In them, the child can sleep comfortably for the entire flight.

Some airlines offer cribs for babies, which must be booked in advance. Also check if the airline allows you to take your car seat on board the aircraft and check the requirements for it.

How to fly with a baby: stroller

As a rule, airlines allow you to take a stroller with you, even if the baggage check-in is not provided for by the fare.

The stroller can be checked in as baggage at check-in or handed over to flight attendants when boarding the plane. In the second case, the stroller will be returned to you immediately after leaving the aircraft at your destination.

The stroller is transported free of charge, but be sure to check if there are requirements for the dimensions and maximum weight of the stroller.

How to fly with a baby: solving the problem of ears

During takeoff and landing, due to pressure changes, small children often cry and complain of ear pain.

To help your baby avoid discomfort, offer him a breast, a bottle of water or juice. Older children can sip water from a cup or cup or suck on a lollipop.

How to fly with a baby: food on the plane

Even in conditions of limited liquid transportation, parents of babies should not worry. You can take breast milk bottles, formula, water, juice or compote on the plane.

However, try to keep the amount of food in line with the duration of the flight - do not overfill. Put the child's food in a separate bag and be sure to tell about its availability at the screening at the airport.

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