Embarking on a journey with your little one? Air travel with a baby opens up a world of questions, especially regarding the right age to fly. Is your bundle of joy ready for their first aerial adventure? In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate through airline policies, health considerations, and practical tips to ensure a smooth flight experience for you and your baby in the United States.
Please Note: Regulations vary sometimes widely between countries, so it is important to research and plan accordingly. We have a comprehensive guide on flight requirements and allowances for luggage, baby gear, food, carseat regulations etc inside our course The Ready To Fly Mom.
Understanding the Right Age for Baby’s First Flight
- Airline Policies on Infant Air Travel In the U.S., airlines typically welcome infants as young as a few days old. For example, Delta and United permit flying for infants over 7 days old, while American Airlines allows as early as 2 days. However, it's always prudent to check with your specific airline, as policies can vary. Keep in mind, documentation like a birth certificate might be required to prove your child's age. It is especially a good idea to call the airline to confirm requirements if you booked your ticket before your baby was born.
- Health Considerations Pediatricians often advise waiting until your baby's immune system is more developed, usually around 2-3 months. This is particularly important in confined spaces like an airplane cabin where germs are more prevalent. For babies born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, consulting a healthcare provider before flying is crucial. This isn't generally a requirement by the airlines but mostly something you'd know/ want to decide prior to your flight.
- Coordinating with Airlines for Infants Booking a flight for a yet-to-be-born baby or managing reservations when online options are limited can be a unique challenge. Many airlines in the U.S. don't offer the option to add a lap infant to your booking online if the child wasn't born at the time of purchase. In such cases, it’s essential to call the airline directly.
When you call, provide all necessary details including the flight information and the age of your baby at the time of travel. This is crucial as airlines have different policies regarding the minimum age for infant travel. Additionally, for international flights, there might be a fee for lap infants, which can be a percentage of the adult fare.
Direct communication with the airline also allows you to confirm any specific requirements or amenities, like bassinet availability or special seating arrangements. This step ensures that all aspects of traveling with your infant are taken care of and minimizes surprises on the day of travel.
Speaking of gettin your toddler a bassinet + to sleep on planes, we have a video detailing all the sleep gear we've tried on flights and which ones we'd recommend. WATCH IT HERE
Tips for Flying with Infants
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Choosing the Right Flight While we don't believe that Timing is everything, we definitely think it can be used to your advantage. Opt for flight times that align with your baby's sleep schedule to ease the journey, but make sure it's not so close to where your baby is falling asleep while boarding or 20 minutes before. This could lead to an over stimulated and over tired child instead of one that sleeps through take off.
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Layovers or not? Non-stop flights are ideal to avoid the hassle of layovers and additional take-offs and landings, which can be tough on little ears. Of course when going long distances, non stops are also longer vs the convenience of splitting a flight journey with one or two layovers.
There is no right or wrong answers when it comes to flying with babies but when choosing the length of your first flight keep in mind things like layover length, time of the layover, where is the layover ( is this a nice and properly equipped airport for a long time?) and lounge access as all these factors can make a huge difference. -
Gear for Safe and Comfortable Travel The FAA strongly recommends using an approved child restraint system or car seat on airplanes for safety. READ THIS BLOG POST FOR ALL OUR TIPS ON CARSEATS FOR FLYING
There are also a few devices that can make traveling safe and very hassle free, if taking a car seat seems overwhelming. CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS.
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What about clothing? We recommend you dress your baby in layers for easy adjustment to cabin temperatures, and pack essentials like diapers, wipes, formula, and a few comforting toys. We have a handy carry on/ diaper bag checklist you can GET HERE
Preparing for the Journey
Booking and Boarding
When preparing for a flight with your infant, the booking process is crucial. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about ensuring the journey is as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby.
Family-Friendly Seating:
When booking your flight, inquire about family-friendly seating options. Many airlines offer seating arrangements that cater to the needs of families. These might include extra legroom, proximity to restrooms, or even private sections in some premium classes. More space can be a game-changer when you're juggling a baby and their necessities.
Keep in mind, the very front row of the economy class, often known as the bulkhead row, can be an excellent choice. It usually offers additional legroom and space, making it easier to manage your baby and their essentials. However, these seats are in high demand, so it's best to book as early as possible.
Bassinets on Board:
For longer flights, inquire about the availability of bassinets. Many airlines provide bassinets that attach to the bulkhead wall, offering a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. These bassinets are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis and have restrictions based on the baby's weight and length. Ensure to communicate with the airline well in advance about your need for a bassinet. Remember to also confirm the dimensions and weight limits to ensure it will be suitable for your child.
Early Boarding Benefits:
Most airlines offer early boarding for families with young children. This perk allows you extra time to board the plane, stow your carry-on items, and settle in without the pressure of holding up other passengers. It also gives you a moment to sanitize your seating area, set up any child entertainment or comfort items, and discuss any last-minute needs with the cabin crew.
Utilizing early boarding can significantly reduce the stress of navigating through a crowded plane with a baby and all their gear. It also provides a few extra minutes to acquaint your little one with the new environment, which can help ease any travel anxiety they may have.
Remember, each airline has its policies and amenities, so it's crucial to check the specific details with the airline you're flying with. Proper planning and communication with your airline can make a world of difference in your travel experience.
Managing Ear Pain and Discomfort
Understanding and preparing for potential ear discomfort can make air travel a more pleasant experience for both you and your baby. Being equipped with the right strategies and tools will go a long way in managing this common issue in infant air travel.
One of the most common challenges for babies (and even adults) during flights is dealing with ear pain caused by changes in cabin pressure, particularly during takeoff and landing. This discomfort is due to the rapid changes in altitude and air pressure, which can create a pressure imbalance in the middle ear.
Feeding During Critical Phases:
To help alleviate this discomfort for infants, a highly effective method is to feed them during takeoff and landing. When your baby swallows, it helps open the Eustachian tubes, which equalize the pressure in the middle ears with the cabin pressure. Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or giving your baby a pacifier during ascent and descent can be tremendously helpful. This act of sucking and swallowing works as a natural remedy to balance the ear pressure and can significantly reduce or even prevent the pain associated with pressure changes.
For breastfed babies, try to time your feeding so that the baby is hungry and ready to feed as the plane is ascending and descending. If your baby uses a bottle, make sure you have one prepared and easily accessible during these times.
Use of Pacifiers:
For older babies, especially those who are not feeding as frequently, a pacifier can be a great tool to promote the necessary sucking and swallowing action to equalize ear pressure. The sucking motion has the same effect on the Eustachian tubes and can provide relief from the discomfort.
Additional Tips:
Apart from feeding and using a pacifier, there are other strategies to consider. For instance, keeping your baby awake during takeoff and landing can be beneficial since they're more likely to swallow frequently when awake. Gently massaging or stroking the area around your baby’s ears can also provide some comfort.
In the case of a sleeping baby, it's often advised not to wake them. A sleeping baby will naturally swallow less often, but the discomfort of the pressure change might not be enough to wake them. If they do wake up in discomfort, you can then offer a feed or a pacifier.
Consulting with a Pediatrician:
If your baby is prone to ear problems or has recently had an ear infection, it's a good idea to consult with a pediatrician before flying. The doctor might recommend additional strategies or precautions to ensure your baby’s comfort during the flight.
Flying with your baby can be a delightful experience with the right preparation. Check airline policies, pack wisely, and follow safety guidelines for an stress-free journey. For a more comprehensive guide on everything you need to plan and consider on your first flight, CHECK OUT OUR EBOOK THAT IS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR FIRST FLIGHT A BREEZE: GET BABY ON BOARD HERE
Remember, every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts as a parent, and don't hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice.
We'd love to hear about your experiences flying with your little one. Share your stories or any additional questions in the comments below. For more tips on traveling with children, check out our post, "Packing Checklist for Flying with a Baby."
What are your thoughts on checklists?
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Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoyed it.
xoxo
The TFA Family
