GUIDE TO AIR TRAVEL WITH KIDS
Just because you have children, doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of travel and flying. My family and I have taken countless international flights. From Australia we have flown to Asia, Europe and USA with our two children, as babies, toddlers and through the various ages. So I have plenty of practical tips you might find useful.
Flying with young children doesn’t have to be difficult. I won’t say it wasn’t a bit stressful at times, but as with everything in life, the more you do it, the easier it gets. And if I can do it, you can too.
I’m going to give you my top tips for flying with young children, so that with some planning and organisation, the whole experience will be a little less daunting for you and your family.
1. AGE
Ideally, wait until your baby is three months old, at least, before taking them on a plane. Some parents prefer to wait until baby has had their first round of vaccinations. Air travel can increase a newborn’s risk of catching an infectious disease. But it is entirely up to you. I took my children on their first international flights at a few months old.
You will need to arrange an individual passport for your child.
2. LAP OR SEAT
Babies and toddlers under 2 years of age are not required to have a seat on the plane. They can travel whilst sitting on your lap. The crew will provide you with an infant seat belt extension. The infant under 2 will either travel free, or part of an adult fare may apply, but always book your child on the flight.
With 2 adults travelling on the plane with baby, you are able to share the baby-holding duties whilst one is eating or going to the bathroom.
If your child is over 2 years old you need to purchase a separate ticket for them on the plane so they have their own seat. Normal adult ticket prices can apply, or a percentage, depending on the airline and destination.
You may want to use a baby seat for your toddler on the plane.
3. BASSINET
If you can, try to book a row with a bassinet, or sky cot, for your baby. These are usually provided in the first row of each cabin and go attached to the front wall. Bassinets are designed for babies up to two years old and have a weight limit of usually 14kg.
You should definitely request this option when booking your tickets, as it gives you more room to move about, space to put baby and their things in, and no one in front of you to disturb.
The baby cannot be in the cot during take-off and landing.
I always appreciated having this area and highly recommend it for families, especially on long flights.
NOTE: Use of sky cot is free.
4. CLOTHING
Dress your kids in comfortable clothing with layers, preferably without too many buttons or zips, to make it easier for bathroom visits. Avoid shoe laces and choose easy slip-on shoes instead.
A spare set of clothing for your children and yourself is most important, in the event of messy situations that can easily occur on planes, from spilt drinks, sickness and toilet accidents. Pack a few easy to change items in your hand luggage, just in case.
5. STROLLER & BABY CARRIER
A stroller can be checked at the gate before boarding and the crew can have it waiting for you when you disembark. If it’s compact, you may be able to bring it on board and store in overhead compartment.
NOTE: Strollers are normally not counted as luggage and are free to check-in.
If you’re wearing a baby carrier it usually has to come off on the plane to fasten your seatbelt.
6. EARLY BOARDING
Often airlines will call families with young children for early boarding. This gives you time and space to get your children seated and settled with everything they need, before other passengers board.
7. COMFORT ITEM
Bring one or two of your child’s favourite toys, a blankie or small pillow from home to cuddle during the flight. Something familiar from home helps calm them and make them comfortable.
Avoid bringing toys with lots of little pieces that will get lost on the plane.
8. EAR PRESSURE
During take-offs and landings, breastfeed or bottle feed your little one to help with ear pressure that can cause some pain. A pacifier / dummy also helps, or sucking on a lolly pop. There are also special ear plugs designed for babies which help reduce discomfort.
Noise-cancelling earmuffs can reduce noise level on planes during take-off.
9. NAPPIES
You will most definitely need to change a nappy or two on flight. Make sure to bring a good supply of diapers / pull-ups, wipes, sanitiser and plastic bags. Keep these handy throughout the flight for easy access.
Bathrooms on planes have a pull out change table for you to use. Bring your own foldable mat.
NOTE: Nappy bags / diaper bags may not count as personal carry-on item. Check with your airline.
10. PROHIBITED ITEMS
Certain baby items may be prohibited on your airline, such as inflatable seat extensions, bassinet covers, booster seats and others. Please enquire before your flight.
11. TRAVEL SICKNESS
Travel sickness may be a problem for your child. Be prepared with some motion sickness medication in your hand luggage, or wrist bands they can wear, to help relieve nausea.
Avoid sitting at the back of the plane, if possible, where it is usually a little more bumpy.
12. NEW TOY
Bring along a new toy / book / game / puzzle to give them during the flight. This gives them something to look forward to on the plane, helps settle them if they’re upset, and keeps them entertained. I always found a new toy to be a big hit with my children when flying.
Avoid bringing anything with lots of little pieces.
13. DEVICES
You may wish to bring an electronic device for them to enjoy on the plane, fully charged and downloaded with your kids’ favourite movies / shows / games, for offline use. This is often the best bet for keeping kids quiet and sitting still on the plane for long periods.
You may need child headphones as well.
14. DRAWING
Drawing and colouring with a few crayons or pencils is another great activity to bring on the plane.
NOTE: Many airlines hand out free inflight children’s kits for under 12’s which include some sort of activity booklet, crayons, a small toy, and the like. So be sure to ask the crew if they have anything.
15. MEALS, SNACKS & DRINKS
Water, milk, formula and breast milk, plus jelly or pureed food for babies are allowed to be brought onboard in reasonable quantities, as the 100ml liquid rule doesn’t usually apply. Remove the baby bottles from your carry-on bag to screen separately from your other items and advise security staff.
Make sure to check the rules for baby bottles with your airline prior to your trip.
Mess-free healthy snacks are a must for kids on planes. Bring some easy to eat foods, such as crackers, pretzels, string cheese, muesli bars, dried fruit, to keep them happy and full during the flight, and in case they won’t eat the airline food provided.
Airlines will provide kids meals, if you have paid for your child’s own seat on the plane.
16. CREW
If you need anything for your children, such as heating of water bottles, wipes, or blanket, be sure to ask your flight attendant. They are usually very accommodating where children are concerned and may have other things on board to keep your child happy.
Some crew members are very good with kids and will help distract them a little for you.
17. WALK
Finally, if your little one won’t settle, you can take them for a walk up and down the plane for a bit.
I hope you find these tips for flying with young children helpful on your family trip.
Most importantly, try not to stress when flying with young children, as they often pick up on your tension and uneasiness. Instead, endeavour to make it a special event and an exciting adventure for the whole family.
NOTE: Different airlines have different rules about travelling with babies and children, so be sure to check with your airline to avoid confusion and frustration.
Skyscanner has a handy chart to refer to for flying babies on various airlines and their regulations.
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