How to Travel on a Plane With an Infant

Traveling on a plane with a baby can be a stressful experience for many parents, especially new parents, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a smooth and manageable journey. Whether you are flying with a newborn or a two-year-old, any parent or guardian can fly with a baby and make sure that the experience is seamless for you, your child, and everyone around you. So in this article, we will go over how to travel on a plane with an infant so you can be ready to fly wherever you need to go with your baby.

What Are the Rules for Flying With an Infant?

When flying with an infant there are several rules and guidelines that are set by airlines and regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure their health is not at risk. For instance, most airlines allow babies to fly when they are seven days old, but most doctors recommend waiting at least until they are several months old to ensure they have built up their immune system.

When an infant does fly, parents would need to use a birth certificate or a vaccination record as a form of identification. Depending on the size of the infant, parents can use an FAA-approved car seat for the duration of the flight, but infants can also fly on the parent’s lap should they need to. However, it is important to check airline policy regarding this matter, because depending on the flight and airline, an extra charge or a set of requirements may be required.

Do Infants Need a Boarding Pass?

Most airlines do require infants to need a boarding pass and this is usually dependent on whether your baby is flying as a lap infant or occupying a purchased seat. If your baby is flying as a lap infant, they will still need a boarding pass or a document from the airline indicating they will be sitting on your lap. This boarding pass is typically issued at check-in, but if you have purchased a seat for your baby, they will receive a regular boarding pass, just like any other passenger.

In regards to international flights, a lap infant may also require a ticket, which can generally be obtained when booking your flight. However, it is important to note that there are some airlines that allow infants to fly for free. With that in mind, it’s crucial to check the airline’s policy on international travel with infants to avoid any last-minute surprises and fees.

How to Go through Airport Security With a Baby?

Going through airport security with a baby can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the process can make it much easier. Before reaching security, it is important that you have all your documents ready to be presented to the TSA officer, including identification and boarding passes. If your baby is in a stroller or car seat, be prepared to remove them temporarily during the security screening. Also be sure to familiarize yourself with folding strollers and baby carriers, because they tend to be notorious for being tricky and time-consuming to do.

When it comes to liquids, the TSA does allow larger quantities of formula, breast milk, and baby food when traveling with an infant. While these items are subject to screening, it is important to separate them from other liquids in your carry-on and inform the TSA officer that you are carrying them. However, the most important rule to always keep in mind is to arrive early at the airport to ensure that you have enough time to properly go through TSA without feeling the need to rush.

Where to Sit with a Baby on a Plane?

Choosing the right seat on a plane can significantly affect how you and your baby will be comfortable during the flight. For many parents, they prefer seats that offer extra legroom and space to maneuver throughout their flight such as bulkhead seats. Meanwhile, window seats offer more privacy, and aisle seats make it easier to get up and move around. When it comes to the best seats for a flight with a baby, you can generally pick any seats that you are most comfortable with. However, it is generally recommended that parents avoid the very last row because it has limited recline and super close proximity to the bathroom.

How Do I Protect My Baby’s Ears From Flying?

Babies are particularly sensitive to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing, which can cause discomfort in their ears. To help alleviate this, feeding your baby during takeoff and landing is highly effective because sucking and swallowing help equalize the pressure in your baby’s ears. Whether it is breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or giving your baby a pacifier, it is recommended to do at least one of these things during takeoffs and landings.

Additionally, baby ear plugs or ear muffs designed for infants are another great way to reduce noise and pressure discomfort. These can be especially helpful if your baby is prone to ear infections or has a cold. If possible, it is highly recommended to schedule flights during your baby’s usual nap time, as sleeping through takeoff and landing can minimize ear discomfort, because they tend to sleep right through it.

What Do I Need to Fly With an Infant?

For every parent, packing for an infant for an upcoming flight is a stressful experience, because overpacking is a usual issue that happens too frequently. As such, to minimize the amount of things you need to pack, it is best to separate it by level of necessity. For example, any travel documents like IDs, passports, visas, and consent letters should be at the top. Next, packing extra diapers, wipes, and clothes is essential in any case of accidents and spills.

After that, packing a soft lightweight blanket can serve many purposes from providing warmth to acting as a makeshift changing mat. Of course, you can’t forget to pack any snacks, formula, breast milk, bottle warmers, and any comfort items like a toy, pacifier, or stuffed animal, because these things can potentially have an effect on your trip. If you plan to use a car seat on the plane or need a stroller for the airport, make sure they are easy to collapse and carry, because you will need to be carrying not only your own luggage but the baby’s as well.

How to Travel on a Plane With a Baby?

Traveling with a baby can be a seamless experience, but only if you take the necessary steps to prepare for your flight. By understanding the rules and knowing what to pack, you can ensure your odds of having a safe and easy flight with your baby and reduce the chances of being that one parent in the middle of a flight with a crying baby. However it is important to remember that every baby is different, so adapt these suggestions to suit your child’s needs, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from airline staff or fellow passengers.