How To Survive Air Travel With An Infant?

Travelling with an infant raises many questions in the mind of the guardian or someone travelling with the infant. An infant is a gift God gives that needs extra care and love. If you are going to fly with your baby, you must be aware of many ways to make the travel journey easy and comfortable for the baby and yourself. Infants cannot explain their problems or why they are crying. You can travel with your infant on your lap, but ensure they are comfortable and cosy. To survive air travel with a baby, keep in mind following instructions.

• Choose the correct time and flight: Always choose a flight and its timing, keeping in mind your infant sleeping and waking hours timing. Never book a flight that will make you fail. The next thing you should consider is booking a non-stop flight that can help you reach your destination with no stops.

• Get an additional seat: Though you don’t purchase a seat for your infant, it does not mean you cannot acquire it. Whenever the seats on the aircraft are empty, the airline makes them accessible to families with babies. Contact the airline staff on the aircraft, and they will help.
• Use electronics: Although it is not recommended, if a moment of Boredom or fatigue arises, a small screen time can be a lifesaver for the kid.
• Bring some fun equipment or gadgets: Apart from tv shows, movies, and cartoons, the other options that can keep the infant busy are Cars with matchboxes, Triangular pencil-coloured pads, Shaking and mocking jokes, Strokes Bendy, and stickers.
• Bring Snacks: Whenever travelling on a long route, you should bring snacks your infant likes to eat. It will keep the baby busy for some time.

FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended several guidelines to be followed by both the passengers travelling with the infant and the airline.

1. Make sure the CRS or device is approved for usage on the plane.
2. CRS should not exceed the width of 16 inches.
3. Buy a ticket for your infant, as it is the only way to be able to use CRS.
4. Don’t place CRS in an exit row.
5. The clothing layer of the child should be such that it is easier to remove it at the security screening. Children under 12 are not asked to remove shoes for routine screening.
6. Do check the airline’s child policy before boarding the flight.
7. Bring your handwash and other toiletries to avoid illness during the flight.
8. Inform your child that jokes such as ‘I have a bomb in my bag’ etc. are not entertained by the airline, which can put the entire family in trouble.
9. Consult your Pediatric before flying with a child with lung or heart problems.

When Can You Travel With a Baby?

According to AAP, babies are not allowed to fly soon after birth. It can increase the risk of catching infectious diseases. A premature baby, a baby with chronic heart and lung problems, or any other lower or upper respiratory symptoms should only fly after consulting with their paediatrician as they may have a problem with the change in oxygen level within the aircraft. AAP warns parents not to 7 days old baby. If the newborn is unhealthy, avoid flying, as it can be dangerous.

Infant Air Fare Costs, ID & Age Baby Can Fly

Infant Air Fare Costs: As per FAA, no airline can charge infant airfare costs. If any airline does that, strict actions will be taken against them. However, if the guardian wants, they can purchase a seat for better safety and comfort. The seat will cost around 60-75% of an adult fare.

ID: For international flights, all US citizens, including infants, a current passport is required to travel. To get it, the guardian should apply using the DS-11 form. For domestic flights, a valid passport is what is needed.

Age Baby Can Fly: As discussed above, a newborn child or a 7-day-old child is prohibited by AAP from flying.

Travelling with a baby on the plane checklist

Following are some of the baby travel checklists:

1. Baby passport
2. Custody and consent documents.
3. Diapers
4. Blankets
5. First Aid Kit
6. Disposable Bags
7. Front Sling
8. Bottled Milk
9. Baby Monitor
10. More clothes
11. Identification documents
12. Toys
13. Thermometer

Related Link:

How Do I Add My Lap Child To My Southwest Flight?

How Do I Add My Lap Infant on United Airlines?