For many, traveling by airplane can be daunting. Add a baby into the mix, and some people might abandon the thought before even giving it a chance. Sure, air travel with a baby adds another level of logistics and a surprising amount of extra stuff (seriously, how do such tiny creatures require so many things?!), but follow these tips and your baby’s jet-setting adventures will be more manageable for all.
1. Try to pick a flight that will coincide with baby’s sleep time
When you search for flights, pay close attention to the departure times and try to choose one that leaves about 30-60 minutes before your baby’s typical nap or bed time. Long-haul flights usually start meal service one hour after takeoff, so ideally you can get through takeoff and have your baby asleep by the time your meal is served. Now, any parent knows that even perfect scheduling doesn’t guarantee that your baby will sleep on the plane, but it does increase your chances.
2. Request a baby bassinet for the airplane
If you are taking a large international flight, most airlines will have a bassinet available for lap infants. It is a small cot that attaches to the bulkhead in front of your row and provides a place for your baby to lie flat when it’s time to sleep. And the best part, it’s free!
The bassinet is great to have for your baby to sleep, but it is also super useful as an extra tray table/basket when baby is awake. We used the bassinet to hold so many snacks, bottles and toys during long flights. This brings up one downside to the bassinet seats, however. You do not have space at your feet to keep carry-on bags during takeoff and landing. On the other hand, the bulkhead rows usually provide a little more leg room. As long as you are prepared to not have your carry-on until you’re at cruising altitude, the trade-off is well worth it. Just have anything that you might need to get through takeoff and landing on your person.
Each airline has its own policies regarding use of bassinets, but here are some typical rules:
- There is often an age limit, anywhere from under 6 months to 2 years
- There is usually a weight limit, roughly around 20 lbs or 10 kg
- Most airlines do not allow you to use the bassinet during takeoff or landing, which is another reason to try to select a flight that takes off 30-60 minutes before your baby will be ready to sleep
Different airlines also have different booking methods for bassinet seats, so it’s best to call customer service when you book your tickets to make sure you are all set. Please note that bassinets are limited. Try to request as early as possible.
3. Allow yourself extra time at the airport
Yes, this is advice for any flight, but allow extra extra time for air travel with a baby. Even the best laid plans can derail when you throw the baby factor into the mix. You never know when you may have to stop for a feeding, chase down a thrown toy or do a complete wardrobe change after a major blowout.
You will also have more stuff to cart around than you were used to traveling with before baby. Building in the extra time on your way to and at the airport help you adjust and find your groove when it comes to transporting everything from check-in to takeoff.
4. Wear a baby carrier at the airport
All that extra stuff will be nearly impossible to manage if you don’t have both hands free. Having your baby attached to you keeps them close at all times and enables you to carry your documents, bags or other items. Getting through security will be easier, as well. As long as your carrier doesn’t contain metal, you should be able to leave your carrier on with baby in it. You also get to go through the old school metal detectors instead of the giant body scanner.
5. If checking a car seat, use the carrier bag for extra storage
You may have been there before. You put the suitcase on the scale and you watch that number tick up to 1, 2, 3 lbs over the allowed limit. Now you have to step to the side and go rummaging through your suitcase in front of the check-in counter to find things you can stuff in your carry-on bag so you don’t have to pay the extra fee.
Well, stuff no more! With a car seat carrier, your problems are solved. Simply open it up and toss some of your items onto the seat, zip that bag closed and check it on through. We usually put things in there that should stay with the car seat like a seat mirror and some car toys, but we also sometimes use it for non-fragile items with a little extra weight like shoes.
6. You can bring liquid and ice packs through airport security
TSA has strict rules about liquids going through security, but there are exceptions if you are bringing sustenance for your baby. This is directly from the TSA website:
“Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk).”
–tsa.gov
You don’t need to have these items in a quart size bag and they can be in greater quantities than 3.4 oz. or 100mL. You will, however, need to tell the TSA agent about them and remove them from your bags for additional screening. For more detailed and the most updated information, check TSA’s Traveling with Children webpage.
7. Get airport lounge access
It’s SO worth it! Knowing that you are going to be spending extra time at the airport with your baby, it makes a huge difference. You have more room, can relax in more comfortable seating and have the ability to leisurely graze from the buffet. Airline specific lounges also provide access to a ticket agent who can assist you if any issues arise.
There are several ways to get access to an airport lounge:
- Purchase a day pass
- Sign up for a credit card with lounge access
- Become a Priority Pass member (read more about how to use Priority Pass)
- Use miles
- Purchase a lounge membership
- Qualify as U.S. Military member
- It might be included with your ticket
Some ways are free, some are paid. Some lounges are better than others. Try to do a little research beforehand to decide which one will give you the best value. It is also handy to check where in the airport the lounge is located. You don’t want to post up too far from your departure gate.
8. Ask about nursing facilities at the airport
If you are a nursing mama spending several hours at the airport, you will likely need to nurse at least once while you are there. Don’t assume that you need to go hide in a bathroom stall for privacy. Many airports now have designated nursing rooms, pods or other facilities. They require a code needed to enter, so ask an employee rather than searching for one on your own.
9. Take advantage of early boarding on the airplane
Most airlines allow families with children to board the plane early. We highly recommend taking advantage. And this is coming from two people who, before becoming parents, were in no rush to get on a plane they’d be stuck on for hours. With your baby, though, it’s helpful to board early and get yourself set up for a successful flight. You can choose where your bags are most easily accessible overhead and take out things you will need for takeoff. Boarding early also gives the flight attendants a chance to see where you are sitting and to offer assistance if you need it.
10. Feed baby during takeoff and landing
A common worry about air travel with a baby is the change in pressure during takeoff and landing. It may cause discomfort to your baby’s ears. One of the best ways to combat this is to breastfeed or give your baby a bottle during these pressure changes. The act of sucking and swallowing will help baby’s ears adjust the air pressure inside their ears. A full belly should help get your baby ready to sleep. It is also important to provide lots of fluids throughout the flight to prevent dehydration.
Preparation is key
Air travel with your baby can be a challenge, but please don’t let that stop you. With a little extra planning and the right attitude, your travel experience can go much smoother than you think. It might even be fun!
Want to know what documents you’ll need for your next air travel trip with a baby? Check out
Essential Documents for Confident Airport Check-In.