Airline Rules Cheat Sheet for Flying with Baby

Hey there, fellow parents and jet-setters! Are you ready to take on the skies with your little bundle of joy? Flying with a baby can be an adventure in itself, but fear not—I’ve got your back. I’ve gathered all the insider tips, tricks, and essential know-how to make your journey as smooth as possible. So, buckle up (pun intended), and let’s dive into the ultimate airline rules cheat sheet for flying with your baby!

Pre-Flight Preparations

Before you even step foot in the airport, here are some key things to remember:

Booking Tickets

• Lap Infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they can usually fly as a lap infant for free (domestic flights) or at a reduced fare (international flights). Some airlines might require proof of age, so be ready with a copy of your baby’s birth certificate or passport.
• Purchase a Seat: While lap infants save money, it’s worth considering purchasing a separate seat for your baby. This gives you more space and allows them to use an FAA-approved child safety seat during the flight.

Packing Essentials

• Diapers and Supplies: Pack enough diapers, wipes, and changing supplies to last the flight. Some airports have limited baby supplies available.
• Formula and Food: If you’re formula feeding, bring more than you think you’ll need. Security rules allow reasonable amounts of baby formula and food, even if they exceed the typical liquid limits.
• Carry-On Bag: Invest in a diaper bag that’s easy to organize and access. Include a change of clothes for both you and your baby—you never know when a diaper blowout might strike!

Navigating Security

Security checkpoints can be nerve-wracking, but these tips will help you breeze through:

• Baby Gear: Strollers, carriers, and car seats are usually allowed through security. Some airports require strollers to be folded and screened separately, so be prepared to take it apart.
• Baby Food and Formula: Security allows reasonable amounts of baby food, breast milk, and formula. They might test these items, so keep them separate for easy inspection.

On the Plane

The moment of truth—boarding the plane with your little co-pilot. Here’s what to expect:

FAA-Approved Child Safety Seats

• Car Seats: If you purchased a seat for your baby, you can bring an FAA-approved child safety seat on the plane. It provides a familiar and secure spot for your baby to rest or sleep.
• Booster Seats: Some airlines allow FAA-approved booster seats for older babies and toddlers. Check with your airline beforehand.

In-Flight Comfort

• Feeding: You’re allowed to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during the flight. Bring extra bottles and snacks in case of delays.
• Changing Diapers: Most airplane bathrooms have changing tables, but they’re small. Use the fold-down changing table or bring a changing pad to create a clean space on your lap.
• Ear Pressure: During takeoff and landing, help your baby relieve ear pressure by breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Timing: Try to book flights during your baby’s nap time. A sleeping baby is a happy baby!
• Entertainment: Pack a few favorite toys or books to keep your baby entertained during the flight.
• Be Prepared for Delays: Flights can be unpredictable. Pack extra essentials in case of unexpected delays.

Be a Considerate Flyer

• Noise: Babies can be noisy, but being considerate of fellow passengers goes a long way. Bring headphones, soothing music, or white noise to help muffle sounds.
• Smiles and Apologies: A smile and a friendly “I’m sorry in advance for any disruptions” can work wonders in diffusing tension.

Tips from Fellow Travelers

Taking trips with a baby can often be stressful. Flying with a baby sometimes even more so! We’re here to help clarify the expenses and rules for each airline to make flying with Baby as smooth as possible.

The first thing to keep in mind is that most airlines do not give babies priority boarding. No special treatment for you and the little one just because of Baby’s age.

Also, most parents’ biggest fear is causing discomfort for fellow passengers. The rule of thumb is respect. If your little one starts kicking the seat in front of you or yanking on the headset cord of the person next to you, be considerate of them and help your child focus on something else.

Doing that will take some respect as well. Your little one is probably tired, confused, stressed, or overwhelmed by the experience of flying. Be considerate of their feelings and needs and offer lots of hugs, attention, and engagement. This will do more good, and likely be more effective, than screaming, discipline, or punishment.

For an awesome infographic on flying with your baby, check out this link: Flying with Baby Infographic

In an attempt to make your trip better:

Plan your seat. Let the agent know you will be flying with Baby when booking your seats. The bulkhead row is best for particularly active babies as this eliminates the possibility of baby’s toys ending up in anybody’s lunch.

Handle baggage better. When you arrive at the airport with a baby, you will suddenly become hyper-aware of all the stuff your little one needs. A stroller can easily double as a baggage cart. It can be checked in at the gate just before you get on the plane.

Board separately. Families are not allowed to pre-board leaving infants in the thick of it when it comes to getting on and off the plane. Minimize the stress by having one adult board first with all the bags and strollers etc, while the adult holding the baby boards last. This minimizes the time your baby has to be on the plane.

Pack extra supplies. You never know with airlines. A 5-hour trip may take 10. Delays, unplanned stops are not uncommon. Carry extra everything, from food to diapers.

Protect Baby’s ears. During landing and take off, keep baby sucking on a pacifier, bottle or boob to relieve pressure in their ears.

Change diapers discreetly. Most people are put off by seeing a diaper being changed, and you don’t want to be stuck with a dirty diaper for hours on end. When flying with Baby, always change their diaper at the airport. If you must change a diaper on the plane, unless you’re three deep in a window seat with your family, head to the lavatory and change baby there. Some planes have a changing table (fold-down plastic shelf) but most don’t, so be ready to practice your changing skills.

Do you have any tips for flying with Baby? Please share in the comments section!