Booking flights with a baby or toddler
BOOKING FLIGHTS
Research Airlines
• Check the airline’s policies on lap infants, bassinets, and child discounts. We love Emirates for flying long haul with children. We recommend avoiding Malaysian Airlines.
• Look for family-friendly airlines with amenities like pre-boarding for families, extra legroom or proper meals if you're flying with a toddler.
Choose the Right Time:
• A lot of people say to book flights during your baby’s usual nap or an overnight flight. For us we find it much easier and less exhausting on everyone to fly mostly in the daytime/day naps with our 2 kids, one being a toddler who doesn't sleep great on flights. There are so many noises and bright lights even on overnight flights, it's quite upsetting for little ones having their sleep so disrupted when they are so tired. We find it much easier keeping them entertained during day hours, and get a good rest in a bed at the destination.
• If you have a newborn or under 4 months, a night flight would be easier as they sleep so much at that age so they will get back to sleep easier.
• Consider direct flights to reduce travel time and stress. Packing up, transferring to the next plane juggling nappy changes, feeds etc, unpacking and setting up on the next fight.. easier to have a long flight.
• Make sure you have a plan for arrival at destination, eg. Car hire business open? Transfer available at arrival time? Trains running? etc
Decide on Seating Options:
• Will your baby fly as a "lap infant" (free or discounted) on your lap for the flight or have their own "child fare" seat, maybe even with an FAA-approved car seat you will take with you?
• Kids over 2yrs old will have to have their own seat, kids under 2 it is your choice, you will have to pay for a child seat fare if you have an extra seat for them.
• If possible, always choose bulkhead seats for extra space and access to bassinets (check with the airline if bassinets are available). Even if your child is over the weight limit, still choose the bassinet seat as it is still handy to have to store things and the extra leg room for bub to play on the floor.
Out of 100+ mum polled, 90% would choose the bassinet seats every time.
• If you need more than 1 bassinet you will not get 2 next to each other, there is only 1 per bassinet row, so the 2nd one will be across the isle (if available).
Compare Luggage Policies:
• Check if the airline allows free checked baggage for baby items like strollers and car seats, or what luggage allowance is included for suitcase.
• Look for carry-on allowances for diaper bags and other baby necessities. Although keep in mind we have never had our carry on weighed while travelling with a baby.
Plan for Layovers:
• If layovers are necessary, pick airports with a better reputation for operating on time and keeping luggage on track. (Eg. some airports will have huge baggage delay issues sometimes)
• Some airports have family-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms or play areas.
• Allow enough time between flights to manage diaper changes and feedings, min 1.5hrs. 2-3hours is best.
Add Your Baby to the Reservation:
• Be sure to always add infant to booking. An infant that turns 2 during the flight will need to have a child's fare.
• Provide your baby’s details, such as their date of birth and passport information (if flying internationally).
• If just one parent is travelling with the child, you may need a letter of consent to travel.
Reserve Extras:
• Request a bassinet (if available) - check airline weight limit, usually between 11-14kgs max. Even if your child is over the weight limit, still choose the bassinet seat.
• Although we have never done this, many people call after booking to confirm the bassinet has been assigned to their booking.
• Add travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, or unexpected illness.
Check Documentation Requirements:
• Ensure your baby has an appropriate ID (passport for international travel with sufficient validity for destination as it varies or birth certificate for domestic).
• Verify any visa requirements for international destinations.
Verify Flight Details:
• Confirm baby’s addition to the booking and any requests (e.g., bassinets, seating preferences, correct meal for toddler).
• Double-check the ticket and boarding pass details.
Notify the airline of Medical Needs:
• If your baby requires special care or medical equipment, inform the airline in advance.
Plan for Baby Gear:
• Decide if you’ll check your stroller and car seat, gate-check them or take airline approved ones on board with carry on. If travelling long haul, its well worth your money to invest in a travel pram that fits in overhead/carry on. Having a pram once you land make long haul travel much less stressful.
• You can take FAA approved car seats on some flights - check with airline policy. Some parents with kids who love their car travel swear by this option to take onboard. It's not recommended to keep young children in car seats for longer than 2 hours though due to blood flow issues.
• Purchase a travel bag to protect baby gear if you can, this will protect your baby car seat etc. If you plan on taking a pram in carry on, it is a requirement to have a bag for it to come on board.
Things to consider
1. Feeding Needs:
• Will you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or need access to baby food during the flight? Plan accordingly. Most airlines will allow you to bring as much breast milk as you need to nurse your infant during the flight. If you’re not travelling with your child, store your milk in 100ml bags as the usual liquid restrictions will apply. The same goes for pureed foods.
2. Check all Passports:
• Ensure ALL your passports are within date and have sufficient validity for travelling to your destination - this varies. Lots of people have ruined holidays from not checking this, be sure to check before you book flights.
2. Health and Vaccinations:
• Ensure your baby is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations if required for travel.
3. Travel Flexibility:
• Be prepared for delays and potential changes in plans. Keep extra supplies for emergencies.
4. Confirm Transportation at your destination:
• Arrange for a car seat hire, stroller or other baby gear as needed.
• Organise transport from airport for your arrival.
If you'd like any extra help planning your trip, book a one on one consultation here.
