Travelling by 'plane with your baby
Traveling with a young baby on a long flight means careful planning. Airline policies on when and how babies can fly vary and you’ll need to take security arrangements into consideration too.
One thing that can make it easier for you is to arrange your flight for whenever your baby or child would normally nap or sleep if that’s possible. If you’re unable to do this, it pays to ensure there will be a seat-back TV to keep your toddler or preschooler entertained! Keep in mind that security procedures at airports are time-consuming, and allow yourself plenty of time once you get to the airport to make it as stress-free as possible. All children, even babies, are subject to screening procedures.
When can my baby fly?
Some domestic airlines permit babies to fly from when they’re seven days old; others specify 14 days. If your baby is younger than this you may need a letter from your pediatrician confirming your child is in good health for the flight.
Will I have to buy him a ticket?
Under-twos can travel for free on domestic flights sitting on your lap (although keep in mind that he may not be granted a baggage allowance if you do this) but most experts agree that he’ll be safest secured in his car seat in a separate seat (your airline may offer discounted tickets for children but these often aren’t available at online travel agents).
It’s possible that if your flight isn’t full you’ll be allowed to take your baby’s car seat on board with you to use in a free seat if you haven’t purchased a ticket for him but there are no guarantees. Over-twos need a ticket for their own separate seat, as do under-twos traveling on international flights. If you are sitting your baby on your lap, be sure to request seating in a row that has extra oxygen masks and not just one per seat.
Can we pre-board?
Some airlines allow passengers with children to board first but often this will be at the discretion of the agent manning the gate. Keep in mind that you may have to ask, as there won’t be an announcement if it’s not airline policy.
Can we take our stroller on board?
Some airlines will let you wheel your stroller on board but others require you to check it at the gate. Ask if it will be available at the gate when you land or whether you’ll have to wait until you get to the baggage reclaim area. Keep in mind that if you are permitted to bring it on board, it may count as part of your baggage allowance.
What can I bring on board with me?
Since 9/11, security procedures at airports have been tight – anything liquids, gels and aerosols have to be in three-ounce containers packed in clear plastic quart-size ziploc bags, one per passenger. Solid cosmetic items such as lip balm are permitted.
However, the Transport Security Administration permits medications, gel or liquid filled teethers, diapers and diaper rash cream, baby formula and food, and breast milk and juice in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces. These aren’t required to be packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.
You can also take on small toys for your baby or child as long as they don’t resemble guns or incorporate any separate sharp pieces – but keep in mind that the security officers are at liberty to disallow any item they think might potentially be dangerous.
What will happen at security?
You’ll need to declare all of your carry-on baggage, including your child’s toys and diaper bag. It will be put through the X-ray machine and all items over three ounces, including formula, breast milk and juice, will be inspected and may be tested for explosives. Remember to place any items that may be in the basket or pockets of your child’s stroller in the inspection area and fold the stroller so it can be put through the X-ray machine. It’s also possible that your shoes and your child’s will need to be removed for inspection.
You can carry your baby through the metal detector but if the alarm sounds, the security officer will have to additionally screen you both. Your older child needs to walk through the detector by herself and if he alarm sounds the security officer will ask you to be present while your child is searched.
It’s a good idea to explain to your child in simple terms what will happen and reassure him that you’ll be there all the time. Make it clear to older children that they mustn’t make any jokes about ‘having a gun’ or ‘having a bomb’. Any ‘jokes’ such as this, even if made by a child, will be taken seriously and could result in you missing your flight and having to pay a fine.
What if my child has a disability?
Inform the security officer if your child has any special needs or medical devices, and warn him if the screening process is likely to agitate your child. If your child needs a wheelchair or mobility scooter this will be checked as long as your child is able to get out of it for a few minutes or you are able to remove your child – the security officer is not permitted to remove your child from these devices. If your child isn’t able to get out of the device, the security officer will need to do a pat-down search of your child and visually inspect the device.
How will travel affect my child?
Don’t forget that when you cross international time zones your baby has no idea you’re doing so – so while you may be happy that your baby slept on the flight to Australia, she may keep you up at night when you arrive jet-lagged. There isn’t a great deal you can do, except to keep your baby or child amused on a daytime flight, and try not to plan anything major on the first two days after you have arrived at your destination until you and your baby adjust.
• Transport Security Administration www.tsa.gov
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The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 21/05/2007