We invite you to explore our new blog post, Flying with Baby. Travelling with a baby is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparations, parents can overcome the challenge of safely transporting their baby on a plane. This article is aimed specifically at parents who will soon be taking a flight with their baby and want to know everything they need to consider when doing so. Here you will find useful tips and all the information you need to make the flight as pleasant and hassle-free as possible!
What do you need to consider when flying with a baby?
You’re excited about the prospect of a relaxing holiday with your family, and a great time together. Especially before the first flight with your baby or toddler, there is of course the question: What do you have to consider when flying with a baby? To ensure trouble-free flying with a baby, parents need to consider a few important aspects. First of all, they should make sure that their baby has all the necessary documents to gain access to the airport. This includes, above all, passports and visa requirements for certain countries. In some cases, it is also necessary to present the baby’s birth certificate.
It is also important that parents can offer their children sufficient food and fluids during the flight. As babies have different needs, parents should be prepared and have all the utensils the baby needs with them, including breastfeeding bottles or sippy cups and appropriate toys or musical equipment.
In addition, it is advisable to book seats for your child in advance so that you can sit comfortably. If you have the option, choose a window seat near the toilet, especially on long-haul flights, as this provides more space and makes it easier for your baby to get on or off the plane.
Finally, it is always advisable to arrive at the airport early – at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure – to complete all formalities on time and avoid stress.
From what age are babies allowed to fly?
Many parents ask themselves these questions; from what age can I fly with my baby? When can I fly with my baby? Babies can fly from the age of 7 days, as long as they are healthy, and a doctor has not forbidden them to fly. It is best to have the doctor fill out the relevant documents and take them with you on your journey. It is also advisable to contact the airline before departure and find out about any restrictions.
Flying with a baby 3 months
What to consider when flying with a baby? It is possible to fly with a 3-month-old baby. If the baby is between seven days and three months old, parents should take some extra precautions to ensure a smooth flight. First, they need to make sure that the baby’s doctor has approved the flight. In general, doctors recommend that a basic medical check-up be done before departure to rule out any health problems.
It is also important to plan check-in processes at the airport. It is therefore advisable to arrive at the airport early and to have all the necessary documents ready – especially when travelling to certain countries. In addition, it is advisable to book comfortable seats for the baby and to pack all the necessary utensils such as toys or musical equipment.
Is it possible to fly with a 4-month-old baby?
Yes, it is possible to fly with a 4-month-old baby. However, if the baby is less than 7 days old, parents should consult the baby’s doctor for a medical examination and appropriate clearance for air travel.
Flying with baby 8 months
It is possible to fly with an 8-month-old baby. However, even in this case, doctors recommend that parents consult the baby’s doctor before departure and have all the necessary documents ready.
When to fly with a baby for the first time?
It is recommended that parents have a medical check-up before flying with their baby for the first time and ask the baby’s doctor for permission. If the medical check-up is positive, travel is possible from the age of 7 days. For long-haul flights, it is advisable to book comfortable seats near the toilet to have more space for the baby.
It is also important to carefully plan check-in processes at the airport and have all the necessary documents ready. It is also advisable to take along any utensils the child may need – toys or music equipment, for example.
What travel documents do I need when flying with my baby?
Identification documents – does a baby already need a passport?
To fly with a baby, parents usually need the baby’s passport photo and an official document confirming maternity. In some cases, it is also necessary to carry a copy of the birth certificate. In addition, the child needs a visa or travel permit in most countries. It is strongly recommended to find out about all the necessary documents before travelling. These include:
- Passport photo of the baby
- Official documents confirming maternity
- Copy of birth certificate (if required)
- Visa or travel permit
What documents do little ones need when travelling by air?
Children usually need a passport photo and an official document confirming maternity for air travel. In some cases, a copy of the birth certificate may also be required. Depending on the destination, the little ones may also need a visa or travel permit. It is therefore advisable to find out about all the necessary documents before travelling.
Exceptions for newborns under seven days old
In the first few weeks after giving birth, no mother thinks about travelling by air. But times change and at some point, you will want to go on holiday again. However, there are some factors you should consider. Before boarding a plane with a newborn baby who is under seven days old, you need to make sure you have all the necessary documents. There may be special requirements and restrictions regarding flights. Therefore, you should contact the airline before the flight and discuss your specific case. If the baby is less than 72 hours old (three days), the airline may additionally request written confirmation from the doctor or physician.
- The baby must be transported in an incubator for medical reasons. This may be the case with premature births, for example.
- The parents or mother have to travel due to an acute serious illness or spontaneous bereavement.
How long are babies allowed to fly for free?
Babies under the age of two can travel free of charge on the lap of a parent. If the baby occupies its seat, a reduced fee is usually charged. However, depending on the airline, it is often the case that children fly for free until their second birthday and then have to travel either as lap children or as regular passengers.
Do babies feel pain when flying?
Babies do not usually feel pain when flying. However, the pressure difference felt after take-off and before landing can sometimes cause a baby discomfort. It is therefore advisable to breastfeed a baby during the flight or offer a bottle to relieve the grinding in the ears. Certain medicines and nasal sprays can also help. However, these should be discussed with the paediatrician before you take off with the baby.
What to do if the baby cries on the plane?
If the baby cries on the plane, there are a few ways to try to calm him or her down. It is important to stay calm and hold the baby in your arms or rock him around and talk to him calmly. Another trick to get around this problem is to offer the baby some toys or a mobile toy – if possible before the flight takes off. Also wrap your child up warmly before boarding, as babies can get cold easily, even in summer. If all else fails, it can be helpful to use earplugs to shield the baby’s ears shut from the noise on the plane
Is flying dangerous for a baby?
No, as a rule, flying is a safe way for babies to travel. However, there are some factors to consider when flying with a baby. Policies vary from airline to airline, and it is important to know what is allowed on your particular flight. Also, babies may be under pressure when flying and may therefore cry or suffer from oxygen deprivation. Furthermore, babies may suffer from the amount of noise and vibration of the flight. During take-off and landing, you can help your baby (child) to compensate for the air pressure by giving him a pacifier or a bottle. It is therefore always advisable to consult your doctor first to weigh up possible dangers.
Can I take the stroller with me on the plane?
Most airlines allow parents to take a roll-up pram in their hand luggage. However, it is advisable to check the procedure with the respective airline in advance and follow the corresponding instructions.
What is the best way to fly with a baby?
If you are flying with a baby, there are a few aspects you should consider to make the flight as comfortable and safe as possible for the baby. First of all, you must know the guidelines of your airline, the flight regulations of the country you are landing in and all the necessary documents. It is also always a good idea to book in advance so that the seat is ideal for your baby. Furthermore, it can be helpful to equip yourself with special accessories to make the flight more comfortable for the child and other air travellers. However, it is best to adapt and set up the journey according to your baby’s needs. With the right preparation, a flight can be quite relaxing.
Have you experienced a flight delay/cancellation?
According to the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, the amount of compensation is calculated according to the flight route (distance):
| Short distance up to 1500 km | Medium distance up to 3500 km | Long distance from 3500 km |
| e.g. London – Edinburgh | e.g. London – Athens | e.g. London – Tokyo |
| 250€ | 400€ | 600€ |
What are the costs for a flight with a baby?
How much does a flight ticket for a baby cost? The cost of a flight with a baby depends on several factors. First of all, you have to pay the standard flight costs. As a rule, a child under the age of two is considered an infant and is therefore usually free of charge, unless they need their seat. Special baby seats may also be charged extra. Depending on the destination, additional fees may be charged for exit or entry. It is therefore advisable to check in advance what costs you may incur and whether there are any special offers or discounts for families.
Does my baby or toddler need its seat?
Whether your baby needs its seat depends on the airline’s regulations and the age of the child. As a rule, babies up to 24 months can travel free of charge on the adult’s lap. However, depending on the airline, a special travel document may be required to take the baby on board. If the child is older than 24 months or weighs more than 18 kg, it must have its seat. It is advisable to contact the airline in advance to discuss all eventualities.
Seat for the baby on the plane: Where?
For babies and toddlers aged 24 months or less, it is best to sit on an adult’s lap. If your baby is older than 24 months or weighs more than 18 kg, he or she will need his or her seat. It is a good idea to ask the airline of your choice if there are special seats for babies and toddlers. These may be particularly suitable to provide you and your child with the support and safety you need.
Attention – flying with a baby:
If your baby celebrates its second birthday during the holiday, all airlines now consider it a child. In this case, a seat must be booked at the child’s fare.
Where is the best place to sit on the plane with a baby?
It can be beneficial to reserve a seat by the window when travelling with a baby on the plane. Then the baby can watch what passes outside and may be less scared and cry less. If you have the option of choosing a row near the toilet, this is also an advantage: if the baby’s nappy needs to be changed, it is not so far to the toilet area.
How much luggage is a baby allowed to carry for free?
Most airlines allow babies to carry one piece of luggage for free. This piece of luggage can usually be declared as the adult’s additional luggage. Occasionally, some airlines also allow babies to carry their own set of luggage – often in the form of a bag or backpack. However, depending on the airline and the destination, special rules may apply. It is therefore advisable to check the website of the respective airline before booking your ticket.
Flying Lufthansa with a baby
Lufthansa offers some special benefits for children under 12 and babies that can be taken into account when booking a flight. These benefits include free travel insurance, free seat for the baby on the plane, reduced baggage fees and a special Kindeness programme. So it’s worth asking about special offers for babies and children when booking your ticket.
Flying with a baby: checklist before departure
Flying with a baby might seem a little daunting at first, but luckily, Flightright has put together some useful tips and tricks to help parents take off with peace of mind.
Flying with a baby: stay relaxed with these tips:
- Make sure your baby has a valid passport.
- Reserve seats in advance and familiarize yourself with the procedure before the flight.
- Make sure you have the right equipment for the flight in your luggage, such as a blanket or toys for the child.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents and paperwork for a babysitter with you, if needed.
- Read about the regulations and guidelines of the destination airport before departure.
- Book and confirm a pram at the airline’s pre-departure check-in station, if necessary.
- Pack enough nappies or spare clothes in your hand luggage.
- Pack a powerful battery charger for your smartphone and tablet to keep you busy on the move.
- If possible, bring your own food on board.
- Check-in or pre-board in good time.
The essentials in a nutshell – flying with a baby:
Many airlines (carriers) have baby food on board even without ordering it in advance, but the supply is limited. Therefore, it is always advisable to bring enough of your own baby food. For longer flights, booking a baby cot or bassinet can be advantageous. In addition, most airports make flying with babies easier by allowing you to leave the pram near the gate just before departure. If your baby is older than two, he/she should have his/her own seat so that he/she can be held securely by the seat belt.
How can Flightright help you?
You are stuck at the airport because of a flight delay? Your flight has been canceled, or you have been removed from the passenger list? In each of the situations described, you have a right to compensation as an air passenger.
Tip: Flightright helps you enforce your air passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Easy, ✔️fast & without ✔️risk
According to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. You can claim up to 600 euros of compensation per person (minus commission fee). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your right for you. If necessary also in court.
As experts on the subject of air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation against the airline! Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket reimbursements