![]() Also confirm whether there are any rules about how many lap infants are permitted per row or section. These onboard bassinets are designed for babies 6 months and younger and provide a place for your baby to lie down flat during the flight (though you will need to pick them up whenever the seatbelt sign is on, as well as during takeoff and landing). If you're going the lap-infant route: Ask the airline if there's an option to reserve a seat in a row with a skycot. ![]() A few things to consider bringing up with the agent: Regardless of whether you're flying with a lap infant or purchasing a seat for your baby, it's worth connecting with the airline ahead of time to discuss your seating options. And if your baby is flying internationally with just one parent, you might be asked to show a letter of consent.ġ5 tips for flying with a baby 1. ![]() If you're flying internationally, your baby will need a passport regardless of their age. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to have some extra documentation for your baby just in case. Other airlines, such as Southwest, might not ask for proof of age but may require you to have a boarding verification document printed for your infant from the ticket counter even if they aren't occupying their own seat. However, it's still smart to check your airline's identification requirements: Some (JetBlue, Alaska Airlines) may ask for an infant's proof of age for domestic flights, which could be a birth certificate, passport, or immunization record. This depends a little on your child's age, the airline you're flying, and whether you're traveling within the United States or internationally.įor domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't require Opens a new window children under 18 to provide identification. You can use a car seat on a plane (make sure it's approved for both motor vehicles and aircraft) or AmSafe's Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device Opens a new window.Īlthough it can be tough to swallow the additional cost, a baby or toddler in their own seat has other benefits in addition to safety: They're more comfortable during the flight, easier to manage, and more likely to fall asleep, many parents find. If you book a seat for your baby or toddler, bring an FAA-approved child restraint on board to strap them in safely. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Opens a new window, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Opens a new window all strongly urge parents to purchase an airplane seat for young children. Although it can be upsetting to think about, human arms are simply not strong enough to hold a child in these events. Unrestrained children are the leading cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane, and lap infants have tragically been killed during even moderate turbulence. That's because a baby held in your arms is nowhere near as secure as they'd be buckled into an approved child restraint system should the plane encounter turbulence. Lap infants are generally free of charge, although you may pay a percentage of the full fare if you're traveling internationally.Įven though you don't officially need to purchase a ticket for your under-2-year-old, leading experts agree that it's much safer to buy an airplane seat for your baby. Do babies fly free?īabies and toddlers under 2 years old aren't legally required to occupy an airplane seat and can instead travel as a "lap infant" on their parent's ticket. Depending on your baby's age and your destination, they might suggest an extra dose of certain vaccines. That's especially true if your baby was born prematurely or has a condition such as a chronic heart problem that makes them more vulnerable.Īlways discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician and ask what they recommend. With their delicate immune systems, newborns have a heightened risk of contracting an infectious disease on a plane. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages parents Opens a new window from flying with a baby too soon after birth. ![]() Check with your airline to confirm their policy before booking a ticket for your little one. Less commonly, airlines will require infants to be slightly older (Southwest, for example, says children must be at least 14 days old for an international flight).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |