Air travel with an infant...?

I'm planning on flying home with my four month old daughter for Christmas and have a few questions. I've looked on the TSA website and it answered a few that I have, but not all of them.

1. Do I have to have my daughter in a carseat during the flight? If not and I have the carseat checked, is there anything special I need to do to have it checked (box it, etc)?
2. Any requirements to checking a stroller or Pack N Play?
3. Formula doesn't have the 3 ounce limit, but does it still have to be in the 1 quart bag going through security?
4. Are there baby changing stations on board?
5. Would I be seated first for "needing" extra time or assistance?
6. Should I bring her birth certificate to prove she's my daughter?
7. Will she be issued a ticket, or just me?

I'll probably think of more, but that's all I have for now. Thanks!
Another question...

8. Does it cost extra to check a carseat, stroller, or Pack N Play? If so, any idea how much extra?
I will most likely be flying with US Airways.

Here is what US Airways has to say about flying with an infant: http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/specialneeds/children.aspx

Hope it helps.

the best thing for you to do is to call US airways. You may not be able to take the car seat on the plane with you but you can put it with your other luggage, and usually they do not charge extra. The rules have changed so much after 9 11 that you cannot even take a un open water bottle through customs so you may want to purchase a water bottle for the bottles after you get through. For the flight it's self if you cannot take the whole can of formula brands like simulic have individual little packages that you should be able to take. you will be seated first, they usually seat people with children and disability's first. As for a changing station I have never been on a plane with one, usually the bathrooms are small but like I said the best way to know for sure is to call the airline before you travel they are usually really good at answering these kinds of questions. And yes some airline want identification for the child however if you do not have a birth certificate they will usually take a shot record or something like that. Good luck!

1. No you do not have to have the car seat. in fact if she doesn't have a purchased ticket you probably can't take the car seat. Bring a very large bag for it and check it.
2. Check the stroller at the gate not at the front check in counter. Pack N' Play goes as luggage so mark it and treat it as such
3. bring the formula in powder and add water as needed.
4. yes probably one of the restrooms on board has a pull down diaper table above the toilet.
5. Yes you can be seated first. They call for families traveling with children.
6 No you do not need her birth certificate. Unless you are traveling out of the country.
7. She will not be issued a ticket unless you buy her one.

My suggestion: bring your baby bjorn or other type front carrying device. You will need hands free and it's a good safe way to hold the baby in case of turblulence. we always put our babies in front packs on planes until they were walking!

1. You do not have to have your daughter in a car seat. Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). International flights will charge you a 10% tax for your child.

The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on space and availability, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.

I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

If you choose not to use your car seat, you can either check it normally (if you do this, I recommend wrapping it with bubble wrap to protect it, and it WILL be counted towards your checked baggage limit) or gate check it. If you gate check it, it will NOT count towards your checked bag limit. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You are also allowed to gate check a stroller if you would like as well.

2. All airlines vary on their rules about Pack n' Plays. Some will give it to you as a free carry-on (because you are with a baby), and others will make it count toward your check-in limit. US Airways is not clear on this on their website, so I would call to ask them. If you need to use an extra piece of luggage, each additional bag (up to an absolute maximum of nine checked bags) is subject to an $80 USD fee per bag.
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx

3. Formula is NOT to be put in the 1 quart bag. It is to be kept seperately. When going through security, you must inform the security officers that you are carrying formula with you, and place it in a separate bin from all your other things so it can be screened separately. You will NOT have to taste it. Also, you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you and it is a reasonable amount to get you through your travels), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

4. There are baby changing stations in the planes, and they are in the bathrooms. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (tend to be at the rear of most planes), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help.

I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper.

To make it easier on yourself, make sure that you undress your baby so that she has just a diaper on while at your seat. Grab your diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever you use for changing your childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.

Try to change your childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make your baby feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).

5. Most airlines do allow for passengers with disabilities and small children to board the plane first. When you get to your gate, be sure to tell the attendant that you wish to pre-board so that you can get yourself and your child situated.

6. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you.

Another thing you should consider bringing with you is your childs immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise while you are on vacation (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your child is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from your doctor.

7. When you get to the airport, if you paid for her to have a seat, she will be issued a boarding pass. If you did not pay for her to have a seat, some airlines will still issue a boarding pass, others won't - that is left up to the airline.

I wrote a website that will give you more in-depth information about traveling with children. It includes tips on what to pack, help for pressure build up in their ears (should they get it), security rules and regulations for the US, EU, and UK, plus some products that are designed to help parents, and other useful information. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html


If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

I'm a former Flight Attendant who now flies with my three kids, usually alone, between Europe and California about every six months, plus shorter flight inbetween. I'll try to answer your questions in order;

1. Do I have to have my daughter in a carseat during the flight?

No, but it's highly recommended. It's the only way to fly safely with a baby. Having said that, commercial air travel in the industrial world is safe and there's very little chance of anything happening. But your child is not protected in your lap and there's no contraption you can use or buy to change that.

I also push carseats onboard because chances are, you'll need it at your destination and using it onboard virtually guarentees that it arrives undamaged and doesn't get lost.

If you're flying a U.S. carrier, this site is relevent to you;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If not and I have the carseat checked, is there anything special I need to do to have it checked (box it, etc)?

Try to secure an extra seat onboard to use it, even if you haven't paid for one. Be diplomatic and ask nicely. If you can't manage that, ask to take it to the gate to see if a seat frees up last minute. If even that doesn't work, your carseat will be boarded from the gate, which is more gentle than if you check it in at the counter (don't hold me to that!) Bring a cover and attach the straps before giving it over. Make sure the tag is visable.

2. Any requirements to checking a stroller or Pack N Play?

The Pack N Play has to be intially checked-in when you arrive. It does count against your baggage allowance and if you baby doesn't have a seat, you can't check in any extra bags. Again, be nice at the gate and see if they actually charge you. Often they give parents a break. Look on the airline's own website and confirm the above.

By contrast, the stroller wont be counted and you can use it up till you board the aircraft. It'll have a baggage sticker placed on it and you'll keep it with you until either the door of the aircraft or at the bottom of the stairs if you board from the tarmac (outside, we hope not!)

Just some quick tips;
-Remove all "extras" (cup holders, toys, even sunshade) ahead of time.
-Attach all straps
-Make sure the baggage sticker doesn't get munched when the stroller is folded (watch them put it on or sometimes they give it to you to do yourself)
-Bring a bungee cord and double-secure it before leaving it with them. This way, there's less chance of it popping open en route and getting damaged.

3. Formula doesn't have the 3 ounce limit, but does it still have to be in the 1 quart bag going through security?

Please try to have your baby on powdered formula before leaving. I also recommend the bottles with plastic liners. These were much easier to clean onboard since there are no "real" sinks onboard. You only need to clean the rings and nipples.

I premeasured the powder ahead of time, rolled the liners up and used them as I needed them, chucking out the liners as they were used. I put them in a ziplock to keep them clean.

Be sure to bring your own water and there is not enough onboard. We used to run out after the first meal service. The tap water is filtered and the tanks regularily cleaned. I've never heard of anyone getting sick on airplane water so I believe it's safe but use your own judgement.

Also, since there is no health-advantage to a warmed baby bottle, please get him used to it room temperature before leaving. Sure, I warmed many a baby bottle in my career but what will you do if she's hungry in the boarding area or during check-in?

4. Are there baby changing stations on board?

Yes, they're marked on the outside of the lav. Usually we had one in each "area" of lavs. Passengers usually cooperate to let you use the one with the sign.

5. Would I be seated first for "needing" extra time or assistance?

Ha! The famous question. Some airlines do it. Some don't. Check to see what your airlines' policy is. I simply place myself in the front of the crowd before boarding and virtually every time, they take me regardless. When they start to gather the wheelchair passengers and unaccompained minors, be ready to go!

6. Should I bring her birth certificate to prove she's my daughter?

Yes. Often, they don't bother to ask but check with your airline's website to be sure. Better safe than sorry. I'm assuming this is NOT an international flight or she'd need a passport. Many countries have been added to the list so be careful if this applies. I think you would have mentioned it...

7. Will she be issued a ticket, or just me?

Again, it depends on the airline and flight. I have always needed one but mostly we fly internationally (and/or my babies have had seats). Sometimes it's just your ticket with a mention of "with infant" somewhere. You need to let them know that you will be flying with her even if you don't need an actual ticket for her.

Parents with babies are usually more comfortable in "bulkhead" seats. These are the ones with walls in front of you. Sometimes, there are baby basinettes that attach to the walls but don't count on that! (depends on both the flight and company). Don't expect a Flight Attendant to seat you there. We never handled seating (although sometimes we helped with trades). These are very popular so book as far in advance as possible to get these. Don't wait till boarding!!

I also really recommend a good baby carrier. I see too many parents flying with uncomfortable Bjorns and other front packs. Get something that goes at least to age 2 and that is less fiddily and better for both your backs. I used a sling but a wrap, pouch or Mei Tai are also good. Google those to see them on the web. Tons of sites now sell them, at a much lower price than those packs and there is so much choice now.

Give yourself some time to get used to using them (there is a learning curve) but not only are they g-dsends for flying, but make your life eaiser as well. I would just pop my crying baby in mine and off to slumberland she went...

Since I get a lot of questions on this subject, I wrote an article for a local expat newsletter which I later expanded and put on a blog. There are some older versions of it on some websites but I like the blog because I can update it more easily. It's totally non-commercial, I'm not selling anything to anyone, and I used to work in this industry, not just a mom who does fly a lot with her kids.

I go into more diapering, feeding and packing details;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Each of mine was your baby's age on their first transatlantic and each time it went well. It's actually a good age and it'll never be this easy again so take advantage.

Have a good trip!