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How old do babies have to be to fly long haul? |
Travel Info I am flying to Australia (hoping to!) this May and I have to take my son with me or I don't go. He will be 4 months old, is this too young or is this plenty old enough? Travel Tips I've been flying internationally with my two children since they were 2months old (they are now 7&5). You CAN fly after they have been checked out by a doctor after birth, but in my opinion that is too soon. And contrary to what another poster said, my children did not, and have not ever cried or been fussy on a plane because I made sure I kept them comfortable, surrounded by familiar things, their schedule normal, and when they were young, foods and feeding times the same as when we were at home. People have always complimented me on how well behaved my children have been. Okay, with that over: Under FAA & it's European counterpart regulations, airlines currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). The steward/stewardess should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Most airlines will provide you with a special baby seat belt that hooks onto yours so your child can be buckled up as well. And depending on the airline and because of the length of flight, the steward/stewardess will give you a crib type thing that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-off and landing). 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, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents. A child safety device is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not. http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/... This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cssrating/i... Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS or device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats. Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_childr... Just another piece of advice, I know it wasn't in your question but it'll help: For take-offs and landings, the best think you can do is if the baby is still nursing, make sure to nurse the baby. If the baby is not nursing, give him a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier. Baby formula is fine to take with you, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard with you, do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c... Another trick is that if the baby is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink or nurse, gently rub the neck of the baby from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping. Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. It's a long flight, so hopefully he'll sleep for most of it. Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. I hope you have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me. Source(s): Husband is a pilot Frequent world traveler Have been traveling with my two children since they were 2 months (now 7&5) http://360.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen... http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/... http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cssrating/i... http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_childr... http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c... Other Travel Tips there is no age limit...just remember only pay for a seat if you want to put your son in a seat if not you can hold him on most airline...also the age limit to hold a child is 24mts so your fine. Im a travel agent I think that hes is plenty old enough. your baby must be at least 7 days old and younger than 2 years old. mexicana airlines sales agent :] |
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