baby travel in flight

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• Infant and toddler health

Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
• Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
• Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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Infant Air Travel

We’re here to take you and your family wherever you need to go.  Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel). You also may purchase a ticket and use the child’s own seat on the aircraft as long as it meets the FAA-approved child safety seat specifications or use a CARES harness. Our step-by-step guide explains how to easily add a lap-held infant (Infant-in-Arms) to your ticket yourself.

Due to FAA safety requirements, 1 adult passenger may only carry 1 lap-held infant. If an adult passenger is traveling with 2 infants, a seat must be purchased for the additional infant. Infants occupying a seat on domestic flights require a ticket and pay the applicable fare.

Pregnant Passengers

Child & infant age restrictions, infant-in-arms or child in safety seat, you will need to purchase a ticket for your child if you:.

• Have a child that is 2 years old or older
• Have a child that turns 2 during the trip
• Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat
• Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age
• Want your child to earn miles for their SkyMiles account
• Will be traveling between countries, regardless of whether or not the child occupies a seat

Child Safety Seat Guidelines

If you decide to use a child safety seat aboard the airplane and purchase a ticket for your child, there are a few restrictions and guidelines you'll need to follow.

The window seat is the preferred location for an approved child safety seat (child restraint system or car seat). Other locations may be acceptable provided the seat is not installed between other passengers and the aisle. An accompanying adult must sit next to the child. More than one car seat may be in use in the same row and section of seats. Per FAA regulations, children under 2 years of age are not allowed to sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seat belt.

When using a child safety seat, don’t select seats in the following areas: 

• Aisle seats
• Emergency exit rows
• Bulkhead seats when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller
• Flatbed seats in the Delta One ™ area of the following aircraft: Airbus A330-200 or A330-300 aircraft *

* Child Safety Seats are not permitted in this area since the airbag seat belt cannot be deactivated .

An adult (18 years or older) may hold an infant (Infant-in-Arms) or place the infant in a FAA-approved child restraint in their seat during takeoff and landing. Booster-type car seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff and landing.

Delta flight attendants will check with accompanying adults to ensure that children are properly secured in their safety seats and in the aircraft seat. The accompanying adult, however, has the following responsibilities when using a child restraint during takeoff and landing:

• Ensure that the child restraint seat meets FAA guidelines , Go to footer note
• Ensure that the child restraint seat functions properly and is free of obvious defects
• Secure the child according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Ensure the child does not exceed the restraint's weight limit
• Ensure the child restraint is secured to the aircraft seat using the aircraft seat's safety belt

All child safety seats or restraints include labeling that indicates their compliance with safety requirements. Restraints that meet the qualifications and labeling are approved for use on Delta flights.

Restraints manufactured within the U.S. after 2/25/85 with the following labels:

• Conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards
• Is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft

Restraints manufactured within the U.S. between 1/1/81 and 2/25/85 with the following label:

Restraints manufactured outside the U.S. with the following labels:

• Has the approval of a foreign government
• Was manufactured under standards of the United Nations

Restraints that are not permitted:

• Booster seats, even if they bear labels indicating they meet U.S., UN or foreign government standards
• Vest and harness-type child restraint devices other than the FAA approved CARES restraint device

Bassinets or SkyCots

For some of our smallest passengers on some international flights, we offer onboard baby bassinets. They’re ideal for babies weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long.

• Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights
• SkyCots can be requested by contacting Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions
• Please note that all infants must be held during takeoff, landing and whenever the seat belt light is on

Additional Infant Travel Information

For children under the age of two, we recommend you purchase a seat on the aircraft and use an approved child safety seat. Here are some other helpful tips for traveling with your infant or toddler:

Breastfeeding

Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breastfeed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities. Breast pumps are allowed on board. At the airport and if you prefer, many airports do offer private lactation rooms or spaces. Ask a Delta associate if you need assistance locating one at an airport.

Booking Your Trip

When traveling with an infant or toddler, you may find it helpful to allow a little extra time between flights to take rest or bathroom breaks along the way. Our Airport maps can help you plan your layovers before you even reach the airport.

International Flights

If your travel destination requires a passport and/or travel visas, you will need a passport for your child, and possibly extra documentation. To review required documentation in each country you’re visiting or stopping over in, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Special Requirements for Children .

Infant Baggage

Review our Infant & Children's Items guidelines for specific details on carry-on items, including child restraint seats, strollers and diaper bags. During security check in, the TSA will usually make a special provision for items like medications, breast milk and baby formula. Check out the Traveling with Kids section of the TSA website for information and helpful videos about travel with infants and carry-on baggage restrictions.

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Safety & Prevention

Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs

By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP & Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Taking a baby on a plane is something that most parents approach with caution. Infants and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.

Here are answers to some questions you may have before traveling with an infant, along with tips for a smoother and safer flight.

When is my baby old enough to fly on an airplane?

Generally, you should avoid flying with your newborn until they are at least 7 days old. Ideally, wait until your baby is two or three months old to fly. Air travel (and being in crowded airports) can increase a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease.

Should my baby sit on my lap during the flight?

Ideally, no. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years. But that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, it may not be physically possible to protect your baby in your arms. Turbulence is the number one cause of children's injuries on an airplane.

If you do not buy a ticket for your child, you may want to ask if your airline will let you use an empty seat where you can install a car seat for your baby. If your airline's "lap baby" policy allows this, avoid the busiest travel days and times to increase your odds of finding an empty seat next to you.

The safest way for baby to fly

The safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint ―an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device . It should be approved for your child's age and size, and installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes during flight.

• Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel.
• Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

There is an FAA-approved alternative to using a car seat on an airplane called the Child Aviation Restraint System ( CARES ). This airplane safety harness is not meant for infants, however. It is designed for use by toddlers (22 to 44 pounds) and only on airplanes.

Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us? Does that count as luggage?

Car seats, booster seats, and strollers generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying. In most cases they can be checked at the gate, where the risk of damage may be lower, at no cost. Consider packing the car seat in a protective bag or box. If your baby has their own airplane seat, bring your car seat with you.

Not all car seats are certified for use in airplanes.

Make sure a label on the car seat says: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Which seat on the plane is best for a baby?

Look for rows on the plane with more space , like the bulkhead. Exit rows are out, for safety reasons.

Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible . Aisle seats can be risky for babies during beverage service. Hot drinks being passed to passengers can spill and cause burns , and their little arms and legs can be caught by passing carts. Aisle seats are also closer to falling overhead bin items. If you use a car seat, most airlines require that they be installed in a window seat.

Ensure that your baby's seat is next to you on the plane. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Family Seating Dashboard for tips. It shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seats for children under age 13 traveling with an adult at no extra fee.

Is there a way my baby can lie down flat on long flights?

Buckling your baby into a car seat or safety restraint remains the safest option. However, there are other options available to help baby sleep comfortably, especially on long-haul flights.

Airline bassinets. Some airlines offer airline bassinets attached to the plane's bulkhead wall―the wall behind the galley, or toilets or another cabin. In some premium cabins, they can be built into the seat compartment to use in bulkhead rows. Most airline bassinets require the baby to be under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds, and not yet able to sit up unassisted. These bassinets are sometimes called "skycots" or baskets.

Sleeper seat . For an added fee, some international airlines let you book three seats in a row with locking seat extensions. This creates a "sky couch" or sleeper-seat big enough for both parent and child. Some airlines also offer "lie-flat" and "flat-bed" seats.

Inflatable seat extenders . Some airlines let you bring your own inflatable, individual seat extension for your baby to snooze on lying down. Not all airlines permit these to be used, though, so check ahead of time. Your child will need their own seat to use one.

Note: For all options above, your baby would still need to be buckled into a car seat or held on your lap during takeoff, turbulence and landing.

Safe sleep practices still apply on the airplane.

• If your baby sleeps on your lap during the flight: stay alert and check on your baby often. Make sure they can breathe easily, and their face is uncovered.
• If your baby sleeps on another device during the flight: check that it is firm and flat, with no soft bedding. (See, " How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe .")

Will I be able to get liquid formula or expressed breast milk through security?

Yes, but you have to follow the reasonable quantities rules. This means you're exempt from the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 mL).

Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it. You may ask that they not go through the x-ray machine (although this shouldn't cause a health problem). Visit the TSA website for more information.

Any tips for keeping my baby comfortable and content on the plane?

Dress your baby in layers. The temperature in a plane can vary widely, especially if you are stuck waiting on a runway. So, dress your baby in layers of clothing. As you pick out clothing , choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Also, pack a change of clothes or two, in case turbulence hits during a diaper change or when you are feeding. Bring plastic bags for soiled clothing.

Be ready for ear pain during take-off and landing. During takeoff and landing, changes in pressure between the outer ear and middle ear can cause discomfort. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, ask their doctor if it's OK to fly. Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle, or suck on a pacifier, can help. If your child has a cold or ear infection, a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help; check with your doctor for the right amount to give your child.

Reduce jet engine noise exposure . Airplane cabin noise hovers around 100 decibels, and is even louder during takeoff. Using cotton balls, small earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones may help to decrease the decibel level your baby is exposed to, and also make it easier for them to sleep or relax.

Keep in mind that sleeping babies are easier for everyone. If possible, travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps. Or, onsider trying to put off a nap until it's time to fly. Flight delays can cause this to backfire if your exhausted baby decides to scream instead of sleep. But it may be worth a try.

Do not use diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, to help your baby sleep without talking to your doctor.

This medication can have serious side effects , especially if repeated doses are given on long flights. If you get the go-ahead and appropriate dose from your doctor, try it at home first. Some children react to the medicine by getting more awake instead of sleepy.

Consider a diaper change right before boarding the plane. A dry baby is a happy baby. Fortunately, when you do need to change a diaper in-flight, many planes have restroom changing tables . If yours doesn't, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot where you can spread out your changing pad. Some parents resort to diaper-changing on the closed toilet seat. If you try this, be sure to have a hand on your baby at all times and pack a disposable changing pad. Plan for delays; pack plenty of supplies.

Bring distractions . Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the entire time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if the toys and books aren't helping anymore (we don't encourage entertainment media for children under the age of 2 , but desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures).

Don't let the glares get to you . Despite the best advanced planning and efforts, babies cry sometimes. Know that you did, and are doing, all you can. At that point, one of the best ways you can calm your baby may be to stay calm yourself. And remember that for every person who is glaring at you, there are plenty of people who have been through it themselves and have lots of sympathy.

Ask for help . Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a child safety restraint, your baby and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.

Does my baby need a passport for international travel?

Yes. All U.S. citizens, including infants, need a current passport to travel internationally. Parents or guardians need to apply with their baby in person using the form DS-11 . Be sure to bring your baby's birth certificate and a photo taken within the last 6 months.

Passport photos must be taken with nobody else in the photo, which can be tricky with infants. To do this safely if your baby can't sit up yet , lay them on their back on a plain white blanket or sheet to ensure head support without having to hold them. Another option is covering a car seat with the sheet and taking a picture with your child in it.

What about domestic flights?

A valid passport is usually the only identification your baby will need to fly on a domestic flight, unless you need to show proof of age for a discounted child fare. Check with your airline before you leave. Note: Children under age 18 will not be required to get a Real ID .

What is the best time of day to fly with a baby?

It is hard to say whether flying during the day or night with a baby is better. After the first few weeks, some infants may sleep more reliably at nighttime than they do during naptime travel. If you and your baby can sleep on the plane, a late-night flight may be the way to go.

More information

Travel Safety Tips

Holiday Travel Tips

Flying With Children Safely (FAA.gov)

Tips for Families and Links to Airline Webpages (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Destination-Specific Vaccine Recommendations for Travelers—Including Travelers with Children (CDC.gov)

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• Special assistance

Traveling with children

Traveling with children and infants.

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

• Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
• Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

• Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
• The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
• On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
• It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.

Keep in mind:

• Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
• The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

• Book your trip on aa.com
• Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com
• Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

• You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
• You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

• Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
• Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

• These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
• The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
• Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
• The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
• To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

Airbus 321T

• Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777-300
• Boeing 787-800
• Boeing 787-900
• Any device without an approval label
• Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
• Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
• Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
• Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

• Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
• Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
• All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
• If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
• Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
• Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
• If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

• Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
• Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

• Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
• 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

Everything You Need to Know Before Flying With a Baby or Young Kids

By Laura Dannen Redman and Noah Kaufman

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Your baby’s first flight can be as momentous as their first steps, first solid food, or first drop off at daycare. And like all those milestones, parents can feel understandably freaked out beforehand. No one, not even your baby themself, knows how a child will react to being on an airplane for the first time. And no matter what happens, one thing's for sure: you'll be stuck in a cabin full of strangers for at least a couple hours while you find out. 

But dread not—your child may love air travel, for starters—and even if they don't, you will get through it. With a little planning, the right gear, and a willingness to make many lists, flying with a baby or young kids can be easier than you think. Here are our best tips for arriving in your destination with energy to spare, from seasoned parents. 

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How to prepare 

Right after you purchase your tickets, download Flying With Baby by Meg Collins, the blogger behind new mom survival guide Lucie’s List . Collins claims, accurately, to be the voice of reason about everything: “ticketing, check-in, car seats, feeding, napping and all the other stuff that makes your brain explode.” 

There's no surefire way to prepare a baby ahead of time, but if you're traveling with a toddler or an elementary school-aged child, you may need to do a little incepting—i.e., plant the idea that flying is fun! and make a game of it at home beforehand. Traveler contributor Debbie Dubrow gave Traveler some excellent tips a few years ago that still hold true:

• Talk about your trip and your flight ahead of time, focusing on the aspects that are new to your child or might cause them concern.
• Read stories about flying, like Airplanes by Byron Barton for toddlers, and Richard Scarry's A Day at the Airport for older kids. If you’re headed to a new destination, make a trip to the library to pick up a few books set in that place.
• Line up some dining chairs to make airplane seats, and act out how you should sit down and buckle up on a plane. Build a security checkpoint using a doorway as the metal detector and a cardboard box and towel as the conveyor belt and X-ray. Practice putting your child’s stuffed animal or blanket through the X-ray and getting it back on the other side.
• Let your children help pack their carry-on bags (but secret away a few new toys in your own). That way they’ll get to choose which items they just can’t live without, and you’ll get to set expectations about which toys are okay on the plane (leave the harmonica at home, please!).

What to pack

If this is your first time flying with a baby, you'll be bringing significantly more items than you've flown with before. To keep track of everything, make an itemized list of the major items (i.e., the car seat, stroller); the bags you’re checking; and the bags you’re carrying on. Do a count of your bags like they’re children on a field trip when you get to the airport, get through security, and get off the plane. (If it sounds like overkill, think about what your trip might be like if you forget the one bag with your baby's favorite stuffed toy. Yeah.)

As for what to bring? Everyone has their go-to items, but there are a few items we love most.

The Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller (for infants up to 35 pounds) combines two of the most cumbersome items you have to bring on a trip. With the Doona you just gate check the stroller, and get to leave the car seat at home. 

The Dohm sound machine helps little ones fall asleep and stay asleep in new and strange places. “I bring my son’s Dohm everywhere with us," says director of strategic projects Lauren DeCarlo . "Hotels, my parents house. It’s essential.” You can also download white noise apps on your phone.

The Líllé Baby Carrier is a comfortable and functional carrier that adjusts into six different positions, so you can keep your (hopefully) sleeping baby against your chest during flight and prop them on your hip while you're waiting to board.

A well-stocked diaper bag with enough wipes, diapers, and formula/breast milk/food to get you through the flight and an hours-long delay, minimum, is a must. Frequent flier, Skift aviation reporter, and father Brian Sumers recommends three days' worth of food for the baby to account for any mishaps. Make sure you also have basics like hand-sanitizer, scented diaper trash bags, a pacifier clip ("this will save you the horror of watching a pacifier drop to the airplane floor," says Traveler contributor and mom of three Juliana Shallcross ), and one new baby toy. "I still swear by the one-new-toy trick," Shallcross says. "Buy the baby one new toy specifically to open on the airplane. It will keep their attention for a little bit longer than if you brought an older toy. However, for young babies, you don't need much. All they really need is their bottle, maybe a pacifier, and a nice seatmate who makes funny faces."

The WayB Pico Car Seat is great pickup for kids that have outgrown the Doona. It weighs a barely noticeable eight pounds and folds up into a convenient carrying case. Note that this is a forward-facing car seat, so your child will have to be physically ready for that.

The Cares Airplane Safety Harness is the only FAA-approved harness for kids over the age of one, when they're big enough for their own seat but too small for the seatbelt to do any good.

A different outfit —for you—is a gift. "A change of clothes is a no-brainer for the baby who may have a diaper situation at some point during the flight," says Shallcross, "but if you can manage it, pack a T-shirt or leggings for yourself in your carry-on." You don't want to be stuck wearing a formula-stained shirt (or worse) for the rest of the flight.

As for what to leave at home? Anything you can get where you’re going: jars of baby food, diapers, wipes. Just make a beeline for a local grocery store once you arrive. It can also be fun seeing how other cultures and countries do the basics. (Fun fact: French diapers aren’t quite as absorbent as American ones. Who knew?)

Uber drivers always get out of the car to open the trunk, assuming the stroller will need to go in the back—and are always amazed when you collapse the Doona and slide it into the backseat instead.

Do babies need an I.D.?

Babies from the U.S. don’t need an ID when flying domestically, says the TSA . This is actually true of anyone under the age of 18. But they will need a passport to fly internationally. 

To apply for a passport for your infant, both parents need to be there in person—“there” may be a USPS post office or a passport agency near you; if you’re the sole custodian of a child, you need to bring proof of that as well . You will also need the child’s birth certificate (original and a copy), your passports and U.S. drivers’ licenses (and a copy), a completed DS-11 form , money for the fees (credit is not accepted for the $80 standard fee and $35 acceptance fee—bring cash or your checkbook), and—the best part—two identical 2x2 inch passport photos of your baby. There are websites dedicated to getting your infant to sit upright and still against a plain white backdrop for long enough to get a photo. Some, like epassport.com, will prepare your photos with a guarantee that your baby's photo won't be rejected (check your passport application location's policy on this, as some don't allow third parties to send in photos). 

Here’s the full list of what you need to get the baby’s passport.

What about their own ticket?

It depends. On most airlines, babies under the age of two can sit in your lap on a flight, sometimes with a special lap belt that you attach to your seatbelt. You may have to pay a fee—primarily on international airlines—which may come with a special boarding pass. It helps to call the airline before booking to confirm. Once the child turns two, they are required to have their own ticket. 

Still, if you can swing it, we suggest purchasing your baby their own seat from the get-go. It will be more pleasant to have the extra space (and a buffer from other passengers) and, as Sumers says, it's safer: “You wouldn't hold your baby in your lap in a car, even if you were only going a mile away at 10 mph. So why would you hold your baby on an airplane racing on a runway at 150 mph? In severe turbulence, or in a survivable crash, you may not be not able to hold onto your baby.” 

At the airport

When flying with kids, arrive early to the airport, so you have extra time to check in, get through security, and board the plane. 

Going through security

If you have TSA PreCheck , children 12 and under can get in line with you and breeze on through. But if you have Global Entry , the baby needs it, too. Here’s what it takes to apply.

When it comes to getting your stuff through, TSA checkpoints are “wildly inconsistent” across different airports in the U.S., says Shallcross. "If you're traveling with breast milk or formula, note that you can carry-on [in excess of the 3.4 oz liquid rule] , but you will most likely be on the receiving end of a pat-down." Having TSA PreCheck makes the process go a bit faster, and sometimes, in lieu of a screening, TSA will test to-go bottles of formula instead. International checkpoints also vary widely, but, often, jars of food and bottles get checked.

As for the stroller you plan to gate check, know that it will have to go on the belt through the x-ray machine, like the rest of your bags. It may be pulled aside and tested or swabbed by a TSA agent. 

Getting to the gate

Speaking of gate-checking: "As soon as you make it through security, head to your gate and get the gate tags for your stroller," says Shallcross. "If you wait until you board, the gate attendants may ask you to step aside and wait until they finish boarding the group, before they give you the tags."

And then there's the age-old question: Should you board in the first wave with your baby and toddlers? Most gate agents give you the option of early boarding—and with a newborn or infant, that's the way to go so you can get settled with bags stowed and essentials out for takeoff. But with an active toddler? That means you're on the plane for an extra 30 to 45 minutes, trying to contain their wild energy in a small space. No thanks. 

If you're traveling with another adult, super traveler Sam Brown recommends dividing and conquering. One of you boards early with the bags; the other stays behind with the kids, letting them burn off energy at the gate until the last possible minute you can board.

Nursing and pumping

If you need a quiet space to breastfeed before boarding, look for a Mamava Pod . They're designed to allow moms to nurse babies in private, they're free to use, and there's even room for another small child to hang out inside. 

The flight itself

The easiest way to keep a baby from crying during the flight is to give them milk or formula on takeoff and landing—the go-to move of parents for decades, as it helps babies adjust to the change in cabin pressure. Admittedly, if the baby is going to be strapped in, nursing will be hard, so consider a bottle. (When it comes to tips for getting your toddler to sleep on a plane , we've got those too.)

If you have a bassinet or plan to have the baby in a Bjorn for most of the flight, they'll need to come out and be strapped into their seat or held on your lap during takeoff and landing. Become friendly with your flight attendants, because you may need their help (and patience) more than usual from here on out (that said, they're often happy to help with things like warm water for a bottle).

This also brings us to our favorite controversy: Should you apologize in advance to your fellow seatmates? Sumers says, emphatically, that “there's no reason parents should bring treats for other passengers, or apologize for their baby's behavior." Everyone knows it's hard to control any situation on an airplane, and that you're doing the best you can, Sumers says. People pleasers may feel the need to do otherwise; ultimately, it's about whichever move creates an on-plane environment that's most comfortable for you. 

Does my baby need to wear a mask?

Though pandemic-era regulations require adult passengers to wear face masks , rules vary for children. For children under two, the answer is no. But once your child is old enough to need their own seat, they also need to wear a mask, per an update to federal law in February 2021. If you know that will be an issue for your two year old, you'll want to hold off on flying—airlines reserve the right to remove anyone refusing to wear a face mask from the plane. 

What if your kid is a seat kicker?

Try changing up your seating chart. Travel journalist Sam Brown and her husband would book seats in two separate rows, one right in front of the next, and each sit with one of their twins. If one of the kids got fussy—or kicked the seat in front of them—at least it would be a family member they were harassing.

Upon arrival

Many parents worry about the impact of jet lag on children when flying long distances. If you're taking a transatlantic flight (say, New York to Paris), the red-eye is a godsend and the easiest way to ward off jet lag . To start: Your baby will be more inclined to sleep through the flight. Once you land, consider not getting on local time. Yes, you'll all sleep in later and start your day later, but you can keep the baby out later, rather than having to commit to your hotel room by 6:30 p.m. every night, and the re-entry back home goes a bit smoother because you never really got off your schedule. There's also something special about being able to take your baby to the Louvre at 8 p.m. on a Friday.

This article was originally published in 2018. It has been updated with new information.

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How to Take a Flight with a Baby (32 Tips)

Written by Becca

Updated on March 18th, 2024

How should you take your first flight with an infant? These important tips and tricks will get you through flying on a plane with your baby so that everything goes to plan.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

How to Fly with a Baby

• Set your expectations right.
• Bring noise-cancelling headphones for your baby.
• Bring a travel sound machine.
• Check a bag.
• Have a blanket handy.
• Consider going to an airport lounge.
• Bring extra snacks.
• Bring an extra set of clothes for each parent.
• Bring a pared-down diaper bag into the bathroom.
• Use a baby carrier through security and while boarding.
• For older babies, consider screens.
• Bring toys!
• Buy a separate seat, if you can afford it.
• Try to replicate a regular bedtime routine on long flights.
• For international flights, request the bassinet.
• Be aware of what happens during security with liquids.
• Let your baby sleep in a wrap carrier on your chest.
• Don’t forget your stroller, upon arrival!
• If you check your car seat travel bag, fill it with stuff like diapers.
• Hold your child TIGHT during landing.
• Change your baby’s diaper before the flight.
• Consolidate your personal item into your diaper bag.
• Bring a mobile travel breast pump.
• Gate check your car seat and/or stroller.
• Use a luggage cart for all your stuff in the airport.
• Have one adult board first with your carry-ons and “stuff.”
• Take an UberXL to the airport.
• Bring on the diaper bag (as a medical item).
• Get a compact travel crib if you need to bring one.
• Feed the baby during takeoff and landing.
• Try double-diapering your baby.
• Fly as often as possible with your baby or kids.

Overwhelmed about traveling with your baby on an airplane for the first time? I think every parent who needs to fly on a plane with their little one for the first time is feeling this way. It feels like there are so many things that can go wrong, and the logistics of all the baby stuff is more daunting than having the baby on the flight itself!

Flying with your infant is probably going to be different than taking a road trip with your baby . There’s a lot more limitation on what you can bring, how to pack it and the fact that you’ll be in an airplane seat, not in a car that can stop every few hours.

Here are some pretty popular tips that will help you plan out your first flight with your newborn, infant, older baby. Of course, not all these tips work for everyone, but I’ve made them as all-encompassing as I can in order to help you out with the most seamless flight experience for the family!

Tips for flying with a baby

Check out our list of important tips to keep you sane during your next flight with your little one! I’ve added comments about my personal experience in flying with my baby, and I point out which items are the best baby travel accessories for traveling .

And make sure to check out all of our posts about traveling with a baby to get a full sense of what it’s like and you might pick up some tips and tricks along the way.

Set your expectations right.

Many of my friends have noted that going into a flight with a baby for the first time should involve no expectations: none at all.

If you have a fussy baby or an unpredictable baby, there may be chaos. If you’re used to getting on a flight, plugging in noise-cancelling headphones, turning on some in-flight entertainment and sipping a beer or a piping hot coffee, reset your assumptions. Flying with a baby will not be relaxing, but you will eventually get where you’re going!

Bring noise-cancelling headphones for your baby.

Noise-cancelling headphones for babies have become a product that parents can use at concerts, loud events and on airplanes as well. I think that as adults, especially adults who travel and fly often, we forget just how loud the roar of the airplane engine is.

By helping protect your baby’s ears, you can help them hopefully be less fussy as the airplane is going up and as you are landing (and/or going through turbulence). They also might help the baby to sleep on the flight by drowning out the excess sounds and turning it into white noise.

Bring a travel sound machine.

We have the Yogasleep travel sound machine (you can also get it on Amazon ) for weekends away with our little one, and this travel sound machine is surely small enough to come on the plane with you. It fits in a diaper bag, and can help lull your baby to sleep with the familiar sound machine hum from home.

In all honesty in regard to our most recent flight with our child, the plane itself acts as a giant sound machine, so that was convenient! The travel sound machine from Yogasleep is good if you have to get your baby into a nap while you’re in the airport, on a layover or (hopefully not) delayed for a while. We also use it in all hotel rooms for the night, and we detail that in our tips for a hotel stay with a baby .

Check a bag.

This tip is a big painful for me, as I was a carry-on-only style traveler before having kid(s). I’m pretty much petrified of checking bags, for a (somewhat irrational) fear that they will get lost and not make it to my vacation destination with me. Anyone feel this way?

Most families I know have opted for checking their suitcases, instead of taking them as carry-ons. Traveling through the airport with all the baby equipment will be plenty, and you may not want to deal with dragging your suitcases in addition to your diaper bag, car seat, stroller and more.

By checking bags, you’ll free up at least one parent, as between the two of you, there’s likely a carry-on (or two), the diaper bag, stroller, car seat, your child’s milk or formula, food and even more. Many friends of mine have noted that checking a bag is the way to go when you travel with a baby.

My good friends have tried to help ease my fears of checking luggage and have noted that bags getting lost is way less common if you’re flying nonstop with no transfers. Second, to get over fears of lost luggage, try getting some Apple Airtags to track your most valuable belongings (laptop, wallet, carry-on, etc.) from your phone!

Have a blanket handy.

Bring a lightweight blanket to drape over the stroller, to help your baby nap while you’re waiting in the terminal.

Another thing a blanket can do is create a little dark canopy over your baby if he or she is sleeping while in-flight! Planes can be really bright at some less-convenient times.

Consider going to an airport lounge.

For extra comfort and space, and to avoid potentially uncomfortable (or lack of) seating at your gate, opt for an airport lounge. If you have Priority Pass or another membership that will get you into a lounge, then bingo! Enjoy free WiFi, snacks, the bar and potentially a family room or mother’s room in a lounge.

Check out our guide to how to know what airport lounges are like . We went to the United Lounge at EWR during our most recent flight experience with our baby and not only was it a great place to try to feed her some solid food, but it let us relax for 45 minutes while we enjoyed the lunch buffet and WiFi.

Bring extra snacks.

If you have a baby at the 6+ month age, you will potentially be bringing food in tote! For babies between 9-12 months, they’ll want to snack all the time. Having handy snacks (and also being able to eliminate messes) is incredibly important!

Try ideas like infant baby food pouches or DIY pouches full of food from home like these from Babybrezza . Another good idea is snack puffs that are not too messy.

On top of bringing a regular amount of snacks, be prepared with extras! If your child is bored, or just decides he or she is extra hungry during the hours you’re on that airplane, you’ll be glad you took more rather than less.

Bring an extra set of clothes for each parent.

I think a “worst case scenario” in my mind would be if I were flying with a baby who had a #2 accident all over my clothes. While it’s more common for babies between 0-3 or so months to let another #2 out in those moments when you’re doing the diaper change, it can happen to any unlucky parent!

Bring an extra set of flight clothes that are also weather-appropriate for your destination, for both parents or caretakers. This is also handy not only for bathroom accidents, but for unfortunate and unexpected situations of vomit, food or drink spills and anything else you can think of.

AND , as a bonus, having an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on (or if you have a giant diaper bag) can be useful if your checked luggage gets lost for a day. Bingo!

Bring a pared-down diaper bag into the bathroom.

This tip came from a friend of mine, who phrased it as, “NEVER bring your entire diaper bag into the airplane bathroom!” There are a few reasons for this.

First, airplane bathrooms are tiny. Once you and a baby are in there together, there is not very much room to move around. On our Air Canada flight when our child was 8 months old, the bathroom was so small that I didn’t even know how someone bigger or taller than my size would’ve fit.

Second, airplane bathrooms can be wet, if someone messy was in there before you. The last thing you want is for your diaper bag to be soaked from someone else’s bathroom mess — ew.

And third, all you really need for a diaper change is a diaper, some diaper cream, a few wipes and a changing pad. In a rare case of a blowout, you’ll need a spare outfit. The good news is that I have a hack for this: grab a Kibou diaper waist bag . It is the ONLY item I’ll bring with me for a diaper change on a flight .

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The Kibou is a “diaper bag fanny pack for travel” and you can also use it for essentials like your phone, wallet keys and passport. Taking something this minimal into an airplane bathroom will be ideal! Plus, it’s unisex, for both moms and dads. I love showing it off to other parents who say, “Wow, that is brilliant.” It works like a charm when you need to dash into a bathroom for a diaper change. In my review of the Kibou you can see more photos and details!

Use a baby carrier through security and while boarding.

Using a travel-friendly baby carrier to carry your child leaves you with two hands to get organized while getting to your seat! You’ll find this to ease up the whole process of boarding, as well as getting through security.

My favorite baby carrier for travel is the Baby Tula Carrier Lite , which I reviewed in this detailed review . Consider that it folds up into a fanny pack for when you aren’t using it, and that saves a ton of space.

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As I was walking off the plane during our last flight with our baby, I considered that I didn’t know how I would’ve survived without a baby carrier, with all the carry-ons and personal items we already had. You need to be hands-free with that baby!

When we flew from Halifax , Nova Scotia, I think we set a record with how many bins we used and how we had to manage everything with an infant. We both had laptops, a camera, wallets, various fanny packs, diaper bag contents and liquid toiletries.

It’s something to consider for packing so that you’re not holding up security when you’re out of the country when TSA PreCheck is not available.

Luckily, there wasn’t anyone behind us, so it didn’t matter. In a crowded and busy situation, security can be pretty chaotic and a baby carrier may help.

For older babies, consider screens.

As a disclaimer, this tip is only for those who are comfortable with screen time for their little ones! Personally, we rarely put our baby in front of a screen to entertain her at her current age, but, we understand that this will change with our second child and will also change as she gets older.

For babies who are accustomed to screen time, have some downloaded videos available on either an iPad or a phone.

Bring toys!

For older babies, bring toys that suction cup to the tray table like these amusing suction cup spinners .

If you have the space, a food-grade silicone busy toy might help pass the time for children 6-12 months.

Buy a separate seat, if you can afford it.

For longer flights when having a lap infant may not be so comfortable, consider buying a separate seat for your child. Use a travel car seat on the plane to strap it in. We’ve realized pretty quickly that traveling with a baby makes you forget all the ways you used to try to save money while traveling .

Know what to expect with having a car seat on a plane.

If you have booked the aisle seats on the flight, you’ll need to put the car seat in the window seat, as passengers have to be able to walk out of the row in the case of an emergency.

If your seats are in the middle section of the row (think a large plane with 3-4-3 seating), it has to be placed in the middle seat so the two aisle seats allow passengers to get out in an emergency.

From a friend who has flown often with an older baby and then a toddler, she noted to me that about one in eight times of flying with her child, the flight attendant asked to see the car seat to make sure that it was plane-compliant. There’s a marking on the side of the car seat that denotes that it can be used for a flight. She uses this Cosco Scenera NEXT convertible car seat for travel and takes it on planes.

Helpful tip here: when we checked our car seat in the US, we checked it regularly at the counter and it came out with regular baggage at baggage claim. However, in Canada, we had to check it as Oversized Baggage, and when we landed in Newark, it was not with the regular checked luggage on the baggage carousel. We had to go to Oversized Baggage and retrieve it!

Try to replicate a regular bedtime routine on long flights.

This tip is a LOT easier said than done. For us, bedtime involves a bottle, a story book (or three), changing into pajamas, a diaper change, a song while we put on our child’s sleep sack, and a kiss before going into bed.

If you’re traveling and have the plane’s bassinet or a child’s car seat, this is probably going to be more worth it than if your child is going to sleep in your lap for a little while, only to be awoken when the plane lands. So, this tip is most applicable to overnight flights or international ones that are long.

If you are flying at night time (or even during a red eye flight ), the good news is that the lights will be dimmed, so you likely don’t have to worry about having blackout shades or a blackout cover. If your child sleeps in complete darkness, consider seeking out a blackout cover for a car seat (this one also doubles as a nursing cover — very handy!) that fits. Make sure you can still peek in to check your child’s safety while sleeping.

For international flights, request the bassinet.

“Get the bassinet” is what anyone will say to you if you’re flying long-haul with a baby. Even if your baby is close to not fitting anymore (think “baby who is large for his/her age”), the seats for the parents are better in the bulkhead row! It does have to be requested, though.

One nice thing about the bassinet option is that parents can check the car seat. This keeps the amount of things you’ll be hauling through security and on the plane to a minimum. Hopefully you’ll wind up with only backpacks and stroller by the time you get to the gate.

To arrange moving to the bulkhead row, you will probably have to call your airline and “speak to a human.” It may be possible to avoid up-charges this way, depending on the airline.

It’s definitely cheaper to go the “bassinet route” over your baby having own seat on the plane with a car seat. The only catch is that you don’t get the bassinet until full altitude, so the baby would be in your lap for a bit first.

Most parents are fine with this because you can feed your baby during take-off and landing for ear popping reasons. My friend who did this recently said that when she booked the bassinet/bulkhead seats, there was no questioning about her baby’s age or size. This may vary by airline, once again.

If in the bassinet row, your toddler may want to nap on the floor.

This is apparently allowed, given the length of flight and airline. My friend’s toddler did this when she had the bulkhead seats for her and her partner and had their younger baby in the bassinet.

Be aware of what happens during security with liquids.

You can go through security with formula and milk or liquids for a baby. They will be searched separately.

Note that formula nor breast milk is subject to the 3 oz. rule for TSA-approved liquids, as both are “medically-necessary liquids.” My friend flew with a two-day-old baby and had no problem with this, and when I brought liquid milk through security, I had both a 5-oz. frozen bag of milk, as well as 2 oz. in a Spectra bottle. The containers of milk were checked by a TSA agent, and then I was free to go (they did not sample the milk nor open it).

Let your baby sleep in a wrap carrier on your chest.

My friend Liz flew to Ireland , and then to Portugal , with a baby only six months old. She didn’t book her child a seat, so her baby was a lap infant. To get her to sleep during those flights from the US to Europe, she had her daughter sleep in a wrap carrier like the Boba Baby Wrap or the KeaBabies Wrap Carrier .

What I will note here is that I was told most recently by a flight attendant on Air Canada that a “snuggly” (or baby carrier) cannot be used during takeoff nor landing. You could, however, get the baby right into it after the seat belt light turns off.

Don’t forget your stroller, upon arrival!

This one seems simple, but when you arrive and deplane, if you’re caught up in the bustle of taking down your carry-ons and dashing to passport control or baggage claim, don’t forget your gate-checked stroller or car seat!

If you check your car seat travel bag, fill it with stuff like diapers.

This is a very popular tip from parents: if you are using a car seat travel bag to check at check-in, or gate check, “fill it with stuff.” No one will care how much it weighs (probably!).

One of the most widespread tips is to fill that car seat bag with diapers, and lots of them! If you have any other soft things that could go in there (maybe wipes, or if it’s winter, some things like a baby snowsuit), that works, too.

Using a universal car seat bag with shoulder straps may do the trick. Of course, if your car seat brand makes its own car seat bag like the UPPAbaby one and if it includes a warranty, you can opt for that (see below about the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat travel bag ).

Put your family’s laundry bag in the car seat on the flight home! By that point, you’re probably already playing a really hard game of tetris with all your packing cubes in the suitcase anyway. We did this and it made packing some gifts we got much easier in our checked bag.

Hold your child TIGHT during landing.

When that plane hits the ground, you could have a smooth landing or a really rough and crazy one. After flying once, I was lucky that Dan signaled to me it was time to hold our baby tight as our plane was about to touch down on the runway. Things can get unexpected really fast during landings that swerve or feel bumpy, so keep your best grip on your child for safety.

Change your baby’s diaper before the flight.

Yes: change your child’s diaper before the flight — right before, if you aren’t too pressed for time. This helps eliminate the risk of in-flight blowouts due to diapers that were already at capacity from having been on a baby for a few hours already.

Consolidate your personal item into your diaper bag.

I asked a LOT of my friends if their airline had included their diaper bag as a personal item for their lap infant (if your infant has a ticketed seat, they get their own personal item and carry-on without question), or not. It was about a 50/50 split. Some airlines will consider the diaper bag to be the lap infant’s personal item, whereas some will not. I use the personal item-sized 25L diaper backpack from Nike.

You can see more about it at my Nike Diaper Bag review .

If you are aware ahead of time that your airline does NOT consider your diaper bag to be a medical bag, aside from your (as an adult) “personal item”, then throw in your wallet, phone, keys and passport, or even better, use a fanny pack for travel day .

Better yet, take that fanny pack idea and travel with a fanny pack baby carrier or a fanny pack diaper bag like the Kibou to get more use out of every item you choose to bring along. Even BETTER, have one adult use a fanny pack diaper bag, and have one adult use a fanny pack baby carrier! This is what I did.

Bring a mobile travel breast pump.

If you are a breastfeeding mama and your space is limited, you may notice that your Spectra pump (the same one I’ve taken on road trips with a small baby ) is really pretty big and tall, all things considered.

What you can do is opt for a travel pump or mobile pump. I have the Elvie Stride hands-free wearable pump , and friends also recommend the wearable Willow Go pump . These have smaller footprints in your luggage, and they operate with apps!

Gate check your car seat and/or stroller.

Gate checking is great for your travel stroller (like our UPPAbaby Minu ) and travel car seat. The tip here is to make sure to have the special “travel bags” for both large items, and the even bigger tip is to check in at the desk at the gate for tags ahead of time.

Make sure your airline allows two gate-checked items if you plan to gate-check both a stroller and car seat. What we did was check the car seat with baggage upon arrival, and gate check the stroller.

Use a luggage cart for all your stuff in the airport.

I never could’ve foreseen just how much “stuff” we had. Among the car seat in its bag, our rollaboard suitcase, both our personal items (one was my backpack with a pump in it), the diaper bag and the stroller, our arms got tied up fast.

If there are free luggage carts at the airport, get one ! Even if they cost money to use them for an hour, they may give you a spare hand or peace of mind.

If the airplane has your baby freaking out, my friend Kate suggests keeping blinders up and not worrying about other people. The moment will pass and you won’t see any of those people again (unless you’re with a lot of friends or family on your flight, but then, they’ll understand).

Have one adult board first with your carry-ons and “stuff.”

I have a friend whose favorite tip for flying with a baby (if you’re traveling with your partner) is for one of you go on first with all the things you’ll be taking on the plane, while the other adult waits outside the gate with the baby.

This is particularly helpful if you have gotten your baby a ticketed seat and you are bringing a car seat on the plane. It’s a lot to carry and we’re all just human! What we did was board together in priority boarding. That worked, too.

Take an UberXL to the airport.

When traveling to the airport, opt for an Uber XL. Between our suitcases and the stroller, you will want to ensure that you have enough trunk space.

Bring on the diaper bag (as a medical item).

On many (but not all!) airlines, your diaper bag counts as a “medical bag,” and it does not count as your personal item on the plane. Each adult is therefore allowed to bring one personal item in addition!

Also, this is in regard to if you bring on your baby as a lap infant. If your baby is a ticketed passenger with his or her own seat (and a car seat for sitting in), then he or she is also entitled to a carry-on and/or checked bag, depending on the airline and ticket class.

Get a compact travel crib if you need to bring one.

For your “flying trip” with a baby, if you’re going to visit family, or you’ll be staying at an Airbnb that does not offer a crib or travel crib, you’ll be bringing your own. My biggest suggestion is to NOT bring something giant like the Graco Pack ‘n Play. This will be a burden at the airport and upon landing. Instead, invest in a minimalist compact travel crib! This will spare you a headache.

As for choices, I’ll recommend the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light or the Guava Lotus Travel Crib. Both pack down to infinitely better sizes and shapes for travel than a traditional Pack ‘n Play. The Guava Crib can even be worn as a handy backpack as you go through the airport. To make your choice, check out BabyBjorn Travel Crib review and our Guava Lotus Travel Crib review . Both will probably need to be checked as luggage, although depending on the size of the overhead bins, it’s possible they could fit and be carried on.

Feed the baby during takeoff and landing.

Many friends recommended feeding babies during takeoff and landing. There are a few reasons to consider it: first, if you think about the first time you flew, as a kid maybe, did anyone tell you to either keep swallowing, or maybe to chew gum during takeoff and landing to help with popping ears? I used to always take gum with me in my early years of flying for that reason! Now I just drink water.

With babies, they don’t know what to do, so if you offer a feed, the swallowing will help the baby’s ears and avoid the discomfort from popping. Take note: a pacfiifer may have the same effect, to encourage the swallowing reflex.

Second, offer a feed in case you are tied up waiting for baggage or delayed in a passport control line after deplaning. You may not be able to feed your baby for an hour or two, especially if you immediately get in a taxi to your hotel and hit traffic, or any of the other delays life throws at you.

As an update, on my most recent flight with our baby, we flew Air Canada and the flight attendants told us that during the ascent and descent, the baby had to be sitting facing one of us and held with the head into our chests. Feeding was not allowed until the seat belt light was turned off. So, be sure you speak with a flight attendant about a safe policy!

For all travel-related product ideas that will get you through the flight, check out my guide to feeding your baby during a trip .

Try double-diapering your baby.

Some babies tend to go to the bathroom (#2) due to changes in cabin pressure (or maybe it’s an urban legend), but I’ve heard from multiple parents that “double-diapering” can help with unwanted diaper accidents while in the air.

Probably the last thing you want is to be messy with a diaper accident while the plane is landing if you’re already cramped in your seat, and let’s face it, airplane bathrooms are NOT spacious.

Fly as often as possible with your baby or kids.

Traveling and flying often with babies and kids will get them used to it, so that they’ll know what to expect each time. And, even though babies change all the time, flying routinely will keep them familiar with what to expect when they’re at the airport, on the plane and traveling in a new destination.

Common questions about flying with a baby for the first time

My sister flew with her husband and 5.5-month baby from Philadelphia to Florida, and I interviewed her about how she got it all done. My sister Lily did a LOT of research leading up to her trip, and has shared her experience with me so that it can help you out! Thank you, Lily! You are a pro.

Does my baby need a passport?

If you plan to fly internationally, then YES: your baby needs a passport to leave your home country and enter another one, if they are even one day old.

Infant passports are the same as child passports and have validity of five years (whereas adult passports are valid for ten years before expiring).

Daunted by applying for your baby’s passport? Don’t worry — Becca and Dan made a guide for how to get your baby a passport .

If you plan to fly only domestically with your baby, then no worries, as they do not need a passport.

If visas are required for your destination, your baby will need a travel visa too. Learn how to know if you need a visa for international travel .

Do I need to bring a car seat?

Yes, you will likely need a car seat when you get to your destination!

At the very least, you need your car seat when you take a taxi to and from the airport. The car seat I have (and that Becca has as well) is the UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat for infants .

Should I bring my main stroller or should I buy a travel stroller?

This was the topic that I researched most.

In the end, I decided to use our car seat, attached to our UPPAbaby Vista stroller body . I learned that the UPPAbaby stroller warranty only covers airplane damage if you have the UPPAbaby stroller travel bag with TravelSafe, which we ended up buying for $200.

I had considered buying an umbrella stroller/collapsible travel stroller; however, most of the umbrella strollers are designed for babies 6 months+ who have more sitting abilities than my daughter had at the time.

Many of my friends recommended the BabyZen Yoyo travel stroller , which folds small enough to put in the overhead compartment on a plane. This stroller seat is for babies 6 months+. Something nice about this stroller is that you can attach many car seats with adapters, and if you attach your infant car seat, then you can use it for your younger baby. However, the BabyZen Yoyo is not compatible with our car seat, the UPPAbaby Mesa.

Becca and Dan also have the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat, and they bought the UPPAbaby Minu as their travel stroller. It is compatible with the Mesa car seat, with adapters. They like it a lot, and it folds up small.

Can I gate-check my stroller when flying?

We strolled through the terminal with the UPPAbaby Vista and then gate-checked the stroller and car seat (which was free of charge on American Airlines). We lucked out!

What about travel strollers for bigger babies?

When my daughter was a few months older (around 7-8 months) we bought the Baby Jogger City Tour collapsible stroller . (It is not actually a jogging stroller, but rather, just the brand name.)

We are very happy with it, and we like the way it folds up for travel. The wheels are surprisingly good on bumpy sidewalks.

Can I gate-check my car seat?

Yes, we gate-checked the car seat before our flights.

If your baby has his/her own seat on the plane, then you’ll bring the car seat on the plane. We gate-checked our car seat in a cheap travel bag, gambling that our car seat looked sturdy and could sustain being tossed around. If you want to go the extra mile and avoid possible damages, opt for the car seat travel bag that comes from the car seat brand and has warranty protection.

There are plenty of higher-quality, cushioned car seat travel bags out there as well. Like the UPPAbaby stroller, the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat also requires the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat travel bag in order to be under warranty with TravelSafe.

Should I book a seat for my child or should I bring my child as a lap-infant?

This is a tough decision because flights can be so expensive these days.

If your baby is under 2 years old, he/she is allowed to fly for free on a parent’s lap. This is a great travel hack, and some parents take advantage of it, to take as many flights as possible before their child turns 2 and they have to pay for another seat!

For our trip to Florida, our 5.5-month daughter sat on our laps. She sleeps best when she is in her crib or car seat, so it was a little bit challenging to get her to nap on our laps.

We decided that taking her on our laps (airlines call it a “lap infant”) was okay for a trip to Florida, but if we are flying further, we’d want to get a separate seat for her.

My advice is: You want your baby to be able to nap on the plane. If your baby is good at napping in mom’s or dad’s lap, then maybe going the “lap” route is good for you (and will be cost-effective).

If your baby will nap better in the car seat, then I’d suggest getting a separate seat for the baby, especially if it is a long flight.

And of course, airplane seats are tight as it is, so having your baby on your lap will make it tighter. If you have long legs and you already feel squished in an airplane seat, keep that in mind.

Should I select a window or aisle seat?

My short answer for this is that I recommend booking a window seat.

Once you get situated with your baby, you’ll want to stay put. You don’t want to have to stand up to let your neighbor out to the bathroom, especially if the baby is napping in your arms already.

Am I allowed to bring a bottle of breastmilk/formula through security?

Yes, to my surprise, security let us through with a bottle of milk. They inspected it, and approved it.

However, when my friend traveled with a bottle of breastmilk, security spilled some of her milk, so be prepared with extra milk. We travel with this baby formula dispenser by Munchkin .

I have TSA PreCheck. Can my child come on the TSA PreCheck line with me?

Yes! As a parent, if you have TSA PreCheck , children up to age 12 can travel in the TSA PreCheck line with you. This is also a great travel hack to know about when you travel with babies and kids!

(I always like fact-checking what I hear from others, so if you’d like to fact-check me, here is the source I used on the TSA.gov website.)

What about Global Entry ? Yes — babies have to have a Global Entry account if you’d like to take them through Global Entry upon returning to the US from abroad. You may get a hard time from Global Entry staff if your child does not have an account, because they will not be able to use the face scanner. Visit my tips on how to get Global Entry for your child to learn more.

Can I change my baby’s diaper while I’m on the plane?

Yes, you can! You can use the small fold-out changing table that’s above the toilet in the plane restroom. If there is no fold-out changing table, or if you prefer to simply close the seat of the toilet and use that as a surface, you can do that.

Unless the airplane restroom fits two adults, consider that you’ll probably be on your own for the diaper change, because space is incredibly limited in an airplane restroom.

One useful thing to have along with you is a Kibou waistpack diaper bag because taking along your entire diaper bag or diaper backpack might be too much fuss. You also might not want to put it down on the grimy floor of an airplane bathroom!

My Kibou fanny pack-diaper bag helps me stay miimalist during travel so that I can do a diaper change in a bathroom during travel with just the essentials: a diaper, diaper cream, the fold-out changing pad and a few wipes in the waterproof zipper pocket on the back!

Should I bring a baby carrier for using in the airport?

YES! A thousand times yes. Bring a baby carrier as a way of keeping your baby close while walking through the airport. I recommend the Baby Tula Lite Carrier as the perfect compact baby carrier for travel. If you want to walk around the aisles of the plane with the baby in a carrier, this one is good because it doubles as a fanny pack you can just sling over your body and use as a crossbody pouch.

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Airline Ticketing Policies for Traveling With a Baby

Emmanuel Aguirre/Getty Images

Flying with a baby often means hauling along a car seat and a stroller and tons of other baggage for baby. But if you're undaunted and planning to fly with a baby, it's important to check with the carrier to understand all the rules that traveling with a small child entails. It's a lot faster than taking a long road trip with a baby, but traveling by air is fraught with issues, and you don't want this particular situation to be one of them.

General Rules

The rules among airlines for traveling with a baby can vary by airline, and the rules can change frequently, but there are overall general guidelines regarding tickets for babies.

• Babies age two and under can fly free on domestic U.S. flights with one paying passenger as long as they sit in the passenger's lap.
• It is safer for a child to ride in a car seat in the plane , and if you prefer that option, you'll need to pay full fare for a seat for the baby regardless of age. The car seat must be government-approved, with labeling that says it is approved for vehicles and aircraft. You might get lucky and get a discount on this seat, but don't assume that.
• You'll have to supply proof of age of the baby; a birth certificate is a good way to do this.
• Infants under the age of two can travel with an accompanying passenger who is at least 16 years old, depending on the airline, regardless of whether the infant is a lap child or has a paid seat.
• All children two and older must have their own seat.
• The maximum number of infants per adult passenger is two, with a maximum of one lap baby (infant without a paid seat) per adult. In some countries, such as Canada, regulations permit only one infant per paying passenger 16 years old or older, regardless of whether the infant is a lap baby or in a paid seat. So if you are flying outside the United States, check the rules of your destination country.
• If an infant not occupying a paid seat turns two after travel has begun, there is a wide range of policies. Some airlines will provide a seat without charging airfare, while others require you to pay for a seat for the child after he has turned two. Some airlines might require you to pay for an entire trip if the child turns two during your travels, and it may work out to buy tickets per direction so that you only have to pay for a ticket one way; this tends to only work for domestic flights.
• Infants are usually allowed to travel without medical approval as long as they are at least seven days old.
• Most airlines allow you to check a collapsible stroller at the gate and pick it up as you exit the plane. It is a good idea to check on this before you arrive at the airport, however.

Infant Fares

Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and Virgin America do not offer infant fares, so if you are flying on one of these carriers, you will have to pay a full fare for your baby if you decide to use a car seat during flight.

Southwest Airlines offers what it calls affordable infant fares for children under two years when they sit in an approved car seat. The fares are not available on the carrier's website; parents must call 800-435-9792 to book infant fares.

American Airlines offers domestic and international infant fares. International infant fares are discounted 90 percent. Parents must call 800-433-7300 to book the fares; it cannot be done on the website. 

Hawaiian Airlines charges full adult fares for infants flying on domestic flights and offers a special child fare for international flights; call 800-367-5320 for these tickets.

International Flights

For those taking an infant on an international flight as a lap child, airlines have different requirements. Infants traveling without a seat on international destinations are charged 10 percent of the adult fare. Lap infants on international JetBlue flights are required to pay applicable fees and taxes and must be issued a ticket displaying the collection of those fees and taxes. On Alaska Airlines, lap infants are charged fees when traveling from an international location into the United States.

Questions to Ask

Beyond the main issue of airfare and car seats, there are several questions that you might want to ask when you are booking your flight. You might like to know if the car seat you are bringing on for the baby counts as a carry-on for you and about pre-boarding and diaper-changing facilities. 

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Flying With a Baby Checklist

So you want to fly with a newborn? Or, perhaps, due to an adoption, family emergency or relocation you have to fly with a newborn. Whatever the reason, you need a checklist to pull this planning off in the midst of the final stretch of pregnancy, birth and the fog that surrounds those early (but sweet) newborn days.

TPG has an entire guide devoted to helping you prepare for a child's first flight , but if your flight companion is a true baby (as opposed to a crawler or toddler), we are going to start you off with a shorter checklist because you don't need tablets, Goldfish and a Mary Poppins-style bag of tricks . Truth be told, in some ways, flying with a baby is easier than flying with a toddler, though there are a few nuances to address before hitting the sky with a newborn.

Get Cleared to Fly

Many airlines have restrictions on how old a newborn must be before they can fly. Just as airlines' rules for flying while pregnant vary , so do the rules for flying with a newborn. Generally speaking, the major airlines require a baby be at least 2 to 8days old before hitting the skies. Those who do permit babies under 7 days old to fly, generally ask for a medical release or physician's note stating that the baby is cleared to fly.

While not an exhaustive list, here are some current airline rules for flying with a baby.

• American Airlines : American Airlines accepts infants as young as 2 days old, but American's policy states that if you're traveling with an infant less than 7 days old, your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. American states that a special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician, but if you have trouble obtaining that form, I would bring a note from the baby's physician clearing them for flight.
• Delta : Infants less than 7 days old may not travel without an approval letter from their physician.
• Frontier : Infants must be at least 7 days old to fly.
• Hawaiian Airlines : Infants under 7 days old require a doctor's note -- dated within one day of travel -- that states the child will not require any extraordinary medical assistance during the flight dated within one day of travel.
• JetBlue : Infants between 3 and 14 days old must have, in the form of a letter, their doctor's approval to travel.
• Southwest Airlines: A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
• Spirit: Infants must be at least 7 days old.
• United: Infants younger than 7 days old are not accepted for travel.

To give you a flavor for requirements around the world, on British Airways infants must be at least 48 hours old, Air Canada requires babies to be least 7 days old and ANA sets the bar for babies as at least 8 days old.

To Ticket or Not to Ticket

If you have the luxury of choice, I advise against planning flights for a newborn before they are born. Every baby and birth is unique, so assuming things will be going well enough to fly with a baby in those first few weeks is a gamble. Take this advice from someone who had a seemingly healthy newborn life-flighted at 4 days old and then (because we are slow learners) five years later, paid change penalties to push back a trip for a 6-week-old when we were frankly still far too exhausted to go anywhere.

However, sometimes you simply have to fly in those early weeks, so you'll need to decide whether to book your baby a seat or hold them as a lap baby. If you are 100% set on your baby's name, you might be able to book a flight before they are born. In other cases, I've heard of airlines allowing families to book flights for Baby YourLastName, but don't expect this process to be simple or foolproof.

The easiest way to fly with a newborn may be to simply keep them snuggled close to you. If you are nursing, they may be happiest doing that through much of the flight anyway.

On the other hand, there is something to be said about the secureness of a car seat, especially in the event of severe turbulence or a hard landing. And because nothing is simple once you become a parent, keep in mind there are also studies showing that leaving infants in car seats for more than 30 minutes might be dangerous. In other words, if you are flying with a baby, talk to your doctor, your partner and then go with your gut in terms of what is best from a seating perspective.

If your journey with a newborn is an international flight, brush up on lap infant fees , which can range from inconsequential to exorbitant. On a longer or international flight, you may also wish to request a seat assignment with a bassinet, especially for a younger baby who will still actually fit in one. (Here are the pros and cons of booking the bulkhead seat when traveling with a baby .)

Your baby needs a folder with all of his or her travel-related paperwork started ASAP and then plan on carrying that folder with you when you fly. If you are on domestic flights (on a carrier other than Southwest), you may very well never be asked for any documentation for your baby but it is better to be over-prepared than end up in this situation. While it isn't necessarily fair, this documentation advice is especially true if your baby has a different last name than you, appears to be of a different race or if you are an LGBTQ family . To give context, airlines are sometimes one of the front-line defenses against child trafficking, so they are on the lookout for anything that raises a red flag when it comes to flying with newborns.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines in particular is known for requiring birth certificates to prove that lap children are indeed under 2 years of age, even in cases where the baby is clearly a newborn. If you don't yet have a birth certificate for your baby, bring the documentation you do have from the hospital and/or physician's office to verify the child's age.

If you are flying internationally with your baby, you must have a passport for him or her . Getting a passport means you need to have the child's birth certificate, passport photo , etc. This process can be rushed a bit if necessary, but allow time if you can so that you aren't worrying about passport details the moment you deliver.

Unlike with TSA PreCheck that allows children 12 and under to piggy-back through the line with their parents, even babies officially need their own Global Entry for the family to make use of that service. Make that Global Entry "interview" appointment as soon as you can (yes, even for babies), and pay the application fee with a credit card that covers Global Entry application fees.

Pack Light: Milk, Diapers and Clothes

The paperwork process of flying with a baby (especially internationally) can be a drag, but thankfully the packing process is much easier. A true newborn is pretty simple to pack for as they really only need breastmilk or formula, diapers and wipes, clean clothes, a blanket and you. If you use a breast pump, remember that is considered a medical device , so it can be brought onboard without counting against your carry-on allowance.

Once your baby is a few months old , he or she will appreciate some small toys and things to do in-flight. But in those first few weeks, you can keep the extras to a minimum. Just pack enough to keep them clean, warm, fed and snuggled. (And then pack a little extra of all of those things ... just in case.)

The TSA permits you to bring a "reasonable quantity" of formula or breast milk through security . Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool breast milk are also allowed in your carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they may also be subject to additional screening. If you are traveling internationally with breastmilk, you'll want to do a bit of research on the local rules and regulation as it can vary. Here's how to fly with breast milk in the US .

You might want to bring a stroller for your baby, but honestly for a newborn who probably doesn't weigh more than about 10 pounds, a sling or baby carrier of some sort might work even better than a stroller .

Bottom Line

Travel does not end when you have a baby , but it does change quite a bit. We are here to walk you through each step from your baby's first flight to traveling with tweens , teens and beyond. Even if we haven't written the article you are after just yet, check out our TPG Family Facebook Group that is full of more than 12,000 traveling parents from families of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Did we miss anything on your traveling with a baby checklist?

Here are even more resources for flying with a baby:

• The Best Airline Seats, Suites, Lactation Rooms and Lounges When Breastfeeding
• No, Your Lap Infant Will Not Earn Miles for Paid International Tickets
• How to Fly Around the World With a Baby
• Tips for Flying With a 3 Month Old Baby
• Tips for Flying with a Six Month Old Baby
• Traveling With a Baby: How Young Is Too Young to Fly?

Image courtesy of Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images.

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When is it safe to fly with a newborn baby?

It's not always a clear-cut answer. Here's what you should know about flying with a baby before booking a plane ticket.

When is it safe to fly with a newborn?

What to consider before flying with a newborn, how to keep your newborn safe when you fly.

When my husband and I decided to settle in an Asian city more than 8,000 miles away from our American family and friends on the East Coast, we did so knowing that we wanted to have children and that one day, those kids would have to get on a very long flight. We welcomed a son in July, and when he was 5 months old, we embarked on the 14-hour flight home for the holidays. Amid our worries about irritating other passengers and maintaining our own sanity, there was of course the question: Was a flight this long even safe or healthy for him ?

I could pack my own sanitizer, wear a mask, and try to keep him from mouthing the seat belt flap and tray table – but there are limits to how much any of that could really help when traveling during RSV, COVID, and flu season . Introducing my baby to my 95-year-old grandmother in New Jersey was intensely important to me, though, so I was determined to figure out how to keep him safe. 

Not everyone might face the stakes (or distance) that I have with my baby, but figuring out when a baby can fly is a common question many parents face. 

There are two aspects to consider before booking a flight with your little one: what an airline will allow and what is actually medically recommended. 

What the airlines say

It's easy to find different carriers' policies on infants by checking their websites. Delta Opens a new window and American Opens a new window will allow newborns under a week old if they travel with a doctor's note, while United Opens a new window has a minimum of 1 week old , and JetBlue Opens a new window and Southwest Opens a new window permit babies 2 weeks old . 

What doctors say

"It's not advisable at all to travel with a newborn, especially on an airplane that is enclosed with so many people," says Karin Nielsen-Saines, M.D. Opens a new window , a professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at UCLA Children's Hospital. "First, if they get sick, they have absolutely no immunity. And second, if they have any slight illness, or even a low-grade fever , they'll need to be brought to the hospital for a whole septic work-up, which entails being admitted for 48 to 72 hours. It's traumatic for everyone: parents and baby."

That's why you're unlikely to get a doctor's clearance to travel with a newborn unless it's an absolute emergency.

After those first few weeks, the advice becomes a bit more equivocal. "There's definitely some personal decision-making and risk-taking involved with flying with a newborn or an infant, but not a hard-and-fast rule," says Mary Carol Burkhardt, M.D., M.H.A. Opens a new window , a primary care pediatrician with the division of general and community pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "Babies face the same exposures when flying as adults do, but their immune systems are not as developed. Many people may feel more safe flying after a baby is [initially] vaccinated, which typically happens around 2 months of age."

Not all vaccines happen at that 2-month mark, though. "A child would not be really fully, totally protected against the most common pathogens until 7 months of age because then they would have received their primary immunization series – the ones they get at 2, 4, and 6 months," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. Around 6 months, babies can also get their shots for seasonal illnesses like the flu , COVID , and RSV . "But the truth of the matter is that there's a risk, right? And the risk is potentially higher between September to April," she adds. 

Those two milestones – around 2 months and 6 months – are observed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as well, which recommends Opens a new window rethinking travel with infants under 6 months of age and avoiding any trips with those under 2 months . 

Your baby's health

As noted, flying is particularly dangerous for babies because their immune systems haven't developed enough to fight off the germs potentially found on a flight. That's true of all infants, but if a baby was born preterm or with any significant illnesses, parents should exercise more caution before hitting the skies, Dr. Burkhardt says. 

Beyond the dangers posed by pathogens, flying itself can bother babies. "As the plane climbs or descends, the differences in pressure can cause discomfort or pain to children," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. "When you have young children or infants screaming when a plane is taking off or landing, it usually has to do with ear pain."

To alleviate that pain, you can have your baby suck on a pacifier, nurse, or take a bottle during takeoff and landing to mitigate some discomfort. Luckily, it's temporary and nothing to worry about long term, but with one big exception: if a baby or child has an ear infection when traveling . Though it's rare, "the pressurization could cause the tympanic membrane to rupture," Dr. Nielsen-Saines says. If you suspect or know your baby has an ear infection and there's a trip on the books, you should consult your doctor and very likely consider postponing to avoid that risk (or a lot of the pain, at the very least). 

Though babies under 2 years of age are allowed to fly seated on their parents' laps – and thus without a seat and ticket of their own – on most airlines around the world, most experts recommend strapping a baby into a car seat or other child-restraining device for air travel. In the event of turbulence, it can be difficult for an adult to maintain their grip on a child, with potentially devastating results. 

Airline-provided bassinets, too, which really only help the comfort of a baby and parent, not their safety; they're not designed to restrain a child, so you'd have to remove your baby from the bassinet and hold them when experiencing turbulence. 

Reserving a bassinet does mean you'd likely end up seated in the bulkhead row, and "bulkhead seats are better because there's more space for the baby at the front, and more space for the parents as well," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. In case you're wondering, there is no one area or row of the plane that is safer or more dangerous for babies – except for the exit row, where only able-bodied adults are allowed to sit in case of an emergency.

Logistical considerations

Among the biggest stressors of flying is strategizing how and when to take care of your baby's basic needs. Feeding, changing, and sleeping can be terribly difficult on a plane. You have to keep breast milk cold (and then potentially get it warm) or prepare bottles of formula. Even changing a diaper on a plane can require advance planning.  

Plus, travel disrupts a child's (often precious) routines. While it's not inherently damaging to their health, it can end up frustrating both you and your baby. " Changes with time zones are very hard for infants and young kids to reorient to," says Dr. Burkhardt. "Parents should be prepared that the child may act differently: They may sleep slightly less or more, they may eat slightly less or more, because their routine has been interrupted. Give them some grace in that."

A mother's own health

Just as there are many medical reasons why a newborn shouldn't fly, a new mom should also keep her health in mind before traveling postpartum . C-section incisions or perineal tears that still have stitches might make it painful to spend a lot of time in an airplane seat with a seatbelt on, while postpartum bleeding (and the accompanying diaper or pads) can also make things uncomfortable. Additionally, "Moms who have had surgical deliveries tend to have more gas at high altitudes, and with the changes in pressure, you might get more abdominal distension and pain," Dr. Nielsen-Saines says. 

A lack of sleep, too, brought on not only by parenting an infant but also disruptions in routine and potential time zone changes can impact a parent's immune system, she adds. "It takes a toll on your immune system to be fatigued," Dr. Nielsen-Saines explains. "There's an association between [exhaustion] and being more prone to respiratory infections." 

This can ultimately affect your baby: "When the parents get sick, it's more likely the child will get sick. It all goes together."

Even with these concerns in mind, there will always be reasons – and desire – to fly with a baby. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate some of the risks:

Sanitize everything. Bring some easily accessible sanitizer bottles or wipes to clean off your own hands, baby's hands, tray tables, windows, armrests, and anything else a kid might touch. 

Keep your distance. "Avoid the more crowded places in the airport while you're waiting, to the extent that you can, to decrease exposures whenever possible," Dr. Burkhardt says. When you're on the plane, keep the overhead fan on for extra ventilation. 

Stay hydrated.  "It is easier to dehydrate on a plane, as the environmental conditions are different and the air is very dry," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. Dehydration can cause health problems including dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, and even a mild case can make an uncomfortable situation feel worse. Make sure both you and your baby get enough fluids while flying.

Layer up. "Dress your child in layers, because temperatures are super variable [on flights]," adds Dr. Burkhardt. 

Consider headphones. The background noise on an airplane won't harm your infant's ears – it might even prove soothing . But if your baby is particularly noise-sensitive, consider using noise-canceling headphones made for infants, Dr. Burkhardt advises. (That said, the need to wrestle them onto a baby's head, and keep them there, might prove another obstacle to peaceful rest. )

One common bit of advice that Dr. Burkhardt urges parents not to take? "Sometimes parents ask us about medicating the baby for a flight , with, say, Benadryl, and that is something that we would recommend against," she says. "That would not be a way to help a baby sleep." Otherwise, buckle up you and your baby, and buckle down – you got this. 

As for my own journey, flying with the little guy was stressful in all the ways I’d imagined, and some I hadn’t (trying to remove him from the carrier while also opening all our bags while also removing my shoes when going through security, for one!). We consulted with our pediatrician, donned masks, sanitized hands and toys and tray tables, nursed often, and ultimately kept every possible finger crossed. Our baby stayed healthy, and getting that moment with my grandmother near a twinkly Christmas tree was absolutely priceless. 

Was this article helpful?

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. Tips for Traveling with Young Ones this Holiday Season. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-tips-for-traveling-with-young-ones-this-holiday-season/ Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Delta. Infant Air Travel. https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-infant-travel/infant-travel Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Airlines. Traveling with children. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.jsp Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

United Airlines. Traveling with children. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/traveling-with-children.html Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

JetBlue. Traveling with lap infants. https://www.jetblue.com/help/traveling-with-lap-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Southwest Airlines. Traveling with an infant. https://www.southwest.com/help/flying-with-children/flying-with-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Mary Carol Burkhardt, M.D., M.H.A. Opens a new window , a primary care pediatrician with the division of general and community pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Karin Nielsen-Saines, M.D. Opens a new window , a professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at UCLA Children's Hospital

Kaitlin Menza is a contributing writer at BabyCenter. After over a decade in New York City, she recently relocated to Taipei, Taiwan.

Where to go next

Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with an Infant 6-12mos.

Planning on flying with an infant 6-12 month-old? We’ve flown with our kids during this stage more than any other. And just how many pictures do we have of us on board the aircraft?

Flying with an infant of this age means one thing for mom and dad and anyone else in your traveling party…

You’re. VERY. Busy.

And if you’ve got an early walker on your hands (lap)?

Even. Busier.

But this does not mean that flying has to be unpleasant. Unlike newborns and younger babies , infants of this age are even more interactive than their younger selves. They are usually well-established into a sleeping and eating routine (that will not be blown away permanently by a few disruptions due to travel. Promise!).

And, while you may be starting the exciting but nerve-wracking (and messy!) process of starting solids, you can now (or soon!) take advantage of the calming and distracting power of SNACKS.

Our Experiences Flying with a Baby 6-12 Months Old…

For us, this was a very busy but still fairly easy time to travel with baby. Ours were not yet mobile, thankfully. And they were solid eaters on a very well-established routine of eat and sleep times. In terms of getting around, although they were getting kinda heavy, they were easily carted in an infant carrier, pretty content to ride in a stroller, but sadly no longer in the super convenient  infant carrier car seat used with or without the base .

We needed to buy an FAA-approved car seat .

Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months: Biggest Concerns

Seeing as this was the age (11mos.) of our very first flight with our daughter , I had so many concerns. Would she scream the entire time? How would it be feeding her? What if she put everything in her mouth?

It was preparing for that trip that provided the inspiration for this site. I am a worrywart and control freak who frets over all the details. My issues were compounded by the fact that our charter airline, the now-defunct Skyservice , had the most miniscule seat pitch I have ever encountered. My knees dug into the seat in front of us. My husband (very tall at 6’7″) could not unfold himself at all.

Later flights with our son at this stage were worrisome to me simply because he was (and still is) SO. BUSY. Even a seasoned flyer such as myself got pangs thinking about those upcoming flights.

Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months: The Reality

As a first-timer, in spite of the ridiculously tight seating, our daughter flew well. Well enough, in fact, for us to be encouraged to create this site and hopefully inspire, motivate, and help other families to do the same. It was based on this trip that I wrote the 5 Ts to Happy Travel with Tots , which outlines in a nutshell pretty much everything we did and do when flying with an infant.

Our carry-on was full of food and toys and distractions. While it was certainly more than the magazine and bottle of water in my pre-baby flights, it really was not unmanageable. On our flights with our son at this age, I was much busier. In spite of it being nap time, on one flight home from Cuba my arms got quite the workout as I was a human jolly jumper for pretty much the entire duration. But he was cheerful and relatively quiet, save for some happy squeals, so I was grateful for small mercies.

We always used the change of clothes we’d bring with us. Diaper fails are a standard especially when it was most inconvenient. I always brought a few extras of their favourite foods and, in the case of my daughter, some extra formula in case of delays. Nursing my son on all of our journeys could not have been easier or more convenient. I’m pleased to state that we received nary a stink-eye from anyone due to nursing while traveling . For take-off and landings I usually nursed him, or he drank from a sippy of water or used his pacifier. Pain from ear pressure is a common concern when flying with an infant, but neither of my kids seemed troubled by their ears while flying (knock on wood!).

Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months: Extra Consideration

As with all of our flights, I did bring on board anti-bacterial wipes. I used them on armrests and the tray tables, as well as a quick swipe over the laminated safety card that both my kids seem to enjoy so much.  And, because I’m paranoid, I then went over those with our usual wipes because I was afraid of the anti-bacterial residue.

And also as with flying with a newborn or flying with a younger baby , changes of clothes are recommended for baby and you, as well as plastic bags to put them in. Again, your carry-on bag will be quite full of diapers (and possibly bottles) and also toys or snacks. If you’re well into solids, the foil pouches of food are so much easier to travel with than jars. If baby is bottle-fed , the weight of the pre-made formula may outweigh the convenience of not having to mix it. Personally I’d travel with the can of formula powder (easier going through security as well) and mix it with bottled water once you’re at the gate.

You’re now in or getting close to the stage of the dried cereal finger foods. Those little Os work wonders as both distraction and nourishment!

And now that your baby is bigger, for long-haul flights you may be close to the end of being able to use an airplane bassinet . You may want to consider purchasing a seat on the plane and investing in a travel car seat . This is entirely at your discretion since flying with car seats is a lot of work but worth it for obvious safety reasons.

Useful Tips for Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months:

• Get baby used to room temperature bottles and food, so you don’t have the additional hassle of heating en route.
• Now baby can likely bear weight on her legs, so consider purchasing slip-on diapers. Not all airplane bathrooms have change tables, or if they do they are only big enough to change a baby kitten on.
• A cloth carrier or sling doesn’t take up much room in your carry-on and is useful to keep your hands free – especially if you’re flying solo. Keep in mind you’ll have to take baby out for taxi, take-off, and landing.
• Get yourself up to speed with the 5 Ts of Happy Travel with Your Tots . This info now applies to you in its entirety and for the next couple of years.

You’ll be busy.

You will have your hands full.

You will be very tired at the end of your journey.

But you will have such wonderful memories of your travels with baby that the fear of flying with an infant will seem inconsequential. Take lots and lots of pictures and write down some of the more memorable stories.

Your baby will not remember these journeys, but you will never forget them. Trust me on that.

Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission.  Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

• Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Newborn
• Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Toddler
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Harder…
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…
• Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• 10 Dos & Don’ts for Flying with Babies & Toddlers
• Flying with a Baby: The Ultimate Tip List
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• The Mother of all Packing Lists
• Beware the Aircraft Armrests When Flying with an Infant

flying with an infant , Preferred Family , Tagged Flying with Baby

67 Responses to Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with an Infant 6-12mos.

Wow! Thanks for all these great tips! I don’t usually leave comments but these tips are just so useful for me, a first time flyer with an 11-month-old! I am especially inspired by the part where you use the usual wipes after the anti-bacterial wipes. So smart! I am always worried about the anti-bacterial residue too, but never thought of wiping it again with usual wipes. Thanks again for sharing these great tips!

Thanks for the awesome advice!

Nice article! We want to travel to France (7 hours flight) but are hesitating to take a seat for my baby boy that is 4 minths. So you said that you had your baby on your lap the all trip, how long was the flight? Was it confortable for you and your baby?

By the way, do you live in New York?

For a 7 hour flight I would definitely consider getting a seat for your son and bringing on board his car seat. It is definitely the safest option and possibly the sanest for you as well. The longest I have done with a lap infant is 3 hours, and after a couple of those flights I would have paid anything to have an extra seat! Another option for you is to see if you can reserve the bulkhead and if they have a bassinet for infants. It is not as safe as his own seat with a car seat, but you will both likely be much more comfortable!

Not in New York. Toronto 🙂

Hi ..m flying with my 9 month old baby for almost 22 hours flight ..and then 5 hours drive . My baby is very active and he don’t like solids too. He don’t like too many people and small places . I am travelling alone and this is my first experience . Any suggestions please …

Hi Minika! You will be very very busy, so definitely be organized and prepared. Try some bringing some snacks that you know he will enjoy as well as some new finger foods he can try. Magazines with pages he can rip might be fun for him. Good luck!

Thanks for the useful tips Corinne! Very much appreciated. My wife and I are planning a 6 month adventure to South America from Vancouver, so I can sure see your tips coming in handy. All the best, Paul.

Have a great trip, Paul – let us know how it goes!

Thank u very much. We are flying.out tomorrow n the snack tips helped. I was afraid of bringing too much on board i.e. food wipes changing clothes etc. But i have a feel now for what to include. Thanks again!!!

Have a great flight, Lucy–let us know how it goes!

I should have done more research. I will be flying over 7 hours one way & over 9 hours back with my 8 month old on lap. As far as snacks, would the Gerber puffs be suitable/cleared to take on flight? I am a first time flier my self as well.

*Nervous Mommy of Two*

You’ll be fine! You will also be busy 🙂 The Gerber puffs are a great idea, and any kind of cracker and/or cold toast soldiers would be great for your eight-month-old. When is your fight?

Hi Corrine, thank you for the advice I’m traveling with my 10 month old soon at midnight and have a stop over for 5 hours, I’m so nervous as I’m flying solo and going to be exhausted, have you got any extra tips please? Thank you, Samantha from Australia 🙂

Samantha! How did it go? I hope you both got some rest!

Thank you for the great advice! We will be flying with our 10 month old and I’m a little nervous.

Hi there! Thanks for sharing. I’m considering a long 18 hour flight with one transit halfway. Worried that my 7 month old baby will not be able to take such a long journey. would such a long flight be advisable?

We will be flying to St. Thomas in 2 weeks! What is your advice on strollers? My stroller is the new Chicco Tre which folds very compact for an all terrain stroller. I really want to take it but recently read US Airways rules and it states any stroller over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter. I called US Airways costumer service and the lady said I would be fine to check it at the gate, that check in at the ticket counter is only recommended. I have heard a lot of airports will let it slide but that smaller island airports will make you check it with baggage. I don’t want it checked with baggage for fear of it getting broke in the many transfers. I would rather buy a small stroller than have my good stroller broken. But want my good stroller so my baby will have shade from the sun as he’s only 7 months old.

What are your thoughts on this? And are all terrain strollers really that great in sand?

How much does your stroller weigh? So long as it folds down compactly, I’m sure you would be ok. I’ve yet to see a gate agent weigh a stroller before approving the gate check. If you’re close to the 20lb limit I’d say go for it. If you’re too worried, the G-Luxe by Uppababy has a great sunshade. Maybe not the best for traversing sand, but certainly easy to transport and use for a nap.

I’m traveling from fl to ny solo with my 4yr old and 9 month old any tips

We have a 3 hr layover as well I’ve never flown before can I do this lol

You can do it, Danielle! Lots and lots of distractions and snacks for your 4yo. Enlist him or her to be your “co-pilot” for your journey. 9mo will be busy, but hopefully big sibling can help entertain as well!

Are you alloeed to take dry formula and water on the plane. Also baby food. Daughter is flying to Texas from Calufornia

Hi Marti! Yes, you can take food and liquids on board for baby, just make sure you’ve separated it all together to make it easier to present for inspection. It might be easier (and lighter) to just bring the powder and mix with purchased bottled water once through security (if baby is past three months). Have a great flight!

Hi Corinne My daughter is coming out to South Africa from new York in Dec with a 9month old. Do the airlines allow the removable car-seat on board? Can she reserve a bassinet ahead of time? Would the car-seat be placed on the airline seat, or on the floor alongside? All these questions … Many thanks regards anne

If your daughter books the baby a seat, she will be able to bring on board her (FAA approved) car seat. For a very long flight, it might be worth the investment. If she doesn’t book a seat for the baby, she will have to gate-check the car seat. I don’t recommend checking it as luggage. Depending on the airline, she may be able to book a bulkhead/bassinet. Hope this helps!

I’ll be traveling with a 10 month old for a 5 day trip. I’m concerned about the baggage the fees. Any advice

If you’re really concerned you could pack a small bottle of laundry detergent and wash while you’re there. Or get really good at compacting your stuff so you can fit it all. Luckily 10-month-old clothes are still pretty small 🙂

I will be travelling with my 9 month old by myself. Would you recommend a window or aisle seat for a 3 hour flight?

Many Thanks

Thank you for this very useful post. I will be on a 12 hr flight with my 8 month old baby. I have booked a bassinet on Emirates so will be gate checking his car seat and stroller. Do you recommend getting those gate check car seat bags? Are they useful or can I use a regular large plasic or cloth bag?

One more question was regarding putting my baby to sleep. He is habituated to me holding him on my shoulder and I rock or bounce him to sleep. I have nt sleep trained him yet and was wondering if that would be a problem on the flight? We have booked the bulk head seat with bassinet so m hoping I might have some space for this

Hi Snehal! Please consider purchasing a padded bag for your car seat if you are going to gate check it. Your stroller should be fine. You should be able to get your baby to sleep on your shoulder on the flight, although it might be a little awkward while you’re seated. Do you transfer to the crib at home? If you’re good with that, hopefully it will work for the airline bassinet as well.

Best of luck and have a great flight!

Hi we will be travelling this month going to Philippines for 14 hours non-stop we have 10 months old baby boy and me and my husband is very nervous thinking about it… Please any tips ??? Thank you

Try not to be nervous but try to be prepared. The more you have on hand to distract and soothe your baby, the better. Some babies don’t have any pain issues in their ears at all, but if you are worried be ready with something for baby to eat or drink, or even a pacifier would do. It’s the act of swallowing (not sucking) that helps keep ear tubes clear. Good luck!

Hi one more question, when the plane is taking off anything I can do to help my baby if he cry , im a bit worried with the pressure when plane is taking off… Thank you

Hello. Thanks for all these wonderful tips. I am planning a very long haul flight to Europe when my bub is 15mths. He is a formula drinker too. Any tips for the longer haul flights? Thanks, A.

Hi Angelica! Bring extra formula powder and see if baby will drink it at room temperature. That way you can just mix it with bottled water with no need to heat. Make sure you have LOTS of distractions, and don’t shy away from toddler-appropriate technology if it will save your sanity. Good lucK!

Hi! Thanks for all the great advice. I’ll be traveling on a month long sabbatical to Costa Rica next spring. Do you have any packing recommendations? Have you ever used the services that drop off rental bib baby items to the airport?

I just wrote about why I’m headed to Costa Rica in my blog!

I have never been to Costa Rica but if you’ll be there for seven months it might be worth it to bring along your baby gear or purchase inexpensive items once you arrive. Rentals for seven months will be very costly. Good luck!

Great tips!! I’ll be traveling from India to Turkey and from Turkey to Miami with a 9 month spoiled baby!!! Wish me luck

Have a wonderful trip–good luck!

We will be traveling soon with 5 month old and 3.5years old it will be 15hrs of flight time we have booked bassinet for the baby please tell me what could you recommend taking along with us! We are only going for 2 weeks can I take the Gerber baby formula water gallons like 2 of them in plane for me to use there one gallon last me little over week so I want to take 2 if they allow it?

Hi Maira! Take what you think you will need. You may need to pay to check the baggage, and a gallon of water will weigh a lot. Can you get the water (or similar) where you are going?

these tips are beyond helpful! we have our first family trip to Disney for 2 weeks coming up. we have an almost 3yr old and an 8m old….. one question….we use distilled water for our baby girls formula bottles, did you have to deal with security bothering you about bottles pre-filed with 6-8oz of distilled? thats what I’m worried about!! i can’t have them taking the bottles lol

Hi Alyssa! With that much distilled water, your best bet is to pack it in your checked luggage. Or bring what you need for the flight and have what you’ll need delivered to your hotel once you’re there. Have a great trip!

Hi v r travelling from india to Phuket next week.. My baby is on formula and I feed her 8 oz per bottle.. Will they allow me to carry 2 bottles of pre filled water and similac advanced tin in cabin luggage? Thanks a lot, this article is wonderful !!!

Hi Neah! So long as you keep your baby’s food and formula separate, they should be fine with bringing along her pre-filled bottles. If your baby is past four months you are ok to mix the formula with bottled water, in a pinch. Have a great trip!

Hi I’m traveling with my going to be 6 month old at time of travel from New Mexico to Germany, that is where my husband will be stationed I was wondering if you have any tips or advice being that it’ll be the first on a plain for myself and I’ll be alone with my daughter.

Hi Elena! You will do great. You might consider purchasing your baby a seat and traveling with an FAA-approved car seat . It will certainly give you a break having your baby safely secured during the flight(s). Depending on your airline, you may be able to reserve a bassinet instead. When you make your travel arrangements, be sure to connect with your airline directly to make sure you’re familiar with their lap-infant policies (if you choose not to purchase a seat) and what additional assistance (if any) they can provide for traveling with an infant. Good luck!

Thanks for your article. I am planning to travel in couple of weeks with my daughter who is 2.5 years old and my son who is 12 month solo, so i am already nervous. We have traveled as family before but never done it all by myself. I have to change flights as well. Any tips for traveling with two kids? Greatly appreciate any suggestions

Hi Inna! I would highly recommend a lightweight double stroller, as you may find yourself needing to but both kiddos in baby jail. Failing that, a single stroller would work for your toddler if your baby is cool with being worn. If you can swing it, a lightweight double combined with a lightweight carrier might be your best bet, because if you’re wearing your baby you can put your carry-on bag in the spare stroller seat. A backpack might be your easiest choice for a carry-on, and make sure you have enough diapers and food for both kiddos. Be UBER organized; it will help going through security and you may want to introduce your toddler to the magic known as an iPad, in case she isn’t already 😉 Good luck!

So I have a 12 month old and I am super lost on how the whole seating works! Do I bring a car seat? Does he just sit in the plane seats? Does the plane provide a seat?? HELP lol im so clueless when it comes to this and me and my baba get on the plane in 2 days!

Hi Amaris! If you purchase a seat for your son, he will need a car seat on board. If you bring him along as a lap baby, I recommend bringing his car seat and gate checking it in a padded bag, if you will need a car seat at your destination. Have a great trip!

HI, my husband and I have twins (9mo) and are flying from Germany to Taiwan. How do you recommend that we eat? The idea of trying to keep those little hands off of our food… and our food on our trays sounds very daunting to me. I enjoyed your article… It took the edge off of my worries!

Hi Bre–good luck! Maybe try to eat in shifts and when it’s mealtime for you see if there’s some finger foods that they enjoy that you can give them to work on while you’re eating. My guys liked those Mum Mum crackers and little puffs that basically melt in their mouth.

Love these tips. Such an amazing blog.

I will be travelling with my 6 month old – 9 hr flight followed by 1.5 hr flight. I have already postponed my travels. I was planning on flying with him when he was 3 months old but felt overwhelmed and too nervous and cancelled the flight. Now I am again losing sleep and thinking whether I should postpone when he is even older – 9 months. I worry I exhaust him, he might catch something, cry a lot and get disturbed. Any tips, please? If I fly now when he is 6 months I am thinking I dont start solid just yet so he gets the most immunity from me and we deal with introduring solid once we arrive at our destination where I am planning on staying for 3 months. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Hi Lena! Don’t postpone out of fear or worry. You can do this! Hope for the best but prepare for the worst and you will be ok. A few small solids would be good to start so you have some to try to distract for interest. You may both feel a bit out of sorts for a day or two after your journeys but all eventually balances out, I promise!

Hi there, I stumbled on your blog. I’m going very last minute with my six month old from New York to Europe for a family emergency and feeling very flustered. I was able to book a bassinet seat – being unfamiliar with these, do you have any tips on sanitizing them? I was going to bring a muslin swaddle to put underneath the baby but also want to be mindful of SIDs guidelines. Thanks in advance.

Hi Victoria–I’m so sorry about your family emergency. I would give the bassinet a quick once over with a disinfecting wipe and an extra muslin to use as a liner might be a good idea. Hopefully you can find some other tips here: https://havebabywilltravel.com/a-complete-guide-to-booking-and-using-an-airplane-bassinet/ Best of luck with your travels.

Hello! i just came across your blog because i am SUPER nervous! this September i will be flying with my 13 month old eeeeeekkkk and before i bought the ticket i should have done more research too! she will be sitting on my lap and i will be on a 9-10 hour flight DOUBLE EEEK! Great advice i will be hopefully calm on your flight along with baby too

You both will do great–you have lots of time to prepare!

Such a useful and detailed post for those having a baby and traveling from the flight, thank you so much for sharing your tips.

Hi, so the stroller can be put on the plane, or it has to go under?

They almost always have to go under the plane, but you can usually gate check it so you can bring it right up to the plane and it’s waiting for you when you land.

Such a helpful and itemized post for those having a child and going from the flight, much thanks for sharing your tips.

Very Such a helpful and itemized post for those having a child and going from the flight, much thanks for sharing your tips.

Thanks for the article. We traveled with a 3 month old in a longish flight and it went okish. Now we have a 7 month old baby and flying again. I am torn between a direct flight ( 4 hours) vs an indirect flight (1 hour then 4 hours with a 2.5 hours stop over in between) – since the total travel time increases by almost 3-4 hours in the direct vs indirect flight. The costs are double – so not sure if we should choose convenience over money. (The direct flight also takes off and lands at decent times but the indirect flight is red eye flight! What would you do? – baby is not crawling or walking yet but is active and eats solids.

Ooh that’s a toughie. Does double the cost affect the trip or your overall finances? If money was object I would choose convenience all the time. But money is NOT no object so in the order of fiscal responsibility I would need to weigh what I would need to manage in order to justify the extra cost. The saving grace is the stopover is long enough to feed, change, and walk a bit without rushing onto another flight and the first flight is very short.

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

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Baby Travel Checklist: The Essential Packing Checklist for Flying With Baby

Posted on Last updated: April 20, 2024

We’ve travelled so much at the baby and toddler stage, and I’ve also helped lots of parents travel as ex flight attendant – so I often get asked what to pack when traveling with a baby .

Especially for the first family holiday or vacation abroad.

Whether we are flying long haul to see family in Australia or flying short haul to Europe, most of it has been trial and error; learning on the go what has been useful and what not to bring.

These tips and downloadable lists are a culmination of what items were most useful for us when flying with a baby and includes a full printable checklist for traveling with baby and a separate cabin baggage packing list .

TRAVEL CHECKLIST FOR FLYING WITH A BABY OR TODDLER

Table of Contents - Click to jump to a section

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Below you will find my specific packing tips for carry-on and checked in baggage.

I’ve also included a BUMPER free printable baby packing list as well as carry on baby checklist , for you too, with space for you to add any unique items for your family and tailor it to your needs.

Obviously, you won’t need all of these suggestions, but it will give you some ideas of what to pack which suits your families circumstances, age of your baby, flight time, destination etc.

Do let me know if you find this packing checklist for traveling or flying with a baby   useful or if you would add something?  Just click on the images of the packing lists to download the most useful one for you!

Flying with a Baby: Packing Checklist

For Baby (Carry-On):

• Nappies/Diapers: Pack enough for the flight duration, plus extras for delays (plan for 1 diaper per hour of travel)
• Wipes: Plenty of wipes for diaper/nappy changes and cleanups
• Changing pad: Portable changing pad for easy diaper changes in airplane restrooms
• Diaper/Nappy cream: Travel-sized container (3.4oz / 100ml or less)
• Dummies/Pacifiers (if used): Pack a few extras in case one gets lost
• Bottles (if used): Pre-filled with formula or water for the flight and during security checks
• Bibs: A couple of bibs for feeding and potential spit-up
• Blanket(s): One for warmth and another for cuddling or as a burp cloth
• Outfits: Pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your baby (including socks and hats) in case of spills or accidents
• Entertainment: Favorite stuffed animals, teethers, rattles, or a few new age-appropriate toys
• Newborn essentials (if applicable):  Breastfeeding cover (if used), nasal aspirator, gas drops (consult pediatrician first)

For Baby (Checked Luggage):

• Clothing: Enough outfits for your entire trip, considering weather conditions
• Sleepwear: Pajamas or a sleep sack
• Feeding supplies (if applicable): Formula, powdered milk, baby food containers, bottle sterilizer (optional)
• Bath supplies: Baby wash, shampoo (travel-sized), washcloths
• Swimwear, swim floats

For Parents (Carry-On):

• Essentials:  Wallet, passport, boarding passes, travel insurance documents
• Electronics:  Phone, headphones, tablet for entertainment, portable charger & charging cables
• Comfort items:  Snacks and drinks for yourself (especially if breastfeeding), hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, medications (in original prescription bottles)
• Change of clothes:  An extra outfit for yourself in case of spills or accidents
• Nursing essentials (if applicable):  Nursing pads, breast pump (if needed)
• Medications: Pack any medications you need for the trip (in original prescription bottles)
• Entertainment: Books, magazines, or downloaded content for entertainment during the flight

For Parents (Checked Luggage):

• Toiletries:
• Clothing and shoes

General Tips:

• Pack an empty bag or container for soiled clothes.
• Dress your baby in layers for easy temperature adjustments.
• Check the airline’s baggage allowance for infants.
• Consider bringing a lightweight stroller or baby carrier for easy maneuvering at the airport.

PACKING TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY & PRINTABLES

Below covers packing tips and a printable checklist for travelling abroad with a baby. This includes what you can take as cabin baggage and as hold baggage.

PLANE TRAVEL WITH BABY-CABIN LUGGAGE ITEMS

• Try and pack as light as possible for your hand baggage. Many major airlines allow you to bring a small bag for yourself AND a nappy/diaper bag for your baby, but others do not give infants their own allowance, meaning you must have everything in one bag.
• I now have a Mia Tui Jennie bag which I use all the time as I don’t need as many nappies, but a rucksack is super useful as you can keep your hands free when travelling. You can read more about the Mia Tui Jennie bag here .

Here are some of the top family-friendly airlines and a quick reference guide to those that do allow carry on for infants.)

A great tip:  Have the essentials like a nappy, small packet of wipes etc in several individual bags such as a ziploc bag , and have it in an easily accessible place. Once you have you used them, you can replace with your next ziploc bag of supplies. No more rummaging around or taking the entire bag into a small aircraft loo.

• Bring food/drink and supplies for your journey and some extra for testing at airport and unforeseen delays. All the rest can go in your checked in baggage or be bought at your destination. See my post on various milk and baby food brands that can be found in different countries.
• If you are weaning, some large international airlines allow you to pre-order baby meals (BBML) which are usually jars of pureed food. Check the details on your airline’s website. They are either listed on the travelling with an infant section or under special meals requests – you cannot choose the actual content of the jar though.

• If you are breastfeeding, you may wish to bring a wrap or cover depending on how comfortable you feel. (For more breastfeeding on a plane tips, see here .)
• If you are bottle feeding, depending on the length of the flight, you may need to bring some sterilising equipment on board such as disposable sterilising bags . Here are some tips and ideas on how to sterilise when travelling.
• Zip-loc bags to fill with ice at the airport and the plane – to keep food and milk cool . (ice packs/cool packs are often not allowed through security as they are considered a liquid. (The UK airports allow gel-packs and USA allows all types)
• Small cool bag/insulated bag
• If you need to warm up food or milk on the flight, consider packing a small flask – you may need to empty any hot water before a flight, but you can always ask the crew to fill it up on-board. This way you can heat up baby food whenever you like.
• The Tommee Tippee bottle and food warmer flask is useful for this as it has a holder for you to decant the hot water into and pop a bottle or pouch in.
• If you are flying from the UK, consider ordering from Boots online in advance and collecting airside, once you have cleared security. This is not limited to baby products , so you can pick up your favourite make-up or suntan lotion too. Here’s information on how to order Boots at the airport.
• With your checklist for travel with baby, don’t forget a change of clothes for you, you partner AND baby. This is an absolute must , especially on those long-haul flights to Oz! It’s also useful to dress you and your baby in layers, so you can remove or add depending on the cabin temperature. Pack them in a compression waterproof packing cube to save bulk in your bag and make it easier (and cleaner!) to pack away soiled clothes.
• Something familiar for your baby , whether a favourite toy or blanket or both. I really like the This Works Baby Pillow Spray to help them sleep on a plane. I was bought it as a gift by a friend, and I’ve stuck with it, although it is on the pricier end.

• Some new toys . Please see my best baby and toddler toys post for some great ideas. An option is to wrap some these up in a few layers of different coloured paper. Perfect for tiny, inquisitive little hands, and helps keep boredom at bay.
• Calpol/ tylenol and Ibuprofen sachets are a must to add for your baby checklist for travel. The size makes them perfect for travel with easy 5ml dosage. Available from most supermarkets and chemists. Other essential medicines, larger than 100ml can be brought on board but need a doctor’s letter and prior approval from the airline.  This does include inhalers.
• ( In the USA -Tylenol and Motrin , but I don’t think they provide these in handy dosage size sachets yet. Please let me know if/when they do.)
• A baby carrier or sling . Perfect for walking around the airport, and even better for when you arrive at your destination and it’s a long walk to baggage reclaim. This is one of the most essential items on my baby checklist for traveling. Here are some reviews of tried and tested baby carriers by me and fellow readers of Flying With A Baby.
• Dummy/Pacifier – if your baby uses one this can help in relieving the pressure in their ears. If not, a  feed from bottle or breast will have the same effect.
• Smartphone downloaded with their favourite TV show or music/nursery rhymes and apps. Most airlines have a TV channel specifically for children, but it won’t necessarily show age appropriate shows the entire duration of your flight. Here are some ideas for some age appropriate apps
• A baby sleeping bag. These are great to add to your travelling with baby checklist, as they help keep your baby used to the familiar and also more comfortable when in the bassinet, skycot, or even your lap.
• An extra wrap or thin blanket and a couple of safety pins. This is handy if you are at a bassinet seat and the overhead monitor is projecting too much light on your sleeping baby, or if your baby is sleeping and the cabin lights are turned on for a meal service. If the bassinet seat is unavailable, you can then make a ‘den’ by using the seat in front of you and your seat, to secure the blanket over the top of the seat, again giving you some respite from the bright cabin lights.

• There is also a product called Cozigo (which is a bassinet cover and a stroller UV cover too. We found it very useful on holiday and at home too – perfect to shield baby from those cabin lights! It is our go to recommendation for new parents keen to travel and a must to add on your baby checklist for travelling. Read my review here .

• Antibacterial wipes . Handy for wiping those tray tables or even parts of the bassinet. Listen out for announcements as they may advise you to not wipe areas down if this is the case.
• Charger – many airlines provide in seat charger sockets-even in economy. These include Etihad, Emirates , British Airways (check on line with your airline as it does depend on aircraft type.) More and more airlines are adding USB ports to their seat backs these days.
• Battery power pack

Have I missed anything that has been essential for you in your hand luggage? Please do comment below. Now for your suitcase items and additional items allowed checklist …

I’ve found since the arrival of Miss A, my suitcase is no longer my own and taken up by all her and now her sister’s essentials.

However, the arrival of baby means that you do have extra baggage allowances which can be put in the aircraft hold.  Check my airline list on ‘ What are the best seats on a plane and info on baby bassinets’ to find out your individual airline requirement. These are the basics.

 You can take usually take 2 extra items:- 1. A collapsible pram/stroller/buggy . Think about using a stroller travel bag to keep all parts of the pram together, and to sneak in a few extra items for free (I’ve put nappies in before!) 2. A car seat. For more information on using a car seat on the airplane see here.

(3. And on some airlines a collapsible travel cot as well. Qantas is one of these, if it is an international flight.) The allowances do vary so much from airline to airline, so do check or tweet me  @flyingwithbaby  and I’ll be happy to help.

4. If your airline only permits one additional item, check if they provide a separate allowance (often 10kg) of hold luggage. If this is the case, you can use that allowance to bring the other item, and put babies clothes in your suitcase.

THE ESSENTIAL BABY PACKING LIST FOR TRAVEL WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS

Before you pack have you thought about packing cubes? 

Packing Cubes

Seriously, where have packing cubes been all my life? I had heard about them and then my husband bought some for himself. Needless to say, we have since bought more.

It makes organising a suitcase so much easier. We always split our clothes between 2 or 3 cases, in case one goes missing, so this helps keep us all organised. You can check and compare latest prices  here.  

BABY ITEMS TO PACK IN YOUR SUITCASE – MY BABY TRAVEL CHECKLIST (PDF AVAILABLE ON LINK AFTER LIST)

My Top Tip Pack a few of your child’s items into your suitcase and vice versa that way should a suitcase go missing, all of you have some basic necessities…

• Short sleeved vest and long sleeved vests
• Sleep suits and baby sleeping bags
• Trousers/tops/dresses/cardigans
• Swimming costume & swim floats
• Swimming nappies/diapers ( Fab tip : You can wash and re-use the disposable ones e.g Huggies little swimmers, if there is no number 2- saves space in suitcase and money!)
• Baby sunscreen – Read my review on sunscreen for babies with eczema
• Mini baby toiletries/hairbrush/dummies if you use.
• Extra Medicines ( Always have essential medicine with you in your hand luggage though.) A few nappies/wipes etc for the first day or two.
• SnoozeShade or CoziGo for your pram to help baby sleep and protect them from UV rays. I find this invaluable at home and abroad and they work much better than a blanket or muslin flung over the pram.
• A couple of small toys/books/pictures or shapes printed out
• Travel high chair (depending on where you are travelling to) Totseat , Polar Gear or a fabric one are good depending on your suitcase space.
• Sterilising tablets – so much lighter than even a travel steriliser.
• Baby milk/food for a day or two of your stay, to save you hunting for it in the middle of the night or through a haze of jet-lag.
• If an older toddler, then the Potette plus travel potty is very lightweight and convenient.
• A clip on stroller fan. Really handy for hot countries and light weight too. The foam ‘blades’ mean it is safe too.
• Ice block coolers to freeze and keep items cool on holiday day trips.
• Travel car blinds/shades
• Tin foil for blacking out hotel windows
• Night light
• Baby monitor
• Mosquito net and insect repellant
• More adaptor plugs
• Hand wash detergent for clothes

• Pop up UV beach tent which you can put in the shade while you sunbathe.

• Small paddling pool – can put in the shade while you sunbathe or squish into your shower to make a portable baby bath in your hotel room!
• Inflatable Play Nest e.g GALT – we loved ours in Kefalonia . SO handy for a non crawling baby and it packs up really small too.

Download my printable baby travel essentials with EVERYTHING you need for a trip –  PACKING CHECKLIST FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH BABY

You may find the below tips for flying with a baby useful before you start packing too!

• Most major international airlines will have a very limited supply of baby milk formula, baby jars and nappies/diapers on board, but as you can never guarantee what is available, it is best to pack your own. (N.B American airlines do not seem to provide any of the above). Remember to also allow for flight delays or unexpected stopovers.. .Babies will also drink more in-flight, just like adults as the cabin air is dehydrating.

• You are allowed to take baby milk and food on board , if it is for your babies use for the duration of the flight, and it CAN be over 100ml. Baby food and milk are exempt from the 100 ml/3-1-1 liquid rules. This includes; sterilised water, breast/powdered/ cartoned milk of all kinds, and baby food of all consistencies and packaging. It is, however, advisable to have the sterilised water already in a baby bottle if possible.
• Boots the Chemist, at UK airports allow you to pre-order baby milk, so if you want to avoid testing at the airport, you can arrange to pick up once you’ve passed through security. See my post on the Boots pre-order service detailing how to do this and which airports you can do this from. ( Remember, it doesn’t just have to be baby food or milk, it can be suntan lotion, make-up, toiletries etc)
• It’s also worth asking the local airport Starbucks or restaurant to warm milk for you and some even provide milk for free, (at each branches discretion).
• Parents are no longer required to taste the baby milk at UK airport security, although the milk is likely to be subject to additional screening . Pack extra just in case it is opened and no longer sterile.

Skiing with Kids

If you are skiing with kids this additional family ski packing list should help you too!

Have I missed anything that should be on this travelling with a baby checklist? Please do comment below and help other parents too!

Don’t forget to pin this travelling checklist for baby for later

Pin these for later!

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support Flying With A Baby 

1. Click here to buy me a virtual coffee (thank you so much!)

2. Join our   Family Travel F o rum : TRAVEL WITH KIDS W ORLDWIDE Facebook Group here  which includes lots of ideas & tips for things to do, places to visit around the globe and more with input from members who live or visit these places regularly.

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What to Pack When Traveling with a Baby – Eyeventures

Saturday 2nd of November 2019

[…] https://www.flyingwithababy.com/what-should-i-pack-the-essential-guide/ […]

Monday 1st of October 2018

Hello, thanks for the site - do you know if a Moses basket counts as free luggage when they say you can bring a portable cot for free? And if so how should it be transported if it doesn’t come with a bag? Finally, if not bringing a car seat, do most countries have taxis who provide car seats if requested? Thanks!

Friday 8th of June 2018

Thanks for your amazing site! I’m wondering about home cooked food allowance on the flight. I’m sure I’ll come to the conclusion that it’s just more sensible to take packet baby food on the plane but I wonder what the rules are for home cooked food? Can you exceed 100mL? Or carry in a thermos which has >100ml capacity? Just don’t want to get there and have it all confiscated!

Thanks for your help,

Memeandharri

Sunday 11th of June 2017

Great post - I am going on holiday in couple of months and with 3 little ones I need all the help I can get. I am now off to read your post about buying baby milk at the airport! #myfamilytips

Tuesday 13th of June 2017

Oooh enjoy!

plutoniumsox

Saturday 3rd of June 2017

Wow, such a comprehensive list. I wish I'd read it when mine were tiny! Especially love all the tips about things that help baby to sleep on the plane. Nat.x

5 Secrets to Flying with a Baby

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How Old Does a Baby Have to Be to Fly?

Although babies can fly soon after birth, parents should consider various health and safety concerns first.

The truth is that flying with an infant can be a breeze—if your baby sleeps or coos happily the whole way. But the experience can also be closer to a nightmare if your baby ends up crying the entire time, turbulence makes holding them a challenge, or they have a diaper blowout mid-flight. And you might not know which way it will go until you're 30,000 feet up in the air.

But having a newborn doesn't necessarily need to hinder your travel plans. Whether you're visiting grandma or going on vacation, there are some factors to consider before bringing a baby on an airplane. Here's how old a baby needs to be to fly, with tips for making the plane ride go smoothly.

How Old Does a Baby Need to Be to Fly?

Most pediatricians believe that a 4- to 6-week-old baby can handle airplane flights. But this guidance only refers to babies with no health complications who get the go-ahead from a pediatrician. Premature infants, as well as those with respiratory or other health issues, may fare better on the ground. (What's more, doctors may recommend a longer rest period for new parents who had delivery complications or C-sections ).

It's also smart to check your airline's policies on newborn travel. They might have a minimum age requirement, ranging from 2 days old to 2 weeks old . In some cases, newborns won't be granted permission to fly without a doctor's note. You might also need proof of your baby's age. (If official government paperwork hasn't arrived, you could possibly use vaccination or hospital forms.) International travel isn't possible until your baby receives an official passport.

If you're feeling queasy about the idea of spending a whole lot of money on an airline ticket for a baby, ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines offer discounts of up to 50% for children under age 2. Also, if there's an open seat on the plane at the time of boarding, you may be able to use it for your baby.

Considerations for Newborn Air Travel

Although air travel is generally safe for newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents consider the following factors before booking their flight.

Germs and illness

While some older planes use recirculated air, which means that if one person has a cold, their germs are broadcast throughout the plane by the ventilation system, most commercial aircraft use sophisticated methods to refresh the air. Advanced airflow management techniques, including air filtration, ventilation, controlling the movement of the air downwards (rather than side-to-side), and drawing in fresh air from outside, all contribute to reducing the transmission of airborne illnesses between passengers.

In fact, in a 2021 letter published in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease the authors wrote that "the air quality within modern commercial aircraft is enhanced by frequent air changes, with a complete air change every 2 to 4 minutes." The consensus among the authors was that there is a low risk of getting sick from other passengers, particularly those sitting more than a few rows away.

Other research has also found a low risk of transmission of airborne illnesses (specifically COVID-19) on airplanes: "Altogether, high airflow and use of HEPA filters onboard planes make it unlikely to catch the virus from someone who is not in the immediate vicinity."

However, if someone sitting nearby is sick, your baby could be exposed. That's not typically a problem for healthy adults, whose mature immune systems can more easily fight off germs. But an infant's immune system is no match for some of the viruses and bacteria that may be floating around on airplanes and in airports. If you do fly, make sure to wash your hands regularly, and avoid sitting near sick passengers.

Air pressure and ears

Ordinary cabin pressurization can cause intense pain in infants' ears. This can be helped, somewhat, by having the baby suck or drink during ascent and descent, says Dr. Berger. Offer your baby your breast, a bottle, or pacifier during take off and landing to help.

Breathing problems

Since airplanes have lower air pressure, some babies may have trouble breathing—especially if they were born premature or have heart, lung, or respiratory issues. If your baby fits the bill, talk to your doctor for more information about when it's safe for them to fly.

Fussy behavior

The unfamiliar setting of an airplane with its smells, sounds, and lights, as well as painful ear pressure, may lead to screaming, crying, and general fussiness . Make sure you're prepared to handle the worst.

Changing diapers

Most commercial airplanes have changing tables in at least one of their restrooms. However, not all do, such as smaller planes for shorter flights. Either way, you can't always get up to change your baby's diaper when needed, particularly during takeoff, landing, and times of turbulence.

And as new parents know, you can't always predict when you'll need to change a baby's diaper. So, be sure to change them right before boarding. And bring extra diapers and changes of clothes—you just might need them.

Where Should My Baby Sit?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , it's ideal to opt for window seats for babies. Aisle and middle seats put them at greater risk of items falling on them from the baggage compartments above, getting knocked into by people or carts rolling through the aisle, or hot drinks spilling on them (that are passed over them to people sitting closer to the window).

Sometimes, people purchase a separate seat for their baby or end up with an extra seat they can use, but often parents have their baby in their arms, sitting on their lap, or in a baby carrier (nevertheless, airlines do require your child be added to your ticket even if they will be in your lap for the entire flight). This option makes sense because it can save you money—and provides comfort to your baby during the flight. Also, holding them provides easy access for breastfeeding (yes, you can breastfeed on a plane ) or bottle-feeding.

However, there are some safety concerns about holding a baby on your lap while you fly. While the expense is a big consideration, if possible, it's recommended for your baby to sit in their own seat in a car seat approved for air travel.

Do they need their own seat?

Airlines allow babies and young children to ride on a parent's lap for no fee, but that's not the safest place for them if the plane hits turbulence, has to make an emergency landing, or if you're trying to sleep. The FAA strongly recommends that parents secure children in an appropriate restraint, if possible. Most car seats fit the bill (though not all are approved for use during air travel).

Before you fly, check your car seat for a label that identifies it as certified for use in planes. If there is no label, look at the seat's instructions or contact the manufacturer. A car seat should fit into most airplane seats if the car seat is no wider than 16 inches. If you have questions about whether your car seat will fit, call the airline and ask or check their website.

The risks of holding a baby on your lap in-flight

While in-flight deaths in healthy children are exceedingly rare, a 2014 study found a pattern among children who died during air travel during the study period. The study tracked recorded incidents of thousands of medical emergencies on airlines from 2010 to 2013. During that period, there were 10 pediatric deaths. Several were healthy children under the age of 2 who were sitting in an adult's lap during a commercial airline flight.

While this study is the first of its kind, research suggests that lap infants were at a greater risk of dying than those in their own seat, possibly due to in-flight environmental factors, such as sharing a seat with an adult and potentially dangerous co-sleeping arrangements, says Alexandre Rotta, M.D. , lead researcher on the study, a pediatrician, and professor of pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

More research is needed to explain these deaths but it is possible that lower oxygen levels on planes could harm infants' immature respiratory systems. "What was unexpected was the number of healthy lap infants who ended up dead. It's a rare event but this is clearly a pattern," says Dr. Rotta. The study authors also noted that there could be another factor that is causing these deaths that has yet to be identified.

The Bottom Line

Once your baby is cleared for air travel by their pediatrician, it is relatively safe to fly with them. Often, flights with little ones go better than expected. That said, many a baby put their parents through the wringer while they fly. But even if your baby cries, spits up, or badly needs a diaper change or a bath, know that many people on board are sending you positive vibes. Just about every other parent has been there. So, you got this—and soon enough, you'll get where you're going and be back on land.

Related Articles

9 Tips for Flying with a Baby | Fool-Proof Guide to an EASY Flight

F lying with a baby can be a daunting experience. The mere thought of your baby crying nonstop on an airplane probably sends you into an instant flustered state. However, with a little extra planning and a few tips for flying with a baby, air travel with your infant can be very manageable. 

We have never been proponents of sacrificing travel after having a child. In fact, we recommend flying as much as possible during the infant years, while your baby still flies free!  Although there are a few more things to take into account when flying during the newborn stage , air travel with a baby or a toddler doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned traveler looking to make your next flight with your little one a little smoother, here are a few easy tips for flying with a baby that we’ve found to be most beneficial.

Advice and Tips for Flying with a baby

You often hear parents say that babies don’t come with an instruction manual or guide book. The same goes for traveling with them. Each baby is different, so there is no exact science to figure out what works best for soothing and calming your child during a flight. 

Flying with a baby is trial and error. But these 9 tips for traveling with a baby on an airplane will hopefully help make life easier – at least from takeoff to landing.

Wear your baby in a baby carrier

If you have a baby or toddler, the best way to travel throughout an airport is to wear them in a baby carrier. 

Whether you use the ErgoBaby 360 Carrier , like we do, or another type of baby carrier for travel , babywearing makes flying with a baby so much easier. 

Keeping your little one close to your body is calming for your baby and keeps you hands-free to pull a rolling suitcase, or juggle passports, boarding passes, or other children. 

One of the best parts about wearing your baby through the airport is that you typically do not have to take them off to go through security. Airport security will do some additional testing after you go through the metal detector, like wiping your hands to test for gunpowder residue. 

Wearing your baby in a baby carrier is also much easier than lugging a stroller around for your entire vacation. If you absolutely must bring a stroller, I’d recommend gate-checking it so you can use it while in the airport terminal.

READ OUR FULL POST ON THE BEST BABY CARRIERS FOR TRAVEL .

Nurse or bottle feed during take off and landing 

The most challenging part of your first flight with your baby will likely be the departure or landing. As the aircraft gains or reduces altitude, changes in air pressure can cause discomfort in a baby’s ears, leading to fussiness, crying, and potential ear pain.

The sucking motion associated with nursing or bottle feeding is not only soothing for babies, but it helps regulate the pressure in their ears. Adults can open their jaws to relieve the pressure that can build up as a plane makes an elevation change, but a baby cannot. 

If you nurse or give your baby a bottle or sippy cup during the ascent and descent, your baby won’t even notice the pressure change. Happy baby, happy parent, happy plane-full of passengers.

Feeding your little one may also make your baby fall asleep, which is every parent’s dream on a flight.

NOT COMFORTABLE BREASTFEEDING ON A PLANE? HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLYING WITH EXPRESSED BREASTMILK OR FORMULA .

Book flights around your baby’s sleep schedule, if possible

If you want to ensure your baby sleeps on the plane, try to book your flights around your baby’s sleep schedule, if possible. This may also help prevent baby jet lag .

If your child takes an afternoon nap, and you’re planning a short domestic trip, we recommend searching for flights around that time frame. 

If you are lucky, your child will fall asleep once the plane is wheels up – especially if you nurse or bottle feed them. Then you can enjoy a mid-flight cocktail or a nap yourself.

A few minutes of shut eye on a flight is a rarity for parents. So, take it when you can get it. Having a baby is no joke, and parents live in a constant state of sleep deprivation!

Also, your fellow passengers will thank you.

Buy a new toy for your baby and give it to them on the plane

Sometimes you can plan your trip around your baby’s sleep schedule, feed your little one during take off, and yet your pint sized co-passenger remains wide awake. Babies can easily get overstimulated in new environments and an airplane is certainly a new place for your tiny traveler.

In this scenario, a new toy is going to come in very handy. 

Prior to each flight with my baby, I would buy a new toy. The new toy doesn’t have to be expensive, but it must be new to your baby.

When my daughter was an infant, I would not show her the toy or let her play with it until we were on the plane. That way it was a new and therefore exciting, object to occupy her time for the duration of the flight. 

This is one of those tips for flying with a baby you won’t find many other places, but it has saved me on at least a few flights when my baby was on the edge of a boredom meltdown.

Once your little one is curiously distracted by their new toy, you can breathe a sigh of relief (along with all the passengers sitting directly adjacent to you – eying you nervously preparing for the screaming to start.) 

We often still do this even though our daughter is older. It worked when traveling with a toddler , and even works when traveling with her as a grade-schooler.

Pack your carry-on bag for a baby emergency

Hungry? I’ve got snacks. Bored? I’ve got toys, games and downloaded children’s shows on a fully charged tablet. 

A diaper blowout clear up to the neck? No problem, I have, not one, but two complete changes or clothes. Plus disinfectant wipes and a wet bag to store the dirty clothes. Can’t function without their beloved lovey or stuffed animal? Mom to the rescue. Let me just reach into my carry-on.

My carry-on bag is essentially an arsenal kit for attacking any baby emergency. 

Whether you’re traveling as a family or flying alone with an infant , the moment you sense a baby crisis on the verge of occurring, you need to be ready to break out your baby’s carry on essentials .

Our carry on is absolutely essential for air travel, long layovers , or road trips with a baby . Every. Parent. Must. Have. One. 

While there are certain travel essentials for babies that can go in your checked luggage, your baby carry-on bag should have enough diapers and formula (if formula fed) and baby food for the duration of your travel day plus one additional day. 

You should also have an extra change of clothing for a leaky diaper accident or a spill. And a medicine kit.

Planes can easily make babies congested and gassy, so having a medicine kit handy is a must when flying with a baby.

FIND OUT WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CARRY ON BAG WHEN FLYING WITH A BABY HERE .

Use a backpack style diaper bag for your baby’s carry-on bag

Speaking of your baby’s carry-on bag, one of the best tips for flying with a baby is to invest in a backpack style diaper bag rather than one that has a shoulder strap. This just frees up a hand and makes walking through the narrow airplane aisles easier when you have your little one in tow.

While any backpack might work, we recommend one with a fold out changing pad and different compartments to make things easily accessible from underneath the seat.

When your baby gets fussy on the plane, you want to make sure you can quickly get whatever you need to soothe your upset travel companion.

Upgrade to the bulkhead

This is another one of the travel tips for flying with babies that we don’t see or hear often, but one that has personally been beneficial for us – particularly on long haul flights. 

There are both pros and cons to booking the bulkhead seat on a plane , but for parents traveling with a baby, there are mostly pros! Who would have thought a few extra inches would make such a big difference?

Having the bulkhead allows your child room to stand, stretch, or even sit on the floor in front of you and play for a few minutes. (You will want to do a quick check under the seat and around the area for anything a baby or toddler might try to grab or put in her mouth.) 

If flying long distances, you can often request a bassinet from the airline for your baby to sleep in if you are in the bulkhead. The bassinets attach to the wall in the bulkhead seat, and therefore can only be used by passengers flying in this particular row.

Things to bring with you for baby’s first flight

If this is your baby’s first flight, there are a few things you will need to bring with you.

Identification for your baby

We always recommend bringing some sort of identification for your baby. For a domestic flight, a copy of your baby’s birth certificate will suffice.

If flying internationally with a baby, your child will need a passport. Don’t worry! We have tips for taking your baby’s passport photo here .

You will want to consider your method of transportation once you arrive at your destination. If you will be driving, or traveling by car, you will either want to bring your baby’s car seat or rent one at your destination. 

In the United States, you can check your car seat for free if flying with a lap infant.

If you have purchased an extra seat for your baby, you can also bring your car seat on the plane, which may help your little one sleep better, particularly if they sleep well in a car seat during road trips or car rides.

If it isn’t cost prohibitive, we recommend buying an extra seat for your baby for long haul or international flights. This will make you and your little one a bit more comfortable during the flight.

FAQs about Flying with a Baby

If you’re planning your first flight with a baby, there are naturally a few questions you may have. In order to calm your anxiety, we’re including some of the most frequently asked questions along with our best tips for flying with a baby.

How do I protect my baby’s ears when flying?

The change in air pressure during take off and landing can be uncomfortable for babies. Aside from breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you can also offer a pacifier to encourage sucking, which can help equalize the pressure in the ears. Older toddlers can also be given a sippy cup.

Should I bring my baby’s car seat on the plane?

If you purchase a seat for your baby, it may make sense to bring their car seat on the plane. This can provide an extra layer of protection for your child in the event of turbulence and also bring added comfort and familiarity during the flight.

However, some airlines do not allow car seats that are not FAA approved or will require you to take your baby out of the car seat and use a child restraint that attaches to the regular seat belt during take off and landing. 

On a personal note, this only happened to us when flying a European regional airline, and our baby hated it and screamed the whole time. So, yeah, that was fun. 

What is the hardest age to fly with a baby?

For us, the hardest age began around the time our baby started becoming mobile and lasted until about 2 years old.

So, the most challenging age was between 9 months old and 18 months old, when our little one found it challenging to sit still for an extended period of time. 

This age presents unique challenges during air travel, and parents often need to be prepared with appropriate strategies and supplies to manage these challenges effectively – hence why we compiled this list of tips for flying with a baby.

What identification documents do I need for my baby for air travel?

The required identification documents for a baby may vary depending on the airline and the destination.

Domestic flights often do not require any documentation or identification for babies. However, we recommend bringing a copy of your baby’s birth certificate in case there is any question about the baby’s age or familial relation. 

Your baby will need a passport if you are traveling internationally. 

Additionally, if you are traveling alone with your child or without the other parent, some countries may require a notarized travel consent letter from the absent parent. 

Where do I change my baby’s diaper on a plane?

Most commercial aircraft are equipped with changing tables in the lavatories that fold down over the toilet. So, while the lavatories may be small, they are still the best place to change your baby.

This ensures the most hygienic experience for you and for other passengers, and gives you a proper place to dispose of the soiled diapers.

One Final Tip for Flying with a Baby

During air travel, sometimes you have to throw out all the tips for flying with a baby and just wing it. Give yourself grace. Traveling with little ones is hard. 

Be sure to give yourself extra time at the airport. If you are rushed, you will inevitably be more stressed out. Your baby will be able to sense your stress and mirror the same. 

Flying with a baby is already stressful enough, so having more time will give you one less thing to worry about.

Finally, try to relax, and repeat after me: “YOU GOT THIS!”

Do you have a comment or question about any of these flying with baby tips? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Like it? Pin this list of travel tips for flying with a baby!

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Travel Experts Answer All Your Questions About Traveling with a Baby

This advice from a flight attendant and a pediatric physical therapist will keep your trip with baby moving smoothly., by kara mulder and kailee noland pt, dpt.

Welcome to Ask the Expert, a series in which real experts answer questions from real Babylist parents. For this installment, we asked Babylist parents to submit all their questions about traveling with a baby or toddler (no small task no matter how far you’re going). Here to give expert advice on all things travel are Kara Mulder, a flight attendant for 14+ years and the voice behind Flight Attendant Life , and Kailee Noland, a pediatric physical therapist and the owner of The Movement Mama .

Traveling with a little one can be such a rewarding experience full of family bonding—at the same time, it can also be such an exhausting experience. Whether you’re flying, road tripping or taking another form of transportation, there’s a lot to think about with a baby or toddler in tow. From how much time they can spend in their car seat to keeping a fussy kiddo placated on a cross-country or even an international flight, here’s advice from two travel experts to keep your trip moving smoothly.

In This Article

Flying with a baby or toddler, road trips and car seat comfort for babies and toddlers.

Taking to the skies? With over 14 years of experience as a flight attendant, Kara Mulder answers all your questions.

How old should a baby be before air travel?

Airlines generally suggest that a baby should be at least two weeks old before flying, but a physician can provide a more personalized answer. Some airlines may require a doctor’s letter for newborns under two weeks old. Many parents and pediatricians recommend waiting until baby is around six weeks old and has started their vaccinations to better handle potential germ exposure.

How important is getting my baby his own seat? Is it dangerous if I just have him in my lap on a flight?

Although airlines allow children under two to sit on a parent’s lap during the flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that purchasing a seat for your baby and using an approved child safety seat is the safer option.

When booking flights, consider your child’s age, the duration of the flight, the type of aircraft and whether you’re traveling alone. This will help you make an informed decision regarding purchasing a separate seat for your toddler. Air travel can be exhausting, and providing your child with their own seat can offer invaluable peace of mind.

One final recommendation is to understand the aircraft configuration anytime you travel with infants or toddlers. If possible, reserve a bulkhead row (the row with no seats in front of it, usually at the front of economy/coach class) with the attachable bassinet . If you have any questions about how to reserve the best seats on an aircraft when traveling with young children, airline customer service representatives can assist you.

How many baby items (and which ones) can you take through security and check at the plane gate?

The TSA allows parents to bring baby essentials such as bottles (including breast milk and formula), baby food (including puree pouches) and medication through security, even if they’re over 3.4 fluid ounces—and they don’t need to be in a quart-sized bag with the rest of your liquids, they just need to be in your carry-on.

To keep breast milk, formula and baby food cool, freeze some juice and use it as an ice pack. Frozen liquids are allowed in your carry-on luggage, and once they’re done keeping things cool, they can double as a snack for you or your little one. Note: when traveling with frozen juices, remove the containers before security screening and communicate to TSA that the contents are frozen. And they have to be completely frozen; if there’s any partial melting or liquid at the bottom, they have to meet the regulation for 3.4 fluid ounces.

As far as other baby items, diaper bags, strollers and car seats are also allowed, and many airlines allow travelers to check strollers and car seats at the gate for free .

For international travel, each country has its own rules regarding what items are allowed through airport security. So depending on where you depart, be sure to look at customs, security and border guidelines. For example, in other countries, you won’t be able to bring frozen liquids. However, items for your baby fall under medical exemption and are allowed to travel in reasonable quantities.

Should I check the car seat before security if I’m not using it on the airplane? Or is it best to check at the gate? Is there a cost for checking car seats and strollers?

Most airlines allow you to check a car seat and stroller for free, either at the ticket counter or at the gate. If you’re not using the car seat on the plane, I would suggest gate-checking. That way, you can use your car seat or stroller right up until you board the plane, making managing a baby and luggage easier—just hand it over at the boarding gate. (Editor’s note: If your baby still fits within their infant car seat’s height and weight limits, those are much easier to travel with than heavy, bulky convertible car seats. Check out our roundup of top rated infant car seats to find some travel-friendly options for babies under 1 year old.)

Gate-checking also minimizes the risk of damage by reducing some of the handling associated with checked luggage. Just remember to ask for a gate-check tag at the boarding gate.

What are some tips to keep a baby or toddler entertained on a flight?

There are several strategies to keep a little one entertained during a flight. First, consider bringing some new, small toys or books that your child hasn’t seen before—novelty can be a powerful distraction. Baby’s favorite comfort item, whether it’s a blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier, can also be incredibly useful during your trip.

While some parents prefer to limit screen time, a flight can be considered a “special occasion.” A digital tablet loaded with some toddler-friendly apps or shows can be a lifesaver.

For long-haul flights, international trips or ones lasting more than six hours, consider taking your baby for a short walk around the cabin when the seatbelt sign is off. Feel free to greet the flight attendants, but be aware, your baby might become their favorite passenger!

How can I pop baby’s ears during/after a flight?

Changes in air pressure can cause discomfort to a baby, but there are strategies to help. Consider breastfeeding or offering a bottle during takeoff and landing, as the swallowing action helps clear your baby’s ears. A pacifier can also stimulate swallowing and provide the same benefit.

For toddlers, a drink from a sippy cup or a small snack might do the trick. Chewing and swallowing can help adjust their ear pressure.

If you’re nervous about your baby’s ear health for an upcoming trip, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before the flight for additional recommendations.

Where is the best place to breastfeed on the plane?

Where to breastfeed on a plane will largely depend on your comfort level and the type of aircraft. On wide-bodied aircraft with two aisles, some lavatories are larger and might offer more privacy. However, you’re more than welcome to breastfeed at your seat with a nursing cover.

Additionally, breastfeeding can help clear baby’s ears, so nursing during takeoff or landing may help alleviate any discomfort your baby might experience due to air pressure changes.

Where can I use a breast pump while flying? Is it rude to pump in the bathroom on a plane? And how/where can I clean all the bottles and pump parts, especially on long-haul flights?

You are absolutely allowed to use a breast pump while flying. Some parents feel more comfortable pumping in their seat with a nursing cover, while others prefer the privacy of the lavatory. Larger lavatories on wide-bodied aircrafts may offer a more comfortable space.

Cleaning pump parts can be challenging on a plane, as limited bottled water is stocked onboard. Using potable water from lavatory sinks or galley faucets is not recommended. Ideally, bring enough parts to last the flight without needing to clean anything. However, for lengthy flights or if packing additional items isn’t feasible on your trip, consider cleaning breast pump parts with bottled water and disinfectant wipes. As a flight attendant, I’d encourage you to ask the working crew for bottled water if needed. The crew is there to help.

No matter how you travel or how long it takes, it’s important to know how traveling impacts your little one’s body and behavior. Pediatric physical therapist Kailee Noland answers all your questions about keeping kiddo safe and happy during the long haul.

What is the longest a baby should be in a car seat on a road trip without getting out?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies (12 months old and younger) should only spend two to three hours in a car seat at a time, including on long road trips. This is because of how babies are positioned in a car seat, which can cause physical strain and restricted breathing after more than a couple of hours. It’s a statistic that many parents aren’t aware of and one that we definitely need to spread the word on, so be sure to send this article to a friend! (Editor’s note: Even though baby should only be in their car seat for two to three hours at a time, you can still make sure those couple of hours are nice and comfy. Check out our picks for the best car seats to see the absolute comfiest.)

Taking breaks during travel allows baby to stretch and move, plus it reduces the risk of plagiocephaly (or flat head syndrome). Remember, too, that car seats aren’t recommended as safe sleep devices. So while it may be tempting, when you reach your destination or a pit stop, please get baby up and out, even if it means having to wake them from their sweet slumber.

It’s not forever, though. Most experts agree that once a baby has the upright head and neck control to sit independently, you can begin driving longer stretches. While I know the two-hour rule may seem restricting, this is a great excuse to hunker down and stay home in those first few months to adjust, as your life has now changed, and family and friends can begin to make the effort to come to you!

If longer travel is unavoidable, here are some tips:

• Plan for your trip to take twice as long as normal. With all the stops and time allowing babe to stretch out, it’s wise to just plan this into the schedule.
• Do some gas station tummy time .
• Babywear while you take a quick walk around a park on your route. If you’re nearing the two hour limit, just check the next town en route and google “[Town Name] Park” or “[Town Name] Trail”; you’ll likely find a lovely spot for some fresh air and stretching your legs.
• When the adults need to stop to eat, be sure to take baby out of the carseat. You could babywear here, too.
• Have one parent sit in the back with baby to monitor temperature, breathing and overall comfort level. If this isn’t possible, use a travel-safe mirror or car camera to check on babe.

Keep in mind: If your child is premature or has any other medical conditions, always consult your pediatrician regarding their specific travel recommendations.

At what age is it okay to use a tablet for long trips?

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , screen time should be limited by age as follows:

• Prior to 18 months old, the only screen time should be video phone calls, which provide an active and involved experience for your child.
• Between 18 and 24 months, it’s recommended to only provide educational programming for less than one hour per day that you view with your child.
• Between two and five years old, limits are capped at one hour per day and three hours per weekend day.

These guidelines were created not only to protect your child from potentially harmful content, but also to promote optimal brain and body development. All that to say, my recommendation for independent tablet use in the car would be no sooner than two years of age. I also invite you to consider utilizing a device that isn’t actively connected to the internet or data during usage to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling onto something they shouldn’t.

For our family, we’ve always had fun utilizing a portable DVD player and headrest mount with DVDs we own or check out from the library. This ensures we’re able to control exactly what’s being viewed and the toddler/child isn’t in control of the buttons, causing potential driving distractions.

Of course, we all understand needing to entertain them in the car so you’re not stuck with a screaming toddler, but try the ideas mentioned here before resorting to screen time. Some of our favorites include:

• Activity books and sticker books
• Listening to music
• Listening to children’s stories on audiobook or podcast
• Pop-its or other car-safe toys

We also personally find that if our children have too much screen time on road trips, particularly near nap or bedtime, the blue light their eyes are taking in may reduce their sleep quality and make it difficult to get to sleep. You might consider investing in some child-sized blue light blockers to assist with combatting this issue.

How can I keep my toddler entertained in his car seat without using technological devices? Car rides often become screaming sessions!

Trust me. Been there. And it’s no fun. While I can’t guarantee a tantrum-free trip (because toddlers love to move , after all), I can give you lots of ideas that have helped make traveling with toddlers as smooth as possible!

Here are some of our favorite travel solutions:

• A portable audio player like the Yoto Mini
• Storytime podcasts
• Coloring books + Clickup markers (no more missing lids or lids that are choking hazards)
• Water painting books + reusable brushes you can fill with water
• Bubbles + the car vent
• Foam activity boards
• Playing “I spy”
• Suction spinning toys
• Car-safe non-projectile books (soft-cover only)
• Car-safe toys

Keep in mind: All items offered in the car shouldn’t be considered projectiles. This means the item should be lightweight and soft, so that in the case you got into a collision, it wouldn’t cause harm if thrown around the vehicle.

My toddler is good for about two hours of driving in a day (plus naptime), but then he screams at the very sight of his carseat, and it doesn’t really get better. I know this is normal, but when will things get better? Our family lives seven hours away, and it’s very hard to get there!

This is so tough—but our children have an innate desire to move! Think about how much we adjust in our car seats. Because of the restraints of child car seats, they’re often unable to wiggle and readjust as we are, leading them to feeling uncomfortable and fussy!

To help minimize the fuss:

• First, ensure that your kiddo’s car seat is installed properly for their weight and height and it’s at an appropriate incline angle. This eliminates whether or not significant discomfort might be what’s bothering them.
• We love to do playground pit stops to get out some energy. Often we’ll pack some snacks or grab food at a drive-through and instead of stopping at a gas station each time, we google “[Next Town] Playground” or use the Playground Buddy app . If it’s bad weather, consider exploring a nearby department store or wandering a grocery store for road trip snacks. If there’s more than one adult, you could also try having one adult take the child to the playground while the other packs the car. This already starts your little one off on a positive note with some of their movement needs fulfilled.
• Novelty is key. I often try to pack most of the activities I listed above in our travel caddy. I try to only offer one activity at a time and use “first, then” statements, like “First we’re going to color, and then we can watch a show.” Break up your screen time so you always have something fun and enticing to offer. Give them something to look forward to—maybe a special snack they get to have at your next stop.
• Consider breaking up your trip into two parts. We’ve enjoyed staying halfway in AirBnBs to make our trips more enjoyable for everyone!
• Some families also like to leave close to bedtime or very early in the morning to get a few “sleepy” hours for the kiddos in the car. Always be sure you’re not driving when you are too tired, though.
• Try playing a game of “I Spy,” but make it simpler by encouraging them to tell you when they see animals on the side of the road (we love to look for cows in the Midwest) or something that you know they might see often, like big trucks or billboards. Encourage them to look for shapes in the clouds or find things that are a certain color along your trip!
• Finally, know that it’ll improve with time! But it’s completely normal for your mover and shaker to not want to be confined to a seat for hours on end. And soon you will be at your destination and having fun!

How do you make a baby more comfortable in a car seat, especially for babies that find it hard to self-soothe in order to sleep in the car?

First, know that it’s completely normal for separation anxiety to increase in the car. While you can easily see them in the mirror, they may not be able to understand at a very young age that you’re right there with them. As mentioned previously, consider having one caregiver sit in the back next to them to ease their little minds.

And as always, make sure your car seat is installed properly for your baby’s age and size so they’re as comfortable as possible.

Something to note with car seats, too, is that traditional infant seats create a C-curve to the spine, which can be particularly uncomfortable for babies with reflux or for prolonged time spent in the car seat. Consider transitioning to a convertible car seat for improved comfort—just be sure the seat’s harness and weight limits accommodate your baby’s size safely!

Making the car environment as soothing as possible can help a lot, too. Maybe this means turning on white noise or their favorite lullabies. Try using a pacifier clip to prevent them losing their means of orally soothing.

Be sure to also offer stretch breaks at minimum every two hours to improve their physical comfort in the seat.

Be mindful of their body temperature and check to ensure they’re not too hot or too cold.

There are also many car-safe toys that you can offer if they’re at the age where they’re able to manipulate toys!

I hope these tips have been helpful and given you some ideas to try out on your next trip!

Kara Mulder

Flight attendant.

Kara Mulder, the aviation pro behind Flight Attendant Life , parlayed curiosity and an affinity for travel into careers as a private jet flight attendant and writer. Now based in Sydney, Australia, she’s crafting her debut memoir that draws from her rich life experiences. More about Kara and her work can be found at KJWattsAuthor.com .

Kailee Noland

Pediatric physical therapist, pt, dpt.

Dr. Kailee Noland, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist and mama of two (soon to be three). She is a self-proclaimed baby & toddler enthusiast and is passionate about helping families incorporate developmental play into everyday routines and rhythms. She has also helped countless families feel empowered to choose the right shoes for their children. You can find support and encouragement in all things motherhood and motor milestones within The Movement Mama community.

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

Before the Trip

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

• Travel Inspiration

Meet the Babies Racking Up Airline Miles Before They Can Crawl

Parents of frequent flier infants like mila aren't discouraged by highly vocal opponents. they're too focused on determining which foldable strollers are the easiest to carry and how to pack breast milk for flights..

Published on 4/18/2024 at 11:32 AM

Mila has had a busy year of travel. She’s been to nine countries and taken 25 flights, with no plans of slowing down. It’s difficult sometimes to constantly be on the move. She can’t really travel light, and occasionally when she’s boarding a flight, she’s met with apprehensive stares by other passengers. But still, in the span of 12 months, she’s been to the beaches of the Dominican Republic , the Azores, the Bahamas, the French countryside, and the cities of Vietnam and Japan. She even got to celebrate her birthday in Mexico.

It was actually Mila’s first birthday she was celebrating, alongside her parents. Now, at just over a year old, she’s been to nine countries and has more stamps in her passport than 75% of Americans . “I know people say that the kid won’t remember, but those memories that we created, I would never, ever change that,” explains Sally Nguyen, Mila’s mom.

Nguyen is a travel content creator based in Boston—she was before she had Mila, and she hasn’t slowed down since Mila was born. She’s part of a growing number of parents who are crisscrossing the globe with their very fresh-to-the-world babies, logistics be damned.

Traditionally, the perception around traveling with young children, and especially babies, has been that it should only be done if absolutely necessary. It’s not just a lot of work for the parents, but bare feet and children under the age of four on airplanes are regarded with similar levels of disdain by much of the public. “I feel like there’s just a bad stigma when people see a child on a plane—they’re automatically like, ‘Oh my God, I hope this baby doesn’t cry.’ There’s so much negative energy within the travel space around babies,” Nguyen says. “I wanted to change that.”

Nguyen and her husband, Alan Pena, started the change at home. The family is based in Boston, and Mila was only six weeks old when the trio did a staycation at a hotel in the city. When Mila was three-and-a-half months old, they went to the Dominican Republic (Mila’s first international flight led her to a five-star resort in Punta Cana, where she was set up with her very own hotel crib). Next up was a month-and-a-half-long trip to France and Italy (picture Mila sitting on Florentine rooftops, picnicing in front of the Eiffel Tower, or smiling open-mouthed in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa). Eventually, they built up to a 28-hour flight for a trip to Vietnam and Japan (where baby Mila was pushed in her stroller through Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Sensō-jii, stayed in a traditional Japanese house in Kyoto, and napped during boat rides in Ho Chi Minh).

"...Travel is what we’re passionate about. Just because you have a kid doesn’t mean that you have to change your values and your passions."

Still, even with all of these experiences documented as evidence of how great it can be to travel with a baby—or at least, how great it is to travel with Mila—Nguyen faced the skepticism of everyone from internet strangers to her own family. “My parents hear about how we’re going to travel, for example, when we took Mila to Europe—taking your kid on a trip just sounds so crazy to them,” Nguyen explains. “It was a planned pregnancy. We got pregnant, but one thing that was non-negotiable was [we didn’t want] to stop our travel, because travel is what we’re passionate about. Just because you have a kid doesn’t mean that you have to change your values and your passions.”

Nguyen was a travel advisor, content creator, and ran her travel blog well before she became pregnant. Even during her pregnancy, the couple traveled as far afield as Thailand. During the pregnancy, she and Pena also took trips to Iceland and Hawaii, filming content all the while. Before the baby, the couple took trips to Paris, Bora Bora, the Maldives, South Africa, Switzerland, Greece, and Las Vegas. A lot of that has been turned into material for Nguyen’s business—but she and her husband, who is a military veteran, started building their travel credentials long before Nguyen ever posted her first blog post. Case in point: At the age of 32, Nguyen has visited 41 countries.

Mila is already well on her way to surpassing that number. Nguyen and Pena are willing this to happen; Mila’s own Instagram bio reads “9/197 Countries.” The goal to visit every country can clearly be seen even when they’re just hanging around the house. In Mila’s nursery, the wall behind her crib features a detailed map of the world.

Leisure traveling with a newborn is picking up steam across the travel space. There are influencers, like Nguyen, who share packing tips, aspirational content, and ideas on how to plan the trips. Then there are the high-end hotels courting such visitors.

Boram Care in New York City is a postnatal retreat for new parents—and an all-inclusive vacation for 72-hour-olds. Boram and other facilities like it are designed for birthing parents immediately after birth, but can accommodate new parents up to six weeks postpartum—so even though going from a local hospital to Boram is the easiest, parents from further away from New York City can—and do—travel there as well.

Stays start at $1,050 per night, and include round-the-clock care for birthing parent and baby, including 24/7 lactation support, nutritious meals, and hands-on baby care education, which covers everything from how to change a diaper to how to perform infant CPR. A West Coast version of the postnatal retreat, Post Pamper , offers a similar range of services in San Diego. Outside of the U.S., these retreats are much more common. In Korea, for instance, it’s common for new mothers to stay in sanhujoriwon , or postnatal care centers, for up to three weeks.

Many of these services that cater specifically to new mothers are at price points outside the range of affordability for the average American family. After all, of 41 countries, the U.S. is the only one that doesn’t have any government-mandated time off for new parents , so even spending a few weeks away from work after bringing a child into the world is out of reach for many American parents. Checking into a hotel with round-the-clock care for both the birthing parent and the baby? That’s just unfathomable.

If a baby can’t tie a woman down to domesticity, what can?

But that isn’t the only way to travel as a new parent, as Nguyen has shown. “I heard from other people that the first three months are your hardest three months, especially if this is your first child,” she explains. “I live in Boston, and she was born in February, so it was going to be cold, gloomy—for those following months too. For my own personal mental health and being a new mom where travel has always been my passion and my love, it was kind of killing me and making me a little bit depressed that we were going to have to wait.”

Even though Mila couldn’t fly in the first two months of life, Nguyen and Pena still managed to get out of the house. Again, they did a staycation in Boston when she was just a few weeks old, and when she was about eight weeks old, the family spent a weekend in Washington D.C., where Mila did the World Embassy Tour. “We attended the open house embassy event in D.C. where each embassy was open and serving traditional foods and drinks and some even had live performances,” Nguyen recalled. “We thought it was a cool first event to take Mila to before traveling abroad.”

Baby Mila isn’t the only infant racking up passport stamps and loyalty miles either. This is a cottage industry. On TikTok , Taylor Chamberlain Dilk, the cofounder of fitness brand Vitality , regularly shares the adventures she takes with her son Dallas. Each of her travel vlogs with Dallas rack up hundreds of thousands of views, and the comment sections are filled with other moms wanting to know the minutiae of how to travel with an infant. Daniella Fortier’s TikTok is similarly dedicated to her experiences as a new mother—including taking her infant son Wesley on more than 18 flights since his birth. Fortier shares everything from how to pack breast milk to a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of getting a passport for a newborn. (You’ll need to wait until the baby is born and they have their social security number before you can begin the application process, which requires many of the same steps as the adult passport process .)

For the actual logistics of taking a baby on the plane, Nguyen got pretty lucky. It’s almost as though Mila came into this world already knowing that her parents had an insatiable case of wanderlust. She never cries on planes—instead you can find dozens of photos of Mila sleeping extremely peacefully in her seat. Even when the family took their 28-hour journey from Boston to Vietnam, Mila was game. She was bundled up and appeared more blissed out than any adult could ever hope to look flying on an international flight in an economy seat.

There’s not even much tension on social media for Nguyen—the comments on Mila’s Instagram account are sweet and fawning. What’s not to love about a baby scrunching her nose in delight while looking out at Kyoto’s skyline? And on Nguyen’s Instagram, the most engagement she gets from strangers are questions from parents who want to travel with their own babies. Nguyen, like Fortier and Chamberlain Dilk, primarily responds to questions asking about what gear they need for carting a baby around—from travel strollers, to travel bottle storage racks, to travel cribs, to travel changing mats.

Not everything is positive, though. One person chastised “save people’s ears please” when it came to traveling with Mila. To this, Nguyen had two responses: One, Mila doesn’t cry on flights. And two, if you want to avoid babies when traveling, save up to fly private.

“It’s crazy to me how much people shame people to not travel with their kids,” Nguyen answered back. “The entitlement is unbelievable.”

Okay, so parents are traveling with their newborns—but stepping back from the financial and logistical feasibility of such plans, are they safe for the baby? Dr. Betsabe Petit Ortunez, a board-certified pediatrician at Pediatrix Primary + Urgent Care of Texas, definitely doesn’t advise air travel for babies under two months old. “I don’t see a benefit in traveling so early,” Petit Ortunez explains. “Newborns with immature immune systems are better off in a close, controlled environment for the first weeks of life, so unless it’s extremely necessary, I advise parents to be home.”

“Airplanes and crowded environments aren’t good for them. After the first vaccines and once the baby is gaining weight consistently, you can consider traveling,” Petit Ortunez continues.

Beyond still developing immune systems, newborns have other vulnerabilities as well that make air travel inadvisable for the first two months. Their skin is thinner, making them prone to dehydration, especially in dry plane air, and their ears can be more sensitive to changing pressures and to cabin noises.

To address these potential dangers, Nguyen has become a seasoned pro at making sure Mila is prepared for her flights (and again, she didn’t fly with her until Mila had crossed the three-months-old mark). Instead of the usual carry-on items, like extra underwear and a toothbrush, the packing list for someone who can’t walk to the bathroom is a bit different. Mila travels with her own noise-canceling headphones, Nguyen brings a portable breast pump (which she says is a pain to get through TSA), and she always has a binky or bottle on hand for Mila during takeoff, which can alleviate any pain caused by the rapid elevation.

All of that, though, still doesn’t necessarily assuage the comments you find on some of the baby travel videos on TikTok. Under one of Fortier’s videos, someone wrote: “Traveling with a baby is such an ick.” Search on Reddit or the news, and you’ll find thousands of echoed sentiments.

But what causes the ick? It’s not like babies are the only ones that have trouble controlling their bowels . And noise-canceling headphones can drown out the sounds of just about any unpleasant noises you hear on the airplane, from an infant’s wails to the snores of your adult seatmate. But as mothers know, or painfully learn—this hatred of babies in public spaces like planes and restaurants is more about them than the child. There is a cultural expectation that when women become mothers, they also become martyrs of their own comfort. A mother should no longer desire solace or pampering—she should bleed and suffer so that her child is a burden to no one else. New parents, especially new mothers, choosing to flout that expectation and find joy and exploration with their baby breaks these societal rules. Put even more simply: If a baby can’t tie a woman down to domesticity, what can?

Fortunately, this generation of new parents aren’t cowing to America’s culturally approved loathing of mothers. Baby Mila is a natural born jetsetter—by nature (it isn’t the average baby that can be “really easy” on a flight) and by nurture (her parents had to commit time, money, and an unfathomable amount of energy to make it to nine countries in less than a year, even without a baby in tow).

Mila spent her first birthday at the Nickelodeon Riviera Maya in Mexico , floating down lazy rivers, hanging out with SpongeBob, and snoozing just yards away from the Caribbean Sea. She wore baby-sized sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts to keep her skin from burning under the equatorial sun, while noshing on birthday cake and unlimited amounts of snacks at the all-inclusive resort. It was an unforgettable way to celebrate a birthday, though Mila is almost certainly not going to remember any of it. Not the smell of the sunscreen and chlorine mixing, or the sensation of standing between the larger than life statues of Chase and Rocky from Paw Patrol .

Sure, there are dozens of cute photos, and physical souvenirs like Mila’s Global Entry card , which features her unbelievably chubby cheeks, that will certainly be a worthy memento when she’s older, but if all she has are trinkets and images, is this travel really for the baby?

Nguyen certainly thinks so. She and her husband have set up an email account for Mila, and after every trip, they send this email address all of the photos, the itinerary of the trip, and how Mila responded to each location. It’s basically a digital time capsule.

“We’re going to give her the password when she turns 18, and I feel like at that moment, we’re probably going to sob, and I’m going to ugly cry because she can be like, ‘Wow, you took me here when I was that old? You took me there?’ And those are priceless moments you can’t recreate,” Nguyen says.

So maybe it’s fine that Mila is ignorant to all of it—the flights and hotels, the beaches and monuments—as with time, the memories of traversing the world with her parents will start to take root. Besides, until then, her parents don’t have to sit around waiting for her to start remembering. Instead, they’ll spend that time exploring.

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If you're ready for an adventure but not sure where you'd like to go or what to do, we're on it. The best new hotels opening up around the world. The most exciting places to travel without a passport . The world's best beaches , as ranked by travel influencers. It's all here along with all the travel news you need to stay informed and inspired.

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Luckily for flyers, it’s gonna be May very soon.

“May and September are great months to travel, as they’re before and after peak summer here in the US,” flight attendant Bernice Padilla, 29, confided to SWNS .

“You have less crowds and more affordable prices, but the weather is still nice,” she continued. “Every country has their specific shoulder season, so I recommend doing some research before booking.”

Padilla, a flight attendant for six years who has visited 44 countries, is sharing tricks of the travel trade — from flights to book to countries to explore.

The Dallas-based flight attendant , who boasts 144,300 followers on TikTok , said that while Europe is a hot destination for American travelers, it’s best to book holidays in “overlooked” destinations.

“Everyone loves to go to London, Rome, Paris and Barcelona,” she explained. “ I am going to Argentina in a few weeks, for example. I think it is good to book places that aren’t as popular with tourists.”

She added: “Even [if] people are still wanting to visit Europe, there are so many places that aren’t as popular, like Albania and countries on the coast.”

Padilla also revealed her preference for booking the earliest possible flight to avoid delays.

“ If there are any delays , it ends up being a domino effect. Say there is a delay in California due to the weather — then my flight here can’t take off until that flight takes off,” she reasoned. “Everything trickles down, whereas if you fly early, your plane will be there from the night before.”

And when it comes to packing, Padilla recommends traveling with carry-on luggage , especially in the summer.

If that’s not possible, she relies on compression packing cubes .

“I still have a problem with overpacking, but I try not to overpack as much,” she confessed. “I always travel with compression cubes — that way you can fit more into your suitcase.”

Her travel must-haves include a reusable water bottle , a sweater or blanket , a pen to fill out any forms that might be needed at arrival, noise-canceling headphones , and a portable charger .

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