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Fly safely with your baby:
Listen to this public service announcement from the FAA
Live
airport status updates:
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map to select major U.S. airport
Access your favorite airline information:
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our new Airlines Portal
Do you have questions about
traveling by airplane with infants or toddlers?
Email your questions to
questions@flyingrugrats.com.
Flying with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do all airlines allow infant / toddler car seats to be used
on their airplanes?
FlyingRugrats.com: No. While most airlines
do allow infant or toddler safety seats, a few do not allow them. You should always indicate
your intent to use a car seat when you are making your flight
arrangements with your airline or travel agent.
Question: If I have the opportunity, should I board the plane early
with my small children?
FlyingRugrats.com: There are differing
opinions among parents about this issue. Boarding early allows you time
to get your car seat(s) installed, supplies organized and family settled
in seats. It allows you to avoid being rushed by adult passengers and
prevents you from delaying boarding for other passengers. However,
boarding early also means that you will be on the plane longer with your
children. If two adults are traveling with children, sometimes parents
split up with one parent boarding early to install car seats and
organize supplies while the other parent stays in the terminal with the
children until regular boarding time.
Question: Do my children require proof of identification when flying?
FlyingRugrats.com: It is always a good idea
to obtain picture identification for your children. However, some
airlines do not require it for domestic U.S. flights. You will need a
passport for a child to fly internationally. You can obtain U.S.
passports that are valid for 5 years for your U.S. citizen children. See the
U.S. Department of State web site for information about passport
application.
Question: Will all airlines allow an infant to travel as a lap child?
FlyingRugrats.com: No. Some
airlines do not allow lap child travel. Always indicate your
intentions when you are making your flight arrangements with your
airline or travel agent. Airlines that allow lap child travel
typically require that the child be younger than 2 years old. Some non-U.S. airlines require you to use a
seatbelt attachment for a lap child.
Question: What kind of carry-on bag do you suggest?
FlyingRugrats.com: Some airlines have
strict weight requirements for carry-on bags. The last thing you want
is to have your bag neatly organized for your flight and then have the
ticket agent hassle you about weight or, worse yet, have the ticket
agent not allow your bag. A
lightweight backpack with lots of compartments works very well as a
carry-on since most of the weight is just your supplies, toys and such.
Diaper bags do not work well for air travel.
Question: Will flight attendants warm my baby bottles?
FlyingRugrats.com: Most airlines will warm
baby bottles. However, since some do not offer this service, you should
discuss your needs in advance with your airline or travel agent when you are
planning your travel.
Question: Are there any special issues when only one parent is
traveling internationally with a child?
FlyingRugrats.com: Yes. The non-traveling
parent may have to provide a written record approving the travel. Check
with your airline for special requirements any time that you are planning to fly internationally with your children and your spouse will
not be traveling with you.
Question: How many diapers should I bring on a flight?
FlyingRugrats.com: Based on your
knowledge of your child and length of the flight, pack more than you
think you will need. However, if you run out, talk with your flight
attendant. The airline may have an emergency supply of diapers on your flight.
Question: Can I carry my stroller onto the airplane?
FlyingRugrats.com: Probably not. Most
airlines require strollers to be gate checked. Depending on the flight,
the airline might return your stroller to you as you exit the plane.
Some airlines will allow you to carry small umbrella-style
strollers on board and store them in the overhead baggage compartments. To be
certain about requirements on your particular flight, discuss this issue
with your airline or travel agent in advance.
Do you know anyone who just had a baby or
who might benefit from tips about traveling by airplane with small
children? If so, help them prepare for their next family vacation
by sharing the Flying Rugrats web site with them. By doing so,
you will be providing them with lots of family
travel tips and advice that has been gathered from families who have
faced the same challenges before them.
Send your friends with newborn babies or small children an email to tell them about
Flying Rugrats!
Flying Rugrats
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