Questions about flying with infant

jillie1974

movilogo wrote: »

First time parent here, so please bear with me

My daugher is 1.5 months now and we (myself + wife + child) are planning a holiday (somewhere in Europe) in 2 months time (so she will be 3-4 months at that time).

As I've never flown before with a child

1. I assume she will get her own airline seat - right? nope, unless you pay for it and then they must be in a forward facing seat. and for safety reason must be sat on your lap for take off and landing.
2. What will be luggage allowance for baby? depends on the airline Thomas Cook will give you 10kg for the infant, most airlines dont
3. Will the pram constitute as part of our luggage allowance or it will be excluded from allowance limit? excluded from the allowance but as others have said if you have an expensive one consider a cheaper on
4. Shall we be allowed to carry 500 ml liquid milk in bottle? If not, what will be best way to feed the baby during the journey? every airport is different. we bought an empty bottle and then used the pre-made cartons you buy airside from Boots. much easier
5. If I hire car abroad, do we have to carry infant seat or hire company will provide the seat? they can provide if prebooked but bear in mind you dont know if the seat has been involved in any crashes etc. make sure you use a very reputable company like Avis/Hertz etc
6. What will be best way of carrying the baby in public transport (bus, underground etc.)? Pram/holding on hand/baby carrying strap (not sure what they are called) we used the pram but slings might be easier in big city
7. Any other advise? give baby bottle/soother for takeoff and landing. change nappy before boarding as changing facilities on board are just a pull down shelf in the toilet. very cramped and small. dont panic and dont worry if baby is distressed. doesnt matter what everyone else thinks/ or looks at you. bring a few little toys- rattles are good for entertainment.

Thanx

hope you have a nice time away

lil.smartie

We took Holly on several (well about 20 so far) flights when she was tiny and she's almost 2 now so hope this helps...

BA 3 weeks old - Bassinet for during flight except for turbulance
Easy Jet - had 'spare' seats so could use her car seat, must be 5 point harness and 'odd but true' fitted forward facing, this was her rear facing group 0+ car seat but on my lap with extension for take off & landing
Continental - forward facing US FAA/CAA approved car seat whole flight there & back

buggy, never been charged, milk was taken on Easy Jet for a friends baby fine but tasted at security this will be airport dependent not airline!

Kate

skintscotslass

Ryanair charge £20 for buggies. They dont prioritise infants/young children so if you are planning to fly with them, you may want to think about paying extra for priority boarding.

geordiegirl1968

In terms of milk and later food for the baby at most airports you can basically carry anything on board. But some really mean security staff (see Newcastle) insist on opening every single pot, ready made formula feeed, etc you have on you. So it is better for you to buy them airside, as the others suggested. Otherwise I agree with what the others suggested. We have travelled appr. 10-15 times since my son was born and they get accustomed to it quickly.

Checking in online with an infant is not allowed most of the time (some US tickets allow it). Some airports really struggle to check them in even at the check-in desk. Once we had to travel on a boarding pass scribbled on a piece of paper, because Brussels Airlines simply gave up on their system and we were holding up other passengers and the aircraft for quite a while. To their credit officials in Brussels did not bat an eyelied and we were even allowed to transfer.

You might find that some smaller aircraft do not have baby change, so you have to do it on the seat or a complete stranger's lap. It can be awkward on a full plane with newborn poo. The pilot switched on the air con fully a couple of times we were travelling.

You must reserve / buy your seat online with budget and holiday airlines if you can, otherwise you and your husband will not get a seat together. You might find that whoever's ticket the baby is on will not be able to change their seat online, as infants are sit where there is an extra oxygen mask above the seats.

It is a good idea to get lounge access, as it make things cheaper and more pleasant for the baby and you. If you do not have a frequent flyer card, I think you can still buy it online. However some petty airports (Newcastle again) does not allow children, unless they travel first class.

Also if you have to transfer, some airlines (namely Air France) will not let you have your pushchair back in transit. Most big European airports have good playground and facilities (unlike the UK). Amsterdam even has cots for babies to sleep in. Brussels playgound is superb even for tiny babies and always deserted.

Although you can take your pushchair, we always found a BabyBjorn or other sling makes life hell of a lot easier at an airport and abroad (which is bound to be less pushchair-friendly). You do not have to wake baby up all the time. Although you cannot use it on board, because baby has to have his own seatbelt on.

Have a lovely holiday.