Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler

It’s the Holiday Season and air travel is stressful especially when traveling with a baby during busy flight times.

1. Book a separate ticket for our child, even though they can fly free from birth the age two. You will be more comfortable, and your child will be safer. Also make sure you have an FAA – approved car seat. Read about your airline’s rules before booking.
2. Use seat maps to choose your seats. The back of the plane is better since you are closer to the lavatories. There is more overhead bin space when you board and there may be vacant seats.
3. Airlines are trying to cram more seats into their economy area. If you cannot book first class, you may want to splurge for premium economy or extra-leg room economy. These seats board earlier and may offer a perk of free beverages.
4. Check your luggage and print out your boarding pass at home so all you have to do is check your bags
5. Be prepared for possible delays or even cancellations by having extra diapers, wipes, toys and snacks.
6. At the airport you will have to go through the TSA checkpoint. Before getting there read TSA’s list of approved items that can go past security. Medically required liquids, such as baby formula and food, breast milk and medications are exempt from the 3-4 oz restrictions for a flight. Tell a Transportation Security Officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the beginning of the checkpoint process. They may be subject to additional screening.
7. You will have to take your child through the screening machine out of the stroller and carrier, so carry the baby in your arms. As you head toward the gate, take note of the nearest restroom should you need to take care of changing the baby before you board. So, get to your gate early so you can be settled before you board.
8. Ask the gate agent to gate-check your stroller of non—certified care seat before boarding so that it will be waiting for you when you land. Sometimes these items may arrive in a special luggage section. If you are missing your luggage, check there first.

So enjoy and Bon Voyage.