Rules for flying with a baby – with airplane standards!

There are many difficulties and questions before we are boarding with a baby. Traveling abroad with a baby is not an easy task at first glance but if you do your job beforehand, you make it a lot easier for yourself. This is a complicated situation for a parent. Flying in itself has its stressful moments but when flying with a baby, these moments double. Usually they take families as priority which makes it a little easier but there are still lines to stand in, there is still a lot of waiting and staying in one place. Different airlines have different rules for flying with a baby. Lottirose tried to collect these rules to make your planning easier.

Basic rules for flying with a baby

Different airlines have different rules for travelling with a baby on a plane, but there are certain ones that are usually in common. There are different areas we need to cover. Prior to these though I have to mention that you have to check what documents you will need for your kids. Maybe an ID will do, but maybe you need a passport. Inform yourself and have the appropriate documents ready well in advance. Now let’s have a look at rules at the airport. It is worth checking in online so you can skip the first line. Check with the airline if it is possible with them. Even if you buy priority check-in, you have to wait the line for security but our experience is that in most cases when we fly with kids and a security staff sees us, they take us first. We don’t expect nor ask for it, but it definitely makes it easier for us. Once we’re through security check, it is best to go straight to your gate. If you are taking a stroller on board, they might want to put the tags on and if you stand in line late with others, they might ask you to stand aside and wait for others to board before they can deal with the tags. Then it might be a good idea to find a play area until boarding and to spend the time there so that your kids can move as much as possible before they have to sit in one place for a longer period of time.

Next let’s have a quick look at rules during the flight. These rules may vary with different airlines, but the fact that you can take a stroller and usually one more baby equipment with you in addition to your luggage is in common. Flying with a baby car seat has two alternatives. You can check your car-seat in, or if you have an airline approved car seat, you can take it on board with you. If your car seat is aircraft approved, on the sticker it says: „Certified for use on aircraft”. If your child is younger than two, you do not need to buy a separate seat for him (it’s called a ’lap policy’ and you still need to pay taxes and some fees), but for kids older than that, it is compulsory. If your child turns two before your return flight, he is considered older than two so you need to buy the tickets for the departing flight as well. Flying with baby formula powder or ready-made formula is a very sensitive topic because of the strict fluid regulations. In reality they will probably let you take the formula, sterilized water and pureed food as well without restrictions. You might be asked to taste some of it to prove you are taking baby food but this shouldn’t be an issue. Now you are all set to go. How to spend time or what to do on board, we’ll deal with later. Now let’s discuss the rules after landing. If you didn’t check-in your stroller but took it to the plane with you, there are two options, typically depending on the airport, not the airline. It might be waiting for you as you exit the plane or they may put it on the conveyor belt and you have to collect it at baggage reclaim. There are no specific rules once you landed but at passport control you might again be taken as priority if they see you are traveling with kids.

Flying with a sick baby?

You might think, traveling with a sick baby is just not an option. It is every parent’s worst nightmare yet it happens. Who would do that? Well, if the baby gets sick during the holiday, the family still needs to come home, right? So if you see someone flying with a baby with a cold, a stomach bug or any other issues, don’t judge probably they are not happy about it either. If it is you, that it happens to, be ready. How can you prepare for this situation? What can you do for your baby or for other passengers’ peace of mind? Usually it doesn’t start at the airport so you have the chance to buy medication in advance. Store these medicines in their original packaging to avoid confusion and always pack them in your carry-on. If there is syrup, too, you should notify security before security screening so they know you have medical liquids. Once you board the plane, try to keep the baby pain free and soothe him/her in any way you can. It will require a lot of patience from you but always keep other passengers in mind as well, they have no choice, but stay near you. Flying with your baby is always a critical point of a holiday but if the baby is sick, it makes it even more critical. Sometimes they don’t let you book an aisle seat with a baby or you are stuck with people you don’t know. Always be ready to inform the flight attendants and ask for help to change your seat or move you to a more convenient seat, considering the situation.

Lottirose’s best tips for travelling with a baby

Another big issue is what to do when flying with a baby, how to entertain them or how to spend the time well. Always have a baby travel checklist. It will make your preparation and packing less stressful and you can make sure you have enough sources of entertainment for your child.

The first problem you might face is take-off and landing. Babies are more sensitive to pressure changes so they might experience strong discomfort. To avoid it, it is best to have something for them to drink or something to chew on so that they suck and/or swallow. This helps relieve air pressure. Once you’re in the air, you just need to keep them entertained. With younger babies who are not mobile yet it is easier while with a toddler it can be a real challenge. You can download a list of useful activities and toys that are good to take on a plane. Flying with baby food pouches can also give you some time. They might play with the pouches, they might try to mix the food or they might take bites from different pouches, you can turn this into a game for them as well. The most important thing is to always be prepared but more importantly, flexible.

Before the flight: check the special rules for flying with a baby in the UK

Rules for flying with a baby – in the UK or other countries –  may vary depending on the airline or the country so better safe than sorry. You can find these rules on each airline’s website. The only difference we experienced with different airports was the place where we could get our stroller back after the flight, as that depends on the local facilities. Concerning baggage allowance, baby equipment and prices, each airline has its own rules. What is universal though, is baby food. There is no restriction on carrying baby food with you. You can even carry breastmilk in your hand luggage but if you board the plane with baby food or formula or breastmilk, the baby has to be present (understandably)

Flying with a baby in the UK: Thomson or TUI

If you’re flying Tui or Thomson with a baby, here are some useful information. Your child must be older than 14 days and each infant should be accompanied by an adult. Infants up to two fly in an adult’s lap. Concerning solid food they have no restrictions and they have changing facilities on board. You are allowed to take one baggage of maximum 10kgs for your baby and a stroller can be carried free of charge. An important thing about car seats if you wish to take your own is that you need to take the original leaflet with it. In case you have further questions, check their website.

Jet2 rules for flying with baby

When choosing jet2 for flying with a new baby, you need to know that there is no luggage allowance. A stroller, a car seat and a travel cot can be carried but should not exceed 10kg combined for all items. Otherwise you need to pay for extra luggage. If you wish to carry these items, an infant or a child must be in the booking. The youngest the baby can fly is two weeks of age. For any other questions go to jet2 website and get informed.

Flying with a baby with Ryanair

When flying with a baby on Ryanair it is good to know that you can take a baby bag with you that is maximum 5kgs. You can also take a stroller (to the aircraft and if local conditions permit, you get it back at the aircraft) and one of the following: a car seat, a booster or a travel cot. On board there are baby changing facilities and the flight attendants are happy to help you if you need your baby food heated. If you have any more questions, go to the website of Ryanair or call their call center.

Does the baby have the largest luggage?

It is generally true that the youngest member of the family has the largest luggage. Traveling with a baby any way can be complicated but flying with a baby makes it even more complicated. You need to follow all the rules and you need to fit in the weight and size limits. If you find it difficult to take every single baby item with you to feel like home in Budapest, we have the solution for you. Lottirose can provide you with all the necessary items like strollers, car seats, travel cribs, carriers similar to baby bjorn and much more. All you need to do is order them, get here and find them in your hotel room or apartment. When you leave, you simply leave them behind and we take care of the rest. This can save you from a lot of stress.