Flying With Kids Part 1

First things first!

Q. Can my child fly?

A. This depends on the age of your child and the airline.  While some airlines allow children as young as 2 days old others won’t fly with infants younger than 2 weeks. You might also need to get a letter from your GP to prove your baby is fit to fly.

Tips:

• As a general rule each infant has to be accompanied by an adult. 2 Kids = 2 Adults.
• Check that your travel insurance covers newborns and infants.
• Check that your baby can be vaccinated if you are flying to exotic locations; babies under 2 months can’t take malaria tablets.
• Children under 6 months can’t be vaccinated against yellow fever.  
• Don’t forget your little one will need their own passport! Passports normally cost £46 and take 3 weeks to arrive.

Q. Will my child need their own seat?

A. There are a few different answers to this but here is a general guide

* Babies must fit the airline’s bassinet restrictions

** Check with your airline to see if your car seat/carrycot/harness or bassinet fits the requires specifications.

Q. What can I take on the plane?

A. Each airline has different allowances so always check before flying. As a general guide

Infants up to 2 years traveling on your lap or in a bassinet, you can take one bag full of the things that you little one will need during the flight.

You might also be able to take:

• One fully collapsible push chair
• One car seat
• A small fully collapsible push chair can be wheeled to the aircraft door, then stowed in the hold (check with your airline).

Children over 2 that have their own seat have the same luggage and checked luggage as you do.

With this in mind here are a few essential items every parent will need.

• Nappies – at least one for each hour of the flight and some extra just in case of a delay.
• A disposable changing mat or a travel mat, plus some wet wipes and nappy sacks.
• Blankets to help comfort your baby or if the plane is cold.
• Some spare clothes in case of spills.
• Expressed milk or formula, boiled water in a baby or baby food for the journey. This may be over 100 ml although airport security could ask you to open or taste this as a security measure.
• Lastly your child’s favourite toy for comfort if they are nervous or tired.

Here are a few holiday essentials you will need for kids of all ages.

• Child pain relief.
• Hand sanitiser.
• Teething gel.
• Thermometer.
• Insect repellent.
• Factor 50+ sunblock.
• Rehydration powder.
• Soluble anti-sickness relief.
• Bite and sting relief, calamine lotion.
• Microwaveable sterilisation bags or pre-sterilised bottles.
  
  

If you enjoyed this blog here are some related blog you might also like:

1. Will My Suitcase Fit the Ryanair Cabin Baggage Rules?
2. How To Pack Hand Luggage Effectively.
3. Keeping Kids Happy During The Flight.

If you have enjoyed any of our blogs don't forget to share them with friends!