Travelling with babies on a flight could be difficult. Hence, parents should prepare well for the same and arrange a comfortable journey. Here’s a guide on how they can do so, along with essential FAQs.
Traveling In Flight With Infant
Traveling with a newborn on a flight requires careful planning and well-researched understanding for the parents. All the airlines allow individuals to carry infants with their dedicated rules and regulations. However, several points are common in all airlines, the highlights of which are shared further in the write-up.
How To Travel With an Infant In Flight?
You can travel with a newborn on a flight easily; still, there are several factors that you should comply with before taking them on the flight, and you can travel with an infant by Air only by following the rules and regulations of an airline.
At the very beginning, you must ensure you are taking your baby on the flight in compliance with the airlines’ rules, as some airlines allow babies as young as two days old to travel on flights while some airlines allow a two-week-old one.
Apart from the minimum age limit, it is necessary to obtain all medical clearances for your baby; you must consult a pediatrician and obtain your baby’s health information along with the required documents.
Airlines usually allow a certain amount of babies to travel on each trip, ranging from 10 to 15 infants. Airlines also offer special allowances for parents traveling with their infants, such as strollers, diaper bags, etc.
Is It Safe To Travel With A New Born In Flight?
Generally, traveling with a newborn on a flight is considered safe if cared for properly. Still, due to the potential discomfort of babies, it is recommended that they should be at least 3 months old to travel comfortably on flights.
Minimum Age Baby Can Fly
It is recommended that individuals explore airline guidelines to clarify their rules and regulations regarding newborn travel. However, many airlines allow babies at least two weeks old to travel.
Some airlines allow newborns 2 days old to travel in airplanes, but only after doctor’s clearance. However, it is recommended to parents that their children should be at least 3 months old before air travel.
Best Seat In Flight For Infants
If you have planned a flight with your newborn, it is crucial to choose the right seat so that your journey with your child can be comfortable. In such a case, arranging a dedicated seat or ticket for your newborn is first recommended.
If the best sitting places on a flight for an infant are considered, in such a case, you should choose the bulkhead seats because these seats offer extra legroom, but due to high demand, you will need to pre-book these seats and to do the same, you may choose NixTour.
Apart from the bulkhead seats, aisle seats are also the best seats for a newborn on a flight. Apart from these, you should avoid sitting near the emergency exit and choose the window seat of any row so the children do not face any problems during the hospitality services.
Rules To Fly With A Baby
Traveling with a newborn on a flight is allowed by several airlines. Still, all airlines have dedicated rules and regulations, so travelers are recommended to check the newborn traveling regulations and policies on the airline’s website or contact support before booking their tickets.
However, in some common cases, a newborn should be at least two weeks old to travel on a flight, and parents should reserve bassinets in advance. Babies can be carried on laps without a ticket, and if you book a dedicated seat ticket for your baby, you must bring airline-approved car seats.
Note: It is not recommended to carry babies on laps throughout the journey, as turbulence could cause the baby to get hurt.
What Are The Documents Required To Travel With A Newborn On A Plane?
Today, multiple airlines regarding infant travel demand dedicated documents for babies from parents so that their entire journey can be hassle-free. In a domestic flight, the child’s birth certificate, the mother’s hospital discharge certificate, and some governmental documents may be required to help verify the child’s info.
Regarding international flights, along with all these documents, you should also obtain a passport for your infant and, sometimes, a visa. Some countries may demand a notarized consent letter if children travel with a single parent via Air. The following points highlight the requirements of some of these essential documents.
- Mother’s hospital discharge summary
- Child’s birth certificate
- Passport (For International Travel Only)
- Vaccination Certificate
- Health Document
Tips For Travelling With An Infant In Plane
There are several factors that parents must consider in case of infant travel, and it becomes even more critical if you are traveling by Air for the first time. You must take care of everything from the regular rest of the baby to their comfort and environmental protection. The following section shares a glimpse of some such tips that you must follow if you are going to travel with an infant on a flight.
- Initially, you must follow all airline regulations that are subject to infant travel.
- It is essential to choose the right flight for your baby where they must get proper comfort.
- Book your flight during the baby’s nap time to avoid any trouble.
- You must book a dedicated seat for your baby, especially for long-haul journeys.
- Some airlines offer dedicated seats like bassinets, which you must reserve in advance.
- You must begin your travel by arranging all the baby stuff, including mid-air meals.
- Carry a well-organized diaper bag for your baby, along with extra clothes
- Carry enough feeding supplies, a toy, and comfort essentials for your baby
Must-Have Stuffs To Carry When Flying With Infant
For the proper journey with your newborn, you must ensure that all the necessary items are available so that the baby does not have to face any problems in mid-flight and you also have fewer troubles. Following is a list of some such stuff that you should prioritize taking for a hassle-free experience:
- Diapers
- Backpack
- Feeding bottle
- Milk
- Soft blanket
- Small toys
- Baby clothes
- Some essential medicines
- Baby carrier
Does A Newborn Require A Visa To Fly?
Parents must have a dedicated visa for their infants if they need to travel internationally by flight. The requirement is for almost every destination where Indians cannot travel visa-free. Apart from visas, some countries may also demand other documents, such as proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
Flight Ticket Charges For Infants
The cost of traveling with an infant in flight is subject to the airline’s regulations. While some airlines offer free tickets, some charge a nominal percentage of adult fare. Hence, you must explore the airlines’ guidelines regarding infant travel.
In most domestic flights, babies upto 2 years of age can travel for free, but only on the condition that they have to be carried on their parent’s lap or there is an option for parents to pay for a dedicated seat for their child.
On the other hand, if international flights are considered, some airlines charge a significant percentage of the ticket even if the baby is sitting on their lap. This percentage can range from 10 to 25% of the adult ticket fare. For more information, you will have to explore dedicated airline services.
Flight Ticket Rule For Newborn In India
Children above 2 days and below 2 years are considered infants, and parents must submit essential documents to make them travel. These documents include a birth certificate, mother’s hospital discharge summary and medical reports.
Additionally, parents with infants mustn’t sit near the emergency row and carry their child on their lap without a ticket or take a car seat for their baby if they buy a dedicated ticket.
FAQs
Flight Charges For Infants In India?
Some domestic airlines in India don’t charge for infant travel on parents’ lap, while some charge a lower price plus taxes. Air India charges 10% plus taxes, indigo charges ₹1750, while SpiceJet also charges ₹1,750 for infants.
Baggage Allowance For Infants In Domestic Flight?
The baggage allowed for infants on domestic flights can be a small bag that mustn’t weight more than 7 Kilograms.
What Is The Infant Fare In Domestic Flight Indigo?
The infant fare on domestic flight Indigo is ₹1750.
Is It Safe To Travel With an Infant By Air?
Traveling with an infant by Air is generally safe until your baby turns 2 weeks older.
How Many Infants Are Allowed On A Plane?
Per person, one infant is allowed on a plane, and there is a threshold for each trip a plane can carry infants. In the case of Airbus 320 (Indigo), 12 infants can travel in a whole aircraft.
What Is The Infant Baggage Allowance Indigo?
It’s 7kg, and you may carry baby essential items such as diapers and wipes.
What Are The Required I’d Proofs For Infants In Domestic Flight Indigo?
Birth certificate, mother’s hospital discharge summary, vaccination report, and passport are essential documents parents must submit to board with Indigo.
What Problems Do Newborn Faces During Air Travel?
One of the common challenges that babies face while traveling with a newborn on a flight is the ear pain during takeoff and landing.
When Should A New Born Be Taken To Flight?
A baby can be taken on a flight after one week they are born. However, it is recommended not to take babies on a flight until they turn 3 months older.
At What Age Can You Take Baby On a Plane?
You can take babies to a plane just after 2 days of birth.
When Is It Safe To Travel With A New Born In Flight?
After two weeks, when the baby is born, it is generally considered safe to travel with them.
When Can A New Born Fly Internationally?
However, babies can be made to travel internationally just after 2 days of birth, but it is recommended that parents avoid making them travel during the first week.
