Flying with babies and children under five.
BEFORE TRAVELLING
Before travelling by air with children under the age of five, please check whether the country you are travelling in or to, allows children to travel on their parent's passport or if they are required to have a separate one of their own.
When booking air travel arrangements for children under five, please inform the airline reservation agent of the children's age, as some airlines do not take children under a certain age or they require you to rent or buy certain children's restraint harnesses with their flights.
When booking flights with children under five, try and book direct flights if at all possible.If layovers are unavoidable, make sure that the layover is not too short as to enable you not to make your connection, or too long as to keep you waiting around for very long periods.
Most airlines insist that one child must travel with one adult, making this rule somewhat problematic for single adults travelling with more than one child under the age of five or with multiple births such as twins or triplets, as most airlines insist on babies and small children being secured on an adult's lap during take off and landing.
When two adults or more are travelling with two children or more in the same party, it may be beneficial to arrange to sit in seperate rows on the aircraft, as most aircraft only supply one extra oxygen mask per row of seats.
When booking airline seats for under twos, ask for bulk head seats, as these have more leg room, making this area the most suitable for the implementation of bassinets.
Parents of under twos can buy their own bassinet if they are regular flyers. When buying your own, please check that it is the recommended size for the airline that you are flying with, as some airlines require them to weigh no more than 11kgs and to be no larger than 28ins by 12 ins.
Many airlines do offer the chance to buy or rent bassinets when booking flights, and will make provision to have them already installed next to your booked seat.This is particularly beneficial on long haul flights.
For babies between six and eighteen months old, some airlines will allow them to travel in car seats, which can be placed on the seat next to the child's parent or suitable,adult guardian. Many airlines will not charge for the use of this seat, but do make certain about this when booking. If using a car seat as a restraint for a child onboard a flight, never, ever place it in the aisle of the aircraft.
For children between the ages of eighteen months and four years old, most airlines require them to travel with a child aviation restraint system, commonly known as a CARES restraint. This type of harness can be attached to the seat next to the child's parent or suitable, adult guardian. CARES harnesses can be bought from High Street shops or online, or in some cases, bought or rented by the airline.
WHILST TRAVELLING
Babies' and toddler's food, drink and bottles are allowed to be taken onboard the airline in the parent's or suitable, adult guardian's hand luggage.
Babies and toddlers medication is also allowed onboard the airline in a parent's or suitable, adult guardian's hand luggage.
Babies can be carried onto a flight in a carry - cot or travelling bassinet. As well as carriage for the baby, the baby's paraphenalia can also be packed in the carry - cot too, such as bedding, nappies, wipes, extra bottles and some toys. If the travel bassinet or carry - cot is not being used for the duration of the flight, you will be asked to stow it in an overhead locker or in some cases, it may be allowed to be put under the parent's or guardian's seat.
Babies' and toddler's food and bottled drinks can be heated up by cabin staff at any time throughout the journey, just press the attendant's call bell and ask.
Most airlines allow parents or guardians flying with young children or babies to board the aircraft first, in order to board safely and to have plenty of room to move. When leaving the aircraft, always alight last, in order to leave safely and to have plenty of room for movement from obstacles and other passengers. In many cases airline personnel will be on hand to help travellers with babies and young children.
Prams, pushchairs and strollers will have to be stowed in the luggage hold of the aircraft and will not be allowed in the cabin. Some airlines charge for the carriage of larger prams and pushchairs, so do ask about this when booking your flight. All airlines ask that prams and pushchairs be folded flat for the flight and in some cases, wrapped in cling film in order to protect them from dirt, dents and scratches.
Baby changing facilities can be found in most aircraft toilets.
FIND CHILD FRIENDLY HOTELS WITH HOTELS COMBINED
