Emergency
row seats
Are not an alternative when you're travelling with
a baby. They are definitely more spacious but, most airlines require
exit row flyers to be at least 15 years of age.
 Engine
seats
can be too loud, specially if you would like your
baby to fall asleep
Seats
near galley or lavatoty
will come in handy, especially if you want a bottle
warmed or you think you will make frequent trips to the toilet.
Sitting near the front of the plane will let you get off the plane
sooner which is always a plus at the end of a long flight.
Back
row seats
are probably no the best option considering that most
of them do not fully recline. However, they are often located close
to the galleys and lavatories.
Bulkhead
seats
PROS |
CONS |
|
 Have
more legroom than other seats.
They
usually have extra oxygen bags for infants and toddlers flying
without an assigned seat.
Airline
bassinets can be attached to bulkheads.
|
However,
the armrests on those seats often don't go up, so there's
no chance of you or your baby stretching out.
If your
flight shows a movie, the screen will be right in front of
you and hard to see.
Bulkheads
don't offer under seat storage for carry-on bags.That leaves
you unbuckling, rearranging, standing up, and opening the
overhead storage bin whenever your baby needs a snack, drink,
toy, or other necessity.
|
Standard
practices for U.S
(based airlines)
The vast majority of airlines follow these policies on their flights.
However, please check with the corresponding airline help line before
you buy your tickets.
Babies must be 7 days of age or older to fly
Babies under age of 2 usually fly free. This is due to the fact
that small babies can travel on your lap.
Babies under age 2 receive a special 50% discount when you purchase
a seat for them. Note that you are not obliged to purchase a ticket
since children under age 2 are considered lap babies.
Children over age 2 must have tickets for their own seats
If you purchase a seat for your child *under or over 2 years of
age), you'll need to bring an FAA-approved car seat for him/her
to sit in on the plane.
You can check your stroller when you board and get it right back
at the gate when you arrive to your destination.
Important
questions
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TO FLY
Do you allow pre-boarding for families with small children?
Will there be a pre-boarding announcement or do we have to ask at
the gate?
If I decide not to have my baby on my lap, what's the price discount
for a child under age 2? Do you give seat discounts for children
older than ?.
Will you require proof of my child's age and identity? If so, what
kind of proof?
Does my baby need a passport?
Can I get bulkhead seats?
Do bulkhead seats in this aircraft have oxygen bags for babies?
If not, can you make sure we are assigned a seat that does?
Are bassinets available on the flight? When should I reserve one?
(bassinets are only available for lap babies, and can only be used
in bulkhead rows)
If you don’t feel like checking your stroller at the gate,
does bringing a stroller on board count as a carry-on?
Do you have diaper-changing facilities on the aircraft?
Do you offer children's meals? When and how should I order one?
Are diapers, formula, baby food, or other amenities available on
board? If so, are they complementary?
Can my child sit in his own car seat? If not, can the airline provide
a car seat that's safe and appropriate for my child?
|
Flying
with a baby...?
Contents