Flying with a Baby…?
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EMERGENCY ROW SEATS

ENGINE SEATS

SEATS NEAR A GALLEY OR A LAVATORY

BULKHEAD SEATS

STANDARD PRACTICES U.S.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

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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 GALEY or a LAVATORY
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 to ask before you 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?