Flying with LO - What to Bring?

Caz1221

DH and I will be flying with LO for the first time next month.  LO will be 1 year + 1 week old at the time, has her own ticket/seat on the plane (she will be in her Chicco Nextfit), and we are on Delta.  What type of identification is required for LO?  Also, what documents have you found helpful to show that car seats can (and should) be installed on the plane (the airline's policy, the car seat manual, FAA-approved sticker on the car seat, anything else)?  I've seen some bad experiences posted on the Car Seats for Littles page about flight attendants being uneducated and trying to take car seats away to check them, so I'm trying to be as prepared as possible.  Any other tips and tricks or resources for flying with LO are welcome!

elvbri

We are flying with LO for the 3rd time this weekend. Each time has been so different but I did last fly with him last month. So, my advice from that experience is to bring a book or two and a few toys, possibly even download a few infant iPad apps. My LO loved looking out the window and walking down the aisle giggling at everyone. I have never had to bring a car seat but I know if I did I'd check it because at this age I don't think he would enjoy a flight having to sit in his car seat. He plays in the airplane seat very well. No matter how it all goes i think these first with the kids are so fun! Maybe your LO will even get wings :-)

LEMSA

The flight attendants should know it's ok. As fat as ID, call the airline and see what they require. Southwest has always asked for ID, AA hasn't. Basically bring what you need to keep them occupied. I always wear LO, so I never have a stroller or anything else to lug around.

elvbri

Delta has never asked for ID.

rh10264706

I flew with my lo in his car seat and purchased his own seat. We flew usairways. Prior to boarding the people who take tickets were confused and wanted documentation regarding his age, thinking he was a lap baby. Usually no id is needed for children if they have their own seat, ID is only needed to prove the are under 2 and therefore are permitted to be a lap baby. Once we explained that he had his own ticket we didn't have any problems. (We did have a copy of his birth certificate just in case) Only thing that was a little annoying was that they didn't let families with kids board first, but that's not a big deal. We installed the car seat in the window seat without any problems and none of the other passengers or flight attendants said anything. I did take the car seat manual just in case and would be prepared with the FAA regulations regarding car seats on airplanes. Good luck!

SarahinMD

We always take certified copies of our girls' birth certificate when flying. I agree with PP that it's generally only an issue for lap babies (we flew when DD2 was 6 months and clearly under 2 and they didn't ask for it. I'd never want to get held up somewhere because they ask for it and we don't have it.

We have never put the girls in car seats when flying, always gate checked the seats so I don't have an suggestions on that.

We always make sure to grab some LO friendly snacks when thru security and take an empty sippy cup to fill for LOs.

imotots

We are flying the first time in three weeks. First plane is 14 hours and second is three. We are trying C.A.R.E.S. cause international seats can't be used in the U.S. so we want something compact. It was recommended we print the FAA and Japanese certifications it is okay for planes. Also, per suggestions, we will be unveiling a new toy every couple hours or as needed and lots of snacks.

coraggiosa

I just flew with DD on Southwest, and I had no issues with bringing her car seat aboard to be installed. In fact, one of the flight attendants was glad I actually strapped it in because he said that a lot of people just plop it in the seat without securing it!

In any case, I used a strap thing that connected the car seat to my rolling carry-on, which was really useful. Other than that, I brought her birth certificate, but I didn't need it. I brought a variety of toys, some puffs, a blanket, and extra layers in case she got cold. I used my mei tei to carry her on and off, and I just gate checked the stroller. 

amief

We have flown 3 times with LO so far, once just last week.  We also buy him a seat and bring the car seat.  We've never had trouble, but not a bad idea to bring the FAA guidelines and car seat manual.    For ID I've heard it depends on the airline.  We've always brought a copy of his birth certificate but never needed it. 

As far as making it around.  I wear him in a carrier, even when we've brought the stroller.  It is just much easier to get through security and board the plane with him there.  I try to get to the airport early and find the kids area (if there is one) to let him get out his energy.  Then change his diaper right before boarding time so I have to change as few diapers as possible on the plane.  Then, if it works out timing wise, I feed him as soon as we get on the plan (before take off) and most of the time he falls right to sleep after the plane starts moving. Bring new toys (or put away some favorites for a week or two before travelling so he hasn't seen them for a while), and some easy and not messy snacks.  Honestly, I was more worried this last time because he is mobile now... but it was still fine.  It was my first time alone without my husband while travelling, and it was still pretty easy.  

GL!

Caz1221

Thanks, everyone!  I'll call Delta to ask about any required ID for LO.  We won't need a stroller on the trip (there's one where we're staying), so I'll probably wear LO in the Ergo around the airport and attach her car seat to a rolling suitcase or buy one of the carts/dollies made for wheeling car seats around.

I'll try to remember to post about our experience when we get back from the trip.  For anyone interested, the Car Seats for Littles website and Facebook group also have great info on flying with LO.

carrotcake06

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JHN3AS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404920434&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

This is seriously the best thing ever, especially if you aren't bringing a stroller. Strap kid in car seat and car seat onto roller bag.

I prefer not to bring the car seat on the plane bc my oldest would've never actually sat in it. We haven't flown w the twins yet bc I prefer to maintain my sanity.

But I'd bring lots of toys and snacks. This is a hard stage to fly bc they're mobile and want things but aren't great walkers. They also don't really sit for an iPad either. It's not my favorite. However, I've never had a problem bringing liquids or whatever - I just tell TSA it's for my kid and it's fine.

You shouldn't need ID since your LO has her own seat.

coraggiosa

carrotcake06 said:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JHN3AS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404920434&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40 This is seriously the best thing ever, especially if you aren't bringing a stroller. Strap kid in car seat and car seat onto roller bag. I prefer not to bring the car seat on the plane bc my oldest would've never actually sat in it. We haven't flown w the twins yet bc I prefer to maintain my sanity. But I'd bring lots of toys and snacks. This is a hard stage to fly bc they're mobile and want things but aren't great walkers. They also don't really sit for an iPad either. It's not my favorite. However, I've never had a problem bringing liquids or whatever - I just tell TSA it's for my kid and it's fine. You shouldn't need ID since your LO has her own seat.

That's what I got! It worked great!