- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
August 2013 Moms
mommabmb
member
Flight with an infant
mommabmb
member
My H and I took Joel on his first round trip flight this weekend. A few others mentioned they might travel by plane, so I wanted to share what we learned. If anyone else has tips for plane travel- add them here!
- Pack so that you can check bags and carry only a diaper bag with you. It will be much easier and worth the wait for luggage. Don't bother with a purse.
- Pack 2 outfits in the diaper bag for LO and an extra shirt for you. The temperature fluctuates and it was freezing on the way there and he was too hot on the way back. We also had a blowout, and didn't have enough clothes.
- If you pump, try to pump in the car right before getting to the airport and right after. Neither airport I went to had any accommodation other than a bathroom.
- the changing stations are in family restrooms, not the usual women's handicap situation. The family restroom may not be near the men's and women's but is worth the walk.
- Joel didn't care about take off or landing, and it never bothered his ears. In fact, he was most fussy when we were in flight and he was bored and refused to sleep. I had a bottle prepared and timed his feeding that he'd eat then with a slow flow nipple. Having one at arms length saved a lot of time.
- TSA was easier the second time. You are supposed to declare if you have a pump, breast milk, or formula. We had all three. I told the agent and he looked at me like I had three heads. To do it again, I wouldn't say anything and just let them find it. They put it in a scanner to check it, but from what I read that did nothig to its quality. I would pack it on top of the bag next time, however, to speed up that process.
- We decided to bring the car seat and caddy to the gate to check there and I held him. There are many who find it best to buy an infant fare (cheaper, if offered by the airline) and secure the car seat. That's obviously the safest route, but I read my sources and made the decision to hold him. It was fine. While I couldn't put the tray down, we had enough room on the aisle and I'm not a small lady.
- There is no safe way to change a baby on a plane. Unless it's vital, don't bother. The bathroom is out and the floor isn't steady. I tried... Just don't bother.
- You have to check in at the ticket counter if you have an infant, not online or at a kiosk.
- You have to tag a stroller (both parts if 2 parts) before boarding, so see the counter at the gate before they begin.
- Pre-boarding for infants and children under 4 is not every airlines policy. I recommend you check to see if you qualify for pre boarding at the gate agent desk.
Anything I missed, BTDT moms?
- Pack so that you can check bags and carry only a diaper bag with you. It will be much easier and worth the wait for luggage. Don't bother with a purse.
- Pack 2 outfits in the diaper bag for LO and an extra shirt for you. The temperature fluctuates and it was freezing on the way there and he was too hot on the way back. We also had a blowout, and didn't have enough clothes.
- If you pump, try to pump in the car right before getting to the airport and right after. Neither airport I went to had any accommodation other than a bathroom.
- the changing stations are in family restrooms, not the usual women's handicap situation. The family restroom may not be near the men's and women's but is worth the walk.
- Joel didn't care about take off or landing, and it never bothered his ears. In fact, he was most fussy when we were in flight and he was bored and refused to sleep. I had a bottle prepared and timed his feeding that he'd eat then with a slow flow nipple. Having one at arms length saved a lot of time.
- TSA was easier the second time. You are supposed to declare if you have a pump, breast milk, or formula. We had all three. I told the agent and he looked at me like I had three heads. To do it again, I wouldn't say anything and just let them find it. They put it in a scanner to check it, but from what I read that did nothig to its quality. I would pack it on top of the bag next time, however, to speed up that process.
- We decided to bring the car seat and caddy to the gate to check there and I held him. There are many who find it best to buy an infant fare (cheaper, if offered by the airline) and secure the car seat. That's obviously the safest route, but I read my sources and made the decision to hold him. It was fine. While I couldn't put the tray down, we had enough room on the aisle and I'm not a small lady.
- There is no safe way to change a baby on a plane. Unless it's vital, don't bother. The bathroom is out and the floor isn't steady. I tried... Just don't bother.
- You have to check in at the ticket counter if you have an infant, not online or at a kiosk.
- You have to tag a stroller (both parts if 2 parts) before boarding, so see the counter at the gate before they begin.
- Pre-boarding for infants and children under 4 is not every airlines policy. I recommend you check to see if you qualify for pre boarding at the gate agent desk.
Anything I missed, BTDT moms?
Married DH 
: 7/7/12; 3 fur babies (2 dogs and 1 cat)
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
: 7/7/12; 3 fur babies (2 dogs and 1 cat)DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Flight with an infant
Nursing during takeoff helps if you want to avoid ear popping issues.
Thanks for posting this! I could have used this information 4 years ago, when I flew with my daughter when she was 2 months old. Great advice!
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
I had a small pillow. It saved my arm. He was in a cradle hold w the pillow under my elbow. Otherwise it'd be grinding on the armrest.
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
Also, we were asked for proof of B's age even though she is obviously an infant so just a heads up.
If you are standing facing the toilet, look right above the seat at the wall. There should be a way to pull down a portion of the wall and turn it into a changing table.
TSA has never been consistent w what to declare, if they care, what additional screening is necessary. It depends on the person what they decide to do.
Great advice, OP!
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
We have a car seat/ stroller travel system ... I know @mommabmb you said you plane side checked the carrier & stroller ... Was that relatively easy ?
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
We only have to show the shot record, never a birth certificate. I've flown 8 times with my daughter, and a birth certificate was never requested. Maybe it varies by airline???
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
You should never check/gate check your car seat, it is left with an unknown history, so you do not know if it was damaged or not, and the only way you will find out is if it fails in a crash (I'd go out and replace your seat ASAP) bags are known to be thrown around and damaged when checked. Lap children are in no way, shape or form safe. In the event of turbulence or a run way emergency (which happens more often than you'd think) your baby turns into your personal air bag, or worse, a projectile. The only way to guarantee a seat for your child is to purchase it in advance, which is what I suggest.
From the FAA:
Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in a government-approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap?
From the AAP:
Occupant protection policies for children younger than 2 years on aircraft are inconsistent with all other national policies on safe transportation. Children younger than 2 years are not required to be restrained or secured on aircraft during
takeoff, landing, and conditions of turbulence. They are permitted to be held on the lap of an adult. Preventable injuries and deaths have occurred in children younger than 2 years who were unrestrained in aircraft during survivable crashes and conditions of turbulence. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a mandatory federal requirement for restraint use for children on aircraft.
From the NTSB:
Chairman Hersman stated, "We appreciate the FAAC acknowledging the dangers associated with children flying on their parents' laps, but we would have preferred to see the FAA be mandated to require that every person including our youngest children be restrained appropriately for their age and size." She continued, "We know that the safest place for children younger than age two traveling on airplanes is in an appropriate child safety seat. The era of the lap child on airplanes should come to an end."
Air travel links:
https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
https://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/
https://carseatblog.com/6599/airplanes-carseats-and-kids%E2%80%94what-you-need-to-know-pt-1/
https://carseatblog.com/6635/airplanes-carseats-and-kids%E2%80%94what-you-need-to-know-pt-2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=spYWuO20fCM
https://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/52b83b02fcc01375862577a60070fb65/$FILE/AC%20120-87B.pdf
https://www.ntsb.gov/news/2010/101215.html
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/5/1218.full
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/air-passengers-children-564.htm
https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2011/InFO11007.pdf
https://www.saferidenews.com/srndnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=w2Du29t2CT4%3d&tabid=238
https://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/2010/child_safety/agenda.html VIDEOS. Lap babies, a baby in a belly belt, child in seatbelt alone, rear and forward facing carseats. GREAT resource.
For specific parts to highlight in the FAA regulations, see https://carseatblog.com/22134/flying-with-a-car-seat-know-your-rights/
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
Sorry, I don't really understand putting my child's life in the trust of a complete stranger. If your child was 2 they would be REQUIRED to be properly restrained. I'm not sure how anyone would consider that just because you have an infant, and have the option to not buy a seat that it's considered "safe". Every child's life is worth the money to buy them a seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spYWuO20fCM
What can happen if you check your set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzmJr1a-BHU
Here is a similar ramp that your car seat traveled down when gate checked. I hope someone was there to catch your seat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndsSzaGibEQ
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
I wasn't starting a debate either, a child is safer when they are properly restrained, period. You agree that you did something that put your child at risk, I wouldn't be writing about it and suggesting others do it as well. I flew with a lap child once before I knew better, so I can understand why someone would do it without knowing better, no one is perfect. You stated that you "looked at all the information" before making your choice, and then looked at the info I posted and said you would do it again. I'm still looking for an answer as to why you would put your child's life in danger over the cost of a plane ticket.
DS born 9/3/13; DD born 7/22/15; LO due 5/28/18
FS (age 5) and FD (age 2) to become AS/AD very soon!
Had our precious baby girl, Little Miss E, on August 14, 2013 ♥ 143 → I.love.you. ♥
And just because....
In my search for an awesome momma bear gif - this is what I found...
On the way there she slept the whole flight- it was awesome. On the way back- she did NOT. She freaked out before we took off because we weren't moving. She likes to walk and see things- and gets frustrated when we are not moving sometimes. She developed a burp that wouldn't come up right as we were sitting on the runway (for 25 minutes after pulling away from the gate mind you) It was my nightmare! But, I did it- I was that person with the screaming baby. We dealt with it, we bounced, we moved her back and forth between us and as soon as the plane started to move, she quieted down. It would have been so much better if we'd been able to stand up when she had a burp stuck- but we did it. I basically fed her through the flight- and she stayed awake but content for the most part. She did really well in the actual airport-
We have a 5 hour flight coming up for thanksgiving and I'm not as terrified about that one anymore. We can do it!
We have flown numerous times with a lap child (uh oh I must be a terrible parent too! Oh andplusalso I did do it to save the cost of the ticket. For fucks sake it was $800 per ticket to Hawaii when we went after Xmas when DS was 6 months old. If we had to buy him a seat we would have missed out on the family vacation. I have no regrets and we have fun family memories)
That being said, we bought one of those bags you can put your stroller in that says gate check on it, thinking we would protect our stroller and seat. It was stupid. Don't waste your money on them. It was difficult in that boarding rush to get it in there and so much easier to just push the stroller to the gate and fold it up and hand it to the nice people who work there. I also always put DS in fleece pants as it can help wick wetness and hold it in if there is a small leak (I knew this from CDing) also the tip about a pillow Or some other arm support is a must. Your arms get so tired, especially if you don't have someone to pass baby off too.
Mommy to J: Born 5/11/2010 & B: Born 8/26/2013