Flying with a one-year-old child by plane: what you need to know. How to fly with a child without problems: detailed instructions What can be done on a plane with a small child

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The plane is one of the safest and most comfortable ways to travel around the world. However, many parents are afraid to fly with their children, considering air travel difficult and inconvenient. We declare it is not so! Today we have prepared tips for you on how to fly with children so as not to inconvenience them, ourselves and those around you. We assure you that our little tricks will help you breathe out and look at air travel with the enthusiastic eyes of your child.

  • How to fly with a child: how much does it cost

As with many other forms of transportation, plane tickets for children are cheaper than for adults. Airlines apply special fares to children:

  1. Infant (infant) - for children from 0 to 2 years old.Children travel without a seat, in the arms of an adult, for only 10% of the full fare. Low-cost airlines also practice a flat rate for infants on all flights. Infants may not rely on baggage - at the discretion of the airline. But the stroller is almost always transported free of charge. In some cases, children under 2 years old can travel without payment, most often on domestic airline flights. In this case, the adult has all the luggage.
  2. Child tariff - for children 2-11 years old... As soon as babies turn 2 years old, they start traveling on the Child fare, which is 50-75% of the adult fare. It assumes a separate seat for a small passenger, as well as baggage check-in for adults. . The Child rate also applies to children under 2 years of age if the parents purchase a separate seat for them.
  3. Children over 12 years old fly at full cost, but can count on special youth airline fares, if any.
  • How to fly with a child: documents for crossing the border

If you are flying abroad with a child, check the list of documents required for departure. For children under 16, the standard list of documents looks like this:

  1. Birth certificate of the child.
  2. Permission to leave from parents or one of them, certified by a notary - if the child leaves without being accompanied by the parents or one of them.
  3. Child's travel document.
  4. Visa - if required.

Children over 16 years old only need a travel document and a visa.

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  • How to fly with a child: planning, airport, check-in, plane

Traveling by plane is an exciting experience for both the child and his parents. But if the child's excitement is joyful, then the parents experience real stress. Follow our guidelines to stay calm and collected.

  1. Book your tickets in advance.This way you can choose the best locations. In addition, some airlines limit the number of young children on board. Hurry up to be one of them.
  2. Choose uncrowded flights. People rarely sit down with parents with children unless absolutely necessary. The fewer people on the flight, the more likely your baby will be able to get a separate seat even without a purchase. It is not easy to find a low-traffic flight during the holiday season, but be aware that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are less popular days for departures.
  3. Fly in the morning.In the morning, children are traditionally in a better mood, which means they behave better.
  4. Be the first to arrive at check-in and boarding.Check in as early as possible to avoid queues and get the best seats. Be the first to board to avoid crowds.
  5. Choose bright clothes. Dress the kids up brightly and you'll find them in the crowd easier.
  6. Feel free to ask.Ask the staff at check-in, if possible, not to add people to you. Ask your neighbor to switch places with you. Ask the stewardess to warm up the water for your meals. Please ask to give you a queue at customs control. You will be surprised how much people are willing to do for travelers with children.
  7. Use children's infrastructure.Almost every airport has a nursery, a feeding and changing room. On long flights there are toilets for changing diapers. There may be children's coloring kits on board - ask the flight attendants.

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  • How to fly with a child: what to take on a plane

For your child to feel good during the flight, you need to meet all of his needs. He should be full, he should not be scared, bored or uncomfortable. Think in advance of the list of things to take on board, or use our advice.

  1. Clothing.Clothing should be light, comfortable, without chafing seams. Shoes should be easy to take off and put on. It can be hot or cold on the plane - think about this moment in your clothes. Bring a change of clothing for the baby and a T-shirt for yourself.
  2. Food. Many airlines offer a children's menu on their flights - this should be ordered when purchasing tickets. However, we recommend that you bring fruit, candy and biscuits with you anyway.
  3. New toys. Buy a toy in advance and take it with you. New fun will keep your child busy longer.
  4. Screens - yes... Even if you are against spending time at the computer, bring along a tablet with toys, a DVD player with cartoons, or let the kids watch TV on the plane without restrictions.
  5. Wet wipes. They will help fight sudden blemishes.
  6. Scarf and pins. By pinning the ends of the scarf to the seat backs, you can isolate yourself from other people and help your child fall asleep.
  7. Medicines. An airplane is a crowded place, which means your child can catch an infection that will quickly show its symptoms. Therefore, take a first aid kit with antipyretic, antihistamine and other necessary drugs in your hand luggage.
  • How to fly with baby: when to start flying

Many parents are afraid to fly with babies. However, we dare to assure - many people make up their minds and remain satisfied. Experienced travelers with children say that flying with babies is much easier and more convenient than with restless three or four year olds. Within 8-10 days after birth, most airlines are ready to take a little traveler on board. The airline may require a doctor's certificate to allow the newborn to fly, so check the requirements in advance.

  • How to fly with a baby: how to order a carrycot

Babies fly without a seat - on the lap of their parents. By default, parents are given seat belts to secure the child in the adult's arms. Needless to say, children don't like such belts. A regular backpack or sling can do a good job. In them, the child can sleep comfortably throughout the flight. Some airlines offer cots for babies, which must be ordered in advance. Also check if the airline allows you to take your car seat on board the aircraft and check the requirements for it.

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  • How to fly with a baby: stroller

As a rule, airlines allow you to take a stroller with you, even if baggage check-in is not provided for in the fare. The stroller can be checked in at check-in or handed over to the flight attendants when boarding the plane. In the second case, the stroller will be returned to you immediately after leaving the plane at your destination. The stroller is transported free of charge, but be sure to check if there are requirements for the dimensions and maximum weight of the stroller.

  • How to fly with a baby: solving the problem of ears

During takeoff and landing, due to pressure changes, young children often cry and complain of ear pain. To help your baby avoid discomfort, offer him a breast, a bottle of water or juice. Older children can sip small sips of water from a cup or sippy cup, or suck on lollipop.

  • How to fly with a baby: food on the plane

Even with a limited supply of liquids, parents of babies should not worry. You can take bottles with breast milk, mixture, water, juice or compote. However, try to keep the amount of food in line with the duration of the flight - do not add too much. Set aside your child's meals in a separate package and be sure to tell them about their availability at airport security.

  • How to send a child alone by plane abroad

If none of the adults can fly with a child on vacation, he can fly alone - under the watchful eye of the airline representatives. Already from the age of 5, the child can be sent on the first independent journey and at the same time be sure of a successful outcome of the venture. Still - after all, the child will be taken through customs, put on a plane, and at the point of destination will be handed over to the person who meets him.

Even the thought of a turquoise sea and eternal summer fades and shrinks against the backdrop of the prospect of spending several hours on a plane with a child. But with proper organization, a flight with a young traveler is not such a troublesome event as to give up trips to a beautiful far away.

Takeoff and landing

The most unpleasant moments. Passengers experience discomfort caused by pressure differences during height differences. This, in particular, explains the painful sensations in the ears, as well as children's crying, overlapping the sound of running turbines. If your child has a stuffy nose or ear problems, the screaming will be even greater, so consult your doctor in advance about special drops.

Babies are more comfortable spending this time at their mother's breast, with a nipple or bottle. Older children need to swallow from time to time. The candy on a stick works flawlessly - its "validity" period is just enough for the required period. If you are not allergic, you can try inhaling eucalyptus oil vapors - for example, dropping a few drops on a handkerchief. And stock up on a book, coloring book, new toy or tablet game in advance that will help you keep your child on a leash for these 20 minutes.

How not to get sick?

Despite all the airlines' assurances that the air in the cabin is refreshed about 15 times per hour, it is possible to find in it: products of fuel combustion, including carbon monoxide; ozone, which irritates the respiratory tract and exacerbates asthmatic symptoms; and even pesticides that are used to kill insects (especially if the plane flies to southern countries). And, of course, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms circulating inside the isolated cabin. From the latter, preventive measures can and should be taken: from a simple oxolinic ointment in the nose to imported drugs of a wide spectrum of action.

What to take with you?

A set of changeable clothes is a must, even if your traveler has long and irrevocably abandoned a diaper. Wet wipes (preferably antibacterial). Medicationsif your child is receiving treatment. It would be nice to have a spare pair of socks - they will be needed when the child does slip out of the parental embrace and travels around the cabin. You will need chewing gum or candy for takeoff and landing, and non-sticky cookies or dried fruit for a light snack (so as not to provoke lightheadedness in your child, do not take soda and fatty foods with you).

How to go to bed?

Take with you something that your child usually falls asleep with at home - a favorite toy, pillow, blanket, etc. For older children, buy a collar pillow that will keep the neck and head in the correct position. If you are lucky and there are free places nearby, do not hesitate to lay your baby on them. Sometimes the light in the cabin prevents the child from falling asleep - ask the stewardess for a blanket and throw it over the back of your and front seat, making a canopy. Experienced travelers manage to guess flights according to the child's sleep - only here it is important not to forget about the time difference.

What to do if the child is seasick?

In this case, doctors advise giving a slice of lemon or drinking in small sips, but in practice this does not always help. There are a number of drugs for motion sickness that are safe for children, but they should be given before the flight, and not when the child has already begun to feel nauseous. In general, it is believed that due to the structure of the vestibular apparatus with children under one year old, such troubles occur extremely rarely. Over time it useful property, unfortunately, is lost, so a sanitary bag or small towel should always be at hand.

How to keep your child busy?

Most airlines give children a so-called "young traveler's kit". It may include markers, puzzles, puzzles, etc. However, the imagination and generosity of some carriers is enough only for a keychain or microscopic coloring. Therefore, the issue of high-quality entertainment should be taken care of at least a few days before departure. If the child has not yet grown up to independently watch films from the repertoire of the aerial cinema, be patient and have toys.

It is desirable that the latter were new (it is better to collect them in a separate bag and open only on the plane, periodically extracting new artifacts). It can be a soft construction set, a book with stickers, an unexplored interactive game on your phone, a collection of cartoons on a computer, a wind-up toy - in short, anything that can keep your baby busy for a relatively long time.

What if the toilet is busy?

It is for adult passengers to cope with such a hitch without any consequences, and for the parents of a traveler, who really cannot stand, the question can turn into a problem of a universal scale. If you do not want to break into a closed door with a loud knock, you can ask the stewardess to let you into a similar room in the business class. There are fewer users, which means that the toilet is free more often.

You can stock up on a travel folding pot with disposable absorbent bags in advance to avoid spilling the contents. They are available in a variety of options (inflatable, in the form of a suitcase, etc.), are inexpensive, weigh little and are quite suitable for further use in non-flying conditions. If the trouble is caught by surprise, then feel free to use the sanitary bags in the front seat pocket - they are waterproof.

What to eat?

When booking tickets on the airline's website, do not forget to indicate the type of food you need - among other options, there is food for babies and older kids. It will be too late to make an order on the plane - special meals are ordered 24 hours in advance according to passengers' requests. The food should be served to you before the others. Keep in mind that pre-packaged juices are always very cold.

If the child is picky about food, it is better to take proven foods with you. According to the rules for the carriage of liquids, baby food (including water and juices), as well as medicines, can be carried on board in the amount you need. But be prepared to be asked to take a sip from each container to prove to airport staff that the bottle is not explosive.

Big bonuses for little passengers

If you did not indicate the desired place when booking, it is better to be one of the first to check in (although passengers with children pass out of line, but in practice this is not always observed, especially our compatriots). The most "trump" seats in economy class are the first row. There is extra space to deal with bags and even organize a small playing field, having previously spread a blanket on the floor. A special cradle is attached to the front wall, where children weighing up to 10 kg and up to 70 cm tall can be accommodated with maximum comfort.

But do not count on seats near the emergency exit - according to the rules, passengers with children are not allowed to sit there. If fortune smiles at you especially broadly, then as an exception you can be transplanted into business class (food, however, will be from economy).

Myths and reality

"The stroller must be checked in with your luggage." In fact, you can check it in in front of the gangway and get it back upon exiting the plane (although sometimes you have to wait a bit until it is brought from the luggage compartment). If the stroller is small and compactly folds, then it may be allowed to be taken on board. By the way, at some airports (for example, in Dubai), strollers are rented out for free.

"The child can take any toys." Toy pistols, knives and other plastic weapons must be checked in as checked baggage.

"Children under two years of age can only fly in a car seat." Children under two years old can fly in the arms of a parent without paying for a separate seat. If you are paying for a seat for your child and plan to take a car seat, make sure it is certified for use on an airplane (usually indicated on a sticker). The stroller and car seat are not included in the weight of the baggage. Some airlines provide their own child seat upon request.

"You can check in the same baggage for a child as for an adult." As a rule, for a child under two years old, you can check in only one piece of baggage with a lower weight (for most European airlines - up to 10 kg).

What documents are needed

To travel with a child of any age, you need:

  • Identity document: birth certificate or passport, and when traveling abroad - a foreign passport.
  • Notarized consent to leave, if the child leaves without the accompaniment of parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees.
  • Confirmation of the possibility and recommendations of the pediatrician - for children of the first seven days of life. This is just in case.

How to book tickets

Airlines divide child travelers into two categories: INF - infant (child under 2 years old), and CHD - child (child from 2 to 12 years old).

A child under two years old can fly with their parents free of charge and on handles, that is, without their seat. To be allowed on the plane, issue a ticket for the baby when booking. In this case, you must indicate the age of the baby at the time of the flight. That is, if at the time of purchasing the ticket the child is 1 year and 5 months old, and at the time of departure - 2 years 1 day, then you need to buy a ticket for a child from 2 to 12 years old.

Some airlines limit the number of small children on board. Book early so you can choose the best seats or fly away altogether.

According to the rules of air travel, one adult can carry only one child under two years old for free. For each next one, a child ticket with a separate seat is purchased.

For children from 2 to 12 years old, a child ticket with a separate seat is also issued. If your child is 12 years old by the time of departure, they will have to buy an adult ticket.

Always choose low-crowded flights. This is hard to find during the holiday season, but remember that on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday flights are least busy. If the plane is half empty, you can take more space or transfer to where there is more space.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane

If you did not specify your seat when booking, please try to visit the airline's website immediately after opening online check-in. Most often this happens in a day.

Whatever age the child may be, it is best to sit in the front rows of the plane: there will be less shaking during takeoffs and landings, and you will sit down and get out faster. The most comfortable seats in Economy Class are in the first row. There is plenty of room and you can stretch your legs. This will be especially useful for mothers with babies: a cradle is attached to the front wall for children weighing up to 10 kg and up to 70 cm tall.

When is the best time to fly

It depends on the child. If he falls asleep easily in unfamiliar surroundings, then take the night flight. The kid will sleep through the entire flight, and you do not have to entertain, calm and feed him. If the child is too active at night, fly during the day. He will play and have fun, and when he gets tired, he goes to bed himself.

If you are flying with connections or your flight is suddenly delayed, try to find other parents with children. The guys will get to know each other and will find themselves with something. You just have to keep order.

What to take with you on the plane

For babies and toddlers

  • Diapers.
  • Wet and dry wipes.
  • One spare set of clothing - just in case.
  • A diaper or bedding.
  • Pacifier and favorite toys.
  • Moisturizing nasal drops such as Aquamaris, Marimer, Otrivin Baby.
  • Moisturizer (babies' skin gets very dry during the flight).
  • Food and drink: infant formula, cookies, water, juice, compote.
  • Febrifuge. Some sensitive babies may have a fever.

For older children

  • Album for drawing, coloring, pencils or markers.
  • Small if the child likes to read.
  • Favorite toys.
  • Tablet or smartphone (if there is no screen with cartoons and games on the chair in front). And don't forget to exercise.
  • A healthy snack and drink never hurts.
  • Pillow for travelers.
  • Lollipops to keep your ears from blocking.
  • Paper handkerchiefs and wet wipes.

In flight

How to transport a stroller

Airlines allow strollers on the plane. You can use it before boarding.

It is better to find out more about the conditions of carriage and weight restrictions of the stroller by calling the hotline or on the airline's website.

Where to get the bassinet and changing table

Infants are provided with cradles. They must be ordered on the airline's website a few days before departure. Your application is reviewed and then approved or not.

The number of cradles on board is limited, and on some ships there are no mounts for their installation at all. In this case, you can take a carrying bag on board. However, if there are no empty seats on the plane, you will have nowhere to put it.

You can change the diaper in the toilet (there is a folding table).

How and what to feed your baby on board

If you only breastfeed your baby, then everything is clear. If the child is bottle-fed, you can take the required amount of any liquid for the baby: transportation does not apply to medical drugs and baby food. You can also ask the flight attendant for warm water to dilute the mixture.

Baby food can be ordered only when booking tickets. Children are always served food earlier than others. Please note that juices from ready-made sets are cold. If your child is picky about food, take food with you that he will definitely eat.

What to do if a child's ears are blocked

The baby can be given to suck on the breast, bottle or pacifier. Give an older child a lollipop. Another way is to play fish. Opening and closing your mouth like fish do: this also reduces pressure in the ears.

What to do if a child is seasick

Children under one year old rarely get seasick on a trip due to the special structure of the vestibular apparatus. Older children are deprived of this magical property. If the child is nauseated, give him a lemon wedge, water, or take motion sickness medication before the flight. You should also have a sanitary bag or towel handy.

How not to get sick

The cabin contains products of fuel combustion, including carbon monoxide, ozone, which irritates the respiratory tract and aggravates manifestations, pesticides, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. You can protect the child from the latter with the help of oxolinic ointment. She is usually lubricated with nasal mucosa.

How and what to entertain a child

Cartoons on a tablet or phone, coloring with felt-tip pens and pencils, favorite toys - this is usually enough for a child. There are exceptions and whims, so, just in case, it is better to tire the child before takeoff: on the eve of the trip, spend a very active time in the fresh air. Then, most likely, during the flight, the child will go to bed.

Some aircraft are equipped with an entertainment system built right into the seats. You just have to choose or the game. There you can also look at the map, monitor the climb, the temperature overboard and other flight parameters. It is interesting even for adults.

You can also entertain the child by contemplating the view from the window or communicating with other children. True, during turbulence, everyone will have to sit strapped in a chair.

Very often, young mothers are afraid to fly with their babies on airplanes. But this is a completely useless fear: if the baby is healthy, then he can be taken on the plane 5-10 days after giving birth. Most airlines in the world treat young parents with loyalty and let them on board with newborns without any problems. Some also require a stamped certificate from a doctor, but this is not a common practice. Traveling with a baby will be quick and comfortable if you follow a few basic rules. We will give you some recommendations on this matter.

Therapists and pediatricians do not limit the possibility of flights for newborns (if they had a good birth and are not sick with acute respiratory infections). In fact, you can fly as early as 5-7 days after giving birth. But if possible, it is better to postpone the first flight until the baby is three months old. During this time, the child fully adapts to the world around him and will not experience any problems during takeoff or landing.

Note:be sure to consult your doctor before flying and get your official flight authorization paper. Some carriers are reinsured and require it.

Infants can fly well

How to deal with pressure drop

During takeoff and landing, the pressure in the aircraft decreases slightly. Passengers immediately feel it - their ears begin to block (as if stuffed with cotton wool), it becomes a little harder to breathe. The child experiences the same sensations. To prevent him from crying and not being afraid at the time of takeoff (landing), use a simple method: he must swallow something with a pressure drop. You can give him breast, baby food, juice, water, milk, or a regular pacifier. This simple trick allows you to get rid of blocked ears. By the way, if you are also worried about this problem, then try sucking on lollipop or chewing gum.

How to deal with a stroller

A standard cane stroller is a great helper for a young mother. On it, the child can be brought directly to the ladder, after which it can be handed over to the crew of the aircraft and safely fly with a small child on the plane. The stroller is not counted as cargo or hand luggage - its transportation is absolutely free. If necessary, the staff will give you a stroller to the gangway at your destination - for this you need to warn the girl at the counter.

Note:if you have a large universal stroller, you will need to check it in. It is subject to size and weight restrictions, so it’s better not to take it with you at all.

The carrycot is a great way to free your hands and calm your baby

Which place to choose

Most airlines allow parents to carry a child under two years of age free of charge if they do not occupy a separate seat. You just put it in your arms and keep it flying. So try to:

  1. Fly in business class (there is enough free space for two).
  2. Choose flights that often have free seats (you can put your baby on an adjacent seat).
  3. Choose seats in the front row and near the aisle. These places will allow you to freely stretch your legs and stretch out a little.

Note:if you have a long flight, then do not save and order an extra seat for your child. You just won't sit out 5-7 hours with a little traveler on your lap.

Many airlines provide a special bassinet for travelers with babies free of charge. But their number per flight is limited, so book your seats in advance and notify immediately that you need this service. The carrycot comes with a pillow and disposable linen.

And a little more about where it is better to sit on the plane with a child. Fresh air is fed into the cabin from the head of the aircraft and into the tail. Therefore, always try to sit as close to the cockpit as possible.

Don't forget about safety

Do not think that if the child is lying in your arms, then he is completely safe. There are also special belts for it, so be sure to use them for takeoff and landing. The stewardess must give you the belt: if she forgets, then ask her for this accessory. The belt attaches to yours and reliably protects the baby from jolts and roll.

If the plane is half empty, then you can put the baby on the next seat

How to feed

Even if the flight with a child under one year old is very short, you will probably have to feed your child. It is most convenient to breastfeed, but if you are no longer using your milk, then feel free to feed your baby with mixtures or mashed potatoes. There are two options:

  1. You take food with you. Keep in mind that infant formula is limited to 100 milligrams of capacity, but the food itself does not go into the total volume of fluid (with a reasonable amount).
  2. The airline provides you with blends. This service is absolutely free: you will receive the freshest and highest quality food right on board.

Note:infant formula must be ordered at least 36 hours before departure. Better yet, when booking your ticket. The airline has contracts for the supply of food with large retailers, but if you use a special kind of mixture, then take it with you.

You can cook food right on board - the flight attendant will provide you with hot water... If you don't trust the airline and don't want to use untested water, you can take a special mini thermos with you.

Care

The plane has everything you need to take care of your baby. Usually, if the flight lasts 2-3 hours, the baby sleeps peacefully in the cradle or in the mother's arms, without causing any difficulties. If you need to change a diaper, then feel free to go to the toilet - there is a special changing table, water, towels, etc. If you need any medication, just ask the stewardess - they usually have everything you need in their first aid kits. If your child

if you need some specific medications, take them with you. Remember that you may need a prescription and that medications are subject to “fluid” restrictions.

Ask a neighbor to move to an empty seat - this is a common practice

We have already introduced you to all the information on how to fly with an infant on an airplane. Now a few nuances and tips from experienced travelers:

  1. Try to book your ticket in advance and be sure to warn that a little traveler is flying with you. You must inform the company immediately that you need a bassinet or food.
  2. Instead of a stroller, it is better to use a sling or kangaroo backpack. These things will not only make it easier for you to “transport” the child to the gangway, but also help during the flight.
  3. Feel free to ask the flight attendants for the items or services you need. You can also ask the passenger to transfer to an empty seat - this usually does not cause problems.
  4. Try to fly either at night or in the morning. Night and morning flights pass without any problems, but in the evening the baby may start to cry and get nervous.

If you are wondering whether to fly with one year old child on the plane, reviews from other parents will help you navigate. By studying other people's mistakes, you will avoid your own!

From what age can you fly on an airplane

The recommendations of other parents play a role, but listen to the specialists too. When asked at what age the baby is ready to travel by air, Dr. Komarovsky answers. According to him, 2 weeks after giving birth, a healthy baby can fly with his parents on an airplane. But you need to consider the following factors:

  • Dry air in the cabin affects the mucous membranes, which makes it difficult for the child to breathe. To avoid the problem, buy at the pharmacy saline solution and periodically instill in the baby's nostrils. You will also need to give a bottle: you will prevent dry mouth and even alleviate the discomfort during takeoff and landing.
  • Pressure drops lead to the development of otitis media, therefore, first drip drops into the child's nose to narrow the blood vessels.

It is enough to take these rules into account, and the trip will be comfortable for the baby. And to clarify the incomprehensible points, watch the video with the story of how the baby felt on board the liner:

Whether to buy a ticket

When considering how to fly with a small child on an airplane without unnecessary discomfort, determine if you are ready to hold him in your arms all the way. Indeed, for a baby under 2 years old, a ticket is not required on domestic flights, but it will not be possible to put him on a separate seat. If you are on a long-haul flight, you will have to pay 10% of the cost of the full ticket for the child.

What you need to know about bassinets and strollers

What to do for those who do not want to hold a one-year-old baby in their arms for several hours? Carriers provide special baby bassinets that must be ordered in advance. It is not always allowed to take a stroller to the salon: you will take the baby to the gate, and then put it in your luggage. Air carriers also provide temporary strollers that you can use from the gate to the gangway.

Please check the terms in advance as they vary from company to company:

  • Aeroflot takes care that one-year-old passengers receive a cradle. Parents should order it 24 hours before flight departure.
  • Transaero not only provides cradles, but also allows you to take strollers to the salon. You will take with you “walking sticks” provided that the dimensions are no more than 0.57x0.27x0.97 m. The maximum allowable weight of the stroller is 4.5 kg.

If you wish, you will take a child seat into the cabin, but its size should not exceed 0.4x0.4 m. If this condition is met, it is allowed to put it on a chair near the window. You will need to buy a ticket with a separate seat for your child.

One-year-old passenger in the cradle

What else to consider

If you have to fly with a child on a plane a year , pay attention to the following nuances:

  • Plan your flight as carefully as possible. When traveling with a one-year-old baby, there are not too many wet wipes, spare diapers or games. You will also need replacement clothes for the baby, as well as medicines: you cannot foresee when the baby will feel worse. But you shouldn't be zealous, so don't try to take a supply of diapers for your entire vacation. Grab what you need on your flight and buy the rest on the spot.
  • Write apology cards and make small gifts for the passengers sitting next to you. If the baby cries for the entire flight, you will apologize for the trouble with a packet of chocolates. People around you will be more tolerant, and you will save your nerves.
  • When you pack your carry-on luggage, take a shoulder backpack instead of a bag. You will free your hands and it will be easier to carry the baby.
  • Is the kid naughty? Raise him higher and he will calm down. There is no scientific basis for the advice, but parents note that the method works. True, it cannot be used during the takeoff of the liner.
  • Don't travel without your tablet! When you have a flight with a one-year-old child on a plane, advice from other parents will help you navigate the situation: forget about the time limit for playing with gadgets. Children will be carried away by the tablet and will not cause problems to others.
  • Take care of fun: toddlers up to one year old like finger games. They love and toy cell phones, because the crumbs will be happy to press the buttons and look at the blinking lights. Just make sure that the toys do not make unnecessary noise, because this will be a test for others.

How easily do one-year-olds endure flying on an airplane? In the absence of medical contraindications, your attitude will be the decisive factor. Because babies feel the mother's anxiety, tune in for the best!

The use of a backpack and sling allows you to free your hands.

Flight Reviews: A Real Experience

03/22/2018, Lyudmila

We always went on vacation to Thailand, so after recovering from childbirth, I wanted to visit the country again. We had a 9 month old daughter with us who traveled by air for the first time. Everything went well: the baby slept most of the way.

Should I take baby food offered by airlines? If the child is not prone to allergies, there is no reason to refuse. But the ideal option was breastfeeding... After giving birth, I was embarrassed to offer my baby breast outside the house, but then I got used to it. After all, you can always hide behind a flap from a sling! Of course, I go to the mother and child rooms, but they are not on board.

Don't be shy about this natural process: just make sure you have a large shawl or wide scarf on hand to hide from prying eyes. You can also wear a nursing bra without having to fully reach your breasts. The baby ate a couple of times during the flight, and the rest of the time I gave a bottle so that her ears would not get blocked. Relatives said that traveling with two-year-olds is much more difficult than traveling with babies!

08/15/2017, Alina

My journey with one-year-old Sasha began with waiting for the plane at the Samui airport. It is considered unique because instead of the usual building you will see a large gazebo. Some places don't even have a roof! But we did not appreciate the beauty because of the heat: only fans were working in the open space. Sasha began to be capricious, and I felt unwell. Finally we boarded and headed to Bangkok: since the flight was short, the son slept peacefully.

The next leg of the journey, Bangkok-Kiev, went less smoothly. At the airport, Sasha behaved well, but after landing he became capricious due to fatigue. Although he managed to sleep, the noisy passengers later woke the child up: they could not calm him down again. Therefore, for the remaining 3 hours, we watched cartoons on a tablet and played finger games. Fortunately, there were no problems with nutrition: Sasha willingly took breast.

One-year-old Sasha during the flight

It remained to get to Kharkov, and it was necessary to transfer to local airlines. We left the transit area and found ourselves in a common waiting room, cold and noisy. Tired Sashka made a prolonged hysteria, and my husband got angry and told me that I didn’t know how to calm my son down. The cry did not stop until the landing was announced: by this moment the child was so tired that he fell asleep before the liner took off.

In general, the trip went well: I noticed that problems arise in noisy airports, and on the plane Sasha sleeps peacefully if the passengers do not wake him up.

30/12/2017, Alexey

We travel a lot, so I can compare the services of different companies. Aeroflot is suitable for flights with one-year-old babies, since the carrier is attentive to the needs of children. We traveled with this company when my daughter was 1 year and 3 months old: I studied reviews about flying with a baby on an airplane and knew that you can take to the air from 2 weeks. But we were worried about the health of the newborn, so we decided to wait until our daughter was one year old.

We arrived at check-in early to get comfortable seats. You can also go through web-checking by yourself specifying the desired seats, but for technical reasons, we were unable to go online. We were offered options in the 1st row: they are reserved for travelers with children, so it is not always possible to select them during online check-in. We also ordered a cradle in advance; we were offered special meals as well, but we decided to stick with the proven options. My wife stocked up on mashed potatoes in soft packaging: it's more convenient than carrying jars. It is advisable to grab a spoon as well so as not to use appliances in cafes or restaurants (suddenly, while waiting for departure, you decide to have a snack).

Since the wife chose the time of the flight in such a way that it fell on the baby's sleep, the daughter slept almost all the way. Then she ate lunch and fell asleep again. The daughter did not notice the turbines, takeoff and pressure drop: during landing, my wife gave me a bottle, and everything went smoothly.

14/02/2018, Eugene

A Boeing flight will be a disappointment for those planning to sit first row with amenities. The attachments of the tables prevent the armrests from being completely lowered, and it will not be possible to put the sleeping baby on 2 chairs. There are usually no cradles in these liners, but check with the company for the conditions. But on "Ila" in the 1st row there will be enough space: the option is suitable for passengers with children.
In general, I flew safely with my one-year-old son, except for the case when he began to cut a tooth. Fortunately, the flight lasted only 3 hours, but they were remembered for a long time.

I prevent the rest of the possible discomfort with Otipax pain-relieving drops: I apply them before takeoff and landing. The drug "Nazivin" also helps, 1 drop per nostril. Be sure to use the product if your baby has a stuffy nose! Once I was flying with a terrible runny nose, and due to improper pressure regulation, my ears ached terribly. Stock up on medicines and travel hassle-free!

Conclusion

Wondering how one-year-old children endure a flight on an airplane? In the absence of medical contraindications, you can safely travel with a baby. Just determine if you are going to hold the baby in your arms for the entire flight or are ready to fork out for the purchase of a second seat. Also collect toys, medicines, extra clothing. Most importantly, be polite to staff and other passengers!