How to handle flying with a baby or older children

Flying with a baby has long since stopped being a nightmare. It does involve a few extra concerns and some additional costs, but travelling with children is generally taken into account everywhere these days. More than anywhere else, the saying holds true that fortune favours the prepared.

So read the following lines carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your journey.

Think about comfort before you even arrive at the airport. Use a 1parking parking space for your car. Book it in advance — it will be worth it.

From What Age Can You Fly with a Baby

The advantage of small children is that they have no fear of flying and spend most of the time sleeping. Airlines are accommodating to parents and are willing to transport a child practically from birth — specifically from the age of two weeks.

From What Age Must a Child Have Their Own Seat on a Plane

Small children are often smaller than carry-on luggage. Therefore, the so-called infant ticket for children under 2 years is significantly cheaper, but it does not come with a seat.

The assumption is that the child will be on your lap for the entire flight. For this, you will receive a special belt with which you fasten both yourself and the child for safety. A child must have their own seat from the age of 2. However, they can have one much earlier. How?

How Much Do Tickets for Children Under 2 Cost

A solid standard at most airlines is that infants and small children under two travel free of charge, paying only airport taxes, which in total amounts to approximately 10% of the adult ticket price (a matter of a few hundred crowns).

This child ticket, infant ticket or baby ticket does not come with a seat (see above) and does not include checked luggage either.

Prices and Discounts

A trick used by low-cost airlines is that they have a fixed price for infants, which can sometimes paradoxically be higher than a regular ticket purchased in advance at a discounted rate — especially for shorter distances.

Even for children aged 2 to 12, where the usual price is ¾ of the adult fare, you cannot be certain that discounts apply.

You need to enquire about everything in advance and buy the type of ticket according to the price. However, do let the carrier know it is for a child — both because of the car seat and to keep track of the number of pieces of luggage.

A child has different needs — in addition to a car seat, perhaps also a cot and a pushchair. Incidentally, how to transport and how to pack a pushchair for a flight is a chapter in itself.

Approximate Price Table

How to Keep a One-Year-Old Entertained on a Plane

Parents of small children know how to capture their attention. Given how airports work, the need to keep them entertained arises already in the airport itself. The key is that stimuli must alternate, as a child this small cannot focus on anything for long. It is therefore necessary to come prepared with:

• Toys and picture books – here the rule is the more the better. And a favourite soft toy is an absolute must — if only for psychological wellbeing.
  
• Cartoons on your phone – it does not matter if the child already knows them; children love repetition. Do remember, however, that mummy’s voice is more soothing than a character on a screen.
  
• Paper and crayons, or colouring books for drawing and colouring in – washable ones if possible, so your child does not leave a permanent mark on the plane.
  
• Food – small cut-up pieces of food that the child can pick up themselves will keep them occupied for quite a long time. Bear in mind that the child should not get too messy or make too many crumbs.

Communicate with the child during the flight and let them explore new things within their reach. It is likely that many new impressions will tire the child out and they will soon fall asleep, which is the best possible outcome.

What About a Child’s Passport and Other Documents

The days when a parent could have a child registered on their own document are long gone. Even the youngest baby must have their own ID. Which one?

Conclusion

To make the most of your family holiday, be well prepared for all possible complications when flying with children. Safety comes first — do not forget anything important, and above all, be in a good mood. With a positive mindset, you will certainly manage just fine.