On the Plane

Boarding

• Many, but not all, airlines allow early boarding for those traveling with children under the age of two. Especially if you are flying alone with your baby, it’s worth asking the gate agent if you are able to board toward the beginning to not feel rushed. Airline employees have always been very understanding when I’ve traveled alone with my son. Having time to unpack bottles, toys, snacks, etc. at your seat before takeoff is a huge stress reliever.
• Strollers and carseats can be dropped off before boarding on the jet bridge right outside the airplane door, unless the gate agent specifies otherwise. Strollers need to be collapsed. I highly recommend protective covers for every piece, as I’ve had strollers broken twice. In addition, you will need to visit a gate agent for a pink gate check tag for each piece prior to boarding.

Unless a gate agent specifies otherwise, you typically drop off carseats (if you aren’t taking it on the plane) and strollers here on the jet bridge

Seating

• Lap child vs. individual seat: There are pros for choosing either option, so ultimately your decision may come down to budget, length of flight, and if you are traveling alone.
• Lap child:  Children under the age of two are able to fly domestically for free if they sit on an adult’s lap. International flights are typically 10 percent of the adult fare, plus taxes and surcharges (still a great deal). We booked so many weekend getaways before my son turned two to take advantage of the free ticket.
• Individual seat:  Having a seat to put your child down and free your hands is a life-saver. If you’re traveling alone, the extra seat is completely worth it. Just picture trying to reach down for your bag and preparing a bottle in a tight space while holding your crying baby. It’s doable, but not easy.
• Car seat vs. no car-seat: Without a doubt, this seems to stir up the most controversy amongst traveling parents. Of course strapping them in a car seat is the safest option, however it is not required.
  • If your baby has his/her own plane seat, a car seat may be the most comfortable choice. Plus if they are great sleepers in their car seat, they may just do the same on the plane (cross your fingers!). I find it’s easier to not have one for my very active toddler who’s always squirming in his seat (plus we usually leave ours at home and rent one from our rental car company when we arrive).
  • If your baby does not have his/her own seat, but you have a car seat with you, you can always check with a gate agent or flight attendant and see if there are extra seats on the plane. If there aren’t, you’ll need to gate check the car seat. Another option for a lap child is to keep him/her in a baby carrier. This works better for smaller babies who don’t move around much. If you don’t have a car seat or carrier, you will just have to hold your baby on your lap the whole flight. I’ve done this more than a dozen times and it’s manageable. Just don’t expect to get a nap or be able to enjoy a glass of champagne. 🙂
• Upgrade for more leg-room if you can afford to, especially once your baby starts moving around more. You’ll find yourself constantly making sure they aren’t accidentally kicking the seat in front of them.

Either option has pros, so ultimately your decision will come down to budget, length of flight and if you’re traveling alone

Takeoff

• A bottle or pacifier during takeoff may help relieve ear pressure issues.
• Keep bottles, food, toys or anything you might need before the seatbelt sign turns off within easy reach in the seat pocket in front of you.
• For older babies and toddlers, pack at least one toy you know they like, and also a new toy to surprise them. Finding ways to keep them entertained can be tricky!

Landing

• Same as taking off, use a bottle or pacifier to relieve ear pressure.
• If you gate checked a stroller and/or carseat, wait on the jet bridge as soon as you exit the plane for these items.
• If you’re flying internationally, occasionally they take gate checked items straight to the customs baggage claim, so be prepared to wait in the customs line without a stroller. It seems to vary by country, so I always double check with a flight crew member or airport worker if I need to wait for these items, or if I should expect them after customs.