Airlines and kids

[Jock in Paddyland]

We will be moving over sometime around mid-june, and are looking at the airline options. There will be 3 of us, 2 adults and a 9 month baby. What are others experiences of traveling with infants, and any recommendations for airlines?
J

[benjiross]

I've heard some good stories about Singapore Airlines staff going out of their way to help children and infants who travel.

[amaslam]

Just brought our 5 month old on her first long haul (14 hours+).

1. Ask for a bassinet with your booking, unless the plane is full you should be able to get one.
2. Check baggage allowance, most airlines allow more baggage because of baby
3. Check customs rules on baby formula and liquids. Often these are allowed but they'll need to be looked over (meaning allow extra time for security)
4. Stroller, gate check or at the check in counter.
5. Get baby used to a sucking motion on demand (dummy, bottle, finger), if you can then that sucking motion will be crucial during take off and landing. It let's the baby equalize their ear pressure, the other motion being crying. Either one will work, but you know which one is preferable.
6. Get to the airport 4 hours before your flight. Several reasons, too stressful to be rushing with baby and it's already hard enough. Second you can go to check-in as soon as it opens, get all checked in and guarantee your bassinet seat.
7. Most airlines have baby meals too (cans of baby food). You can get one for your baby.
8. Other than that think of enough nappies, formula, boiled water, wipes, you need for 24 hours (flying + airport time). You'll need to carry that on board.

Bonus: Bassinet seats get more leg room (almost as much as Biz class).

Other than, say a small prayer and practice your zen calmness

Good luck

Originally Posted by Jock in Paddyland

We will be moving over sometime around mid-june, and are looking at the airline options. There will be 3 of us, 2 adults and a 9 month baby. What are others experiences of traveling with infants, and any recommendations for airlines?
J

[AndyA]

Excellent advice from amasalam. The only thing I can add...

Try and book 'migration flights' these tickets generally offer more baggage than a standard economy flight. Singapore, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay Pacific offer this type of flight - check with the airline before making a booking. send a blanket email to the lot.

in the absence of migration tickets, if you book with air new zealand who fly via LAX, your party will be entitled to carry 2 x 23kg cases (46kg) per person.

Good luck mate

AA

[cowboy]

If possible... I highly recommend buying a seat for the baby. I know it's expensive to do for a 9 month old, but it is most definitely worth it. Travelling the super-long flights with a baby on your lap is not fun for you *or* the baby.

A bassinet would probably provide the same benefit, and is definitely cheaper than buying a seat.

Qantas has been nice to us when we've travelled to Oz with our son. They're not super patient, or extra nice to him or anything, but they did seat all the families with children in the same curtained area of the plane, which was quite comforting if yours was the one crying.

[AndyA]

Originally Posted by cowboy

If possible... I highly recommend buying a seat for the baby. I know it's expensive to do for a 9 month old, but it is most definitely worth it. Travelling the super-long flights with a baby on your lap is not fun for you *or* the baby.

A bassinet would probably provide the same benefit, and is definitely cheaper than buying a seat.

Qantas has been nice to us when we've travelled to Oz with our son. They're not super patient, or extra nice to him or anything, but they did seat all the families with children in the same curtained area of the plane, which was quite comforting if yours was the one crying.

Crying babies!!!! My type of flight HELL!!! Sorry, I have none so don't have the paternal gene. Would suggest plenty of night nurse before and lots during!

[cowboy]

Originally Posted by AndyA

Crying babies!!!! My type of flight HELL!!! Sorry, I have none so don't have the paternal gene. Would suggest plenty of night nurse before and lots during!

I can't blame you a bit. That's my type of flight hell, too.

I think the nicest thing about seating all the families in the same area of the plane was that we weren't all spread out amongst the other passengers. It's fair, even if your kid isn't the one screaming, because he very well could be.

The last time we flew, though, my son didn't sleep a wink, and was content to sit in his seat the whole time watching movies. There are benefits to raising a couch potato.

We're going again in July, and hope it's the same this time.

[Jock in Paddyland]

Thanks for your replies folks. One question re the bassinets, is there generally an upper age/weight limit? At the time of travel our son will be 9/10 months.
With regard to extra baggage allowance, is that best sorted before/after booking?
We are considering buying a seat for him, as the flight expenses are coming out of my relocation allowance. If we did get him a seat, are we required to bring a forward facing car seat?
Andy, I had thought of NZ airlines, but they transit through Auckland, and the overall journey time to Brisbane is something like 36 hours. Think i'll need something stronger than night nurse

Soz for all the questions, just want to make sure we have as pain free a journey as poss.
J

[himanshi]

The Upper age limit for the bassinet is 1 year. You can choose to bring either a car seat or a buggy/pram, but the airline staff will take it before you board and will return on landing. So, a buggy/pram is preferable to move easily with baby in airports as you will also be having hand luggage to carry.

I would suggest that seat for the baby is not required as he/she will get the bassinet(You can confirm once more with your airlines, though I am quite sure as I have travelled with my daughter on 4 return journeys with various airlines).

Originally Posted by Jock in Paddyland

Thanks for your replies folks. One question re the bassinets, is there generally an upper age/weight limit? At the time of travel our son will be 9/10 months.
With regard to extra baggage allowance, is that best sorted before/after booking?
We are considering buying a seat for him, as the flight expenses are coming out of my relocation allowance. If we did get him a seat, are we required to bring a forward facing car seat?
Andy, I had thought of NZ airlines, but they transit through Auckland, and the overall journey time to Brisbane is something like 36 hours. Think i'll need something stronger than night nurse

Soz for all the questions, just want to make sure we have as pain free a journey as poss.
J

[ELH]

I flew with my son a lot when he was a baby and if you can afford it I would seriously advise buying a seat. You have to clarify it with the airline because lots of computer systems wont let you book a seat for an under two.

I flew with BA long haul and they let me buy a seat and then sit at the front so we could have a bassinet too, this was perfect as my son sat in his seat when he wanted to eat or play but then slept in the bassinet. He had to sit on my lap for take off and landing and during turbulence.

as there are 3 of you it would mean you could have a row on your own too

The extra benefit is that if your baby has paid for a seat then you get a full baggage allowance for them, as well as being allowed to take a pram.