Are you planning to travel by plane with your baby under the age of 2? AdopteUnParking can help you make sure you don't forget what you'll need for your trip, and offers a few tips for a worry-free flight for you and your baby.
Baby and plane
Most airlines have strict regulations concerning babies and their travel on board an aircraft.
Guidelines and instructions
First of all, like any other traveller, your baby must be equipped with a identity card if he or she has to travel through France or Europe (within the Schengen area). If you need to go to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania or the United Kingdom, or leave Europe to travel internationally, then your baby will need a passport (or be on your own), except where the destination country has specific agreements with France.
However, if your baby is less than a week old, premature or ill, most airlines will not allow them to travel. This restriction can be circumvented if you have with you a medical certificate written in English showing that baby is fit to travel.
Recently, some airlines are not allowing several babies to travel if they are being looked after by a single carer. In fact, some airlines are refusing more than one accompanying adult.one baby per attendantOthers accept two babies per companion. We advise you to contact your airline if you need to travel with more than one baby.
A seat for my baby
Airlines generally offer two options when it comes to travelling with a baby. The first option is to having baby travel directly on your lap. In this case, you do not need to reserve a second seat. The second option available to you is the reserve a seat at a reduced rate.
If you choose the first option, with baby on your lap, his or her journey will be free or at a reduced fare. Check with your airline to find out which option applies to you. It's never pleasant to have the unpleasant surprise of having to pay extra. Obviously, for safety reasons, you can only travel with one baby on your lap. So if you have to fly alone with two babies, you'll need to reserve at least one seat.
If you reserve an extra seat for your babythen you can take advantage of a cradle which the company will lend you for the duration of the journey. You will also be able to take with you into the cabin a additional baggage.
And the car seat
We recommend that youbring your own car seat. Generally speaking, airlines only have a limited number of these if you're lucky. Many airlines do not. If you are bringing your own car seat, it must comply with the following dimensions: 42x57cm and be approved by the European Union.
Tip for an extra seat
When you check in at the airport, don't hesitate to ask nicely whether there might be a unoccupied seat that you could requisition for your baby. Planes are often not filled to 100%. This will allow you and your baby to travel in better conditions with more space and more comfort. There is no guarantee that your airline will accept your request but nothing ventured, nothing gained !
Please note always check with your airline so that your baby can travel in the best possible conditions. The price of your baby's journey may also vary from one airline to another, depending on various factors such as whether you book an extra seat or the destination of the flight. Generally speaking, if you're travelling with a low-cost airline, it's unlikely that they'll offer you a reduced fare for your baby.
Baby and recommendations
Flying is already a bit stressful. Between cabin baggage that must be of a certain size, hold luggage that must not weigh more than a certain amount, essential travel documents, timetables that must not be missed, and so on... Just imagine if you're travelling with a baby as well! AdopteUnParking gives you some advice on how to best prepare for your trip with your baby.
Practical advice
- Preparing in advance is essential for perfect organisation. Make sure you check the documents you'll need for yourself and for your baby. Don't forget that your baby also needs identity documents, and this is vital if you want to travel from birth! Have you thought about passports, identity cards or medical certificates if necessary?
- Travelling at the right time to make the journey more pleasant. A tip we don't often think of, but if you have the chance, take the plane during your baby's usual sleeping hours. He'll fall asleep more easily during the journey.
- Prepare your cabin bag properly. Have you packed enough nappies, wipes, food and bottles? And don't forget a few toys, cuddly toys or other objects that will soothe baby and help him travel in peace. The aim is to be prepared for any eventuality during the journey.
- For carrying babyIf you're taking your baby with you, we advise you to opt for a baby sling or a lightweight pushchair. This will make it easier to carry your baby through the airport.
- On take-off and landingIt is advisable to feed baby. Like us, the ears get blocked and this becomes unpleasant. Bottle-feeding or breast-feeding at these times will relieve your baby during changes in altitude.
- Choose the best seats when you make your reservation. By taking seats in strategic places, such as the emergency exit or the front of the cabin, you'll have more legroom and room to move around.
- Prepare for safety checks checking the airport security rules in advance for liquids, baby food and equipment such as pushchairs. Try to allow plenty of time to pass through the controls without worrying.
- Patience and adaptability will be the watchwords of your plane journey. The airport with a baby is an unpredictable time. Be serene and calm, and adapt to your baby's needs and requests.
Before the airport
We all tend to forget that once you've arrived at the airport by car, you'll need to park. You have two options: the official airport car parks or private car parks located outside the airport. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. To save money and make sure you have a secure parking space at a lower cost, AdopteUnParking lets you compare and choose the car park that meets all your criteria. AdopteUnParking offers car parks in the biggest French airports: Paris Orly and CDG, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux and Nantes. All you have to do is enter your airport in our comparator, enter your dates and you'll get a list of the car parks available for your trip. For example, if you are travelling to Nantes airport for 2 weeks in August, you would enter Nantes Atlantique Airport from 14/08 to 28/08 and a list of car parks will appear. All you have to do is choose!
You now have all the information you need to travel with your baby by plane with peace of mind. Enjoy your journey!
