Stroller, food, seat… What you need to know before flying with a baby

That’s the first. Are you going with your family, with children? Except that a few weeks or days before departure, some questions still remain unanswered… What identification documents are needed to travel? Can we fly with a stroller and/or car seat? Is liquid baby food allowed on board? There is no need to panic. We provide you with instructions for a shock-free journey.

Can we travel with an infant?

Yes! On the other hand, most airlines still set a minimum age. Air France, for example, advises parents not to travel with their baby for 7 days after birth. Likewise, on Qatar Airways, where babies under 8 days old are not allowed. As for EasyJet, the minimum age is set at 14 days. Finally, it is recommended to wait at least 3 weeks for long journeys.

What identification documents does my child need to travel?

All children, even infants, must have their ID to leave the premises. As for adults, a valid ID will be sufficient to travel to EU or Schengen countries. Please note, however, that a child’s ID is not valid for the same period as an adult’s. A minor’s action is only valid for 10 years, versus 15 years if it’s an adult.

To travel outside the EU, a child must have a valid passport, just like adults. Knowing that the validity period of the passport is 5 years for minors and 10 years for adults. Therefore, great vigilance will need to be exercised before departure to ensure that everyone is up to date.

Should a child under the age of 2 travel on their parents’ lap?

Yes and no. You have a choice. Your child up to 2 years old can travel on your lap and thus benefit from the discount. On Corsair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways or Air Maroc, for example, you will only have to pay 10% of the adult fare. But if you prefer your cherub to travel with you, that is also possible. On the other hand, you will have to plan for a full price ticket as it will take up an entire seat. You will also need to consider placing it in a car seat or securing it with an approved seat belt. From the age of 2, your child must travel in a separate seat from you.

Major airlines such as Air France may offer reduced fares for children aged 2 to 12 in certain cases.

Can we fly with a stroller and/or car seat?

Yes! Both are possible and free. Under certain conditions, however. From France, a car seat for use on an airplane must have a “CE” label, “approved for use on an airplane.” As for the stroller, it can be taken with you to the boarding gate and you can pick it up as soon as you get off the plane. Depending on its size and available space in the cabin, it may or may not be placed in a closet.

Is liquid baby food allowed on board?

Yes! Baby food and infant formula are exempt from liquid restrictions. This includes: soy milk, sterilized water (bottled), baby, breast or cow’s milk (especially for babies) and baby food. However, you may be required to taste it for safety reasons.

What luggage can I take for my child?

Seats for children under 2 years old and children over 2 years old are the same size as adults. What changes when your baby travels in your arms? In this case, the rules vary by airline. Only one extra bag per child will be allowed on EasyJet. With Air France, you can take a piece of cabin baggage weighing up to 12 kg and no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm and hold a maximum of 10 kg. Most airlines also allow up to two of the following items per child or children:

Can a child travel alone?

Yes and no. It all really depends on his age. Children up to a certain age, which again varies by airline, must be accompanied by an adult (unless a parent or legal guardian is under 18).

Air France, for example, has a minimum age of 12 for flights within France and 15 for international flights. EasyJet and Ryanair set the age at 14 and 16 respectively. Please note that permission to leave the premises is required for minors unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What if my child has to travel alone before that age? Some airlines, such as Air France or Transavia, have support services (for a fee) from 4 or 5 years. Children with these services are supervised by company staff. And this until the arrival of the person who should restore them to the airport.

[Cet article initialement publié le 5 mars 2021 a fait l’objet d’une mise à jour.]