Flying with a LAP INFANT: 10+ Things You NEED TO KNOW (After 30+ Flights with my "Lap Baby")

Summary

In this video, Brittany shares her essential tips and advice for parents flying with lap babies or toddlers. Drawing from her experience of over 30 flights, she provides valuable insights into booking tickets, seatbelt regulations, and the logistics of flying with an infant on your lap. Brittany discusses everything from the importance of declaring your baby to the airline to navigating bulkhead rows, bassinets, and managing a growing toddler on a cramped flight. She also touches on the need for ID, car seat options, and personal preferences between window and aisle seating. Overall, this video is a helpful guide for first-time lap baby flyers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always inform the airline about your lap baby when booking your ticket, even if they fly for free.
• 😀 If your baby turns two during the trip, you’ll need to purchase a separate seat for the return flight.
• 😀 Lap infants may incur additional costs, such as taxes and fees, even if their ticket is technically free.
• 😀 U.S. flights don’t offer separate seat belts for lap infants, so you must hold your baby during takeoff and landing.
• 😀 Some seats, such as those in emergency exit rows, are unavailable for lap infants.
• 😀 Flying with a toddler is much more challenging than flying with a small baby, so be prepared for a physically demanding experience as your child grows.
• 😀 Always carry your baby’s birth certificate as proof that they are under two years old when traveling.
• 😀 Most airlines allow you to bring a diaper bag for free, in addition to your regular carry-on baggage.
• 😀 You can attempt to bring your car seat onto the plane for free if there’s an available seat, by asking the gate agent.
• 😀 The bulkhead row provides extra space and may allow for a bassinet on long flights, making it an ideal option for traveling with a lap baby.
• 😀 The choice between a window seat and an aisle seat depends on personal preference, but window seats offer more privacy, while aisle seats give better access to the restroom.

Q & A

What is a lap infant, and how does it work when flying?

A lap infant is a child under the age of 2 who can travel on a plane for free, sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap instead of occupying their own seat. This applies until the child turns 2, after which a seat must be purchased for the child.

Do I need to inform the airline about my lap infant, even if they are flying for free?

Yes, even though your baby is flying for free, you still need to declare them to the airline when purchasing your ticket. This can be done online or by calling the airline after booking your tickets.

What happens if my baby turns two during the trip?

If your baby turns two during the trip, the outbound flight may still be free or allow them to sit on your lap, but you will need to purchase a seat for them for the return flight.

Is there a seat belt for lap infants during takeoff and landing?

In the United States, there are no specific seat belts for lap infants during takeoff or landing. Parents are expected to hold their baby securely. However, in Europe, there are special baby seat belts that loop around the adult’s seat belt.

Are there any seating restrictions for lap infants?

Yes, lap infants cannot sit in emergency rows or in certain seats that do not have adequate oxygen masks or life vests. Additionally, if bringing a car seat, it must be placed in a window seat.

Is there a difference between a lap baby and a lap toddler when flying?

Yes, there is a significant difference. While it’s easier to travel with a small baby, a lap toddler can be more challenging as they are larger, more active, and require more entertainment and space during the flight.

Do I need to bring identification for my lap infant?

Yes, most airlines will ask for proof of your baby’s age, so it is recommended to bring a birth certificate or another form of identification to verify that your child is under two years old.

Can I bring extra items like a diaper bag when flying with a lap infant?

Yes, most airlines will allow you to bring a diaper bag for free in addition to your regular carry-on luggage when traveling with a lap infant.

Is it possible to bring a car seat on the plane for free if traveling with a lap infant?

It’s possible to bring a car seat to the gate and ask if there is a free seat available for your baby. If there is, you may be allowed to install the car seat in that seat without purchasing a separate ticket for your child.

What are the benefits of booking a bulkhead row when flying with a lap infant?

Booking a bulkhead row gives extra legroom, and in some cases, you can request a bassinet. Additionally, there’s no seat in front of you, allowing more space and comfort for you and your lap infant. It’s also easier if your child becomes restless as there’s more room to move.

Which seat should I choose: window or aisle when flying with a lap baby?

The choice between a window or aisle seat depends on personal preference. The window seat provides more privacy for activities like breastfeeding, while the aisle seat gives you easier access to the bathroom and more freedom to move around.