How to Fly With a Baby or Toddler: The Complete Checklist

Quick answer: Babies under 2 can usually fly on your lap without a separate seat on domestic flights, but buying them their own seat with an FAA-approved car seat is far safer. Book early for bassinet seats on long flights, pack more diapers and formula than you think you will need in your carry-on, and feed your baby during takeoff and landing to ease ear pressure. Need help booking the right seats for your family? Call Fond Travels at +1 (323) 800 6001.

Flying with a little one feels daunting the first time. This checklist walks through the trip in order.

Before you book

• Lap infant vs. own seat: Children under 2 can typically fly on an adult's lap on domestic flights at no charge, though you still need to add the infant to the booking. On international flights, lap infants usually pay a percentage of the adult fare plus taxes. A purchased seat with an FAA-approved car seat is the safest option and gives everyone more room.
• One lap infant per adult: Each lap infant needs their own accompanying adult, and airlines limit the number of infants per row because of oxygen mask counts. Booking through an agent avoids a surprise at the gate.
• Ask about bassinets: On long-haul flights, bulkhead "bassinet seats" let a baby lie flat. They are limited, have weight limits, and go fast, so request one at booking rather than at check-in.
• Seat the family together: Book early so you are not split up. Avoid Basic Economy fares that assign seats at check-in, and confirm your seat assignments in writing.
• Choose flight times wisely: A departure that lines up with nap time or bedtime is worth a slightly higher fare. Non-stop flights beat connections with a toddler nearly every time.

Documents to bring

Domestic flights do not require ID for children, but some airlines ask for proof of age for a lap infant, so carry a copy of the birth certificate. For international travel, every child needs a passport, and some countries require a visa or a notarized consent letter when a child travels with only one parent or with grandparents. Check the destination's entry rules well ahead, since passport processing for a newborn can take weeks.

What to pack in your carry-on

• More diapers, wipes, and formula or food than the flight length suggests. Delays happen, and airport shops are expensive and unreliable.
• A change of clothes for the baby and for you. Blowouts happen at altitude.
• Pacifier, favorite toy, small blanket, and one new toy or book saved for the moment things get fussy.
• Snacks for toddlers in small, mess-resistant portions, plus a spill-proof cup.

Formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed through security in reasonable quantities and are exempt from the standard liquid limit. Take them out of your bag and tell the officer you are carrying them so they can be screened separately.

At the airport

• Arrive early. Everything takes longer with a little one, from parking to security to a last diaper change.
• Family or priority boarding is usually offered. Take it, but consider sending one parent to board with the bags and car seat while the other keeps the toddler moving until the final call.
• Strollers and car seats can be gate-checked at the jet bridge, usually at no charge and in addition to your normal baggage allowance. Ask at check-in for the tag.
• Use the family lane at security if the airport has one, and consider a baby carrier through the checkpoint.

During the flight

• Feed during takeoff and descent. Sucking on a bottle, breast, or pacifier relieves ear-pressure pain. Start as the plane begins its climb and again when the descent announcement is made.
• Walk the aisle with a fussy toddler when the seatbelt sign is off, and let older toddlers look out the window.
• Do not stress about other passengers. Most people have been there, and a crying baby on a plane is normal.

Traveling internationally

Beyond passports, think about time zones and health. Long-haul flights with a bassinet are easiest when they depart in the evening so the baby sleeps through most of the flight. Pack any medication in original packaging, check whether your pediatrician recommends vaccinations for the destination, and confirm your health insurance covers the child abroad.

How Fond Travels can help

Fond Travels is an independent U.S. travel agency, and real travel experts answer 24/7. We book family travel every day: adding lap infants correctly, requesting bassinets, locking adjacent seats, and finding flights that line up with nap schedules instead of fighting them. We are rated 4.8 of 5 with 2,200+ Google reviews.

Booking a family trip? Call +1 (323) 800 6001, or send a vacation request and we will put together flights, a family-friendly hotel, and everything in between.