Once the baby is born, the first weeks are exhausting. After that you are ready for vacation very quickly. But when can you fly a plane with a baby?
In the last weeks of pregnancy, airplane flying is prohibited. This is not too dramatic, since many highly pregnant women can only move moderately, let alone plan a city break at the time. But what about after birth?
In the first weeks after birth, most women do not (yet) think about vacations. They want to get used to the new everyday life, are tired and exhausted from breastfeeding and the baby care. However, if the mum is slowly becoming a habit, one or the other newly minted mom is ready for vacation. Soak up a bit of sun and lie by the sea, a change of scenery and stay in a hotel where you do not have to clean or cook … that would be just the thing! But is it allowed to fly with a baby? And if so, when?
What the airlines allow
First of all, flying with a baby is allowed. Most airlines already allow babies at the age of two weeks. Although you do not have to book an extra seat for the baby in most cases, because it always flies on mom’s or dad’s lap. However, most airlines still charge extra for children under the age of two.
- For example, Condor charges 10 percent of the net air fares.
- At Lufthansa, on the other hand, children under the age of two travel free on German domestic routes, but on international flights Lufthansa also charges 10 percent of the ticket for the infant.
- Easyjet charges a fee of 24 euros for all children under the age of two – regardless of the ticket price and destination.
- TuiFly charges 15 euros per child under the age of two for short- and medium-haul flights, and 50 euros for long-distance flights.
- Germanwings also charges 15 euros per child under two years for short- and medium-haul flights, and 75 euros for long-haul flights.
- With Ryanair, parents pay children under two years a flat rate of 20 euros per route, regardless of the destination.
- Who flies with Air Berlin, pays for children under two years 15 to 20 percent of the regular fare.
For all airlines applies: For children from two years, a separate seat must be booked.
What experts recommend
Nevertheless, health experts recommend that you only fly with a baby from the age of four to five months. The reason for this is the baby’s immune system, which has not yet been sufficiently fortified to be immune from viruses and bacteria.
Another aspect that parents should consider is the individual health and development of the child. Every baby is different. If the baby is not a good sleeper or suffers from abdominal pain, experts suggest that you wait a bit longer to fly. The same applies if the baby plagues toothache or even a sinus or middle ear infection. Also, respiratory diseases should exclude a pediatrician before the flight.
Flying with babies under one year: less stress than you think
If the baby is healthy and belongs to the calmer species, you can safely travel with the little one. Usually this is less stressful for a baby under the age of one than moms and daddies fear, because even the little ones are still sleeping a lot and do not (yet) have much urge to move.
When flying with a baby, parents should nevertheless note the following:
- Babies can not equalize the pressure during takeoff and landing. If you give the baby something to drink meanwhile, swallowing will automatically allow pressure equalization. Practically!
- Aircraft air is mostly dry. Nasal drops for babies help moisturize the dwarf’s mucous membranes.
- The baby should be warm packed in the plane, as the air conditioner often icy pulls.
- Baby food may and should be carried in hand luggage. In case of cases also diapers, toys and change clothes.