i am taking my baby on a international flight?

Question

tell me moms what tips can you give he will be 6 months old when we make the long trip do i have to purchace a seperarte ticket for him and will they let me bring formula on the flight what about medicine like mortrin so forth and can i add him to my passport or will i need a seperate one for him?

also we are flying to egypt

Answer 1

I have traveled overseas with a baby and let me tell you, it's pretty easy if you are orgainized and relaxed. The baby will need it's own passport. Powdered formula is allowed and the flight attendants can help you with water. Motrin should be fine as long as it's not a big bottle. I would buy a seperate ticket so you can have a little more room. We brought along my sons vibrating chair in our carryon luggage and just put it together on the plane. Then he had enough room to sit in it and it was very relaxing for him. Be sure to call your local airport to double check the rules.

Answer 2

Also...just in case you are not told...which you probably will be. Before you get your carrier strapped into the seat and get all comfy make sure that your baby gets a window seat. Most airlines require that your baby's seat be at a window because during an emergency they do not want the carrier blocking anyones path. If you are lucky enough to get a row of three seats where one seat is empty. You can have the carrier in the middle seat with you on the aisle. No one is sitting at the window to get out because that seat would be empty. Hope this makes sense.
Also make sure that your baby's carrier is FAA approved. Some airlines are strict about this. To know if t is FAA approved...and most are these days...there should be a sticker or stamp or writing of some sort on the carrier thats says FAA approved. Bring lots of toys and snacks...(you would not believe how many mothers I have seen who travel with their children and rely on the airline to have food for their babies.) Also please dispose of used diapers in the lav trash can. Don't hand the diapers to a flight attendant and don't bring it back to the galleys to throw in the galley trash. It is just like a kitchen where food and drinks are being prepared and no one wants a smelly used diaper in their kitchen. I am only saying this just in case....flight attendants will love you for this. They will give you advice too if you have any questions. They can also warm the milk for you...but they DO NOT have microwave ovens to do so. They will most likely just soak the bottle in hot water to warm it up. Happy flying and I am sure you and your baby will do fine!! :)

Answer 3

And for the true answer:

For the tickets, even if you hold him in your lap, almost all carriers will make you buy an infant fare, which is usually 10% of the cost of a full fare in your cabin. This still gets you no seat.

Formula: Yes, you are allowed, just declare it to security (assuming you're starting from the US).

Medications: OTC drugs and other non-prescription but medically necessary are allowed if the bottles are smaller than 4oz, no baggie needed. However, TSA workers are morons and don't know the rules, so if you want to be safe then put it in a 3oz bottle in a baggie.

Passport: Your child will need his own passport.

Other considerations: When you book, tell the reservation agent to put you in a bulkhead, which usually have a bassinet connection. This will be no additional charge, but is first come first served.

And out of etiquette, please don't change your son's diapers in the cabin... this is what the lav is for.

Answer 4

All good tips above. I just want to add a few things here that are always overlooked.

Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders.

So in addition to passport, the following documents may be required to support the entry of a child to another country. They are not "must have" things, but they help a lot on explanation when a situation happens.

1. The child's birth certificates showing the names of both parents.

2. Any legal documents pertaining to custody.

3. A parental document or letter be carried to prove that the child has the permission of the absent lawful parent(s) or guardian to travel. This document should be specific to each trip and should include contact information for the parent(s) or guardian

3a.If the child is travelling with one parent, the consent letter authorizing travel must be signed and dated by the other parent.

3b. If the child is travelling alone or without either parent, the consent letter authorizing travel must be signed and dated by both parents.

4. A death certificate, if one of the parents is deceased.

It may or may not apply to your case, but I think it's good to share with parents going abroad with their kids.

Have a pleasant journey!

Answer 5

He needs his own passport. You should work on that ASAP it could take 6 weeks to 3 months to get it.
You will have to buy him his own seat and you can bring his carrier on board. You can send a car seat with unacompanied baggage under the plane. With you, you should bring bottles, food, diapers extra clothes and any small toy that he likes. Also a blanket the planes can get cold after a while. If he likes pacifiers make sure your bring two- you may loose one along the way and the sucking can help to equalize thier ears when the plane accends and decends. As far as medicine- I dont know. They have had these weirdo regulations on small bottles of shampoo and such- but you can probably put it in your suitcases. Worst case senario- you can always buy something similar in the country that you are going to. Remember- the other countries in the world have been producing babies as long as the US- their products are just as good. ;) Enjoy! Take lots and lots of photos!

Answer 6

Try looking it up on the website of whatever airline you're going to use. If it's a good airline they should have some information there somewhere.

About baby formula, there were some problems with that after the August liquid bomb scare, but I think you'll be okay with it. You might want to ask security about it before you board, though.