Tips for Booking Flights with Infants and Young Children
Booking flights with infants can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for your entire family. Traveling with young children requires special attention—from choosing the best flights to packing essential items and managing your infant’s comfort during the flight. This guide provides expert tips for booking flights with infants, helping you plan a stress-free trip. Whether it’s a short domestic flight or a long haul, these strategies will make traveling with your little one much easier. And the best part? You can easily search and book flights tailored to your family’s needs right here on SkyLush.
Start Early When Booking Flights with Infants
Why Early Booking is Crucial for Families
When booking flights with infants on SkyLush, one of the smartest moves is to secure your tickets as early as possible. Early booking gives you access to the best family-friendly seats like bulkhead seats with extra legroom or seats equipped with bassinets. These seats tend to fill up quickly, so reserving them early improves your comfort and convenience.
Planning ahead also means you’ll have a wider choice of flight times that fit your infant’s schedule, avoiding last-minute options that might not work for your family.
Additional Benefits of Booking in Advance
Besides seating advantages, booking flights early often means better fares and less stress. Flights booked months in advance are typically cheaper than last-minute purchases, and having plenty of time before your trip means you can prepare thoroughly without feeling rushed.
Choose the Best Flight Times for Your Infant’s Comfort
Sync Flights with Your Baby’s Sleep Routine
Infants thrive on routine, so when booking flights with infants through SkyLush, picking flight times that match your baby’s nap or sleep schedule can make a big difference. If your infant sleeps well during certain hours, try to book flights that align with these periods to increase the chances of uninterrupted rest during the journey.
For babies who struggle to sleep during the day, overnight or red-eye flights might be a better option.
Avoid Crowded and Noisy Travel Periods
Traveling during peak airport hours often means dealing with crowds, noise, and long lines — all of which can upset a young child. Early morning or late evening flights tend to be less busy and offer a quieter atmosphere that’s more conducive to a peaceful flight.
Consider Seating Options for Families
Bulkhead Seats Offer Space and Comfort
Bulkhead seats at the front of airplane cabins are popular for families because they provide extra space. Many airlines offer bassinets that attach to the bulkhead, giving your infant a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Even if a bassinet isn’t available, the extra room can make holding and caring for your infant much easier.
Other Family-Friendly Seating Choices
If bulkhead seats aren’t available, look for extra legroom seats, which help during longer flights. Additionally, many airlines allow families to request to be seated together, so confirm your seating arrangements at booking to ensure you and your infant are close by.
Pack Smart: Essentials for Traveling with Infants
Key Items to Bring Onboard
Packing efficiently is key when traveling with an infant. Essential items include diapers, wipes, extra clothing, bottles, formula or breast milk, pacifiers, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. Organize your diaper bag for easy access to these items during the flight.
Tips for Managing Infant Gear
Using a backpack diaper bag or a baby carrier can free your hands and simplify moving through the airport and boarding. Be sure to follow airline security regulations when carrying liquids like formula and breast milk, which are usually allowed in larger quantities for infants.
Use Your Airline’s Infant Policies to Your Advantage
Know Ticketing and Baggage Rules
Airline policies for infants vary, so familiarize yourself with them before booking. Generally, infants under two years can fly on a parent’s lap or in their own seat if you purchase a ticket. Some airlines charge fees for lap infants, while others offer discounted or free travel for young children.
Many airlines also allow an extra checked bag for baby essentials—check your carrier’s rules so you can pack accordingly.
Priority Boarding for Families
Most airlines provide priority boarding for families traveling with infants. This gives you extra time to get settled, organize your infant’s space, and prepare before the cabin fills. Don’t hesitate to request this benefit when checking in.
Prepare Your Infant for the Flight Experience
Feeding and Relieving Ear Pressure
One challenge during flights is helping your infant adjust to changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing. Feeding your baby—whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier—can help relieve ear pressure and keep your infant calm.
Keeping Your Infant Calm and Entertained
Bring toys, books, or soothing music to keep your infant engaged. Gentle rocking or walking up and down the aisle, when allowed, can also help soothe a fussy baby.
Plan for Delays and Unexpected Situations
Always Have Backup Supplies
Travel with extra diapers, wipes, snacks, and clothing to prepare for any delays or accidents. Being over-prepared reduces stress and ensures you’re ready for any situation.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Flight attendants understand the challenges of traveling with infants and are often willing to help. If you need assistance, just ask.
Make Booking Flights with Infants Stress-Free and Enjoyable
Traveling with infants doesn’t have to be stressful. By booking flights early, choosing flight times wisely, understanding airline policies, and packing smart, you can create a comfortable, enjoyable travel experience for your whole family. Using SkyLush to search and book flights tailored to your family’s needs simplifies the entire process, helping you focus on making wonderful travel memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I book flights when traveling with an infant?
Booking at least two to three months in advance is recommended to get the best seats and flight options for families.
Are infants required to have their own tickets?
Infants under two years can often fly on a parent’s lap without a separate ticket, but policies vary by airline. Always check before booking.
What are the best seating options when flying with an infant?
Bulkhead seats with bassinets or seats with extra legroom are ideal for families traveling with infants.
Can I bring formula and baby food on the plane?
Yes. Airlines permit formula, breast milk, and baby food in reasonable amounts, including through airport security.
How can I soothe my baby during takeoff and landing?
Feeding or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing helps equalize ear pressure and calms infants.
