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Mack
next year my partner and I were planning on travelling to America via a plane (we love in australia) when we go we will have a 15month old and a newborn who will be about 4-6 weeks old....has anyone else done a similar trip with such a young bub? is it possible?
Answer
While you 'can' travel and fly with a newborn baby, it doesn't mean that you should.
You will have to check with the specific airline that you are using. American Airlines, for example, says that they don't allow younger babies to fly, including 'newborn babies (within seven days of delivery) unless parent or guardian has a medical certificate indicating travel is authorized.'
Again, that doesn't mean that it is a good idea, though.
Most experts advise that you limit a newborn's and younger infant's exposure to large groups of people so that they don't get sick. Traveling through an airport, on an airplane, and then visiting a lot of family would likely expose your child to viral illnesses and other infections, which is the main issue about safe travel with a baby. It's not so much the oxygen levels, the pressured cabin on the plane, or the effects of high altitude. Also, there is no proven risk between airplane travel and SIDS.
Travel would also be stressful for both a new mom and the baby at that time, especially if your flight was delayed or canceled. Add to that all the supplies that you need for your newborn, including clothes, diapers, bottles, etc., and of course, a car seat for the plane, and travel can be especially difficult.
Unless travel was more essential, it might be best to wait until your baby was older, with a more mature immune system and on a more predictable schedule, when he was two to three months old.
Keep in mind that neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the FAA have specific recommendations or advice about traveling with newborn babies besides the general advice about proper use of a car seat. So if you are determined to fly with your baby, get your own pediatrician's opinion, bring some help with you, get a nonstop flight, fly during an off-peak time, and be prepared for everything.
While you 'can' travel and fly with a newborn baby, it doesn't mean that you should.
You will have to check with the specific airline that you are using. American Airlines, for example, says that they don't allow younger babies to fly, including 'newborn babies (within seven days of delivery) unless parent or guardian has a medical certificate indicating travel is authorized.'
Again, that doesn't mean that it is a good idea, though.
Most experts advise that you limit a newborn's and younger infant's exposure to large groups of people so that they don't get sick. Traveling through an airport, on an airplane, and then visiting a lot of family would likely expose your child to viral illnesses and other infections, which is the main issue about safe travel with a baby. It's not so much the oxygen levels, the pressured cabin on the plane, or the effects of high altitude. Also, there is no proven risk between airplane travel and SIDS.
Travel would also be stressful for both a new mom and the baby at that time, especially if your flight was delayed or canceled. Add to that all the supplies that you need for your newborn, including clothes, diapers, bottles, etc., and of course, a car seat for the plane, and travel can be especially difficult.
Unless travel was more essential, it might be best to wait until your baby was older, with a more mature immune system and on a more predictable schedule, when he was two to three months old.
Keep in mind that neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the FAA have specific recommendations or advice about traveling with newborn babies besides the general advice about proper use of a car seat. So if you are determined to fly with your baby, get your own pediatrician's opinion, bring some help with you, get a nonstop flight, fly during an off-peak time, and be prepared for everything.
UPPA BABY STROLLER? ANYONE?
A new day
Has anyone taken an uppa baby vista on an airplane?? Im planning on going to NY next week and was wondering if anyone has, did it come back all scratched or damaged at all? and what about the bassinet feature? I use the bassinet right now my son is only a month, will they except the bassinet part or do I need to use the actual seat???
Thanks!
wow I finally got some answers lol, I have posted this question about 5 times!
so thanks to you both for some answers
I would like to add that the bassinet feature I dont plan on bringing in the cabin but wanted to know if it could be checked at the gate along with the stroller, so the baby will have a bed when we get to our destination, also the carseat I just wanted to bring along so when our friend picks us up we will have one for the car ride..
fyi continental is garbage!! they dont tell you any info, they also failed to tell me that they charge for each bag none are free anymore, with a newborn you would think they would mention this knowing I will need extra baggage grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! the cost of my baggage way exceeds the price of the ticket!
ticket - $190
baggage both ways - $280
and that doesnt include an extra $100 each way if I want to bring the carseat!
RIDICULOUS!
Answer
I want to address something first - Regulations do not stipulate that a child needs to be in a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise known as a car seat), but the
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration - USA),
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority - UK),
JAA (Joint Regulatory Authority - Europe),
and CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Australia)
among others, and all airlines recommend children under 40lbs (18kg) have their own seat with a child safety device. In fact, many airlines offer half-price tickets specifically so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device.
I strongly advise using a CRS. I have always bought a seat for my children and used their car seats for them in the plane. It is the only way to ensure safety for your child - especially during turbulence. Depending on how bad the turbulence (and it can come on suddenly) anything not secured will go flying (I don't want to scare you, but I have seen it happen first hand). There are other reasons as well, many of which are not regularly spoken about (so as not to make parents afraid). The truth is, accidents and incidents with planes are rare, but when they happen, they can be more detrimental than an accident by car. Having your child in a car seat also makes children feel secure, is more comfortable for both you and your child, will help your child sleep, and gives you both the opportunity to relax a bit as well.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Here is a picture of what the sticker would look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
Now about the stroller, all airlines differ on what kind of stroller you are allowed to take, but all allow an umbrella stroller. Continental does not specify as to which type of stroller they allow, so if I were you, at the very least I would print out the page that talks about strollers being allowed. If an agent questions you on it, show them to prove to you where it says the type you have is not allowed.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/infant.aspx
Gate checking means that you are allowed to use your stroller up until you board, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you deboard the plane. Here is how gate checking a stroller works:
When you first check-in, let the agent know you have a stroller. They will put a a luggage tag on your stroller just like they do the rest of your luggage, except you are able to use the stroller throughout the airport. They will also give you the claim ticket for your stroller like they do the rest of your luggage. If you plan on using a stroller bag, le them know and they will give you the tag to put on the bag later once you have your stroller securely inside it, but before boarding.
When you go through security, you will be asked to fold your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt to be X-rayed. Because of this, it is always best to make sure that any "extras" you have on your stroller are taken off so that they are not damaged and so that the stroller can pass easily through the X-ray machine.
When you are boarding, whether you board first, in the middle, or last, there will be an agent that will take your stroller from you. Again, make sure that any extras are taken off so they do not get damaged during the flight, and secure your stroller in the closed position. The agent will place the stroller in a special compartment under the plane for the duration of the flight.
When you exit your flight, the handlers will have your stroller waiting for you at the end of the jetway, near the gate. Should you have a bus arrival instead of a gate arrival, they will place the strollers on the ground near the buses for parents to collect.
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 10 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
Good luck, and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
I want to address something first - Regulations do not stipulate that a child needs to be in a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise known as a car seat), but the
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration - USA),
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority - UK),
JAA (Joint Regulatory Authority - Europe),
and CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Australia)
among others, and all airlines recommend children under 40lbs (18kg) have their own seat with a child safety device. In fact, many airlines offer half-price tickets specifically so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device.
I strongly advise using a CRS. I have always bought a seat for my children and used their car seats for them in the plane. It is the only way to ensure safety for your child - especially during turbulence. Depending on how bad the turbulence (and it can come on suddenly) anything not secured will go flying (I don't want to scare you, but I have seen it happen first hand). There are other reasons as well, many of which are not regularly spoken about (so as not to make parents afraid). The truth is, accidents and incidents with planes are rare, but when they happen, they can be more detrimental than an accident by car. Having your child in a car seat also makes children feel secure, is more comfortable for both you and your child, will help your child sleep, and gives you both the opportunity to relax a bit as well.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Here is a picture of what the sticker would look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
Now about the stroller, all airlines differ on what kind of stroller you are allowed to take, but all allow an umbrella stroller. Continental does not specify as to which type of stroller they allow, so if I were you, at the very least I would print out the page that talks about strollers being allowed. If an agent questions you on it, show them to prove to you where it says the type you have is not allowed.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/infant.aspx
Gate checking means that you are allowed to use your stroller up until you board, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you deboard the plane. Here is how gate checking a stroller works:
When you first check-in, let the agent know you have a stroller. They will put a a luggage tag on your stroller just like they do the rest of your luggage, except you are able to use the stroller throughout the airport. They will also give you the claim ticket for your stroller like they do the rest of your luggage. If you plan on using a stroller bag, le them know and they will give you the tag to put on the bag later once you have your stroller securely inside it, but before boarding.
When you go through security, you will be asked to fold your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt to be X-rayed. Because of this, it is always best to make sure that any "extras" you have on your stroller are taken off so that they are not damaged and so that the stroller can pass easily through the X-ray machine.
When you are boarding, whether you board first, in the middle, or last, there will be an agent that will take your stroller from you. Again, make sure that any extras are taken off so they do not get damaged during the flight, and secure your stroller in the closed position. The agent will place the stroller in a special compartment under the plane for the duration of the flight.
When you exit your flight, the handlers will have your stroller waiting for you at the end of the jetway, near the gate. Should you have a bus arrival instead of a gate arrival, they will place the strollers on the ground near the buses for parents to collect.
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 10 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
Good luck, and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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