A long flight with a baby is less about entertainment and more about decisions made weeks earlier: where the baby sits, which seats you request, and which documents you carry. Airline rules differ, so always confirm with yours, but these are the questions worth settling before you book.
Lap seat or own seat?
US rules allow a child under two to travel on an adult's lap, without a seat of their own. However, the Federal Aviation Administration advises that the safest place for a young child is an approved child restraint or device, not a lap, because turbulence can be hard to hold a child through.
- Lap seat: less to carry, and no extra seat to buy on many domestic flights. On international flights, airlines usually charge something for a lap infant, often a share of the adult fare plus taxes.
- Own seat: a safer setup with an approved car seat, plus a familiar place to sleep. You pay for an extra seat, so compare the total for your dates.
Whichever you choose, airlines can ask for proof of age, so carry a document that shows the baby's date of birth.
The trap on the way home
If your child turns two during the trip, they will generally need a seat for flights after the birthday, including the return. Check this when you book, as it can be expensive and difficult to fix at the last minute.
Using a car seat on board
Look for wording on the label stating that the seat is approved for aircraft use. Booster seats are generally not allowed for takeoff and landing because aircraft seats have lap belts rather than shoulder belts. Car seats normally go by a window, so that they do not block anyone's way out, and they cannot go in an exit row. Airlines outside the US may have different rules, so check the seat's width and your airline's policy before you bring it.
Bassinets on long-haul flights
Many long-haul aircraft have a small number of wall-mounted bassinets at certain seats. They are helpful but limited:
- Request one early. Contact the airline straight after booking, because there are few and they cannot always be guaranteed.
- Check the limits. Each airline sets its own weight and size limits. A bigger baby may not qualify, whatever their age.
- Expect to lift the baby out. Crew may ask you to do this during turbulence, as well as for takeoff and landing.
- Consider the seat. Bassinet rows can have more legroom but fixed armrests, and they can be near galleys and bathrooms.
Documents for a baby
- A passport. Babies need their own passport for international travel. In the US, both parents generally need to be involved in applying for a child under 16, so allow plenty of time.
- Entry permissions. A baby needs the same entry permissions as anyone else on that passport. Check the rules for each country, including Europe's Entry/Exit System, which takes photos of children but no fingerprints under 12.
- A consent letter. If one parent is traveling alone with the child, carry a signed letter from the other parent. Some countries can ask for it.
- A birth certificate. It is useful as proof of age and of your relationship, particularly if your surnames differ.
Choosing the flight
- Prefer a nonstop when you can. One longer flight usually beats two boardings. See our nonstop vs connecting guide.
- Choose flights around sleep. Night flights suit some babies, but for others a daytime flight is calmer. Think about your own child's routine.
- If you connect, leave extra time. Strollers, feeds and diaper changes all add time. Our layover guide can help.
- Sit together. Reserve seats at booking, and ask the airline right away if the family has been split up.
At the airport and on board
TSA allows reasonable quantities of formula, breast milk and baby food in carry-on bags, beyond the normal liquid limit. Tell the officer about them at the start of screening. Other countries have their own rules, so check before your return. Most airlines let you take a stroller to the gate, then collect it at the aircraft door or at baggage claim, so ask which applies, particularly at connections.
Offering a feed or pacifier during takeoff and landing can help with ear pressure. Pack more diapers, wipes, spare clothes and feed than you expect to use, in case of a delay, and include a spare top for yourself. If the baggage rules are confusing, our baggage guide explains the basics, though infant allowances are set by each airline.
For first long-haul trips, consider a shorter route to start, such as New York to London or Miami to Madrid, and give everyone a slow first day. Our jet lag guide has tips for adjusting after you land.
