Flying with your baby

Are you planning a plane trip soon and will you be accompanied by a child under the age of 2? Class'Park has done the research for you and compiled all the necessary information and practical advice in this article to make your journey easier.

What are the rules for travelling by plane with a baby?

It is important to note that most airlines do not allow infants under 7 days old, premature babies or sick babies to travel on board. If your baby falls into one of these categories, it is advisable to have a medical certificate in English stating that the child is fit to travel.

If you are travelling in France or Europe, your baby must have an identity card. However, if you are travelling outside the European area, you will need to obtain a passport for your child, unless special agreements have been made with France.

Finally, if you are travelling with several children under the age of 2, some airlines limit the number of babies an accompanying adult can have to one or two. It is therefore advisable to check this information before booking your tickets.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

Most airlines offer two options for travelling with a baby under the age of two: you can or hold it on your lap without reserving a seat, or reserve a seat at a reduced price.

If you choose to travel without reserving a seat for your baby, he or she will be able to travel free of charge or at a reduced faredepending on the airline and destination.

However, you will often not have access to the cots offered, as these are only available for reserved seats. In addition, for safety reasons, you cannot travel with more than one child on your lap. If you are travelling alone with two babies, you will need to reserve at least one seat.

If you prefer to travel with a reservation, you can book a seat for your child at a reduced fare, which will also allow you to benefit from advantages such as an extra piece of baggage in the cabin and the possibility of adding a cradle or car seat, depending on the airline and destination.

Bringing your car seat on the plane

It is recommended tobring your own car seat for your baby as most airlines have very few or none. Please ensure that your car seat does not exceed the dimensions of 42 cm by 57 cm and that it is approved by the European Union.

The cost of flying with a baby varies according to several factors, such as whether or not you have reserved a seat, the destination of your flight and the airline you have chosen. In general, low-cost airlines do not offer reduced fares for babies.

A tip for getting an extra seat for your baby

Book two seats side by side when you buy your tickets and leave an empty seat in the middle. If the plane isn't full, it's unlikely that another passenger will book that empty seat, so you can use that extra space for your baby without having to pay extra. However, this only works if seats are available on your flight, so it cannot be guaranteed during periods of high demand such as school holidays.

Our advice and recommendations for flying with a baby

For a a more peaceful journey with your baby by planeChoose the times strategically. If your baby has difficulty falling asleep outside his usual nap time, try to travel at a time when he is more likely to fall asleep naturally. This way, you'll avoid the annoyed looks of other travellers and have a better chance of a calm and quiet journey.

Choice of baby carrier, warm clothing and cabin baggage.

In addition to the folding pushchair that most airlines allow you to take up to boarding (which must then be placed in the hold), a baby carrier can also be useful. The baby carrier will keep your hands free in the airport, which can be very practical.

Don't forget to pack warm clothes for your baby, even if it's warm on the ground, as the temperature in the air can be cool. Bring a blanket, hat and socks. in your carry-on bag, as well as spare clothes for you and your baby in the event of an accident.

If your child is travelling with a reserved seat, he or she is also entitled to cabin baggage, so you can take more things with you.

Practical advice on nappies, food and seat selection.

Plan ahead enough nappies and food for your baby because your flight may be delayed or you may encounter unforeseen delays.

It's best to pack more nappies and food than you think you'll need. Also make sure you change your child before boarding, as you won't be able to go to the toilet for a while after take-off. It's a good idea to choose a window seat for you and your baby on the plane. This will allow you to keep control of the shutter and close it if your child wants to sleep. What's more, the window can also be an excellent source of distraction for your baby.

To avoid earaches common in children during take-off and landing due to the change in pressure, give your child a dummy to suck. This will help reduce the pain and soothe them.

Reserve your airport parking space in advance

This will save you money on parking charges and ensure you have a peaceful departure without having to search for a parking space for hours. Your Class'Park car park, located near Roissy, will provide you with a free airport transfer in spacious shuttles with baby seats if necessary.

When you travel with a baby, you automatically benefit from a priority boardingTake advantage of this opportunity to make yourself comfortable before the other passengers board the plane.

If you notice that your baby is becoming bored or restless during the flight, walking down the aisle can be a good way of calming or distracting him. It can also help to stimulate blood circulation, so don't hesitate to walk with your baby during the flight.

We hope you have a great trip!