On the Move with My Child

The Plane

The trip by plane, with a small child, is very advantageous. It is the fastest and the least comfortable means for a child and, therefore, for parents who can be more relaxed. The only inconvenient in this case is the price.

The Child under 2 years

A child can go by plane since the age of 3 weeks. He or she does not have a place booked, but can travel in their parents’ arms. The ticket price ranges between 10-30% of the price for adults (round trip). In the case of some companies, the ticket for the child is free.

On long routes, airlines provide beds for infants (about 70 cm long) or allow the installation of the special car seat on seat next to you (if it is free). Ask for information from airlines when you buy discount tickets and, especially, confirm the presence of this child after boarding in order to be provided special seats reserved only for those passengers with children (if any).

Child between 2-12 years

The ticket price ranges between 50-55% of the ticket for an adult (or full fare). The child has, therefore his or her own place. If your child has flu, before travelling, he or she should be examined by a doctor (to make sure that the child does not suffer from otitis). Do not hesitate to do this, as it is very important. Our advice is to take the favourite drink of the child, as the pressurized air on the plane is dry and dehydrated.

To prevent ear pain (caused by pressure changes on taking off and landing), offer the baby his or her favourite drink, put her pacifier in his or her mouth or even a dry cake to chew and swallow on a regular basis. If the baby has flu, you need to clean carefully his or her nose a few minutes before taking off or landing. Take with you his favourite toys, a few clothes, some books to read for you, the pacifier, diapers, and the child’s food.

Talking with the Child about Travelling

For a child, especially for a very small one, trips are mainly seen as a change in the things that he or she is used with (location, environment, sometimes, nutrition). Travel can cause to your child anxiety, nights when he or she can hardly calm down, even a disrupted rhythm of sleep. The child may be more dissatisfied (this regardless of your destination: family, friends, and hotel). Remember that your kid does not have the notion of time, so it will be difficult for him or her to understand that this change is temporary.

It is important, whatever the age of the child is, to explain better the situation and to intensify our attention. Calm down your baby and, especially, keep your temper at any of its nocturnal awakenings. Little by little, the baby will be used to the new situation and will become self-possessed again.

Formalities (documents, vaccines) -Papers required for Travel

Before going abroad, get information from the airlines or administrative services to meet the regulations in force.

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