At first, travelling by plane with a baby may seem complicated, but with the right preparation and an understanding of the regulations and options available, it can become a lovely, relaxing and comfortable experience for both you and your little one. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a successful trip.
Choose a baby stroller for the plane
It’s really convenient and practical to get a stroller for the plane like the Jané Clap pushchair. These types of strollers or pushchairs are lighter, and their folded dimensions meet cabin luggage requirements, so you can take them straight onto the plane and place them in the overhead compartment, just like hand luggage. This means you can move around comfortably with your stroller as soon as you get off the plane. If you travel regularly, bear this in mind when choosing a stroller.
Even if you don’t have a stroller specifically designed for air travel, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel with your stroller. Make sure the chassis and the carrycot or hammock are properly tagged when you check in. Once you reach the aircraft door, you’ll be asked to leave the stroller to be stored in the aircraft hold. If you don’t have a carry bag for your stroller, ask your airline for a plastic bag to protect it properly. If you usually carry your baby, this is a good time to try babywearing, so you can be more comfortable and move around with your hands free.
Remember that in this case, your luggage will usually come out at the special baggage belt, so you won’t find it on the same belt as regular luggage.
Do you need to remove the wheels or any part of the stroller before taking it on the plane?
In most cases, you don’t need to remove the wheels or any other part of the stroller before taking it on the plane. However, we recommend checking your airline’s regulations to avoid problems at the airport.
Airline regulations: size and weight
According to the recommendations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), hand luggage must not exceed 56 centimetres in height, 45 centimetres in length and 25 centimetres in width (including wheels and handles); the recommended maximum weight is eight kilograms.
Each airline has its own regulations regarding the permitted size and weight of baby luggage, including strollers and pushchairs. Make sure you check these regulations in advance to avoid any problems at the airport.
How to transport your stroller through the airport
When you arrive at the airport, you may be able to take your stroller to the boarding gate. If your stroller has two pieces, make sure the chassis and the carrycot or hammock are both properly tagged. Once you reach the aircraft door, you’ll be asked to leave the stroller to be stored in the aircraft hold. If, on the other hand, your stroller is lightweight and meets the approved cabin luggage dimensions, all you’ll have to do is fold it and take it onto the plane with you.
How to protect your stroller when travelling by plane
If your pushchair is lightweight and you can take it onto the plane, you won’t need to protect it. But if your stroller is going in the aircraft hold, we recommend protecting it with a cover to prevent damage while luggage is being handled. This will help protect it from knocks and scratches during the journey. If you don’t have a cover, we recommend asking the airline for a bag to protect it.
How old does a baby have to be to travel by plane?
AENA allows babies to travel by plane from 48 hours after birth, although it’s recommended to wait at least 7 days after birth for short flights and 21 days after birth for long-haul flights. In any case, we recommend consulting your paediatrician before planning a trip, especially if your baby is very young or has specific medical conditions.
Can I take the stroller bag as hand luggage on the plane?
Some airlines allow you to take the stroller bag as hand luggage, but this can vary depending on the airline. Check your airline’s specific regulations before travelling.
We’d also like to remind you that regulations allow you to take liquid medicines or food for your baby/child (liquid milk, water, juice, etc.) that will be needed during the trip (outbound flight, return flight and stay). Where possible, bring your prescription or proof of your specific condition, including for children’s food.
Accessories for travelling by plane with your baby
Just as when you go out for a walk, make sure you take all the accessories you need for your trip. Here are a few suggestions:
• A baby bottle of water and a snack if your baby is old enough to eat. We recommend that you breastfeed, give them a baby bottle or offer them a pacifier during both take-off and landing to help them adjust to the sudden change and prevent your baby’s ears from popping.
• Nappies and wet wipes. There’s usually a small changing table in the aircraft bathroom, although we recommend bringing your own portable changing mat.
• Their favourite toys. If they use one, it’s important to bring their comfort toy or comforter to help them stay calm, as well as another toy to keep them entertained.
• A blanket. Air conditioning can sometimes be very strong on planes, so we recommend bringing a blanket to cover them in winter or a muslin cloth if you’re travelling in summer.
Documents and costs
Babies under 2 years old don’t pay for an aircraft seat and can travel on an adult’s lap using a seat belt or in a child seat, similar to those used in cars, secured to the aircraft seat.
From the age of 2, they must have their own assigned seat and sit in it or in their own child seat. Bear in mind that the airline decides whether to allow the use of a child seat, even if it is approved, and this depends on its policy, so you should always let the airline know. Some airlines provide child seats on board and even have bassinets for babies.
As for documentation, for domestic flights, babies can travel with their parents, and the airline will usually ask for the family record book. For flights within Europe, a valid ID card or passport is required. For international flights, a valid passport is required, as well as a visa if the destination country requires one.
In short, travelling by plane with a baby requires careful planning and attention to the regulations and options available. With the right information and preparation, you can enjoy a safe, stress-free trip with your little one. Have a great flight!
