First Time Flying with a Baby? Documents You Need & How to Prepare

First-time parents flying abroad with their little one for the first time naturally feel anxious. They worry their baby might fuss or cry and disturb other passengers, because children’s reactions are hard to control especially in a new environment. Even adults can feel scared or nervous on their first flight. On top of that, you must prepare all of your child’s luggage and important documents; otherwise, you might not be allowed to board. You also need to ensure your child’s safety throughout the journey. It’s understandable to be concerned about every detail. Today, Gother would like to share tips on traveling by plane with a child and outline the documents you need to prepare so you can fly worry-free and confidently with your little one!

  Parents are planning an international trip and, for this journey, want to bring their little one on the plane too, but don’t know how to prepare for a baby’s first flight. Let’s find out how to get ready.  
 

1. Review the airline’s requirements and regulations before booking

2. Take your baby for a health check

3. Prepare all travel documents

• For infants aged 14 days up to under 7 years old: on the day of travel, present the original birth certificate only, or a passport for check-in (passport required for international flights).
• For children aged 7 days up to under 15 years old: on the day of travel, present the original birth certificate only, or a national ID card or passport for check-in (passport required for international flights).

4. Prepare a stroller and baby carrier

5. Pack your baby’s essentials before boarding

• Formula: if you need to prepare bottles, bring your own water, as airlines don’t provide it. Remember that any liquids must not exceed 100 ml per container.
• Nursing cover: for discretion when breastfeeding.
• Diapers: bring enough for the journey plus extras for emergencies.
• Wet wipes and tissues: for cleaning.
• Sealable bags for used diapers: to keep things hygienic and avoid disturbing other passengers.
• Prescription medicine and basic first-aid items: such as fever reducers, pain relievers, antihistamines, and band-aids.
• Small favorite toys or storybooks: to soothe your baby if they become upset.

6. Purchase international travel insurance for your baby

  Although infants or children under 18 years old, parents must present documents to verify identity before boarding a flight. The required documents vary slightly depending on the flight route and the age of the traveling child. Below is a summary of the documents you need to prepare:  

1. For domestic flights

• Birth certificate: original only, or a copy certified by an official. This is the primary document used to verify the child’s identity and age.
• House registration record: original or a copy certified by an official. Some airlines may not require this document.
• Passport: original. If available, it can substitute for the birth certificate or house registration record.
• Disability ID card: original only. If the child has a disability ID card, include it for the airline staff.

• National ID card: original.
• Birth certificate: original only, or a copy certified by an official, if no national ID card is available.
• Passport: original (if available).
• If the child travels with a guardian, the guardian must present their original national ID card or passport.

2. For international flights

• Passport: original, with validity according to the destination country’s requirements, usually at least six months beyond the travel date.
• Visa: if required by the destination country.
• Birth certificate: original only, or a copy certified by an official. Some immigration officers may request it to verify the relationship with the guardian.

• Consent letter issued by the non-traveling parent(s), with signatures certified by the district office or notary public.
• Copy of the national ID card or passport of the non-traveling parent(s).
• Documents proving the parent-child relationship, such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or custody order (as applicable).

  Taking a child on a plane for the first time can be quite challenging for parents, especially when the little one is too young to communicate their needs and may become fussy during the flight. Today, we’d like to share some simple tips to help reduce fussiness on a first flight, ensuring a happy journey for both parents and fellow passengers.  
 

1. Choose Flight Times According to Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

2. Introduce Air Travel to Your Child

3. Prepare Milk or Snacks in Advance

4. Reserve a Seat for Your Child

5. Choose a Seat Near the Restroom

6. Bring Toys to Keep Your Child Entertained

  First-time parents preparing to take their little one on a plane for the first time have several important things to check to ensure the journey goes as smoothly and safely as possible, as follows:  
 

1. Don’t Forget Your Child’s Essential Documents!

2. Check Your Airline’s Rules and Regulations

3. Plan Ahead Before Boarding

4. Pack Essential Items for Your Child

Additionally, Gother has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for parents flying with children for the first time. Let’s take a look at what questions you might have:
 
Question: My child cried on the plane. How should I handle it?
Answer: There are several ways to soothe a crying child, such as feeding them milk during the flight or walking up and down the aisle. Just be careful not to disturb other passengers. Bring your child’s favorite toy to help keep them calm.

Question: Can infants fly, and is it safe?
Answer: Infants can fly. Generally, airlines recommend waiting until the baby is about 4 - 8 weeks old, as newborns are more vulnerable to infections. It’s a good idea to have the baby checked by a doctor beforehand to ensure they are healthy and ready for air travel.

Question: At what age can an infant fly?
Answer: Infants can fly right away, but for safety, it’s best to wait until they are 4 - 8 weeks old or around 2 - 3 months old to reduce the risk of infections.

Question: Does a child need a ticket, and is it the same price as an adult?
Answer: Typically, children under 2 years old fly at a lower fare because they do not occupy their own seat. Airlines usually provide bassinets and allocate seats at the front of the cabin. Some airlines also offer children’s meals if requested in advance. For children aged 2 - 12, tickets are often discounted by about 25%. Children over 12 are charged the full adult fare. Discount policies vary by airline.

    These tips should help parents flying with children for the first time. Most importantly, don’t stress too much—it can ruin the fun. Before you travel, check that you have all essential documents for both adults and children and that you’ve packed everything your child will need. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without worries. Once you’ve chosen your travel dates and are ready to book flight tickets, you can book at Flight Tickets. Gother lets you compare flight prices and promotions from all airlines worldwide. Our team is available 24/7 to help you book a convenient, fast, and secure trip, with multiple currency and payment options. If you need to change your flight, it’s easy to do through Gother, the global travel booking platform for every lifestyle!