When traveling with children, careful planning and adherence to safety regulations are essential to ensure a comfortable journey.
Booking Information
When making a reservation, be sure to provide your child’s age, follow all ID requirements, and pack necessary items for entertainment and snacks.
It is also important to check the hotel’s policies regarding children, such as whether they provide cribs or rollaway beds, as well as any additional fees for children staying in the room.
Remember to inform the hotel if your child has any special dietary requirements or allergies so they can accommodate them during your stay.
Lastly, make sure to inquire about any family-friendly amenities or activities offered by the hotel to ensure an enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Age Restrictions for Infants
Although most airlines allow babies as young as 7 days old to fly, certain health restrictions may apply.
Tips for Night Flights with Infants
It is advisable to book night flights for infants, offer pacifiers during changes in air pressure, and carry essential items for the baby.
Traveling with Children Under 2
Children under the age of 2 can travel on an adult’s lap, but specific seating and fare rules must be followed.
Baggage Regulations for Infants
Infants typically receive a complimentary baggage allowance, but guidelines for strollers, bassinets, and car seats may vary among airlines.
It is important to check with your specific airline before traveling to understand their policies regarding baggage for infants. Some airlines allow strollers to be checked at the gate for easy access upon arrival, while others require them to be checked with regular luggage. Bassinets may be available on certain long-haul flights, but advance booking is usually necessary. Car seats can often be checked for free, but again, policies can vary so it is best to double-check with your airline.
Seating and Luggage Rules for Kids 2-12
Children between the ages of 2 and 12 must have their own seat on the aircraft, with clear guidelines on luggage and the responsibilities of accompanying adults.
Most airlines do not charge for children under 2, but specific rules must be followed.
| Airline/Age | 0-2 years | 2-4 years | 5-12 years | 12+ years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANA | – Infants younger than 8 days old are not permitted to travel. — Special fare for infants. — Must be accompanied by an adult (12 years and older). — Baby stroller rental available. — Complimentary diapers and formula. — Discounted rate for infants. | – Must be accompanied by an adult. — Children’s menu offered. — Child discount available. — Please bring your own child car seats. | – Rental options include bassinets, strollers, diapers, and formula. — Must be accompanied by an adult. | – Escort service provided for solo travelers aged 14 and above. |
| EVA Air |
| – Newborns less than a week old cannot travel alone. — Must be accompanied by an adult. — Bassinets in various sizes provided. — Can request special meals and diaper changes in advance. |
| – Must be accompanied by an adult. — Assigned separate seating. — Child fares applicable. |
| – Can travel unaccompanied with airline supervision. — Eligible for children’s fares. |
| – Not applicable |
| Shanghai Airlines |
| – Infants under 14 days old are not permitted to travel. – 10% of the adult fare is charged for infants traveling on an adult’s lap. – A responsible adult must accompany the infant. – One adult can accompany two infants: one on the lap and one in a car seat. |
| – Adult supervision is mandatory. – Discounts on tickets are available. |
| – Unaccompanied travel for minors is allowed. – The ticket price for unaccompanied minors may vary. – Staff assistance will be provided. – Advance booking is required. |
| – Children can travel alone from the age of 12. |
| Emirates |
| – Travel with a parent, guardian, or passenger aged 16 and over. — Lap travel discount available. — Option to bring your own bassinet or reserve one. — Child rate for occupying a separate seat. — Personal stroller can be brought or airport-provided one can be used at no extra cost. |
| – Travel with a parent, guardian, or passenger aged 16 and over. — Child fare available. |
| – Travel with a parent, guardian, passenger aged 16 and over, or staff. — Unaccompanied full fare ticket. |
| – Travel independently or with staff (up to 15 years old). — Full fare ticket required. |
| Ryanair |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult. – Children will be seated by the window. – Bringing a bassinet or car seat is allowed. – Child fare ticket required. |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult. – Child fare ticket required. |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult. – Child fare ticket required. – Escort service not provided. |
| – Up to 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult. – Independent travel allowed from 16 years old. – Full fare ticket required from 16 years old. |
| EasyJet |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. — Lap travel receives a 90% discount. — Children can have a separate seat at the child rate. — Bringing own bassinet or car seat is permitted. — Strollers are transported free of charge. |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult. — Child tickets available. |
| – Children must be accompanied by an adult. — Child tickets available. — Escort service by staff is not included. |
| – Independent travel is allowed from 16 years old. — Full fare tickets are required for passengers over 16 years old. |
Remember to pack snacks and drinks for your child to keep them satisfied throughout the flight. It’s also a good idea to have gum or lollipops on hand to help with any ear discomfort during take-off and landing.
If your child has any special needs or requirements, inform the airline in advance so they can accommodate your child accordingly. This includes any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or specific seating needs.
Bring along a comfort item from home, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help your child feel more at ease during the flight. Encourage them to get cozy and relax as much as possible.
Last but not least, be patient and understanding during the flight. Children can get restless or anxious during long journeys, so offer reassurance and comfort as needed. By preparing accordingly and staying calm, you can help make the flight a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Sending a Child on a Flight Without Parents
In some cases, you may need to send your child on a plane without a parent, and some airlines offer specific services for unaccompanied minors.
Many airlines provide assistance for children traveling alone. Children between the ages of 7 to 12 are supervised by airline crew members until they reach the destination airport. The child will need a ticket, a statement from parents, an ID document, and notarized consent for the trip.
For example, Lufthansa allows children aged 5 to 17 to travel alone. The process is similar — hand over the child to the care service, and upon arrival, an employee will return them to the designated person. Required documentation includes a passport/ID, visa, receipts, consent, and an application form.
Qatar Airways and Emirates also offer escort services for unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 16. The child will need to pay the full ticket fare plus an additional fee for Emirates.
Not all airlines provide escort services for children during the flight. For instance, EasyJet does not allow children aged 2 to 15 to travel alone and does not offer paid assistance.
Citizenship for a Child Born During a Flight
Another interesting question that often arises when flying with children is about the citizenship of a baby born on an airplane.
This depends on the policy of the airline or the country over which the aircraft was flying during the birth. Policies such as jus soli or jus sanguinis determine the citizenship of the child.
In addition to acquiring citizenship, parents can choose from various citizenship options based on the country of the airline or the location of the birth.
Many airlines have restrictions on flying for pregnant women in late pregnancy for safety reasons. For example, Air France and Lufthansa do not allow pregnant women to fly beyond 36 weeks.
Money Transfers from Europe
When moving to Europe for permanent residency, it’s vital to be aware of services that can help you stay in touch with your loved ones back home.
The Korona app allows you to send money transfers from Europe to over 50 countries and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Benefits of using the Korona app include:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Favorable currency exchange rates.
- 24/7 support via chat and phone.
Explore life and work in Europe on the blog. If you’re interested, check out the catalog for more information.