How do you fly on a plane with a baby?

I will be traveling on a plane for 2 hours with my 6 month old and was just wondering about the procedure for flying with babies. Do they need to sit in their own seat, so I will have to buy two tickets? And I read somewhere that they can sit in your lap? Is that safe or ok to do? What all do I need to know about flying with a baby?|||Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). International flights charge a 10% fee for lap children. However, this is not the safest way for a child to fly.





While some (not all) flights offer bassinets, the number they carry is limited, and they are not allowed to be used during taxi, take-off, turbulence, or landing. Some airline even prohibit their use while the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated. Having your child safely buckled in a car seat insures his/her safety.





In fact, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration - USA),


CAA (Civil Aviation Authority - UK),


JAA (Joint Regulatory Authority - Europe),


and CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Australia) among others, and all airlines recommend children under 40lbs (18kg) have their own seat with a child safety device.





A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. The sticker will look something like this:


http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flyin鈥?/a>





Many airlines even offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats. If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use that seat if they absolutely need it, leaving it free for you to use during the flight for your child (basically you are getting a seat for free for your child).





I have always bought a seat for my children and used their car seats for them in the plane. I HIGHLY advise using a car seat for your child in the plane because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives you the opportunity to relax a bit as well.











I've been flying internationally %26amp; domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8%26amp;6, 9 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children %26amp; I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international %26amp; domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules %26amp; regulations for the US, EU, UK, %26amp; Australia, offers tips %26amp; tricks for the travel, etc.


http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/f鈥?/a>








Good luck, and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.