Stroller, food, seat what you need to know before flying with a toddler
It's a first.You go with the family, with the children.Except that at a few weeks or days of departure, some questions are still unanswered...What identity documents they need to travel?Can we take the plane with a stroller and/or a car seat?Is baby liquid food allowed on board?Do not panic.We give you the instructions for a trip without turbulence.
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Can we travel with an infant?
Yes.On the other hand, most airlines still fix a minimum age.Air France for example, advises parents to travel with a baby within 7 days of birth.Ditto, in Qatar Airways, in whom infants of less than 8 days are prohibited.As for Easyjet, the minimum age is set at 14 days.Finally, for long trips, it is recommended to wait at least 3 weeks.
What are the identity documents my child needs to travel?
All children, even babies, must have their own identity documents to leave the territory.As with adults, to travel to a country of the European Union or in the Schengen space, a valid identity card will be sufficient.Be careful however, the validity date of a child's identity card is not the same as that of an adult.That of a minor is only valid for 10 years, against 15 years if it is that of an adult.
To travel outside the EU - here too, as for adults - the child will have to have a valid passport.Knowing that the period of validity of a passport is 5 years for minors, 10 years for adults.It will therefore be necessary to show great vigilance before departure to ensure that everyone is up to date.
Should a child under 2 years of age necessarily travel on his parents' knees?
Yes et non.You have the choice.Until 2 years, your child can travel on your lap and thus benefit from a reduction.At Corsair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways or Air Maroc, for example, you will only have to pay 10% of the adult rate.But if you prefer that your cherub travel by your side, it is also possible.On the other hand, you will then have to provide a full price ticket, because it will occupy a whole seat.You will also have to think about installing it on a car seat or attached it with an approved harness.From 2 years old, your child must travel to a separate seat of yours.
Large airlines like Air France can offer reduced prices in some cases for children from 2 to 12 years old.
Can we take the plane with a stroller and/or a car seat?
Yes.Both are possible and free of charge.Under certain conditions, however.From France, to be used on board, the car seat must have a CE sticker with the mention "approved for use on board" planes ".Regarding the stroller, it can be swept away with you to the boarding gate and you can recover it as soon as you get out of the plane.Depending on its dimension and subject to space available in the cabin, it will or not be placed in the hold.
Is baby liquid food allowed on board?
Yes.Foods intended for babies and infant milk are exempt from liquid restrictions.This includes: soy milk, sterilized water (in a bottle), infant, maternal or cow's milk (specifically for baby) and baby food.However, you may be asked to taste it for security reasons.
What baggage can I take for my child?
Babies under 2 years of age with a reserved seat and children over 2 years old have the same hand luggage and luggage franchise as adults as adults.What changes is when your baby travels on your knees.In this case, the rules vary according to the airlines.At Easyjet, only an additional changing bag will be allowed for the baby.With Air France, you can transport for him a cabin baggage weighing up to 12 kg and whose dimensions do not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm and a luggage in the hold of 10 kg maximum.Most airlines also authorize for each baby or child, up to two of the following articles: travel cradle, stroller, car seat, foldable pram, booster or baby carrier.
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Can a child travel alone?
Yes et non.It all depends on his age.Until a certain age - which once again varies according to airlines - children must be accompanied by a major adult (unless the parent or the legal guardian is under the age of 18).
At Air France for example, the minimum age to travel alone is set at 12 years for flights in France and 15 years for international flights.At Easyjet and Ryanair, the ages are respectively fixed at 14 and 16 years old.Note, an authorization to leave the territory is compulsory for minors not accompanied by one of their parents or their legal guardian.
What if my child has to travel alone before that age?In some airlines, like Air France or Transavia, support (paid) from some 4 or 5 years.With these services, children are supervised by company staff.And this, until the arrival of the person who must recover them at the airport.
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This article initially published on March 5, 2021 has been updated.
