Flying with infants: A practical guide for less tears from everybody

Your family trip starts long before you reach the airport. The right booking strategy can help make the entire journey easier.

Decide between a lap infant and a reserved seat

Under age 2, children can typically fly as “lap infants” on domestic flights. But that doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for everyone. Here are a few things to consider.

Lap infant (held on your lap)

• Most domestic flights allow you to hold an infant on your lap at no additional cost; international routes may charge taxes or a percentage of the adult fare.
• Your child must share your seat, often limiting movement and comfort for both of you.
• This is not the FAA-recommended safety option.

Reserved seat (infant ticket + car seat)

• You have a dedicated space for your child and their FAA-approved car seat.
• A reserved seat is often the safest and most comfortable for longer flights.
• This option is typically preferable for infants able to sit independently or for parents who prefer hands-free travel comfort.
• The car seat must be FAA-approved (look for the label) and generally cannot be placed in an aisle seat.

Side-by-side comparison

Determine if a bassinet is a good option for your flight

If you’re flying long-haul with a small infant, a bulkhead bassinet can make a big difference in comfort and quality of sleep — for everybody.

How to secure a bassinet:

• Book your ticket first. Bassinets cannot be added before booking.
• Call the airline immediately after booking to request one.
• Confirm whether bassinets are assigned first-come, first-served or at the airport.
• Verify size and weight limits (typically suitable only for younger or smaller infants).

Choose flight times that align with your infant’s schedule

If possible, booking your flight itinerary with your child’s sleep schedule in mind can help keep them better regulated at the airport and in the air:

• Book flights during normal nap times.
• Consider overnight flights for long-haul travel.
• Avoid tight layovers that disrupt feeding and sleep rhythms.

Plan early for international requirements

International travel introduces extra steps:

• Your child will need a passport, even if flying as a lap infant.
• Many countries require six months’ passport validity beyond travel dates.
• Check whether your destination requires a visa, even for infants.

What documents do you need when traveling with an infant?

Infants, including lap infants, need specific documentation depending on the trip.

Boarding pass or proof of age

Requirements may vary by airline, so you should always call before departure to confirm what you’ll need. Common requirements include:

• A lap infant boarding pass
• A birth certificate or passport to prove age
• Verification at check-in

Letter of consent to travel

The United States does not require a letter of consent from both parents for a minor to travel, but some countries do. Evidence of both parents’ permission to travel is recommended when:

• One parent is traveling alone.
• A guardian or relative is traveling with the infant.

The letter should include:

• Full names of both parents
• Written consent for the traveling adult
• Contact information
• Travel dates and itinerary

Health considerations

Before traveling, you should:

• Verify that your baby’s immunizations are up to date.
• Check whether any travel-specific vaccines are needed (rare for infants but may depend on the destination).
• Determine requirements for health certificates, if applicable.

How does TSA screening work with an infant?

These are a few details to be aware of before going through TSA screening with a small child. You can find more information on the FAA site.

Understand TSA liquid exemptions

TSA’s standard 3-1-1 liquid rule does not apply to these items:

• Breast milk
• Formula
• Purified water for formula
• Juice for infants
• Baby food

You may bring amounts larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but you must:

• Declare these items at the beginning of screening
• Remove them from your bag for separate inspection
• Expect potential additional testing (but never testing that requires placing anything directly into the liquid)

Know how strollers and carriers are screened

• Strollers must go through the X-ray when possible or undergo manual screening.
• If you prefer not to remove your infant, use a soft baby carrier, which allows you to stay hands-free while passing through security.
• Babywearing often speeds up transitions between check-in, screening and boarding.

Pack a baby-specific carry-on

A dedicated infant carry-on makes TSA faster, especially when using a transparent bag or pouch. Contents might include:

• Diapers and wipes
• Disposable changing pads
• An extra outfit for both baby and parent
• Pacifiers and other comfort items
• Bottles, snacks and feeding supplies

Should you gate check or counter check infant gear?

Choosing how to check your gear can sometimes be a question of convenience versus protection. Use protective bags for strollers and car seats when possible, regardless of check method.

Gate check

Best for:

• Strollers you want to use in the terminal
• Car seats you need on arrival
• Staying mobile until boarding

Pros:

• Access until the last moment
• No baggage fees on most airlines
• Easy pickup at the aircraft door

Cons:

• More to manage in addition to carry-on luggage
• Potential for scuffs or damage
• May require folding quickly at the gate

Check at counter

Best for:

• Larger strollers
• Items you won’t need before arrival
• Parents wanting to move through the airport with minimal equipment

Pros:

• Less to manage in addition to carry-on luggage
• No need to handle bulky gear through security
• Simpler terminal navigation

Cons:

• Higher risk of rough handling and damage
• Must wait for arrival
• Potential for getting lost in transit

How do you keep an infant comfortable during the flight?

Manage ear pressure during takeoff and landing

Infants struggle most during ascent and descent, when cabin pressure changes rapidly.

To help:

• Provide a bottle, offer a pacifier or breastfeed.
• Begin feeding as the plane accelerates, not before.
• Encourage frequent swallowing.

Avoid feeding too early, or you may miss the critical pressure-change window.

Prepare for in-flight diaper changes

Lavatories are tight, so plan ahead:

• Pack a small diaper clutch instead of a large diaper bag.
• Bring disposable changing pads.
• Pre-pack individual diaper-change kits (diaper + wipe + pad).
• Identify which lavatories have changing tables (ask flight attendants).

Keep your infant’s routine whenever possible

Try to maintain:

• Usual nap rhythm
• Feeding intervals
• Familiar comfort objects (blanket, soft toy)

Prepare for dry cabin air

• Offer regular fluids.
• Use saline spray or Vaseline if recommended by your pediatrician.
• Dress your infant in breathable layers.

Move around

Once the seatbelt sign goes off:

• Walk the aisle slowly if your infant gets fussy.
• Use gentle rocking to soothe.
• Avoid blocking galleys or emergency exits.

How should you prepare for arrival and getting to your final destination?

After a flight with an infant, the last thing you want is to improvise transportation. Prearranging how you’ll get from the airport to your final destination reduces stress and keeps your baby’s routine intact.

Before you travel, confirm the details of your arrival plan:

• Choose convenience over cost, especially for late-night or long-haul arrivals when patience and energy are limited.
• Book rides in advance, whether through a private car service, hotel shuttle or rideshare.
• Verify car seat availability if using a car service, or plan to install your own approved car seat upon arrival.
• Confirm luggage handling, including how strollers or checked car seats will be returned to you at baggage claim.
• Build in buffer time so you’re not rushing through customs, baggage claim or pickup with an overtired child.

Working out the details for where you’re going and how you’ll get there ahead of time can ease the transition from plane to destination for everyone.

Final tips for a better experience

Traveling with your infant can seem daunting, but preparation (and reminding yourself that this too shall pass) can help make the experience feel as smooth as possible.

• Arrive early — rushing increases stress.
• Use family restrooms when available.
• Keep documents accessible at all times.
• Build extra time into every transition.
• Accept help from flight attendants — they’ve seen it all.
• Infants feed off your calm. The more you can remind yourself to stay grounded, the better they’ll do in the air.

Plan your next family trip with confidence

When you’re flying with your infant you’ve got your hands full. But having everything all in one place can make the process feel a little more manageable. If you have an eligible Citi credit card, the Citi Travel^® site lets you reserve hotels, book flights, arrange rental cars and plan attractions all in one streamlined experience, so you can focus more on juggling what’s most important.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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