CJ
Choosing the right flight can make traveling with a baby far easier. From timing to seating, small decisions can help make the experience smoother for you and more comfortable for your little one. Here are some helpful tips for getting the best airline tickets when flying with a baby.
1. Research Airports & Terminals
Check your surrounding area to see if you can go through a less-busy airport. Sometimes a small, regional airport will have flights to nearby destinations.
Look online at the airport to see what terminal you are likely to go out of. You can see what restaurants or shops are nearby and make an action plan for your time once you are through security.
Bonus tip: Some airports may have other activities like kids play zones. I chose to get to the airport early and had my toddler spend about 20 minutes in the kid zone before boarding in the hopes of tiring him out.
2. Check for Baby-Friendly Airline Amenities
Some airlines offer baby-friendly amenities like bassinets, priority boarding for families, and diaper-changing stations on board. It’s worth researching airlines to see if they provide any family-friendly perks. Even small conveniences can make the trip easier for both of you.
Some of the best-rated airlines for families are:
3. Get the Best Deal on Flights
To get the best deal, use all the resources the Internet has to offer. Searching on Kayak flights is a great starting point because you can search almost all airlines.
Bonus Tip: There are advanced search options in Kayak.com and other sites that allow you to look at a matrix of pricing for the departure/return dates. You can also expand your search to surrounding airports.
Another great search engine is Expedia which will also allow you to look for hotels and car rentals at the same time. Some airlines like Southwest do not provide all the details on these aggregate sites, so be sure to search directly through them. Finally, look at perks you may have through your job or other memberships. Costco, AAA and some credit card companies have their own search engines with special travel deals.
4. Choose Your Departure Time Wisely
If possible, try to schedule flights around your baby’s sleep schedule. Booking a flight during your baby’s usual nap time—or choosing a red-eye flight for overnight travel—can help your little one sleep through part of the journey.
This worked wonderfully on the first flights I took with my son when he was 9 months old, but when he was older, he stayed up through his naps on our 6 hour flights to/from Hawaii making him very testy by the end! Whether or not your little one sleeps will depend on a lot of factors, so don’t count on it!
5. Look for Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights minimize the number of times you need to navigate busy airports, manage additional take-offs and landings, or worry about rushing to connecting gates. While direct flights might be more expensive, they’re often worth the extra investment to avoid multiple boarding and deplaning sessions, which can be tiring and disruptive for both you and your baby.
6. Consider Booking the Extra Seat
Many airlines allow infants to travel as lap children until the age of two, but purchasing an extra seat can make the flight significantly more comfortable. With an extra seat, you have more options such as bringing along your baby’s car seat. Plus, it gives you more room to organize your carry-on items and manage diaper changes, feeding, or playing.
7. Pick Seats Strategically
Window seats can offer a cozy space where your baby has something to look at and can rest against the wall of the plane. If you’re traveling as a family, try to book the entire row for added space and privacy. It’s smart to sit close, but not too close to the bathrooms.
When choosing your seats, also consider sitting near the back of the plane. The back tends to be less crowded during boarding, giving you more time to settle in. Plus, the rear of the plane usually has two bathrooms, reducing the chances of long lines. I prefer sitting about three rows up from the back, as it’s a good balance of quiet and convenience. The one downside of this strategy is that it will take you longer to get off the plane after landing.
Tell us in the comments how you plan flights with your infant or toddler!