The best airlines for traveling with small children and how to prepare the stroller

Traveling by plane with young children can be a challenging experience, but choosing the right airline and preparing ahead of time can make the trip much easier and more enjoyable. Each airline has its own policies and fees for traveling with children, so it's important to know them before booking your flight.

Below, we'll present a guide to some of the best airlines for traveling with young children and how to prepare for the trip.

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Ryanair: Flying with Babies

Ryanair considers infants to be children from 8 days to 23 months old. Infants under 8 days old cannot fly. Ryanair offers several options for traveling with infants:

• On the lap: Infants under 2 years old may travel on an adult's lap and will be provided with a special seatbelt. In this case, the infant is not entitled to check-in baggage, but the adult may carry one carry-on bag, one small item of luggage, and one bag up to 5 kg for the infant's needs.
• Private seat with Amsafe restraint system: If your baby is over 1 year old and weighs between 10 and 20 kg, you can reserve a private seat. Your baby can use the Amsafe restraint system and is entitled to one carry-on bag, one small bag, and one bag up to 5 kg for baby's needs.

Additionally, you can bring a fully collapsible stroller or baby carrier, along with one other item such as an infant car seat, booster seat, or foldable crib, free of charge. Ryanair charges a €10 fee per item of infant baggage, such as carrycots, cribs, or car safety seats.

Iberia: Child Fare

Iberia considers children under 2 years old to be infants. They offer a child fare that's only 10% of the adult fare and allows the infant to travel on an adult's lap. If the infant occupies a seat, they are considered a child and a special fare applies.

Infants on Iberia have the same baggage allowance as adults and can carry a folding stroller/pushchair or a car seat. You can bring the stroller to the gate or check it in with your other baggage. Iberia also offers comfort bassinets on intercontinental flights for babies up to 8 months old and 11 kg.

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Vueling: Child Fare

Vueling considers infants to be children from 7 days to 2 years old. To travel with infants, you must check in at the airport to be assigned a suitable seat. You can check in up to two additional items, such as strollers, cribs, or bassinets, at no additional cost.

Infants do not have their own fare and do not benefit from specific baggage allowances. However, you can bring strollers, cribs, or similar items to the boarding gate and check them in at no additional cost.

EasyJet: Child Fare

EasyJet considers infants to be children from 14 days to 2 years old. Infants under 14 days old cannot fly with EasyJet. To travel with infants, the child must sit on the lap of the adult traveling with them and pay a fare of €28 per trip. If you wish, you can purchase a seat for the child by paying the adult fare.

EasyJet allows you to bring two items at no extra cost, such as a travel cot, stroller, car seat, folding or non-folding stroller, booster seat, or baby carrier. If you wish to bring more than two items per infant, you must pay a special fee per additional item.

Air Europa: Children's fare

Air Europa considers children under 2 years old to be infants. Infants who have not turned 2 by the date of the flight must travel on an adult's lap. On international flights, infants must present an ID or passport, depending on their destination.

Air Europa offers the same baggage allowance as adult passengers, and also allows passengers to bring a foldable stroller, a baby carrier, or a baby car seat.

British Airways: Child fare

British Airways considers infants to be children under 23 months of age. The infant fare is 10% of the adult fare if the infant does not occupy a seat and travels on an adult's lap. Infants between 6 and 23 months of age who wish to have their own approved seat must pay a special infant fare.

Infants on British Airways have the same baggage allowance as adults. You can bring one checked bag for the infant, a foldable stroller, and a car seat. You can also carry baby food in your hand luggage, as liquid regulations allow baby food.

5 Tips for Traveling by Plane with Your Baby

Airplane travel with a baby can be challenging, but with proper planning and some helpful tips, your trip can be much smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. Here are five essential tips to keep in mind when traveling with your baby:

1. Adapt your flight schedule to your baby's routines
   Try to schedule your flight at a time that coincides with your baby's sleeping and feeding routines. Babies are generally calmer when they're rested and well-fed. Avoid flights during their normal sleeping and eating hours to make the trip more pleasant.
2. Consult with company staff
   Before choosing your seat on the plane, don't hesitate to ask the airline staff for recommendations. They'll help you select a comfortable seat suitable for you and your baby. Some airlines offer special seats for families with young children.
3. Dress your baby appropriately
   Make sure to dress your baby in comfortable clothing appropriate for the cabin temperature. Cabin conditions can vary, and sometimes air conditioning or heating can cause babies to catch colds. If your flight is at night, don't be afraid to dress your baby in comfortable pajamas. This will help them feel relaxed and fall asleep more easily.
4. Prepare a travel kit in your carry-on luggage
   Bring a travel kit with the essentials to care for your baby during the flight. Be sure to include wipes, diapers, disposable changing mats, waste bags, changing clothes, and any other items your baby might need. It's not necessary to include a first aid kit, as cabin crew usually have basic medical supplies to treat any injuries.
5. Keep calm
   Stay calm throughout the trip. Babies are very sensitive to their parents' emotions. If you feel calm and relaxed, your baby is more likely to feel the same way. This is especially important if your baby is traveling on your lap. The calmness you convey can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a stressful trip.

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Airplane travel with babies can be a rewarding experience with the right airline and preparation. Don't hesitate to adapt your flight time to your baby's schedule and pack a travel kit with the essentials to keep them comfortable and happy during the trip. With these considerations in mind, you'll be able to enjoy your plane rides with your little ones more peacefully and pleasantly. Happy travels!