Preparing for travel
All issues concerning travelling with a child, and so any age limits, required documents, fees, etc. are governed by internal regulations of airlines so make sure to read them carefully when you are planning the journey.
Please click on the airline’s logotype and check details.
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Typically, infants and children under the age of two do not have a separate seat in the aircraft and are travelling on parents’ laps and in case of low cost airlines usually are not allowed to have cabin baggage or hand luggage, although these provisions may vary depending on the carrier. Older children take their own seats and are looked after by adults. You can purchase individual crew assist for children in various age categories. Than the child is escorted from the check-in desk through security control to the aircraft by the airport’s passenger’s service staff and taken care on board by the aircraft crew. After arrival at the port of destination the child is turned over to an indicated adult. Parents or guardians whose children are travelling by themselves must complete a special form which can be obtained from the carrier or at the airport.
Depending on the airline, children above certain age may travel unaccompanied. In some countries, though, a written permission from parents is required.
Fees
Traditional carriers (e.g. LOT, Lufthansa, SAS, etc.) offer discounts on tickets for children. The youngest passengers may also collect miles (which are nothing else but points for flights), which they can exchange for prizes.
At the airport
In spite of the restrictive rules concerning the carriage of liquids, food and drinks for children do not need to be placed into the plastic bags during the journey. However, they will be submitted to inspection You are allowed to take a pram to the aircraft which you may leave at check-in desk or in front of the aircraft. The pram will be labled the same way as the rest of your baggage and taken to luggage hatch.
At Wroclaw Airport there are well equipped rooms for parents travelling with young children where they can take care of the baby (change diaper, etc.) in intimate atmosphere. In the departure hall, after check-in area and security control, there is a kid’s play where the youngest passengers can have some fun before departure. There’s another big attraction for children who are already waiting for their flight in departures hall. The may watch the apron with the aircrafts being serviced. To be frank, this may be an interesting option not only for children but also for their parents. No wonder, because for most people this is rather unusual view.
Check on the airport plan:
- Rooms for parents with children
- Kid’s lounge
On the aircraft
What should you take on board so that the flight didn’t cause trouble to children and their parents?
Keep in mind that taking off and landing are the two worst moments for the child due to the change of pressure, and therefore, you should give him something to drink or suck. It is also worth knowing that traditional carriers offer a special meal for children which you can order while booking the ticket or checking-in on line. If you need to prepare milk for infants, such possibility usually exists – simply ask the aircraft crew. However, you should confirm it with the carrier, since the services offered may differ. Low cost carriers offer only chargeable catering which is not necessarily adapted to the needs of children, so in this case care must be taken to prepare a meal for the child before you travel.
Every mom or dad knows how unpleasantly it may become when a child starts getting bored.
It’s not a common practice of airlines to provide the youngest passengers with fun kits or gifts. Not always there is a possibility to watch cartoons in the plane. It will be better if you pack a storybook or colouring book into your hand luggage or try to invent earlier some amusements that will make your child enjoy the time spent on the plane.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women, when planning trip by plane, should read thoroughly the terms and conditions of a carrier which clearly lay down, among others, what documents are required by each airline and what are the restrictions concerning travelling by pregnant women.
Recommended articles:
Unaccompanied Minor – wrolot.com.pl
