by Jennifer Nagu

Traveling by Air with children can be pretty daunting experience especially in cases where delays and further delays are encountered. When you consider the hassles of checking in, passing through airport security, navigating your way to your gate and finally getting on your flight; you realize you require much preparation to avoid the stresses related to it.   You need to research and know the privileges accorded in one airline and absent in the other. Not all airlines are equal when it comes to servicing families. While one might let you board early if you have children, others won’t. Some carriers have in-flight entertainment, and others don’t. So to survive air travel with children you need a plan of attack in advance of your travel date.  I have therefore highlighted below, guidelines on how to prepare adequately for travel with infants and children, with ease.

1. Understand the charges and regulations for each airline

If you’ve ever flown with children you will know that there are so many variations in the charges and regulations involved with flying with on. Different airlines have different rules. Some charge for one thing; while with another it’s free. Look through Airline sites to see rules and charges that apply to individual carriers. Also, read through each airline’s unaccompanied minor program to select one you may be comfortable with. In general, Nigerian airlines consider infants to be kids from (birth to 2years) & Children (2years to 12 years). You will be expected to pay a separate fee for the child and no fee for the infant. See below table of a few airlines, both international & local that operate in Nigeria; which outlines particular policies for travelling with Children.

Airlines	Free Luggage Hold allowance for Baby Equipment	Priority Boarding For Family with Kids	Infant Age
Aero	Baby Cots Only accepted without Charge	Unavailable	0 to 2years
Air peace	Baby Cots Only accepted without Charge	Mothers with Infants Only	0 to 2years
Arik Air	Available	Available	8days to23months
Dana Airlines	Baby Cots Only accepted without Charge	Unavailable	0 to 2years
Med-view Airlines	Available	Available	0 to 23months
AZMAN	Unavailable	Mothers with Infants Only	0 to 23months
Emirates	Available	Available	0 to 2year
Qatar	One-stroller, collapsible carrycot, or pushchair is accepted without charge.	Available	0 to 1year
Etihad	Available	Available	0 to 2years
Delta	Available	Available	0 to 2years
Virgin Atlantic	Available	Available	0 to 2years
KLM	Available		0 to 2years
Air France	Available ( with exceptions to equipment designed for children to sleep horizontally)	Available	0 to 2years

2. Booking the Best Seats

When booking your tickets use seat maps to book your preferred seats right away, then put in a note that you’re travelling with an infant or a toddler. If you have an infant, ask for the bulkhead (front row) and request a cradle. Contrary to popular advice, it’s best to avoid the bulkhead with older babies and toddlers because these seats offer neither under-seat space nor seat pockets, so you’ll have to store all your toys and supplies in the overhead compartment. The food trays in the bulkhead also pop up from the armrest, effectively trapping you in your seat when food is served. Also worthy to avoid is the aisle seat; as it can be dangerous for children. Just as the food and beverage cart passes by, little hands may try to reach for hazardous items along like hot water or beverage.

3. Lap Children

Nearly all airlines allow children under the age of 2 to ride as “infants,” which means you don’t have to pay for a ticket, and your toddler can sit on your lap for the flight. Domestic airlines in Nigeria may require proof your child is younger than 2 years old for this benefit. A birth certificate is typically what’s required. Also, be aware that most carriers only allow children under 2 to fly free on domestic flights. If you’re going somewhere more exotic on an international flight, you’ll need to ask the airline if your child needs a ticket, can ride on your lap for free or can get a ticket at a discounted price.

4. Checking In your Baggage

It is helpful to consider checking in most of your luggage so you’re not carrying much on your flight. Also, print out your boarding passes at home if possible, so all you have to do is check in your bags. This will allow you room to monitor the kids and preserve energy.

5. Managing Delays

Be prepared for possible flight delays or cancellations by having extra diapers, wipes, bottles, powdered formula, water and even extra clothes for long-haul flights.

6. Diaper Changes

You may need to change your infant’s diaper severally in the course of your flight, so you have got to factor in your seating location to accommodate dashing in and out of the bathroom once or twice. This could be at the pre-boarding stage or inflight.

7. In-Flight Entertainment

The importance of entertainment to Children cannot be overemphasized.  Bring along certain toys on the trip, to distract the kids from the boredom of Air travel. Consider doling out a toy every hour or so, or wrapping them like presents. Travel with books, drawing boards, headphones, stuff animals, calculators, colouring sets and snacks as carry-on baggage. This will serve as much-needed distraction for the kids. Also to avoid painful ear pressure during takeoff and landing, consider offering chewing gum or gummy vitamins to children.

8. Security Screening

You will likely have to take your infant through the screening machine out of a stroller and carrier, so carry the baby in your arms. As you head to the gate area, take note of the nearest restroom should you need to take care of a baby or toddler emergency before boarding the flight. Get to your gate early and take advantage of pre-boarding so that you and the child can get settled before the masses begin to board.

9. Car Seat or Not

Ask the gate agent to gate-check your stroller or child car seat before boarding so that it will be waiting for you when you land. Be aware that some checked items, such as car seats or large strollers, may arrive at an oversized or special luggage section separate from regular luggage. If you brought a stroller and checked it at the counter you may as well take your time getting off the aircraft, since it needs to be retrieved by a baggage handler and brought up to the door of the aircraft. This takes time, so rather than disturb your baby or toddler even more, wait until the crowd is off the plane and your stroller may already be waiting for you.

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