It's a first.
You go with your family, with the children.
Except a few weeks before departure, some questions still remain unanswered ... What identity documents do they need to travel?
Can we take the plane with a stroller and / or a car seat?
Is liquid baby food allowed on board?
Do not panic.
We give you the instructions for a trip without turbulence.
Read also: Five quick tips to calm your fear of flying
Can we travel with an infant?
Yes.
However, most airlines still set a minimum age.
Air France, for example, advises parents against traveling with a baby within 7 days of birth.
Ditto, at Qatar Airways, in which infants under 8 days are prohibited.
As for EasyJet, the minimum age is set at 14 days.
Finally, for long trips, it is recommended to wait at least 3 weeks.
What identity documents does my child need to travel?
All children, even babies, must have their own identity documents to leave the territory.
As for adults, to travel in a country of the European Union or in the Schengen area, a valid identity card will be sufficient.
Please note, however, that the validity date of a child's identity card is not the same as that of an adult.
That of a minor is only valid for 10 years, against 15 years if it is that of an adult.
To travel outside the EU - here too, as for adults - the child must have a valid passport.
Knowing that the validity period of a passport is 5 years for minors, 10 years for adults.
It will therefore be necessary to be very vigilant before departure to ensure that everyone is up to date.
Does a child under 2 years old have to travel on their parents' knees?
Yes and no.
You have the choice.
Up to 2 years old, your child can travel on your lap and thus benefit from a reduction.
At Corsair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways or Air Maroc, for example, you will only have to pay 10% of the adult fare.
But if you'd rather have your cherub travel by your side, that's possible too.
On the other hand, you will then have to plan a full price ticket, because it will occupy an entire seat.
You will also have to think about installing it on a car seat or attaching it with an approved harness.
From 2 years old, your child must travel in a seat separate from yours.
Large airlines such as Air France may in some cases offer reduced fares for children from 2 to 12 years old.
Read also: Air France unveils its new film of safety instructions on board
Can we take the plane with a stroller and / or a car seat?
Yes.
Both are possible and free.
Under certain conditions, however.
From France, to be used on board, the car seat must have a CE sticker with the words "approved for use on board airplanes".
As for the stroller, it can be taken with you to the boarding gate and you can pick it up as soon as you leave the plane.
Depending on its size and subject to space available in the cabin, it may or may not be placed in the hold.
Is liquid baby food allowed on board?
Yes.
Baby food and infant milk are exempt from the liquid restrictions.
This includes: soy milk, sterilized water (in a bottle), infant, breast or cow's milk (specifically for babies) and baby food.
However, you may be required to taste it for safety reasons.
What luggage can I take for my child?
Infants under 2 years old with a reserved seat and children over 2 years old have the same hand baggage and checked baggage allowance as adults.
What changes is when your baby is traveling on your lap.
In this case, the rules vary between airlines.
At EasyJet, only one additional diaper bag will be allowed for the baby.
With Air France, you can carry cabin baggage weighing up to 12 kg for it, the dimensions of which do not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm, and hold baggage weighing up to 10 kg.
Most airlines also allow up to two of the following items for each baby or child: travel cradle, stroller, car seat, foldable pram, booster or baby carrier.
Read also: Cabin baggage: these things to know to avoid disappointment at the airport
Can a child travel alone?
Yes and no.
It all depends on his age.
Up to a certain age - which again varies by airline - children must be accompanied by an adult of full age (unless the parent or legal guardian is under the age of 18).
At Air France, for example, the minimum age for traveling alone is set at 12 for flights in France and 15 for international flights.
At EasyJet and Ryanair, the ages are respectively set at 14 and 16.
Note, an exit permit is mandatory for minors unaccompanied by one of their parents or legal guardian.
What if my child has to travel alone before that age?
There are some airlines, like Air France or Transavia, support services (paid) from 4 or 5 years old.
With these services, children are supervised by company staff.
And this, until the arrival of the person who is to collect them at the airport.
Read also: The plane explained to children