Long Haul Hints

Pre trip→ Travel insurance paid and issued at the time of paying for holiday/air tickets. Babies are high risk of cancellation due to fever, ear infection, stomach bug etc.  Mobile with international roaming essential. Pre book infant/toddler/child meal.  Pre book the bassinet through the airline or you are able to pre book and pay for a seat to buckle a car seat into; this frees the parents up for meal times and gives baby space. You pay a full child rate applicable to the flight.  Pre book airport assistance when travelling with 2 or more children. Subject to airline/airport rules.  Breaking your journey on long haul flights should be discussed as an option.

home to airport→ pre book taxi, airport shuttle or limousine with car seat. Airport long-term parking stations offer transport to the terminal though we suggest dropping children with adults and luggage to terminal first. Driver parks vehicle at parking station and returns in the shuttle to terminal. Family or friend drive family to terminal in family car fitted with car seats etc.

check in→ Baby Bjorn (pouch) allows free hands for parents to manage passports, luggage, and other toddlers, check in procedures. Handy on board aircraft to settle baby. Allows a parent to eat on board with free hands.

on board→ baggage→ Ensure you have an adequate supply of nappies, food, Panadol (all drugs should be discussed with your GP/paediatrician prior to the flight), change of clothes, always pack anything essential in carry on luggage in case of lost checked luggage. eg anything required at your destination, which would be difficult to replace if luggage was lost indefinitely. Preferable to fly long haul not crawling, eg pre crawling or walking stages easier. 6-12 months crawling baby is very difficult on an aircraft. Traffic in the aisle is busy and a baby on the ground is dangerous.  Take on board favourite blanket, comforter or pacifier.

airport to hotel→ At your destination ensure car seats available or check your car seat in as checked luggage and use on landing. Confirm pick up vehicle able to fit legally and safely.