Can a 1 year old fly out of the country?

International travel isn't possible until your baby receives an official passport. If you're feeling queasy about the idea of spending a whole lot of money on an airline ticket for a baby, ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines offer discounts of up to 50% for children under age 2.



Yes, a 1-year-old can fly internationally, but they must have their own valid passport, regardless of age. In 2026, most countries have moved away from allowing children to be listed on a parent's passport. If only one parent is traveling with the infant, many jurisdictions and airlines (such as those in the Schengen Area or Canada) strongly recommend or require a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent to prevent international child abduction. Health-wise, ensure the infant has received their baseline vaccinations; some tropical destinations may require specific shots that are only administered after 6–12 months of age. While infants under two can fly as a "lap child" for a fraction of the adult fare (usually 10% plus taxes), for long-haul international flights, it is often safer and more comfortable to book a separate seat and use an FAA-approved car seat. Always bring the original birth certificate as backup proof of age.

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Yes. Everyone travelling needs a passport, even very young babies. Getting one, however, can take time. So make sure you book flights to factor in the maximum amount of time this could take.

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Most airlines will insist that your baby is at least two weeks old. There are no standard regulations, so it's best to check with your airline before you book. Some airlines may ask you to provide a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor if your baby is less than two weeks old.

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The best time to fly with kids The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three. The idea here is to bypass the toddler phase, and, more importantly, to avoid flying with young infants. The latter is especially risky says Dr.

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1-3 Months The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest.

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Air travel increases a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease. Babies born prematurely, with chronic heart or lung problems, or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms may also have problems with the change in oxygen level within the air cabin.

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Infants and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.

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Bring a car seat that Baby fits snugly in. Depending on what kind of airplane you board, the seat might face forward, or backward. On most commercial airliners, Baby should be facing the back of the chair. Don't feel strange about asking a flight attendant if you've got any questions.

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An infant is considered fit to fly if:
  • You can produce a passenger medical form, also known as a medical release for travel, signed by a physician stating that the baby is healthy enough to fly.
  • You have a copy of the baby's birth certificate as proof of age.


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Can I take milk on a plane for my toddler? Travel with toddlers on planes, means you still need to think about food and drink for them. And yes, you can still bring milk or water on board for your toddler. It's usually advised to bring water in a sippy cup rather than a normal water bottle.

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Instead, you can use their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other documentation that identifies them. When crossing state lines, you may need to provide sufficient proof of your relationship with the infant.

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