How soon can you travel internationally with a newborn?

When can a baby fly internationally on a plane? In general, pediatricians recommend that newborns not fly until their respiratory and immune systems are fully developed. This often means that a newborn should not fly until they're three to six months old.



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Many pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is at least 3 months old before traveling long distances. This allows for their immune system to be better developed, making them more resistant to infections. This applies to babies who are born full-term and have no other health conditions.

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Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country.

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Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country. Just as if an adult was applying for a passport, babies must have Form DS-11 filled out and submitted.

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Young babies have not developed the ability to regularize their ear pressure by yawning or swallowing, so they don't know how to relieve the abrupt changes in pressure when the plane is taking off or landing. To prevent ear pain and discomfort, babies should wear ear protection whenever they're travelling on a plane.

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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Due to FAA safety requirements, 1 adult passenger may only carry 1 lap-held infant. If an adult passenger is traveling with 2 infants, a seat must be purchased for the additional infant. Infants occupying a seat on domestic flights require a ticket and pay the applicable fare.

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Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. Use our Form Filler tool to fill out your child's form and then print it.

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A child is eligible to sit on an adult's lap during flights from ages 7 days to 23 months. Free if held in lap; ticketed fare if in reserved seat. An adult traveling with a lap infant is allowed a second personal item, such as a diaper bag, free of charge.

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Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag:
  1. Extra clothing for you and your baby.
  2. Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
  3. Pacifier and clip (and backup).
  4. Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
  5. Extra diapers.
  6. Formula.
  7. Breast pump.
  8. Snacks (for you and your baby).


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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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You can take expressed breast milk, boiled water to make up feeds or for drinking, formula powder and baby food on board. Take enough nappies and wipes, and a change of clothes for you and your child in your carry-on luggage.

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