Newborns Flying?

[~Kristina~]

Do airlines have any restrictions on newborns flying?

 

[all4fun]

I'm pretty sure it can vary by airlines but most will allow an infant as young as 3 weeks to fly. Check with the airline.

I did a quick google, and Delta allows an infant as young as 7 days old to fly.

If you're traveling with a newborn, Delta and Delta Connection® Carrier flights do need an approval letter from a physician saying it's all right for the newborn to fly. The following infant age restrictions apply to all Delta and Connection Carrier flights:

Airline Infant Age Requirement or Restriction
Delta Less than 7 days Physician travel approval letter
Comair® Less than 12 days Physician travel approval letter
SkyWest® Less than 7 days Physician travel approval letter

although I couldn't imagine being ready for a trip at that point!

 

[goin2themouse]

I'm not sure why you're planning to fly (i.e., if it's necessary travel or for pleasure), but I flew with my DC at 5 weeks old. I honestly wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It was absolutely exhausting and very difficult for both of us.

 

[michael's mom]

I agree that it varies by airline...Southwest I believe is 3 weeks.

 

[two-foxes]

I would check with your doctor before worrying about what the airline restrictions are. Airplanes are germy germy pits and not the best place for a newborn at all! I personally wouldn't do it before they were at least 4 weeks old.

 

[WantToGoNow]

How old is the baby? I've heard that newborn babies have a harder time adjusting to elevation change but personally I've never flown with an infant.

 

[Axel]

DD was about two weeks old and she did just fine. She stayed in her car seat most of the trip (direct flight from Atlanta to Boston). She did take a bottle during take off and landing even though she was primarily breast fed. She slept most of the way.

I highly recommend buying the infant a seat for safety and for comfort.

 

[PatsMom]

Oops - the last post wasn't Axel - it was me. I didn't realize my DD was signed in and accidently posted under her user name.

 

[aidtrismommy]

I work for two pediatricians and asked that same question myself. She didn't reccomend it because if the baby gets a fever (anything above 100.4) she will need to see a doctor and if they can't figure out why, they must do a spinal fluid culture to rule out an infection. I wouldn't want to put my baby through that kind of pain to fly. Just drive or wait a month or so.

 

[waltskids]

We decided to drive this summer with our DS2 and our DD who will be around 7 or 8 weeks. I know it will be much longer (and maybe more stressful ) but I liked the idea of having our own car, pack and play bassinet, etc. for her.