We've now taken over 20 flights with the little guy, and have learned a few best practices. I won't be as thorough as Twiceayear above, as he had great advice and I don't want to be repetitive but just offer a few extra insights.
First off, if you can swing it, business class or premium economy are really, really nice once you start traveling with a baby in your lap. Although you might not normally think of spending this extra money on a short flight, to say Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, it can be surprisingly affordable. One of the main advantages is the extra baggage weight, on top of easy check in, lounge access, and the comfort of a larger seat (and more attentive flight crew). You can find business class r/t to Bangkok on Thai Airways for under $350, and I flew business to KL on Malindo for less than an economy seat on Malaysian Air (which, you can bid to upgrade for as low as $80 extra). Once flying with a baby you'll realize just how much more crap you need to bring, from diapers and changes of clothes, to a travel crib and whatever else your wife jams in. On a Europe to US r/t, we opted for Premium Economy -- it wasn't too much more, but the added space on a long flight was so nice, and something to consider knowing you'll have a little heavy pocket of heat on your lap for the whole time.
Managing jet lag can be a little tricky, and it is much easier traveling west than east. If possible, keep in mind flight times and the baby's sleeping schedule. We left Bangkok at 11 PM, but were able to get the kid asleep at 10 PM and walk onto the plane with him asleep. He slept almost the entire flight, so when we arrived in Europe at 6 AM he was waking up, and really didn't have any jet lag. However, we left the US at something like 5 PM, landing in Europe at 6 AM, and he missed half his night and jet lag was a nightmare. In the future we'll be more mindful on flight times for long haul flights.
Bring a changing pad and don't be shy about changing the baby wherever you need to. Two people changing the baby will make it quicker and way less stressful, especially as you're rushing around with baggage, etc.
Don't be shy about using priority lines. There is normally a "special assistance" check-in line, and then many airports will let you use the priority immigration lanes, or security lines, etc. In the West they will specifically tell you to use these, while it varies in Asian airports. Phnom Penh will guide you to these (not that it's fully necessary), as will BKK. The Vietnamese airports have been less helpful, but why not still try?
Not only does the baby need extra clothes, but so does each parent. Bring an extra shirt or two just in case he drools/throws up/pees on you.
Other passengers are way more understanding and friendly and helpful than I expected. Not really a tip, just nice to keep in mind that most people have empathy for you, and will help if needed.
Everything takes longer with a baby. Even with priority access, somehow everything from checking in to security takes at least twice as long. Arrive earlier than you would on your own, as babies can definitely sense stress and you rushing around to get to the airport and maneuver there will then stress the kid out too. And the last thing you want is to be rushing to a gate and then have the kid drop a massive one into his diaper and need to deal with that.
Bring the stroller and car seat to the gate, and then talk with them and get a clear sense of how it will be returned to you -- once you get off the plane, or at the baggage carousal. Collecting it at baggage (sometimes oversize, sometimes not) is more common, but if you have a layover they will try to get it to you once you leave the plane.
Because of the above, if you collect it at baggage, you may get off the plane and could have an entire hour (as happened to us in Europe) without the stroller, meaning you have to walk a long way, clear immigration, etc, before you get it. Therefore, it's really useful to bring a baby carrier in your hand luggage, so that you can strap him on once you land and easily navigate all of the above before he's back in his seat.
Keep in mind that not only does everything take longer, but everything is now more expensive. If you used to take the MRT around Bangkok and order the smallest Grab cars, you (and your wife) might now decide to take larger cars to be safer, or so you can fit that giant stroller she brings along in the trunk. Just something to keep in mind.
I guess I didn't offer too many tips, just some things to keep in mind. Traveling with a baby can be easy enough, just do everything you can to reduce the stress levels involved, and give the kid as much attention as possible.
Flying with baby
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Not sure I'd agree with your suggestion that business class is worthwhile for short flights. Wee ones barely get time for a quick snack and a peep out the window, and rarely raise any hell. I suggest it's best to save your fresh cash dollas and avoid cattle class for the intercontinental trips. But I guess I ain't enough of a baller to cough up for business class for hour-long fiascos.FatherTime wrote:We've now taken over 20 flights with the little guy, and have learned a few best practices. I won't be as thorough as Twiceayear above, as he had great advice and I don't want to be repetitive but just offer a few extra insights.
First off, if you can swing it, business class or premium economy are really, really nice once you start traveling with a baby in your lap. Although you might not normally think of spending this extra money on a short flight, to say Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, it can be surprisingly affordable. One of the main advantages is the extra baggage weight, on top of easy check in, lounge access, and the comfort of a larger seat (and more attentive flight crew). You can find business class r/t to Bangkok on Thai Airways for under $350, and I flew business to KL on Malindo for less than an economy seat on Malaysian Air (which, you can bid to upgrade for as low as $80 extra). Once flying with a baby you'll realize just how much more crap you need to bring, from diapers and changes of clothes, to a travel crib and whatever else your wife jams in. On a Europe to US r/t, we opted for Premium Economy -- it wasn't too much more, but the added space on a long flight was so nice, and something to consider knowing you'll have a little heavy pocket of heat on your lap for the whole time.
Managing jet lag can be a little tricky, and it is much easier traveling west than east. If possible, keep in mind flight times and the baby's sleeping schedule. We left Bangkok at 11 PM, but were able to get the kid asleep at 10 PM and walk onto the plane with him asleep. He slept almost the entire flight, so when we arrived in Europe at 6 AM he was waking up, and really didn't have any jet lag. However, we left the US at something like 5 PM, landing in Europe at 6 AM, and he missed half his night and jet lag was a nightmare. In the future we'll be more mindful on flight times for long haul flights.
Bring a changing pad and don't be shy about changing the baby wherever you need to. Two people changing the baby will make it quicker and way less stressful, especially as you're rushing around with baggage, etc.
Don't be shy about using priority lines. There is normally a "special assistance" check-in line, and then many airports will let you use the priority immigration lanes, or security lines, etc. In the West they will specifically tell you to use these, while it varies in Asian airports. Phnom Penh will guide you to these (not that it's fully necessary), as will BKK. The Vietnamese airports have been less helpful, but why not still try?
Not only does the baby need extra clothes, but so does each parent. Bring an extra shirt or two just in case he drools/throws up/pees on you.
Other passengers are way more understanding and friendly and helpful than I expected. Not really a tip, just nice to keep in mind that most people have empathy for you, and will help if needed.
Everything takes longer with a baby. Even with priority access, somehow everything from checking in to security takes at least twice as long. Arrive earlier than you would on your own, as babies can definitely sense stress and you rushing around to get to the airport and maneuver there will then stress the kid out too. And the last thing you want is to be rushing to a gate and then have the kid drop a massive one into his diaper and need to deal with that.
Bring the stroller and car seat to the gate, and then talk with them and get a clear sense of how it will be returned to you -- once you get off the plane, or at the baggage carousal. Collecting it at baggage (sometimes oversize, sometimes not) is more common, but if you have a layover they will try to get it to you once you leave the plane.
Because of the above, if you collect it at baggage, you may get off the plane and could have an entire hour (as happened to us in Europe) without the stroller, meaning you have to walk a long way, clear immigration, etc, before you get it. Therefore, it's really useful to bring a baby carrier in your hand luggage, so that you can strap him on once you land and easily navigate all of the above before he's back in his seat.
Keep in mind that not only does everything take longer, but everything is now more expensive. If you used to take the MRT around Bangkok and order the smallest Grab cars, you (and your wife) might now decide to take larger cars to be safer, or so you can fit that giant stroller she brings along in the trunk. Just something to keep in mind.
I guess I didn't offer too many tips, just some things to keep in mind. Traveling with a baby can be easy enough, just do everything you can to reduce the stress levels involved, and give the kid as much attention as possible.
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