Should I bring my own car seat?

If your child has their own seat, it is safer to use a FAA-approved car seat, but it is heavy and cumbersome to lug through the airport. Check if your car seat is compatible with the seat width of the aircraft before flying.

Can I bring milk through security?

Yes, breast milk, formula, and juice for children are exempt from the 3.4oz/100ml liquid rule. Declare them at security and expect a separate screening process.

Booking Long-Haul Flights with Kids Without Losing Your Mind

Prioritize booking overnight flights to sync with sleep schedules and always select seats during the booking process to ensure the family stays together. Use airline-specific tools to request bassinet positions or bulkhead rows immediately after payment.

Check the seat map before you pay. Never book a ticket without viewing the seat map. Ensure there are clusters of 3 or 4 seats available together. Use SeatGuru or AeroLOPA to verify if those seats have limited recline or restricted legroom due to proximity to galleys or toilets.
Request the bassinet immediately. If your child is under 2, call the airline's customer service line immediately after booking. Bassinet seats are bulkhead rows and are not available for selection via standard online portals. They are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Avoid short layovers. For international long-haul, book a connection with at least 3 hours between flights. Managing stroller gates, bathroom breaks, and slow-moving children makes 60-minute connections impossible.
Split the ticket booking if necessary. If you are struggling to book a complex itinerary online, book the adult tickets first and then add the children via the 'Manage Booking' feature or by calling the airline. This prevents the system from erroring out due to age-specific restrictions.

Should I bring my own car seat?: If your child has their own seat, it is safer to use a FAA-approved car seat, but it is heavy and cumbersome to lug through the airport. Check if your car seat is compatible with the seat width of the aircraft before flying.
Can I bring milk through security?: Yes, breast milk, formula, and juice for children are exempt from the 3.4oz/100ml liquid rule. Declare them at security and expect a separate screening process.