Traveling with infants can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to flying on an airplane. However, with some careful planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. In this blog post, we will focus on flying with infants on Delta Air Lines.
Definition of Infants
First and foremost, it’s important to note that infants are defined as children under the age of 2 on the date of travel. Children who have reached their second birthday but have not yet turned 3 are considered toddlers and must have their own seat on the plane.
Services and Amenities
Delta offers a variety of services and amenities to make traveling with infants easier. For starters, infants can travel on a lap, but it’s recommended that you purchase a separate seat for your child to ensure their comfort and safety. If you do choose to have your infant travel on your lap, you will be required to sign a Lap Child Waiver at the airport before your flight.
Car Seats
If you do purchase a separate seat for your infant, you will be able to bring a car seat on board to use during the flight. Delta requires that car seats be FAA-approved and properly labeled. They also recommend that you bring a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s weight and height. You will be able to check your car seat at the gate or gate-check it, and it will be returned to you at the destination gate when you land.
Essential Items
In addition to bringing a car seat on board, you can also bring other essential items for your infant, such as strollers, diaper bags, and breast pumps. Strollers can be checked at the ticket counter or gate-checked and returned at the destination gate. Diaper bags and breast pumps are considered personal items and can be brought on board, along with one additional personal item such as a purse or laptop bag.
Food and Beverages
When it comes to food and beverages, Delta allows infants to have formula, breast milk, and juice on board. These items are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquid rule and can be brought through security in reasonable quantities. If you are nursing, Delta offers private nursing rooms at select airports where you can breastfeed or pump in a comfortable and discreet environment. If you are bottle-feeding, Delta offers a complimentary bottle-warming service on board. You can request this service from a flight attendant, who will heat up the bottle for you.
Entertainment Options
Delta also offers a variety of entertainment options to keep your infant entertained during the flight. The airline provides complimentary headsets for children under the age of 2, and they offer a selection of children’s TV shows, movies, and games on their in-flight entertainment system. Delta also has a Sky Kids app, which is a collection of games, activities, and TV shows that can be downloaded onto your personal device and played offline during the flight.
Overall Experience
Overall, flying with infants on Delta Air Lines can be a positive and stress-free experience with the right planning and preparation. From bringing essential items on board to taking advantage of Delta’s services and amenities, you can ensure that your little one has a comfortable and enjoyable flight.